As the negative consequences of shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders continue to grip the nation, some Americans are taking active steps to push back.
Despite the overall motive of ending coronavirus, the cure to COVID-19 cannot be worse than the problem. The reality is that keeping the economy closed for weeks or months will have more dangerous and fatal consequences than coronavirus itself.
This is why Ohio residents are bravely taking a stand and demanding Governor Mike DeWine to lift the state’s stay-at-home order. Per Breitbart News, protesters are making the case that DeWine doesn’t have the right to force businesses out of work and countless Ohioans into financial ruin.
What to Know About Protests Against Stay-at-Home Orders
On Thursday, approximately 100 Ohioans gathered outside to make their voices heard while Governor DeWine delivered a press briefing on the state’s response to COVID-19. Cameras caught the protesters with signs reading “Fire DeWine” and “Open Ohio.”
Big protest happening outside the #Ohio Statehouse. Protestors angry with @GovMikeDeWine and Dr. Amy Acton’s actions during the #COVID19 pandemic. Many say DeWine and Acton don’t have the power to shut down businesses. pic.twitter.com/M2Vsscj8qF
— Ben Schwartz (@Ben_Schwartz24) April 9, 2020
Criticism against the stay-at-home order wasn’t just limited to the state’s governor, however; the protesters also made their grievances against Ohio’s Department of Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton known.
Dozens of protesters are chanting outside the @MikeDeWine daily #COVID19 press conference at the @OhioStatehouse, objecting to the stay-at-home and other orders. Details coming at @daytondailynews pic.twitter.com/sD2VN2lknq
— Laura Bischoff (@lbischoff) April 9, 2020
As seen in images and videos captured on social media, Ohioans pointed out that quarantines (the supposed “cure”) are worse than coronavirus (the problem) itself.
According to economic data, the protesters aren’t wrong either. Unemployment numbers continue to skyrocket by millions and Americans are suffering immensely from governments forcing them out of work. Unlike COVID-19, economic harm doesn’t have a recovery rate in the high 90% range.
More Protests to Come?
The vast majority of states across America have some form of shelter-in-place or stay-at-home mandates in order. If these orders continue to last for much longer, other state leaders should expect protests from their residents.
They are yelling “Open Ohio now” pic.twitter.com/8cg1iO6G1x
— Lacey Crisp (@LaceyCrisp) April 9, 2020
Here’s the reality: economic stimulation and success are necessary for any prosperous nation. People need to be able to work, feed their families, and support themselves. Government aid is not an endless supply of resources and orders forcing businesses out of work do more harm than coronavirus ever could.
Protesters have moved to an area of the Ohio Statehouse outside the room where DeWine, Acton and Husted are speaking. #COVIDー19 #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/NOrUlbNAot
— Joshua A. Bickel (@joshuabickel) April 9, 2020
When the government decides to tell people they can’t work, travel, or leave their homes, this is tyranny and an infringement upon freedom. Therefore, protests and uprisings are inevitable.
What do you think about protests against stay-at-home orders? Do you believe other Americans should follow suit and demand their governors to lift shutdowns? Let us know in the comments section below!
