MAGA hats, flags and protest signs were prominent at the “Reopen Bishop” rally held last Friday in front of Bishop Park. While there were cars with horns honking in support as they passed, there were also a few drivers giving thumbs up or down, and some giving the occasional “finger,” (a.k.a. the “California salute” or “flipping the bird”) as well. Clearly, there are some significant differences of opinion by the public on how the state, federal and local governments are handling the coronavirus pandemic through public health edicts and executive orders. And, of course, some protesters had their own agenda.
Around 40 residents showed up at Friday’s protest, including two Bishop city council members, protesting what many feel is “government overreach” in shutting down the economy by closing most small businesses and putting people out of work, while a few select businesses are allowed to remain open. There is considerable resentment by many small business owners and their employees on having lost their livelihood and being forced, in some cases, to rely on government or charity assistance.
It appeared that most of the protesters were small business owners and their supporters, expressing concern that they may well lose their businesses if the restrictions imposed by the state “Stay at Home” executive order issued by Governor Newsom on March 13, coupled with what many consider the imposition of “draconian” public health orders, goes on much longer. Some businesses have already gone out of business and others may not be reopening.
A few protesters expressed anger as well at the severe restrictions that have been placed on many of the local public lands, limiting citizens’ movement and access in the government’s efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
One protester mentioned how she resented what she referred to as “COVID-shaming,” especially online on social media, in an effort to make local residents feel “guilty or ashamed” for simply just being outside their homes. There appeared to be a few “Constitutional experts” in attendance as well, who feel that government officials are “hell-bent,” as one protester described it, “on turning the country socialist.”
About thirty minutes into the protest, some of the protesters worked their way down Main Street, waving their signs and American flags.
While the state executive order by Newsom was purportedly to ensure consistency throughout the state in dealing with the public health emergency, a major sticking point with many of the protesters is the inconsistent way in which the order has been implemented. Put simply, they hate it when others are treated differently or unfairly or given preferential treatment over others.
Protesters want to know why it is that gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, takeout and delivery restaurants, golf courses, banks and laundromats were allowed to remain open, while local restaurants and many other small businesses had to close? Why couldn’t these small businesses that were closed been allowed to implement public safety protocols and remain open?
There are 58 counties in California, almost all them interpreting the executive Stay at Home order in different ways. Even many cities have different policies. Modoc County in Northern California (pop. 9,000) is allowing a” staged reopening,” letting all nonessential businesses, schools, and public transit companies to resume operations on Friday; the first in the state to do so. Other small counties with low COVID-19 cases are planning to do the same. Some here in Inyo County feel the same about reopening local businesses here.
People are also clearly beginning to suffer from “coronavirus fatigue,” a common result when a disaster or situation, goes on longer than most people are willing to tolerate. The question is: Are we there yet?
A disturbing aspect of the “Reopen Bishop” protest was that many of the protesters were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing, either because they do not believe the government’s dire warnings on the danger of the coronavirus (i.e. that it is a “hoax”)…or possibly they simply did not care. There was evidence of both sentiments made in comments from a few of the protesters.
One argument heard was that “We’re all going to die from something anyway,” although there was no response to the question of, “Who among your friends and family would you be willing to sacrifice so that you can enjoy your freedom of movement and continue to enjoy your ‘constitutional right to go on living?’” Even the idea of Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” was brought up by one protester.
Another protester said that “we have to stop this government from becoming socialist and giving everything away to people that don’t deserve the help.” When asked if they were going to cash the forthcoming stimulus check from the U.S. government, they remained silent. Socialism, it seems, does not exist when the government is giving you money, only when it gives it to others.
And then there were the usual references to the coronavirus not being any different than the flu that we experience every year. It is, in fact, very different. It is a “new virus” (hence the name, nuevo coronavirus 2019) and it is much more severe and deadly than the flu. Then there is the fact that people around the world have no natural or built up immunity to it, which is why it is called a pandemic.
Despite all the typical arguments heard at the rally that have little, if any, facts to support them, several things about the gathering are true:
People have a right to protest in this country whether others agree with them or not.
The “fairness” issue of why a select group of businesses were given preferential treatment to remain open during the pandemic is a fair question and should be addressed.
[As several business owners noted, most small businesses do not have hordes of customers inside their stores at one time; and that, given the proper guidance, most small businesses could implement safety precautions for their employees and customers on par with businesses that have been allowed to stay open.]
Probably the best argument made by protesters to “Reopen Bishop” is that the current situation simply cannot be sustained, socially or economically, for much longer. At some point, the question needs to be asked, “Have we flattened the curve with the measures taken, or have we merely extended it out for a much longer period of time? There is talk of a “second wave,” and a return of the virus again in the fall, and the possibility that the coronavirus may become an annual event just like the flu is now. There is currently no vaccine and it may be many months or over a year before one is developed.
There are no easy answers. But nor is there any reason to not allow people to ask questions. There is one thing however that sticks out about protesters in Inyo County: They are some of the most polite and congenial people you can imagine being around…well, except for a few exceptions!
I’m still trying to figure out what the businesses and council members that were at the protest want as a reopening plan. Is this what you want? https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/05/11/854014516/health-officials-close-colorado-cafe-that-hosted-a-huge-crowd-on-mothers-day If that’s the plan, count me out. If not, please tell me. Here, or in the Register, or in a Chamber of… Read more »
Mono County Health Department issued a county wide face mask requirement awhile back. It doesn’t seem much of a burden to comply. My wife “manufactured” us a pair or two, and we are wearing them and are trying to be careful around others when we are shopping in town. For… Read more »
The article states “many of the protesters were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing” and “It appeared that most of the protesters were small business owners and their supporters.” Mayor Smith and City Council Member Ellis were there, presumably not wearing masks either. So you have business owners, the… Read more »
Craig, forgive the length of this reply. A few things: I have known Bishop Mayor Laura Smith and her husband, Greg, for many years. Frankly, I like and admire them both and consider them friends. They do a lot of things in the community to help those less fortunate. And,… Read more »
I fully and completely support the right to assemble and the right to free speech. At least there were no “Let the weak die, open Bishop” signs. By being in attendance, two local political figures were de facto participating. I couldn’t find any indication in the Register, Wave, or on… Read more »
I agree with many of the points Craig and Sad make. Yes, businesses need to reopen and yes protest for what you believe in or feel needs to change, but do it safely and respectfully. Corona virus is here, we cannot go back in time to “Make America Pre-Corona Again”.… Read more »
Charlie can you post a survey of how and if Bishop businesses are protecting their employees and patrons? Let the public decide what is safe and what is not safe. If these businesses owners don’t want to protect customers and employees for whatever reason or belief then that is their… Read more »
Sierra Wave will be covering store re-openings and there would be no way to ignore it if personal safety protocols were not observed for employees and the public at any business that re-opens. Store and business owners are very aware of the need to protect employees and their customers, and… Read more »
One business I hope to be re-opening soon,Julie’s Dog Grooming…a GREAT groomer.
My Cocker Spaniel named “Chloeno”,her hair is getting so long,and Julie’s Grooming does a great job with a bath and a trim,ready for her summer-cut and a camping trip.
And my Dog seems to love her too !!
I agree. We (and a whole lot of people) love Julie’s. I did an article on her shop several years ago for the Inyo Register “Best of…” special insert, and everyone I talked to for the article had high praise for her work and her as a person.
I found this on the internet. The Chinese were all given mandatory vaccines last fall. The vaccine contained replicating, DIGITIZED (controllable) RNA which were activated by 60Ghz mm 5G waves that were just turned on in Wuhan (as well as all other countries using 60Ghz 5g) with the “smart dust”… Read more »
Oh my. Please seek help from a mental professional. When you say “I found this on the internet”, you don’t cite your source. Conspiracy theories like this abound, but science-based facts prove otherwise. Spreading this poppycock is dangerous. Your sci-fi rantings make for a good movie though! Thanks for the… Read more »
PATRIOT I’m trying to envision that first meeting between a highly intelligent extraterrestrial being from another planet and galaxy and talking with trump,with Sarah Sanders standing by on the side. I wonder if gulianni and pence were also in attendance to this meeting..maybe mitch McConnell too… If so,there’s a really… Read more »
Bless my heart, that’s the best thing I’ve ever personally witnessed on the internet.
We are in so much trouble.
Brhaaaahaaahaa! Oh my goodness patriot! Thanks for the laughs. So needed right now. Man you scored an 8 out of 10 with that one! If you could have found a way to link it to 9/11 being an inside job and how NASA pulled off the fake lunar landing I’d… Read more »
brahaaahaaahaaa With “PATRIOT’s comment there,you almost think and want to believe it was just for attention-getting and/or laughs with his friends while writing it. But ya know what,I actually,and sadly think he’s serious,and how many “patriots” and Americans think nowdays. Maybe part of that “deep state” takeover so many of… Read more »
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA You didn’t mention the Deep State or the Cabal, so I know you’re full of it!
I just ran across a news show that dealt with this drivel, including warning that washing your hands will infect you https://www.yahoo.com/news/doing-doctors-fed-conspiracies-ravaging-214800418.html
What has Bishop become? Most of your comments are sickening and so overtly inaccurate. I would not have time to correct the falsities. Bishop used to be beautiful-full of giving and helpful individuals that created a small isolated paradise. Not so much now. Ugliness and selfishness is now the norm.… Read more »
Everyone invoved in this debate should read the latest news on the highly contagious new mutant form of the Covid-19 virus. It’s not good news. The possibility of developing an effective vaccine against Covid-19 is looking less likely.
Masks aren’t helpful? Tell that to front line health care workers, who, thanks in large part to the Klorox King often don’t have enough PPE. I’m curious which business owners were protesting without masks or proper social distancing. I don’t want to patronize them because now I don’t trust their… Read more »
When mags hats, are the first thing in the article, he’s not even hiding his liberal bias, here’s the facts, Pelosi is directing the liberal governor’s to keep the stay at home orders in place as long as possible, there are rewards promised to these governor’s if they take the… Read more »
The protesters were wearing the MAGA hats out in public. But I’m sure you think reality has a liberal bias.
So some of these business owners couldn’t be bothered to protect those around them by wearing a mask at a protest, yet they want us to believe they are respectful enough and capable of reopening their business to the public in a clean and healthy way???!!! I will support those… Read more »
Luberty, There’s no data supporting not wearing a mask either. It seems to work in other countries that didn’t shut down, but who knows? Personally, I don’t go back to a business where employees and patrons aren’t wearing masks. Feel free to open shop, I’ll vote with my money. So… Read more »
Several counties up north have opened their economies, there is no reason not to. The facts are there is a 99.9 to 99.7 percent if you are healthy this virus will not kill you. The liberal media hides this fact and most other facts. The lock-down orders never had the… Read more »
“Fearful leftist agitators and politicians crashed rural economies for something less than the annual flu” Please stop with the same old flu versus corona virus. The CDC estimated 35,000 deaths by the common flu over the last 6 months, in the last 7 DAYS 30,000 people died from the corona… Read more »
Modoc, Yuba and Sutter Counties have “reopened” with various precautions. Modoc is pretty rural. So are Yuba and Sutter, but they’re quite close to Sacramento.
Of course I saw that right after I posted, I’ve got friends in Modoc and it is quite rural but it will be interesting how the other 2 do. As of yesterday Sutter and Yuba are gradually opening uphttps://www.suttercounty.org/assets/pdf/2020-05-04_COVID-19_Face_Covering_Order.pdf
yawn
Freedom to infect isn’t in the Constitution, last I checked. Although it’s possible the covfefe clown has somehow added that without me noticing, he’s trickier than Dick was. We need widespread testing, contact tracing, and a reasonably flat curve before fully reopening. Until then, some limericks: MAGA zombies say don’t… Read more »
Please tell that to Mayor Littlefoot in Chicago. Just got her hair done, while telling people not to visit your neighbor. But she needs to look nice…
It is way too easy, to put us in our corners. #wearenotinthistogether…
Did someone actually fat shame the protestors.
Play nice, please. My “fat a$$” was there as well, covering the story. I knew a lot of the people there at the protest and frankly, I enjoyed seeing and being around them, and having the opportunity to talk to them. And no, not everyone there was overweight. And even… Read more »
For those out there supporting our president, carrying Trump signs, wearing red hats, etc. Please review:
“THE PRESIDENT’S CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES FOR AMERICA”
And pay particular attention to the first guideline on the list.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf
The infectious nature of covid 19 of asymptomatic afflicted folks presents a major problem to normal social contact. The unanswered question of immunity once you have had covid and recovered is also a problem. There is no vaccine yet , no medications to cure it yet. The only tool to… Read more »
Please name the City Council Members who (apparently) joined the protest. This is relevant information to evaluate whether or not they are fit for office. Arguments can be made for a yes or a no answer to that question, but common sense suggests that the numbers for one answer will… Read more »
City of Bishop Mayor Laura Smith attended the protest along with her husband, Greg. Both strongly support “Reopen Bishop.” Council member Jim Ellis attended with his wife, Cami, although they both stayed well in the background. When asked about his presence at the protest, Ellis provided a nuanced answer, saying… Read more »
the crackpots are out in force
How about instead of waving a flag and yelling MAGA, they offer some ideas about how they plan to reopen their business safely. Please, here’s a ready forum for ideas!
There is no order to “Wear a mask” yet state-wide and if there was not many would do it as there is no data to support it, especially outdoors, maybe there was an intent to order it during this fake liberal planned-demic by Lord Pompador as he ordered a billion… Read more »
Liberty In many (most ) cases,it’s the “illegals” putting food on your table right now,this very minute,both working the fields AND those holding the jobs at the fast food restaurants,as well as the restaurants that offer take-out,stocking the shelves at the stores,etc. And really,no different than it was before this… Read more »
Mr. Dennison, when my family first came to this area, Owens Valley from the the ranches we sold in Indiana we had a tough time in the Great Depression and dealing with the LADWP was even worse. We ran cattle and sheep all through the country and bought the land… Read more »
With respect Liberty , we are going to need everyone who is here to be plugged into the economy to recover from covid19 and the collapse of our economy. We are going to need everyone to be healthy and economically viable. The gift, the struggles and sacrifice that our parents,… Read more »
Liberty unless your ranch is 100% self sustaining you are relying on those “illegals” you claim to not need.
Hi Liberty, I think for now, a face mask is just good manners. It shows you have respect for your fellow man. I know that people can carry the virus and not even know it. They might have low or no real symptoms… For myself, If I knew or thought… Read more »
Couldn’t agree more MJB. I’ll gladly do the same for you.
Thank you.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. I am certain that most of us care enough about our communities to not politicize human tragedy. 40 people in a community of thousands does not a majority make.
complaining about being unfair, really. Welcome to America, where Natives got their language and religion taken By force, Africians were slaves losing their identiy to owners and illegals are treated better than Veterans. Fair lol…since when has America been fair. Natives protest and people rush with guns and dogs to… Read more »
Good reporting!
Can’t say I’m surprised that the same people protesting and not wearing masks are the same people wearing MAGA hats and yelling about socialism. These are the same people You see not wearing masks at the grocery store and not respecting the 6 foot distance. Unfortunately their reckless behavior might… Read more »
Thousands of people throughout our state have taken to the streets in protest, and they’ve received a lot of media attention in doing so. Yet tens of millions in our state are not protesting in the streets. They’re doing their best to follow the guidelines set forth by our federal,… Read more »
Its obvious that the writer of the article as well as the people “fat shaming” and calling the protesters demeaning names are sitting with their white privilege in their comfortable homes, teleworking, and taking absolutely no hit to their income or livelihood. This notion that ‘who would you sacrifice to… Read more »
I have no idea why your comment is responding to mine, or why you think you should decide who should live where. But for what it’s worth, there are currently three people in my household, none of which are working due to covid. Additionally, we lost an extended family member… Read more »
Interesting to note in the three photos included in the article that every protester was older and overweight/obese, precisely the demographic that does not do well with this disease. Hard to run your successful small business when you are dead.
My small business is slowly dying, as the government takes huge payroll taxes, property taxes, TOT. Taxation without representation. And no, I have not received the payment from the government, and would I take it? Yes, I have to pay bills. As I said, from the first comment on this… Read more »
“Reopen Bishop” was obviously written by a “LEFTY” who has his own spin on the world. Why can’t reporters report WITHOUT putting their own biased opinions into the article! Please young mat do u think we readers are stupid?
Dennis R. Snyder (Independent)
Try this – no words just pictures: https://www.rferl.org/a/day-by-day-how-the-coronavirus-spread/30552844.html