Up North Progressive

Yesterday, June 2, 2020, The Glen Arbor Sun published an article exposing more information about the April 15, 2020, political stunt 101st State House Rep Jack O’Malley orchestrated to coordinate with Betsy DeVos’s astroturfed “Operation Gridlock” Trump rally at the state capital in Lansing. The day before, four Michigan Sheriffs signed a press release stating they would use their own discretion by not strictly enforcing Governor Whitmer’s stay at home executive order.

According to the Sun, the sheriffs of Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, and Mason counties went to State Representative Jack O’Malley (R-Dog Man) seeking advice after the Michigan State Police arrested two people hiking in a state park. Why the sheriffs chose to go to Jack O’Malley as a higher authority instead of say, the Attorney General or even the Governor, at first may seem like a mystery, but once you know one small detail, it really isn’t.

Jack O’Malley, who spent hours posting video rants against Governor Whitmer for a week before “Operation Gridlock” admits in his April 14, 2020 video he had a phone conference with Sheriffs Mike Borkovich, Ted Schendel, Ken Falk, and Kim Cole. They discussed the arrest made by the state police. Jack then says the county sheriffs weren’t going to make arrests like the MSP and urged listeners not to worry about it.

The very next day, the news broke all over northern Michigan, the state, the country, and even some international media that four sheriffs had no intention of enforcing Governor Whitmer’s legal executive order. Thanks to the Glen Arbor Sun we now know the press release from the four sheriffs originated from Jack O’Malley’s office.

“As Sheriff’s of Michigan’s 101st House District, comprising of Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, and Mason Counties, we write today to inform the public of our opposition to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders. Strict enforcement of these orders will not take place during this coronavirus outbreak within our respective communities. Governor Whitmer has overstepped her constitutional grounds and created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens. Operating a motorized boat remains illegal while the purchasing of liquor and lottery tickets is deemed “essential.” Our governor is flying a ship while building it at the same time and we as sheriffs question the legality of many of her executive orders.”

Jack sent this email on to the sheriffs, who toned it down considerably before releasing it to the press on April 15, 2020. Just in time for the Michigan Militia, Proud Boys, III Percenters, and Trump lovers arrived in Lansing on Betsy DeVos’s dime to block a hospital and shut down public transit for hours.

Despite Attorney General Dana Nessel’s warning to these four sheriffs, additional sheriffs, and even a judge who would join them later, the idea that county sheriffs have the authority to override legal orders at the state level goes against state and federal law. Did Jack O’Malley know that three of the four sheriffs belonged to the CSPOA, an organization that espouses the false belief that the county sheriff is the highest legal authority in the United States? Did Jack see an opportunity to ignite insubordination with county law enforcement to win partisan political hit points against Governor Whitmer? This is the small detail one needs to know to understand where these sheriffs are coming from.

The CSPOA was founded by Richard Mack. A quick internet search would lead you to many articles about this former sheriff and 90’s militia movement member who likes to associate with the John Birch Society and other figures responsible for past organizations such as Posse Comitatus, and some truly scary people they trace their origins.



It seems fitting that the Glen Arbor Sun published their article this week. The Black Lives Matter movement picked up momentum and sparked a nationwide protest to put an end to hate, bigotry, and senseless murder of black people in the United States. The protests exposed the truth about America’s modern law enforcement and the bigotry that permeates the police force across the U.S.. Michigan and many other states in the US already demand reforms take place in law enforcement to ensure our police work to protect, not terrorize citizens living in their communities regardless of race.

This fall our county sheriffs are all up for re-election. Public forums and debates will take place where citizens have the opportunity to ask these sheriffs questions. One question all 83 sheriffs in Michigan need to answer is if they are a member of the CSPOA and vote accordingly when they give their answer.

It’s time for Jack O’Malley to answer some tough questions too.