"Operation Gridlock" protest - Springfield, IL April 19th, 2020

Raw video of the protest against the stay at home order set up on relatively short notice held in Springfield, IL on April 19th, 2020 in front of the Illinois State Capitol. In getting this footage to document what went down, I followed health & safety protocols for the most part, and did not violate any traffic laws. It was pointed out that Springfield PD may not have followed PPE guidelines - state trooper are required under current policy to wear face masks and gloves.

This video is unlisted temporarily as it greatly differs from what I normally showcase here and did not wish for it to be the most recent listed video on the channel over my regularly scheduled program. It will get shared around I'm sure and when I get next week's program up I'll make it public.

Some highlights - The individual questioned early on was a counter-protester, who did not agree with everyone else's view of things and believes some of the people could have had the virus and passed it to others. That individual joined up with a few counter-protesters that weren't wearing their PPE masks if they feared getting sick. I did not quite agree with blocking traffic and there was some drama but it didn't escalate and they were allowed to park on the side of the road, though traffic was on the light side since it was Sunday. I did admonish a couple skateboarders who were out in the middle of the street which got an f-u from them. Interviewed one of the folks who came out I knew unhappy with what their kids were losing out on. There did get to be quite a conversation between sides late into the video. I got into a debate with an unidentified individual in blue coat who didn't agree with the protest, and appeared to not be very informed on things - Champaign's mayor issuing an emergency order giving her the power to seize private property and firearms for instance, the IL governors ban on selling plant & gardening products that was rescinded a couple days after implementation, Dr Fauci & Dr Zeke Emmanuel's suggestion on television that quarantine be done for up to 18 months for instance. The mayor Jim Langfelder did drive through a couple times but did not stop, he had also been facing some heat for decisions made. Governor JB Pritzger obviously was not there, he was in Chicago. There was supposedly a protest scheduled there that was supposed to go at the same time as this one that was cancelled. Things lightened up after an hours having made their statements. More protests have been scheduled in the next couple weeks.