Lisa Hanson, a Minnesota grandmother, was jailed for defying state lockdown orders, expressing deep concerns over Governor Tim Walz's approach to civil liberties ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.
Breitbart reported that Hanson once owned the Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro in Albert Lea, where she became a central figure in Minnesota's COVID-19 response debate. Her legal troubles began in December 2020, when she chose to reopen her establishment despite state-wide lockdown orders instituted by Governor Tim Walz, aimed at curbing the pandemic's spread.
Walz's orders were selective, allowing larger retail chains to operate while smaller businesses like Hanson's remained shuttered.
This disparity in treatment spurred her to action, despite the potential for legal risks. Hanson, joining nearly 200 other small business owners, became part of the "Open Minnesota" group advocating for the right to operate their enterprises.
The repercussions for Hanson were swift and severe. Within just two days of reopening her bistro, state authorities initiated a series of civil and criminal actions against her. By December 2021, Hanson was convicted on misdemeanor charges related to her defiance of lockdown orders.
Her punishment was a stark one: a 60-day jail sentence, which she served, and a $1,000 fine. The financial and emotional toll of these penalties was substantial, leading to the permanent closure of her establishment.
The fallout from Hanson's actions extended beyond financial losses. During her imprisonment over the holiday season, Hanson missed critical family moments—Christmas, her wedding anniversary, and even the birth of a grandchild.
She expressed a profound sense of loss, stating that these moments were irrevocably "stolen" from her due to the actions of Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Hanson's story is not isolated. Another Minnesota bar owner faced over $300,000 in fines for similar acts of defiance, branding Governor Walz as detrimental to small businesses during the pandemic. This harsh critique reflects a broader sentiment among small business owners affected by the lockdown.
Governor Walz, during the pandemic, also instituted a hotline for citizens to report violations of lockdown orders, a move that received mixed reactions from the public. This action portrayed his administration as stringent and uncompromising in its enforcement measures.
Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Governor Walz as her chosen running mate for the upcoming 2024 presidential campaign.
This decision has brought renewed scrutiny to Walz's record during the pandemic, particularly from critics like Hanson who view him as overly authoritarian.
Hanson has been vocal about her views on Governor Walz, especially after suffering personal and financial ruin. She described the Governor not as "the cuddly, joyful coach" portrayed in media and campaign narratives but as a politician who, in her view, might infringe on American freedoms.
"This man will take your rights away," Hanson warned, reflecting on her experience and the potential implications of Walz's national candidacy. Her criticism comes at a critical time, as voters consider what a Harris-Walz ticket would mean for America.
Hanson's story serves as a poignant reminder of the significant and often personal impacts of political and health-related decisions during unprecedented times. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, her experiences and those of others like her will likely resonate in the ongoing debates about pandemic policies and leadership in crises.