In recent weeks, hundreds of protesters in cars, buses, pickup trucks, and even motorcycles have paraded down the Strip, demanding Nevada be reopened now.
The horn honking, flag-waving protesters are not limited to the Las Vegas Strip, similar protests have also taken place in Reno, Elko and the state capital in Carson City.
The protests are organized by Operation Nevada, who state on their website that they are not affiliated with any political party, and all Nevadans who oppose the shutdowns are welcome. The group continues to plan protests every week, including a rally on the steps of the state capital scheduled for May 2.
The protests are comprised of both the recently unemployed and small business owners who are opposed to the shutdown and believe Nevada can safely re-open right now.
Conservative talk show host Wayne Allyn Root gets involved
On Friday, April 24, a huge caravan of protesters was organized by conservative talk show host and former Review-Journal columnist Wayne Allyn Root. The protesters drove down the Las Vegas Strip demanding Governor Sisolak re-open the state of Nevada.
One participant in the parking lot before the caravan commenced walked from car to car selling Trump hats for $20. When asked if he was concerned about selling hats as a nonessential business this protester responded, “This is America. That’s my answer.”
Root dubbed the event, ‘Open Nevada, Unleash Prosperity, Save America.’ The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police estimated around 980 vehicles participated in the protest and that most cars appeared to have at least two people inside. The protesters drove 11 miles down the Las Vegas Strip to show their displeasure with the shutdown, which resulted in massive unemployment.
“Protect those that are at risk and let the rest of the people get back to the business of America,” declared Root. “If you’re afraid of the virus, stay home. If you’re at risk, stay home. If you’re a grandparent, stay home. We’ll social distance, wear masks, gloves, do the proper protocol, whatever Costco is willing to do we’ll do.”
Some vehicles flew American flags and some displayed “Recall Sisolak” signs; the recall effort began months before the shutdown, but has seen renewed interest since.
“This is the wildest and strangest experiment in world history. You don’t know that when it’s over if our economy is wrecked and we’re in a great depression,” said Root.
“It’s un-American to call a business nonessential versus essential. Furthermore, it’s unconstitutional. The Constitution and the Commerce Clause do not allow a governor to close a business or call it ‘non-essential.’ For one thing, why are golf courses closed when you’re outside and far away from people?”
Root also said that he understands why hot-spots like New York may need to remain closed for now, but he says Nevada doesn’t fall into the same category, and closing the state is hurting more than it’s helping.
“I’ve seen the studies. In New York, the latest study says 94% of those hospitalized with the virus is either very old or very sick with pre-existing health conditions. Why can’t we let the young, healthy people get back to work and carry out the economy?” Root asked.
Sisolak stands firm
When it comes to re-opening the state, Governor Sisolak stands firm and is in no hurry to end the shutdown. He hasn’t set a date as to when Nevada can re-open saying it all depends on science.
In the meantime, Nevada’s rate of new unemployment claims is the highest in the nation. The number released by the Nevada Department of Labor for the week ending March 21 spiked by more than 1,300% for a total of 93,036. Over the five weeks since the shutdown, 343,000 people in Nevada have filed for unemployment.
To make matters worse, the state’s unemployment system has been completely overwhelmed; some have been left on hold for days, and weeks later, they still can not get through. The department has asked those attempting to file a claim to watch its YouTube videos while waiting on the phone. The department also recommends filing claims online at “non-peak hours,” such as during the middle of the night or very early in the morning.
The state has contracted with the international call center, Alorica, to ease the overwhelming number of calls. However, callers report that the Alorica operators can not process claims, but only answer questions about unemployment.
