The COVID-19/coronavirus is a global crisis and dangerous illness. But that does not justify any and every response to try to stop it. The harm caused by politicians’ overreaching shutdowns will be extreme—and unequally shared. 

Below are cautionary tales of government's overreach—in Oklahoma and elsewhere—so that citizens can hold officials accountable. Join the fight by sharing these stories, and report government overreach by emailing digital@ocpathink.org


Overreach in Oklahoma

Oklahoma mayors acted unlawfully with COVID-19 orders   |  1889 Institute 

AG Hunter to Norman mayor: ‘Religious services can go on as scheduled’   |   OCPA

District Judge Balkman issues temporary injunction on Mayor Clark's order   |   The Norman Transcript

10 Guthrie residents file lawsuit against city over ‘Shelter in Place’ order   |   News 4

Law firm sues city over constitutionality of city emergency ordinance   |   Lee Coats Law

City of Norman seeks cessation of waste management  |  OCPA

Oklahoma takes nurse’s kids away because she ‘might’ give them coronavirus |  The Washington Sentinel

For Oklahoma saddle maker, COVID response may be worse than broken neck |  OCPA

Hair stylists under scrutiny for working inside private homes during COVID-19 pandemic |  Oklahoma's News 4

Overreaching politicians and shared sacrifice |  OCPA

Car dealership fined (twice) for remaining open |  Oklahoma's News 9

Coronavirus used in Stroud custody battle |  Oklahoma's News 4

In Norman, buying groceries may result in fine, jail |  OCPA


Overreach in the United States

SF gives methadone, alcohol, cannabis to addicts and homeless   |   San Francisco Chronicle

His personal finance business started making strides— then came a pandemic   |   Michigan Capitol Confidential

Licensing agencies threaten business owners   |   The Daily Wire

Women face 180 days in jail after giving manicures at home   |   The Daily Wire

Elective surgery lockdown may put hospital under   |   Michigan Capitol ConfidentialMichigan Capitol ConfidentialMichigan Capitol ConfidentialMichigan Capitol Confidential

   |   Women face 180 days in jail after giving manicures at homeThe Daily Wire

   |   Licensing Agencies Threaten Business Owners Who Defy California Governor’s OrdersThe Daily Wire

   |   Licensing Agencies Threaten Business Owners Who Defy California Governor’s OrdersThe Daily Wire

   |   Licensing Agencies Threaten Business Owners Who Defy California Governor’s OrdersThe Daily Wire

City officials fill skatepark with 37 tons of sand to prevent skaters from using it   |   KUSI News

Pandemic police tell beached senior citizens they’re not allowed to sit in chairs   |   RedState

Health workers that volunteered to come to NY during pandemic have to pay state income tax   |  PIX 11

Pandemic orders were 'necessary,' court finds in denying injunction   |  The Detroit News

   |  Pandemic orders were 'necessary,' court finds in denying injunctionThe Detroit News

   |  Pandemic orders were 'necessary,' court finds in denying injunctionThe Detroit News

   |  Pandemic orders were 'necessary,' court finds in denying injunctionThe Detroit News

Mayor threatens to issue citations, arrest those who ignore stay-at-home order   |   Fox News

Lockdown Threatens His Labor Of 12 Years, Their Livelihoods, Her Education   |   Michigan Capitol Confidential

Salon owner jailed for opening during lockdown   |  The Hill

Despite confusion from many, golfing is not allowed   |   Lansing State Journal

Salon reopens in defiance of governor's orders; protesters show support  |   Statesman Journal

Coronavirus authoritarianism is getting out of hand   |   National Review

Big box stores restricted on which items they can and cannot sell  |   Vermont Daily Chronicle

Sheriff threatens to arrest and fine people for not wearing masks in public   |   The Sun