Dozens Rally At State Capitol To Get Back To Work, Lift Restrictions

A first of its kind of rally at the state Capitol. A parade of vehicles circling the building, demanding the governor lift his restrictions and allow people to return to work.

They came in cars, trucks and motorcycles In support of the state motto “Labor Omnia Vincit” Latin for “work conquers all.”

“Get Oklahoma back to work again. We’re in the oil and gas business and we need people driving their cars,” said Joe Biddick, who attended the rally.

“We are thrilled with the turnout. We really didn’t know what to expect. Honestly we hatched this idea less than a week ago,” organizer Lori Gracey added.

The group circled the Capitol in their vehicles observing social distancing. They said Oklahoma can re-open for business and still be safe.

“I think too many people are looking at it as an either or. And really what we have here is a both and. We can both protect the most vulnerable amongst us and get back to working and get the economy back up so that it doesn’t tank,” Gracey said.

“I want us to get back to work. I want us to be safe, wear the facemasks. And people who have illnesses stay at home anyway. But everybody else let’s go back to work. And get our country moving again,” said Sara Odom, who also attended the rally.

The group is asking the governor to lift restrictions keeping non-essential businesses closed. The governor’s office released a statement saying, in part:

“The governor understands this is a difficult time for Oklahomans, and he is working with his team on a plan to safely and responsibly re-open our businesses across the state.”

“We just need to get our businesses back open and let people get back to work,” said Paul Maus, who attended the rally. “People need to be able to have a proper income coming in and be able to pay our employees. Keep them busy and working instead of collecting welfare.”