Is Arizona unique in having such powerful sheriffs? Honestly, I never read about sheriffs from other states, but Arizona sheriffs are constantly in the news. It’s weird. It’s also weird that the Justice Department is suing Sheriff Joe Arpaio, but they’re basically only asking that he be forced to be less of a racist. It’s really kid glove treatment, if you ask me. From what I’ve read about the guy, he should be removed from office at a minimum, and probably face charges, too. Is he getting treated leniently because he’s so popular?
About The Author
BooMan
Martin Longman a contributing editor at the Washington Monthly. He is also the founder of Booman Tribune and Progress Pond. He has a degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University.
been waiting patiently for the day Sherriff Joe is thrown in an orange jumpsuit.
i believe my patience will be rewarded
shouldn’t it be pink though?
How popular is he really? I’d bet his support is a mile wide and an inch deep.
From my visits out there (work) I’d say his support is both wide and deep – depending, of course, upon the demographics of the people to whom you speak…
Considering our history, who can blame our African-American President and Attorney General for pussyfooting around the maniacs?
Sherrifs/Police Chiefs are the commanders of an armed force that takes its day to day marching orders from the Sherrif/Police Chief. Sherrifs more so than Police Chiefs. I’m not sure, but I don’t think the Sherrif in most Western States report to anyone except maybe the Governor. Understand, I’m not saying that they are dictators, but IN THEORY … I think they are.
There was a Clint Eastwood movie about that in the ’90s. The Gauntlet. I hate Clint Eastwood, but it was a great movie.
It was earlier than the 90’s!!
Somewhat ~ 1977 actually.
Sheriffs are usually elected officials so I don’t think they actually report to anyone except the voters.
Lots of glitches in a democracy. Mostly because it’s really difficult to protect both a democracy and the minority members living in it from the stupidity, racism, sexism, religious bigotry, etc. of the majority.