Feds Confront Racism In Arizona
The U.S. Department of Justice is taking action against some of the prime purveyors of racial discrimination in Arizona. Specifically, they are targeting Maricopa County and its most notorious racial profiler, Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
In a letter to Maricopa County Attorney William Montgomery, the DOJ states that they have determined that, “the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s compliance with the Constitution and federal laws… including the nondiscrimination requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964…can not be secured though voluntary means…Please be advised that…it is the intention of the Department of Justice to file a civil action against Maricopa County.” A letter was also sent to Arpaio’s lawyer declaring the intent to file action against the sheriff and his offices.
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In April, County Attorney Montgomery arrogantly challenged the DOJ to “put up or shut up” on the case. At the time, the Feds’ reply included the comment that, “we are concerned that the County Attorney’s Office may have a fatal conflict of interest” because Montgomery’s requests for information so closely echoed the requests from the lawyers for the sheriff’s office. Mind you, the county attorney’s job is to hold the county sheriff accountable for protecting the rights and needs of citizens, and to charge him with crimes, if necessary.
So now, the Feds have put up–and will file a civil suit. Tomorrow, impatient and fed-up residents of Maricopa County plan on confronting Montgomery at the County Attorney’s Office to demand that he stop shielding Arpaio and that he bring criminal charges against the sheriff on a number of other counts, in addition to the racial profiling case being made by the Department of Justice.
For a sheriff who made headlines by housing inmates in tents, dressing them in pink boxers, and feeding them green baloney, certain questions must be looming large. For instance: Will he soon have to give out his underwear size?
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