Joe Arpaio’s Jails Not Audited, Despite What Arizona Republic Claims

If you read today’s Arizona Republic or watched Fox News last night, you might be under the mistaken impression that Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s vast incarceration complex has undergone an audit from the U.S. Marshals Service and earned gold stars and smiley faces all around. Um, not exactly. Despite the hoo-ha Arpaio’s made over…

Joe Arpaio, Paul Babeu and the Garrity Rule

One misconception out there is that the inquiry into MCSO Deputy Chief Frank Munnell’s memo by Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu could result in criminal charges being filed against those Sheriff Joe loyalists now suspended with pay: Chief Deputy David Hendershott, Director Larry Black, and Captain Joel Fox. Though Munnell alleges criminal activity…

John McCain’s Shame: Blocking the Dream Act

I stopped by DREAM Army headquarters last night to watch Michael Nazario put his wannabe-U.S. troops through the paces.See, Nazario and other members of the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition have been camped out since last week near U.S. Senator John McCain’s Phoenix office, at the corner of 16th Street and…

Joe Arpaio and Nativist Nutbars Terrorize Elementary School

Gilman dogs Arpaio at a Joe show on the west sideHere’s the latest from the people’s videographer, Dennis Gilman: An account of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s September 16 appearance at a block watch meeting at Manzanita Elementary School on Phoenix’s west side.As you can see from the video, the neighborhood didn’t…

Joe Arpaio Announces J.T. Ready-Style Vigilante Force

Looks like Sheriff Joe is ripping off an idea from none other than Arpaio supporter and committed neo-Nazi J.T. Ready. In a press release published today by the MCSO, Arpaio says he intends to commission a volunteer vigilante force to hunt illegal aliens. The release states, “The Sheriff will soon implement his plan…

Joe Arpaio Spying on County Lawyers? Would Anyone Be Surprised?

What’s one to make of the recent back and forth between Maricopa County and sheriff’s office lawyers regarding allegations of spying by the MCSO?The claims came to light in a recent item by Arizona Republic reporter Yvonne Wingett for the Rep’s “Political Insider” blog. The post details a September 10…

Joe Arpaio, Salvador Reza, and Fox 10’s Miriam Garcia

I recently obtained paperwork related to the MCSO’s July 30 arrest of Phoenix civil rights leader Salvador Reza. The file is chock full of absurd, asinine attempts by the sheriff’s office to deflect criticism for this outrageous, thuggish collar. One involves Fox 10 News reporter Miriam Garcia. The MCSO report suggests that Garcia relayed crucial information…

Minute Man Pete’s Words of Wisdom and His Dog “Pedofile”

It’s Friday. It’s late in the workday. And I’m feeling a little punchy. So I figure it’s the best time to introduce you to the genius that is Minute Man Pete. Minute Man Pete is a proud, Arizona sandbilly who lives in a trailer in Tombstone with his trusty canine “Pedofile.” He…

Morning Poll: Why is Joe Arpaio Really Going to New Hampshire?

America’s self-proclaimed “toughest sheriff,” Joe Arpaio, is heading to New Hampshire this weekend, which has caused the national media to speculate that the aging (and aging) law dog plans to run for president.That theory, as we pointed out yesterday, is definitely probably bullshit. Check out what CNN senior political editor…

Burning Qurans, Flags, Bibles? The First Amendment Rules

All the sturm und drang of the past few days over a Florida pastor’s plans to burn a pile of Qurans on September 11 may have paid off. The AP is now reporting that Pastor Terry Jones of Gainesville’s Dove World Outreach Center has canceled the holy book bonfire, claiming that he’s reached a…