Audio By Carbonatix
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced earlier this week that he will be holding the second inmate coloring contest at his jails in less than 30 days.
This contest’s theme: 9/11. The (supposed) prize for the winning inmate: a fast food dinner every day for a week.
If a coloring contest for adults seems a little juvenile, demeaning, and symbolic of the childish way in which Arpaio runs his jails, that’s because it is.
However, inmates could be spending their time doing things much worse than coloring.
Will you step up to support New Times this year?
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
In addition to the (supposed) grand prize, Arpaio says he will take the winning picture and (have someone who knows how to use a computer) put it on EBay. The proceeds from the sale of the picture will go towards a fund benefiting the victims of 9/11.
Of course, there’s always the theory that the media-savvy sheriff realizes the 10th anniversary of 9/11 will be getting a lot of ink over the next several days — and an old media hound like Arpaio’s not above attempting to cash in on the anniversary of a national tragedy, and the headlines it will certainly generate.
We want to know what you think about Arpaio’s coloring contests: yay or nay?
Cast your vote below.
