General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTrump 'seriously considering' a pardon for Joe Arpaio.
So much of what has been written about the 'possible pardon' has been along the lines of 'this will be a shout out to the alt-Right'. Or that it will be a signal that you are above the law if you are on Trump's side.
But, my opinion, is that it would be much worse than that. It would be a signal to the entire court system that Trump doesn't care about them and will overrule them whenever he, and he alone, thinks they are wrong, regardless of law or evidence. Remember that Arpaio was convicted of Criminal Contempt of court. What message would a pardon send to the judicial system, when Trump is willing to pardon Criminal Contempt - for perjury and refusing to obey a court order? It would be an absolute slap in the face to the entire judicial system. Perjury? No problem. Refusing to obey a judicial order? Never mind.
Trump has decimated the State Department, appointed the most singularly unprepared Cabinet, and in a number of cases appointed people who are actually opposed to the mission of the department they are supposed to be running. He is actively attacking members of his own party, attacking the press, attacking anyone who doesn't 'bend a knee' to King Trumpsie.
Now with the Phoenix 'rally' coming up, is Trump actually trying to start a national 'civil war' between the left and the alt-right? A upswing in violence to the point that he felt he could declare Martial Law? With the number of generals in the White House advising Trump, how far are we from a military 'take over' - whether via Martial Law, or an actual coup where the generals and the military deem it a necessity to take over the White House until they can 'restore order'?
I am afraid. I am very afraid.
Hekate
(90,690 posts)Only a week or so ago people (well, some people here) were in a panic of wanting the generals to overthrow the government because the Mad Toddler King was going to get us blown away in a nuclear cloud.
But then he lost interest in that particular toy and forgot it. Yeah, I know, how in hell do you forget to start a nuclear war?
Pardoning the loathesome Arpaio is his latest noisy rattle. Look at all the people jumping up and down! Funny people! Look at the sheriff getting his hopes up -- will the funny sheriff smoochy the toddler's ass before being dropped like a hot coal?
Trump either will or won't do it. I recommend trying to beat Boston in numbers of peaceful protestors in Phoenix. Show up.
But don't lose sleep over the latest rattle being banged on the high chair tray.
dalton99a
(81,488 posts)Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Except "considering" means there is actual thinking involved.
It's probably been a done deal for a while.
defacto7
(13,485 posts)So, this was a federal crime not a state one? Trump can only pardon federal crimes so is the state going to charge him or was this just a huge expensive legal goof up?
Hekate
(90,690 posts)JDC
(10,127 posts)MrScorpio
(73,631 posts)Maybe this will help turn AZ purple.
spanone
(135,832 posts)Unconstitutional jail conditions
Improper clearance of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office cases
Failure to investigate sex crimes
Justification for ignoring sex crimes
13-year-old rape victim ignored
Feuds with judges and County Supervisors
Abuse of power
Election law violation
Misuse of funds
Munnell memo
Staged assassination plot
Federal grand jury abuse of power inquiry
Immigration law enforcement
Racial profiling
Melendres v. Arpaio racial-profiling class-action lawsuit
Investigation of Federal Judge and DOJ
Justice Department investigation on racial profiling
Lack of cooperation with Department of Justice
Findings of racial profiling
Loss of authority to identify illegal immigrants
United States v. Maricopa County, racial-profiling lawsuit
Obama's birth certificate conspiracy theories
Conviction for contempt of court
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Arpaio
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(107,986 posts)Probably offend the hell out of everyone else.