Crazy Uncle Joe Arpaio's anti-government extremism

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Crazy Uncle Joe Arpaio is a favorite of far-right extremist groups like former Graham County Sheriff Richard Mack's conspiratorial Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and the Oath Keepers, made up of former and current law enforcement officers and military personnel who believe it is their duty to defy what they deem to be unconstitutional orders. These anti-government extremists are a law unto themselves.

Hence this bit of anti-government extremism from Crazy Uncle Joe Arpaio on Wednesday. Joe Arpaio Says He May Not Enforce New Gun Laws (AUDIO):

During an interview with conservative radio host Mike Broomhead, Arpaio said he took an oath to defend the Constitution and he won't carry out policies that run counter to the founding document. 

"Now if they’re going to tell the sheriff that he’s going to go around picking up guns from everybody, they’re going to have a problem," the Maricopa County, Ariz. sheriff said. "I may not enforce that federal law.”

Asked by Broomhead if he would instruct his deputies to confiscate high-capacity magazines or assault weapons if they were made illegal under federal law, Arpaio responded with an emphatic "no."

“I said before, I’m going to arm all my deputies — a month ago I said before this — with automatic weapons and semi-automatic weapons," Arpaio said. "We’re going to be able to fight back...I don't care what they say from Washington."

Listen to Arpaio's interview with Broomhead:

Comments

[Bess1919]

Treason. Arrest him.

[Thane "Goldie" Eichenauer]

I am very happy that we live in a world where an elected official in Arizona (even one I don't particularly care for like Joe Arpaio) can discuss his desire to adhere to his oaths without any reasonable and rational person urging his prosecution via treason charges.

In the United States government agents, whether elected or employed, are all subject to oaths of office which restrict the use of their delegated power and authority. When several dozen elected county sheriffs start telling the feds that their desire to implement gun prohibition is counter to the US Constitution it just might be a good idea to be extra careful not to pass a law that many elected state officials think to be outside the bounds of their constitutional power.

"Sheriffs, state lawmakers push back on gun control"
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?list=294709&id=848928

[Bess1919]

Please, Thane. It was a joke! Arpaio doesn't even get arrested for things he is actually guilty of, oath or not. Can't wait for him to leave as sheriff in whatever form that takes. He's like a boil on the butt of humanity.

[Thane "Goldie" Eichenauer]

Should you have a further desire to write satire let me recommend:

http://www.satirewire.com/content1/

[Thane "Goldie" Eichenauer]

Part of the problem with constitutional government is that those who don't like the intent of the authors decide that the meaning should reflect the opinion of the general public. The whole purpose of having a written constitution is to have a fixed guide by which actions can be judged objectively and not by whatever idea should happen to catch the fancy of John Q. Mob.

[Bess1919]

Intent of the authors? May I recommend, "That's Not What They Meant, Reclaiming the Founding Father's from America's Right Wing" by Micheal Austin.

[Bess1919]

But thanks for the constitutional lesson anyway.

[Thane "Goldie" Eichenauer]

I thank you for your recommendation as well.

After Words: Michael Austin, "That's Not What They Meant!: Reclaiming the Founding Fathers from America's Right Wing," hosted by David Fontana, George Washington University Law School on C-SPAN's BookTV - approx 60 minutes
http://www.booktv.org/Watch/14131/After+Words+Michael+Austin+Thats+Not+What+They+Meant+Reclaiming+the+Founding+Fathers+from+Americas+Right+Wing+hosted+by+David+Fontana+George+Washington+University+Law+School.aspx