It's nice to see that despite relentless progress some things never change. Among them, Joe Arpaio. I lived in Phoenix when he was first elected. His key campaign theme was that "professional politicians" had no place in law enforcment, and he ardently professed term limits -- stating that he himself would never serve more than two terms. Well, never mind. He also *guaranteed* that he could reduce drug use in Maricopa County at least 25% by the end of his first term without an increase in budget, since he was such a good lawman. Well, never mind. And he also proclaimed that the County didn't need to "waste" money on building a new jail, which the then-current sherrif supported. Of course, once in office Arpaio changed his mind. Never Mind.

So he started up with such newsworthy policies like his "pink underwear" campaign, putting stripes on prisoners, and a very small but highly media covered "chain gang".

I'd like to say he was a vicious fascist, but I don't think he is. Having heard him speak often, I'm convinced he is just a blowhard bureaucrat who has mastered the art of providing a media circus to keep people from focusing on anything important or fundamental. But if most of the voters in Phoenix want a used-car salesman as their local law enforcement leader.... (actually, his support has been plumetting but his hold on party politics has been effective in preventing viable opponents)

I am somewhat surprised that the federal government hasn't gotten involved given the large number of questionable activities attributed to his department to include abuse of power, misuse of public funds, fraud, and constitutional issues. I am also somewhat puzzled as to why a private attorney was required to prosecute this case involving new times.

All the stories about Sheriff Joe and his prosecutorial friends might well be true, however, as long as the majority of voting citizens in Maricopa County continue to elect such stalwarts of democracy, nothing is likely to change and such citizen voters shall get exactly what they deserve...while voting remains a precious cornerstone of our democracy it does not/cannot guarantee fair and effective government.