Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arizona's 'Bull' Connor

By Peter Morales, Guardian UK

19 July 12

heriff Joe Arpaio faces legal action, yet again, on charges that he has violated the rights of Latino citizens in Maricopa County, Arizona. Already, the county has paid out something like $50m in damages over the years. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) are bringing suit in federal court on behalf of several plaintiffs.

Poor Joe has become something of a caricature of late. He is a symbol of mean-spiritedness, cruelty and racism. He proudly promotes his actions designed simply to humiliate prisoners. The US department of justice has accumulated a mountain of evidence against him, yet drags its legal feet while the racial profiling and arrests continue.

Less than a month ago, I, along with several other religious leaders, were treated to a tour of Arpaio's infamous "Tent City" jail. There, prisoners are kept in tents that reach 130F heat in the Arizona summer. The other religious leaders, including the Rev Geoffrey Black, president of the United Church of Christ and the Rev Dr William Schulz, president of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (and former president of Amnesty International), and I were appalled. The Maricopa sheriff's department has become a collection of thugs with badges.

Several thousand of us – Unitarian Universalists from across the country working mano en mano with local activists and religious leaders – held a vigil outside Tent City last month. It was profoundly moving to see a sea of thousands of people wearing their "Standing on the Side of Love" T-shirts, waving candles and singing in protest. They are taking that determination to work for justice and compassion across the country.

What is happening in Maricopa County must be seen to be believed. I am ashamed that this is happening in my country, that the people of Maricopa County continue to re-elect this tyrant, and that the legal system of my country does little more than scold like an inept parent.

Two years ago, I was arrested along with more than 20 fellow ministers from across the country and a number of local activists. We were protesting Arpaio's "sweeps" in defiance of the ruling of a federal judge. A year ago, I stood trial for that act of civil disobedience. During that trial, I saw deputies of the Arpaio's perjure themselves so blatantly (and artlessly) that the judge disregarded their testimony.

While I applaud the courage of MALDEF and the ACLU, and wish them every success, I am more convinced than ever that the fundamental issues before us are not legal. Arpaio continues to break the law with impunity not because there is a lack of conclusive evidence. Arpaio continues unchecked because some people are afraid and because decent people who know better are timid. This is what always occurs when tyrants rule.

What is truly frightening is that the fear and racism that feeds Arpaio is not limited to Maricopa County, or to Arizona. Arpaio is a hero to the extreme right. Arizona's law is being copied elsewhere.

No American my age can watch what is happening in Arizona and not have flashbacks to Alabama and Mississippi of the 1960s and law enforcement officials like the infamous "Bull" Connor. I would think no European can see sweeps and racial profiling and not recall images of the 1930s.

No one should be treated the way Arpaio treats people. No one.

I hope this lawsuit is successful. More importantly, I pray that people will turn away from fear and demagogues. I pray that we will see our common humanity and embrace our common future.