Well, yesterday was a good day for me politically. For the first time in a number of years I actually felt politically empowered and have renewed hope for our future. Please don't allow my choice of forum to color your opinion of what transpired. I merely used it as a tool because of it's immense readership. I've become a contributor to the Daily Kos and up until now my diaries have only gotten a smattering of views and quickly dropped off the list presented on the main page.

Yesterday however I was a featured and recommended diarist on that national blog because I highlighted a local story that should leave all of you outraged no matter what your political affiliation and I'd like to believe that the spotlight I turned on to these events helped to ensure a just outcome.

Instead of trying to retell a very long and complicated story, here's the link to my diary. Ensure that you also read the evolution of the comments as I think it's an uplifting tale about the power of the American people.

Breathtaking Abuse of the Constitution in Arizona

Link to paste if that doesn't work: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/10/19/131845/98

I took the title from the original article in the Phoenix New Times magazine that began my current outrage. However the anger over our sheriff had been brewing for years and supported recently by the events occurring with a small regional newspaper that I find in my driveway twice a week. This latest move put me over the top and obviously hit a nerve with the American public.

I'm not finished in this fight. I won't rest until this man and his brutal regime are retired or better yet behind his own bars.

This is not a partisan issue so please don't let it descend into one. Even the very conservative Goldwater Institute is recommending disbarment of the special prosecutor in this case. I would be up in arms no matter what Arpaio's political affliation. I have mixed emotions about the Phoenix New Times as well and am often angry at their over the top method of news and entertainment. It has nothing to do with any veiled support of their rag. This is an abuse of power issue nothing more.

Hope you get the same satisfaction from this chain of events that I did.

Art