The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. John Kenneth Galbraith
Joe Arpaio Requiring His Deputies To Carry AR-15s At All Times - Even When They're Off Duty
The Huffington Post | By Paige Lavender Posted: 08/09/2013 9:51 am
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Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona announced Thursday he will start requiring his deputies to carry AR-15s at all times and expects them to use the weapons to fight crime even when they're off duty.
“While this decision may seem controversial to some in the public and among other law enforcement agencies, I have extreme confidence in the training and professionalism of the men and women deputies in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office,” Arpaio said, according to AZ Family.
While announcing the new requirement, Arpaio noted that two of his deputies "died under violent circumstances" last year and another "was shot several times but survived."
"I want all my deputies to be armed with the greatest firepower available 24 hours a day," Arpaio said.
Jorge Vargas, a 27-year-old detention officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, died earlier this week after he was shot in the driveway of his home, apparently while getting ready for work. Arpaio, who is still searching for his colleague's killer, said he does not know the motive for the killing, or whether the officer was targeted, according to NBC.
"Right now the main mission is to find this guy and get him in jail," Arpaio said during a press conference on Vargas's death.
"In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot."
Vice President Joe Biden’s self-defense advice — warding off potential intruders with two shotgun blasts outside the house — has had an impact on at least one man.
Jeffery Barton, a 52-year-old Vancouver, Wash. resident, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from his decision to chase alleged car intruders away with a shotgun blast in the air. He cited Biden’s advice as his inspiration, according to a local news report.
“I did what Joe Biden told me to do,” Barton told KOIN. “I went outside and fired my shotgun in the air.”
During an online question and answer townhall event in February Biden advised that people keep intruders away by firing two shotgun blasts outside.
“I said, Jill, if there’s ever a problem just walk out on the balcony here or walk out, put that double-barreled shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,” Biden said. “I promise you who ever is coming in is not go — you don’t need an AR-15.”
Barton was arrested Monday night, according to KOIN, after he told police he fired his shotgun while attempting to chase alleged prowlers away. According to the local report, he is charged with one count of illegal aiming or discharging a firearm.
His next court date has not yet been scheduled, according to KOIN.
"In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot."