OPINIONS
KJOE Radio: A far cry from jailhouse rock
Jailbirds will get their chance to sing and be heard (if they haven’t fallen asleep) thanks to Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s latest gimmick.
Tents in the desert, no cigarettes or coffee, and enforced pink underwear and socks isn’t enough. Now inmates under Joe’s reign will have to listen to some of his own favorite tunes including sleepy elevator hits from the likes of Perry Como and Johnny Mathis.
Some of you may have never even heard of these guys. Don’t worry, you’re not missing anything and you’re probably not alone.
The Arizona Correctional Department’s November 2006 Population Summary lists that most of Maricopa’s inmates are between the ages of 21 and 34. I’m guessing most of them have never heard of ole Johnny or Perry either.
So four hours a day, five days a week of Joe’s song list could lull the inmates into nap time or else start a riot; it could go either way.
But wait! The Sheriff has another trick up his sleeve - 25 lucky folks will get the once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in an American Idol-like talent show!
First prize is some kind of food product yet to be announced. I’m willing to bet steak and lobster are out of the question.
OK, I understand that these people are in jail for a reason and I really am glad that those who are dangerous and corrupt are off the street. But it seems to me that Sheriff Joe is going above and beyond his call of duty.
Perhaps most find him to indeed be the toughest sheriff in the west. After all, according to CNN.com, Arpaio enjoys an 85 percent approval rating for voters in the county.
I suppose for a lot of people Sheriff Joe’s antics are more entertaining than reality TV But I for one find his practices to be a bit overindulging, resembling some sort of farcical Broadway production or wacky psychological experiment.
Joe told the East Valley Tribune that he wants “to balance it out, that they’ve taken everything away from them (the inmates) throughout the years, so this is a substitute.”
A substitute for what? They’re like guinea pigs for the amusement of law enforcement.
Sure, lets rehabilitate by getting these guys to sing for us - maybe we can even get them to do a little dance. Better yet, if they sing really well, we can give them get out of jail free cards.
Volume
44, Issue 10. Today is
Michelle Lawerence
Mesa Legend