Lucas -
Let me be clear from the start: President Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio is a disgrace and yet another insult to the rule of law. When there are no consequences for officials who abuse their power, our system of law and order is dangerously degraded.
Joe Arpaio's tactics were not "unconventional." They were not "controversial." They were morally repugnant.
After a court ordered him to stop racially targeting immigrants before placing some of them in what Arpaio himself referred to as a "concentration camp," he was convicted of a crime. As officers sworn to uphold the law and constitution, you'd think that would mean something to Donald Trump and Joe Arpaio. But as Trump's pardon makes clear, neither man has any respect for the rule of law.
Trump's pardon empowers the worst elements of our criminal justice system and sends an unmistakable message of support to parts of our society dead-set on promoting hate and discrimination in our country.
This is a moment where all people of good character have an obligation to speak out, and I hope that you will join me in doing so:
Thank you for standing up and making your voice heard. At a time when forces of hate feel empowered to take to the streets and preach intolerance, it's never been more important that all of us speak out louder than ever before.
All my best,
Eric Schneiderman