As reported on Best Seat In The House, Lee County (Florida) Sheriff Mike Scott disgraced his uniform and possibly broke the law with his use of Sen. Barack Obama's middle name while he was in uniform and endorsing the Republican candidates at a McCain-Palin rally. This is not only unethical and racist, but it may have been a violation of the law - by a man charged with upholding the law and treating all citizens as equal. The Office of Special Counsel, according to spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said, “We are launching a formal investigation into Sheriff Scott today on the basis of possible violation of Hatch Act.” The Hatch Act (1939) regulates how certain government employees use their official authority in their private lives, according to a story published by The Naples Daily News. Also according to the paper, "Guglielmi said the Sheriff’s Office would fall under the law’s provision if it receives federal funding, a near certainty." In other words, the sheriff used his position of official authority to try and influence people to support one side in an election - an illegal endorsement. The arrogant sheriff still sees no wrongdoing and expects to be let off the hook ... a lot like O.J. Simpson at his famous double-murder criminal trial in the 1990s. Said the sheriff who made the racist use of Sen. Obama's nickname, “Would it have been different if I were in a suit and tie?” Obviously I’m the sheriff. Everyone knows me as sheriff, whether I’m in a uniform, a bathing suit or a suit and tie.” Those sick references aside, the guy appears drunk on his own power and feels invulnerable to any authority. But, his arrogance aside, the law is still the law, “He’s kind of a public official,” Guglielmi said. “People respect him. When he stumps for an official candidate, it can be seen that he puts the weight of his office behind that.” It is an abuse of his power and he needs to be dealt with - in strong fashion. Sheriff Scott needs to be turned into citizen Scott.
The Naples Daily News:
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/07/feds-investigate-lee-sheriff-scott-palin-rally-app/
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