Pardon America’s toughest sheriff Joe Arpaio became a principal target of the militant left wing: Opposing view

Trent Franks | USA TODAY

Arizona’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio has dedicated his whole life to keeping his fellow human beings safe; in his senior years, he has specifically protected Arizona communities. It is not necessary to agree with all of his methods of law enforcement to recognize his lifelong sacrifice.

Because Sheriff Arpaio gained a high profile as America’s toughest sheriff, along with being dedicated to maintaining the sovereign borders of the United States, he became a lightning rod and principal target of the militant left wing.

Now, despite Joe having no prior convictions, no criminal record and no record of wrongs, his detractors found a Clinton-appointed judge who would, arbitrarily and without a jury, issue a conviction that contradicted every witness that testified in the case.

OUR VIEW: Arpaio doesn't deserve a pardon

ARPAIO LAWYERS: Sheriff Joe is not a racist

Anyone who knows Joe would conclude he never meant to be in deliberate violation of the law. I do not believe that he understood the full measure of restrictions contained in the 2011 order — an order that should never have been issued in the first place. Seventeen months later, when the scope of those restrictions became clear to him and his team, he ended his patrols.

Conveniently, the ex-sheriff faced criminal prosecution only after his high-profile endorsement of Donald Trump.

The political left has turned the court system into a blunt instrument with which they criminally prosecute political opponents. This is an injustice not only to Joe Arpaio, but all Americans citizens who rely on the legal system to protect their constitutional rights. Political dissenters, beware!

It would be moral and just for President Trump to issue a pardon for Joe Arpaio. Such a decision would be celebrated by Arizonans who appreciate and respect a man who has accomplished much for law and order in our state.

America’s toughest sheriff has given every thing he had in a long and successful career in public service and law enforcement. His seriously ailing wife, Ava, has been with him every step of the way. Now in their sunset years of life, they both deserve a peaceful and honorable retirement and the thanks of a nation they have so diligently served for so long.

Trent Franks, a Republican, represents Arizona’s 8th congressional district.