Sheriff Scott: 'I expect to be fully cleared of any wrongdoing'

[Cass]

Sheriff Scott: 'I expect to be fully cleared of any wrongdoing'

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott issued the following public statement today, about the controversy caused after his using of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's "Hussein" middle name:

Following the political event on Monday of this week, I have employed my usual and consistent practice of full accessibility to print, radio, and television media, as well as the general public. As always, my support staff in our Public Information Office has been equally accessible and accommodating. Understanding the interest and attention given my speech during the rally, I am submitting this release in advance of what is seemingly an insatiable appetite for continued discussion and debate over the matter. I have determined that there are a few primary points to address in this release as my final communication, and I have directed our Public Information Office to disengage with you on this topic until further advised. I have tried to make the points clear for your anticipated continuation of coverage.
<...>
• “Why” did I use the Candidate’s full, legal name of record? Despite varying inferences, interpretations, opinions, and extrapolations; the answer is because I wanted to, much like I wanted to voice my support for the Barron Collier Marching Band.
<...>
• The issue of my appearance at the rally in uniform has been raised. It is noteworthy that I recently completed my primary campaign and continue my general campaign in the same uniform. My practice has been to wear the uniform at all times and as is undisputed, I am on duty 24/7 and 365. It is also noteworthy that I joined my fellow Florida Sheriffs in Tampa very recently for a political rally…all were in full uniform. At no time during this week’s rally did I mention the agency I represent; however, I was introduced by my official title. Given the introduction and my widespread name and face recognition in this area, I am satisfied that my apparel is irrelevant and the same reactions would have resulted had I been wearing a suit and tie.
<...>

• Finally, the complaint made to Federal authorities relative to the first four (4) items listed above. Much as when our agency or yours is called with accusations of wrongdoing, we receive the concern and begin an initial inquiry to determine if further investigation is warranted. I have not been contacted by any authority at this point and am completely unaware of any rules or regulations violated. If “elected officials” are governed by the Hatch Act or similar laws governing political activity…I refer you back to item three (3) above and the fact that everyday and nearly around the clock across our country, elected officials are engaged in political activities. In short, I expect to be fully cleared of any wrongdoing.

This media release will serve as final comment on my use of another person’s name.

much more at link...

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081008/NEWS01/81008001&s=d&page=3#pluckcomments

I don't why he can't just say I apologize if my comments offended anyone but I meant no harm, etc. But he seems to go out of his way to have a nasty attitude about it. Even the Palin staff distanced themselves from his comments. Palin has been out there all week throwing around some nasty attacks and if her people are denouncing it then he did cross a line even they aren't willing to cross. I wouldn't feel too comfortable getting pulled over by this man if I had an Obama sticker on my car.

[TwilightGardener]

1. I don't see how he can get away with campaigning in his official capacity, in uniform.

If he's wearing his uniform, he's presenting himself as on-duty--he shouldn't be allowed to use his office in that manner.

[Canuckistanian]

2. Yup. I don't care what he said.

He shouldn't have been there in uniform, period.

In a free society, you can't have law enforcement officials declaring themselves politically.

It's a recipe for disaster and a hallmark of dictatorships.

[youthere]

4. He said himself..

he's on duty 24/7, 365.
That means he was in violation of the state code. He's not allowed to participate in those events while on duty.

[timber84]

7. very observant!

:yourock:

[annabanana]

12. bingo!. . .n/t

[Hepburn]

3. Yeah, Dummy, the video of you violating the Hatch Act means nothing, right?

There stands the fat, hate spewing asshole in uniform....at a political rally...with political buttons on his uniform.

Duh....:eyes:

[shadowknows69]

5. I give two shits about this sherrif

Did they get the asshole who yelled "kill him". If this had happened at an Obama rally the SS would stopped the speech and moved in with riot gear.

[Window]

6. Arrogant asshole. Hope his opponent wins.

[City Lights]

8. IMO, the issue isn't that he used Obama's middle name, it's that he was

campaigning in uniform.

He wears his uniform "at all times?" Really? Even Andy Taylor didn't wear his uniform "at all times."

[KansasVoter]

9. Did he use Palins full name??

[mscuedawg]

14. Or McCain's....EXCELLENT POINT!!! T/Y

Edited to say...He is a cop 24/7....so what kind of hate is it ok for a cop to spew 24/7? Assmunch.... :mad:

[Bluenorthwest]

10. He's a racist of the first order

This makes it worse.

[JohnMcCant2008]

11. I really hope they bring this creep down - he is a jackbooted, racist, redneck thug.... n/t

[CitizenPatriot]

13. the problem with ignorant asshats like this guy

is that they operate so low to the ground, it's a lot of effort to even get down there to hear what they are saying.

He is defending his use of Obama's middle name as simply sayingn someone's name? Really? What a 3rd grade thing to say. I sincerely hope this mentally challenged person is not running for any office. Floridians deserve a mentally competent and mature adult as sheriff. YIKES!

[farmboy]

15. "Why did I use his middle name? Because I wanted to." Really? That's your FINAL answer?

NO more communication with the public regarding this...just "because you wanted to?" And we are to respect you as a mature adult in a position of power to protect everyone in your jurisdiction according to the law?

That is such a lame excuse as to barely register on the "adult" meter of explanation.

Now if you were in elementary school, I could understand. But you'd still be grounded for a while until you decided to be truthful about why you said it and the personal problems you must have that causes you to feel that way toward Senator Obama.

Ex: Father: Son, why did you rip the head off of your sister's doll and throw it under her bed? Son: Because I wanted to. Father: Oh, ok. Thanks for letting me know.

Ex: Mother: Daughter, why did you take my lipstick and write all over your bedroom walls. Daughter: Because I wanted to. Mother: Well, at least you're showing your artistic side.

Teacher: Student, why did you turn in your homework paper with only a drawing of a hand with the middle finger pointing up? Student: Because I wanted to. Teacher: Well, ok then.


Very mature, sir. Way to explain your behavior. But of course you don't think it needs explaining and, really, neither do I. We all get exactly what you meant and your reasons for using Senator Obama's middle name. I only hope something happens to you that makes you see the light and changes you to be at least half the man Barack Obama is now. That would be such an improvement for you and a big step forward for those you have somehow managed to position yourself to have authority over.

[Cass]

16. The other thing that bothers me is that the Palin rallies are not

your typical political rallies. Her rallies this week have become over-the-top hate fests which whip the crowd into a frenzy of hate. The crowds are even turning on the media as a result of her comments. And there he is in his uniform contributing to the fenzied hate-filled atmosphere by making remarks that even the Palin staff thinks is out of line. This bothers me greatly.