Fear And Sheriffs In Las Vegas feat. David Gilbert (E276)
Apr 28, 2024
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WIRED reporter David Gilbert attended a CSPOA conference in Las Vegas featuring controversial figures like Michael Flynn and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. The podcast discusses the rise of 'Constitutional Sheriffs,' their interpretation of the law, spread of conspiracy theories, and Boon Cutler's views on immigrants and law enforcement.
Constitutional sheriffs prioritize interpreting the Constitution over federal or state laws, potentially disrupting legal norms.
Constitutional sheriffs see themselves as protectors against federal overreach, influenced by outdated notions of sheriff duty.
Events like the CSPOA conference in Las Vegas feature baseless conspiracy theories, posing risks within law enforcement circles.
Deep dives
The Rise of Constitutional Sheriffs
Constitutional sheriffs believe that the county sheriff holds the ultimate authority to interpret and enforce the Constitution, often prioritizing this over federal or state laws. Groups like the CSPOA, founded by former sheriff Richard Mack, advocate for sheriffs to act as a check on other government layers. However, critics warn that this movement could lead to selective enforcement of laws, potentially disrupting legal precedents and the uniform application of justice.
Personalizing the Constitutional Sheriff Role
Constitutional sheriffs idealize themselves as the ultimate interpreters of the Constitution, standing against federal overreach and viewing themselves as protectors of the people. They uphold an outdated concept of a sheriff as a defender against external threats, resembling characters from western movies. Despite these romanticized ideals, the practicalities of modern law enforcement and the complexities of legal procedures often challenge their perceptions.
Concerns and Extremism within the Movement
The presence of baseless conspiracy theories at events like the CSPOA conference in Las Vegas raises concerns. Speakers like Wayne Allyn Root promoted falsehoods about elections and immigration. The 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory, falsely claiming the replacement of whites by immigrants, was also discussed. These unfounded ideas, mixed with extremist views, highlight the dangerous potential impact of these beliefs within the constitutional sheriff movement.
Concerns Over Election Threat Perceptions
Law enforcement officials express worrisome viewpoints regarding immigrants as potential election threats, with Sheriff Dar Leaf specifically highlighting concerns about illegal immigrants influencing election outcomes. This mindset of anticipating election interference from outside sources can lead to skewed priorities, potentially compromising the voting process due to excessive focus on perceived external threats.
Speculative Claims and Financial Struggles of Mike Lindell
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell faces financial setbacks amounting to millions after his support for election denialism. Despite business challenges and personal losses, he remains committed to advocating for election integrity, recounting efforts to secure a meeting with former President Trump. Lindell's fervent dedication amidst business troubles and controversies highlights his unwavering pursuit of his beliefs despite significant personal and financial costs.
So-called “Constitutional Sheriffs” fancy themselves as the real life version of Judge Dredd: the ultimate arbiters of the law according to their interpretation of the Constitution. Recently the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) held a conference in Las Vegas. Among the speakers were regular features of the podcast disgraced former General Michael Flynn, convicted former County Clerk Tina Peters, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Our guest WIRED reporter David Gilbert attended the conference, and he told us all about what he saw at this gathering of conspiracists and pseudolaw enthusiasts.
REFERENCES
WIRED: Far-Right Sheriffs Want a Citizen Army to Stop ‘Illegal Immigrant’ Voters
https://www.wired.com/story/constitutional-sheriffs-election-deniers-immigrants-voting/
WIRED: No, a Shadowy Figure Is Not Buying Tents for Columbia Student Protesters
https://www.wired.com/story/conspiracy-tents-student-protests-gaza/
David Gilbert on Twitter
https://twitter.com/daithaigilbert
NBC News: A sheriff, a felon and a conspiracy theorist walk into a hotel. They're there for the same conference.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/constitutional-sheriffs-las-vegas-conference-rcna147487
MassLive: Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson calls cancellation of ICE contract a ‘politically motivated attack’
https://www.masslive.com/politics/2021/06/bristol-county-sheriff-thomas-hodgson-calls-cancellation-of-ice-contract-a-politically-motivated-attack.html
Politico: The Troubling Sheriffs’ Movement That Joe Arpaio Supports
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/09/01/joe-arpaio-pardon-sheriffs-movement-215566/
American Oversight: The Constitutional Sheriffs Movement and Its Threat to Democracy
https://www.americanoversight.org/investigation/the-constitutional-sheriffs-movement-and-its-threat-to-democracy
NBC News: Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to home detention and community service in obstruction case
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/former-colorado-county-clerk-tina-peters-sentenced-home-detention-comm-rcna79085
CBS News: Mike Lindell's MyPillow evicted from Minnesota warehouse after lawsuit claimed it was $200K behind on rent
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lawsuit-mypillow-eviction-mike-lindell-minnesota/
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