Anyone BUT Malone Stewart for Orange County Sheriff

The following is an email that I sent to WFTV-TV Channel 9 in Orlando concerning Malone Stewart, a man that is running for Orange County Sheriff.

As a concerned citizen residing in Orange County for more than 27 years, I have serious doubts as to the fitness of Malone Stewart as Orange County Sheriff.

I thought that it would be appropriate to make my concerns known to you in the hope that you will consider actively investigating and reporting them to the general populace via your newscast.

While traveling to and from work, I pass the intersection of 17-92 and Lee Rd. On the corner of this intersection I have seen the sign advertising Malone Stewart for Sheriff. The slogan for his campaign troubles me greatly and, while I cannot condone the vandalism perpetrated to the sign some time ago, I can understand the concern the person has for having a Sheriff that considers crime and act of terrorism.

Since 9/11, terrorism has been on the forefront of every citizen’s mind. Terrorism is a serious threat the this country. Crime is also a serious threat to the citizens of Orange County as well. However, the two are not the same and should not be treated the same.

The Patriot Act, (HR 3162) passed on October 24, 2001, and the Military Commissions Act of 2006 effectively gave the government the authority to investigate and hold anyone that it considers a terrorist without due process for an indefinite period. In effect, it nullified the constitution’s clause that states that no person will be treated in such a fashion.

Section 802 (a) (5) of the Act, adds new elements to the definition of “Domestic Terrorism” in Title 18, section 2331 of the United States Code. It strikes the period at the end of the definition and adds:

(A) Involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
(B) appear to be intended—
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

This was not a concern at the time that it was created, but it is a concern now. People, then, were concerned with stopping “Terrorism” before it could hurt the citizens of this country. However, the abuses of this act have already begun to affect the legitimate citizens of this country.

In April of this year, in Memphis, the Shelby County Sheriff used the provisions of this act to violate the rights of the citizenry to affect arrests of persons that they could not get enough evidence to generate probable cause to arrest. This action was called Operation Sudden Impact (read more about it here). While it’s stated purpose was to make a preemptive strike against domestic terrorism, no evidence was found to indicate any type of terrorist activity was present or considered. It was a ruse used by the local authorities to make arrests that they could not make legitimately.

Is this what Stewart wants to do in Orange County? What is next? Will they consider your investigative reporting an act intended to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or to affect the conduct of a government…”?

Yes, I am deeply concerned that we may have a man running for Sheriff that would be thinking about taking such actions against the population of central Florida. Even popular television shows such as CSI: Miami are pulling emotional strings to lull the population into accepting the idea of a “the ends justify the means” mentality. The characters have increasingly become vigilantes in the past two seasons and I, for one, cannot see why the network’s have allowed the promotion of such behavior, even though it appears to be closer to reality in the way police work is being performed.

Yes, I hate the increase in crime that we have been experiencing. Yes, I feel that I am not safe. Yes, I feel that we are in deep trouble in Central Florida. But, I cannot condone violating the Constitution just to feel safer. We are a nation of laws. We must abide by the rules, even as we try to apprehend those who refuse to obey them. If we do not, we are no better than they are.

I am really frightened at the prospect of having a “martial law” type of government in this county. You should be too.

Please, investigate this and let the people know what you find out. This is an important issue for the people of Central Florida to consider. Let’s not make this election for sheriff a popularity vote. Let’s make sure the people know where the people they vote for stand on the issues. I look forward to seeing your report. I watch WFTV every day and respect your professionalism and fairness in reporting the news.

Thank you;
A Concerned Orange County Citizen

PS. I have not revealed my name because I fear possible reprisals should Mr. Stewart or any of his people find out who I am. They don’t appear to be very professional as evidenced by this YouTube video.