Arpaio says lyrical threat is just free speech
by Sandra Haros/KTAR
(September 27th, 2010 @ 2:56pm)
Comments:21

PHOENIX -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he's not overly concerned about a new song called "Kill Joe Arpaio," although he doesn't think kids should be listening to it.

The song comes from the Crocodiles, an indie/fuzz rock group based in San Diego. It uses snippets from Arizona talk radio shows over music.

Asked if he were upset, Arpaio said, "Because it means, kill me, right? But, let me tell you something. It doesn't really overly concern me -- freedom of speech."

Things like the song come with the territory, Arpaio said.

"I'm a high-profile guy. I do a lot of things that may be controversial. But, to use music, I think it's gone a little too far because a lot of kids may be listening to the music."

While he's personally not offended, Arpaio said, "I don't think we should make those types of remarks against law enforcement. Forget me, as an individual."

He said he has some good supporters.

"I got Ted Nugent. He's a great singer. He came here recently. I swore him in. He loves the sheriff. I'd rather have Ted Nugent music for me than this bunch."

The Crocodiles' Brandon Welchez told the "San Diego Reader" that the group won't play Arizona any more.

"Every time we go through Arizona, we get pulled over by the police or Border Patrol. We get searched and hassled and treated like criminals and our bass player, whose last name happens to be Gonzalez, gets extra hassled."

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