The investigation of Sheriff Fitzgerald reveals such a long-standing, toxic level of abuse and discrimination that one wonders how he got elected three times.
The comments of some of your interviewees reveal some clues.
In your Sept. 29 article. "Protesters call for sheriff's resignation," one person states, "I voted for this man because he was a Democrat," and asks "how is it possible the Democratic Party allowed this man to go through without properly vetting him?"
Here's an idea: Instead of blindly voting a straight party ticket, do research. It might ultimately lead to better people in office. The responsibility to vet candidates is on the voter, not on a political party. This type of sheep-like thinking is dangerous for a democracy.
In your Oct. 6 article "Officials move to oust embattled sheriff," one person compares Sheriff Fitzgerald to a Trump supporter.
There is no useful comparison between a local sheriff and a presidential candidate. This type of rhetoric is what allows bad politicians to get into office.
Lastly, in your Sept. 29 photo, a woman holds a sign reading "Dump our redneck, racist sheriff."
"Redneck" is a derogatory word for the rural poor.
There is nothing rural or poor about either Sheriff Fitzgerald or Howard County. She denigrates an entire socioeconomic class for the actions of a politician who was never a member of that class.
The outrage against Sheriff Fitzgerald is very justified, but I'm seeing a lot of irony in it.
Nicholas Rotunda
Columbia