When the Federal Court dismissed our lawsuit challenging the Miami-Dade Sex Offender Residency Restrictions (currently on appeal), Miami-Dade County issued a press release stating, “Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz is applauding a federal district court ruling that upholds the County’s residency restrictions on sex offenders.”
The residency restrictions, which have been proven ineffective and actually counter-productive in protecting children and which have caused about 200 registered citizens to live homeless alongside the railroad tracks at NW 71st Street and 36th Court in Miami, were spearheaded by Pepe Diaz.
In a 2009 Miami Herald Interview about the registrants living under the Julia Tuttle causeway, it was said of Diaz; “Miami Dade County Commissioner Pepe Diaz sleeps well at night, too, knowing that he helped his county pass some of the toughest sexual offender laws in the country.”
Today all citizens are applauding the arrest of hypocrite Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz for DUI and sleeping better at night knowing that this dangerous threat to public safety will be off the road!
According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD):
- In 2010, drunk driving killed 10,228 people and injured another 345,000.
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An average drunk driver has driven drunk at least 80 times before their first arrest.
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in 2011, 226 children were killed in drunk driving crashes.
If you want to watch the video of Pepe Diaz’s arrest, you can watch it here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article36018765.html
Just this past summer California State Senator and convicted Drunk Driver Ben Hueso introduced a bill requiring all registrants to submit all email and internet identifiers. A member of the public who, during public comment in Senate Committee hearings, attempted to make reference to the Senator’s criminal record and inherent risk to public safety, was swiftly silenced by the Committee Chair.
The bill somehow died on the very last day of the legislative session after being unanimously approved along the way – several times with language to be filled in later.
One can only guess that massive and coherent opposition – by CA RSOL, the ACLU (yay) and many private citizens – played a part in this.
Never give up. Never ever give up.
Umm glad I stuck around to read a few of these “choice” points of view from FAC and its members. I think Sixto was one of the first commenters that got FAC to rear its ugly head and expose itself for what it really is. Just another SO hate group with a “hard-on” for anyone who represents the “system” . Oh and Viola such a nice touch with the “I also want to see “man’s inhumanity to man” cease comment. So compelling Viola, it would be nice to see that statement in conjunction with a description of one of your fellow members here at FAC sex crimes. But that would be too much to hope for. I really have to smile about the outrage you people display on the Homeless sex offenders in Dade County. Bet you dollars to doornails you would change that tune after 5 minutes in a homeless camp . In fact you could spend the bulk of the day in one and be hard-pressed to find one word of English spoken. Since you people are more focused on the “outrage’ than the facts, I’ll give you a head’s up and save you the trouble of embarrassing yourselves. These homeless offenders are “criminal aliens” they either slithered over Florida state lines or Floated up on our shores. They don’t belong here and they suck up any viable space/footage that could be used for our own citizens (even if those citizens are Sex Offenders) FAC really does need to pick their battles a little more carefully. In fact if one takes this to a completed thought , One would have to wonder if residency restrictions would even be an issue if we deported those who technically do not belong here. Amazing your efforts are almost a “free the slaves” campaign, when those slaves (offenders) shouldn’t be standing on U.S. soil in the first place. Jose Pepe Diaz and Mayor Dermer of Miami Beach had no choice but to implement stronger ordinances, the area was a feeding ground for every deviant who washed up on shore or overstayed their visas. C’mon people ,have you bothered to even Look at Miami -Dade’s registry? Obviously not . But you’ll find time to stand in the publics face and demand we accommodate them, right?
Valerie – You are absolutely incorrect on this one. The “dollars to doornails” you bet would be lost because the plaintiffs in our case, who ARE among the 200 homeless registrants who are living at 71st and NW 36th Court are US Citizens, born and raised here.
I think Miami-Dade’s registry has many Hispanics, but that’s proportionate to the overall population of Miami-Dade County. That doesn’t make them illegal aliens either, mind you…
If you like; take a drive down to the homeless encampment at 71st and NW 36th and take a walk around, you’ll see the population is representative of Miami-Dade County and you’ll certainly hear plenty of English being spoken.
With that said; do you think those who are born and bred US citizens should be treated this inhumanely?
Valerie,
Just exactly what kind of person are you? from your comment you think that treating a human being horrible and worse than animals is fine. Perhaps you should go live in a homeless camp without water, bathroom, shelter, electric, etc…
I think it is a travesty that you think treating another being worse than an animal is fine cause you are under the belief that they don’t belong here!
I feel so sorry for you and your thought process.
A human is a human regardless where they come from or if there yellow, green, red, purple, white, blue, black, pink, brown, etc… and no human deserves to live in such horrible conditions!
Valerie “Valigator” Parkhurst is a well-known for her acrimonious commentary on articles relating to registered citizens and racial issues.
Naturally, our points of view differ dramatically, but our forum is a vehicle for discussion and so long as nothing is too offensive or off-topic, we include everyone’s comments.
Dear Valeria,
Although all humans are subjected to a sense of shadenfreude time and again, some overcome it and miss the downward spiral it sits atop.
None of us should be reveling in another person’s suffering, not you, not FAC. The only good thing about this, and the hundreds of other stories like it, is that it exposes the base truth that we ALL have skeletons in our closets and we are ALL capable of wrongdoing. Seeing the person on the high horse of hypocritical righteousness being shown for the human they are, it has to feel good for a moment to those who have been nothing but shamed and banished for their wrongdoings, and who maybe see no light at the end of the tunnel until they are reminded that even those in high places face their judgment day. Maybe those people will grow some compassion after an event like this, if they can work past the denial or if they are even punished at all, and help undo some of the damage they’ve done.
Valeria, your day of exposure may await you as we speak. Or maybe you are judging yourself too harshly when you look in the mirror, so you away to see others’ flaws. Consider these truths every time you pass judgment so readily.
First they came for the Registered Sex Offenders, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a [Registered] Sex Offender.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
In not surprise the posting applauding the arrest of Commissioner Jose Pepe Diaz. In all fairness you have the right to express yourself in an open forum. But the fact that you applaud when someone has made a mistake or as a problem is shameful and a total disgrace to your organization. That’s just plain hate and wishing someone harm! And why? Because he might not have approved or supported a cause you believe it! But does this give us the right as humans to celebrate or applause someone’s problem or hard time? I wonder if the reasons for such hate amoung everyone posting is because you have never made a mistake or misjudgement because everyone here is perfect. Or is it just plain ignorance? Why not wait for for due process Instead of convicting anyone without having a day in court. I guess we should just fill the law books away and Our constitution and close the court systems and just convict everyone that makes a mistake or misjudgment etc without allowing anyone to have a day in court! The fact is when you read the postings you wonder if anyone is a Christian and or believe in a GOD! Sadly your Organization cannot hold weight when you promote hate and you kick everyone that is down and can’t or won’t be given an opportunity to defend themselves! And for what?! Because he didn’t approve or agree with one if not more of your agenda. Let’s forgot the last 24 years this man has severed his community and all the good he’s done! No lets focus on the one thing he’s done wrong because you hate the guy! I pray for all of you to remove the hate within your hearts and minds and really read and listen to what you are all promoting!
Sixto – why don’t you pray the same for Pepe Diaz? That he removes the hate from his heart and give a darn about 200 human beings that are living homeless in his county because of a law that he passed which (a) is proven to be ineffective and (b) kicks people when they are down for the rest of their lives.
The very things that you complain about our post (or our organization), such as affording someone no opportunity to defend themselves and forgetting about all the good one has done in their lives and judging them forever based on a single mistake, are the things Commissioner Pepe Diaz has done to registered citizens.
If he wants the opportunity, he’s very welcome to address his concerns with FAC, if he will afford us the same opportunity. Consider this an invitation!
At the end of the day, Pepe Diaz, is going to sleep in a bed tonight. 200 registered citizens will sleep outdoors, without shelter and without a toilet or running water, all because of a mistake they made – some decades ago. Whether it was the Julia Tuttle, Shorecrest or now the Railroad Tracks, the Commissioner didn’t give a shit about them. Makes you wonder if HE is a Christian or believes in God for passing such draconian punishments and not caring about it! Maybe this is just God giving him a well-deserved sense of humility.
I get your point and what your are saying. I can’t speak to on why Jose Pepe Diaz didn’t vote or do what was asked for the homeless. I’m sorry that their are people homeless and wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But that doesn’t make it right for you and anyone to celebrate the bad of someone just because you feel that their decision wasn’t the right one for you. The fact is that no one should applaud the misfortunes of others! Example I want to make. Every day 7 children day of cancer, and there hasn’t been any funding or new drugs made for children but all funding and new drugs are for adult cancers. This year just like the prior year we requested that the White be lite up in gold to bring awareness to pediatric cancer in which this Month represents. The Obama administration and White House said no! But when the equalities for gays were voted in the White House lite up in rainbow colors celebrating gays. What about the children that are dying? Don’t they matter? Does that give me the right to say hateful things to anyone making that decision? No! The point is that you and your follower might be happy for the disgrace of a man just because he did something that didn’t help your cause! Perhaps not saying hateful things like calling him a dirt bag, or hope he has a taste of his medicine is the correct why to bring your point accross. Buy wishing him harm is that going to house the homeless and or feed the hungry? Probably not. Stick with your fight to find the resources for those who can’t help themselves. Don’t make your organzation to be the one people look at and say look at them they laugh and celebrate the falling of someone. Use your voice to fright the battle of awareness of the very people you speak about! I don’t go and insult the very people that refuse to see or help me or the various foundations to bring awareness in finding a cure for children. I keep fighting the battle with all the parents have lost a child or is losing a child because there are not enough resources to help them from dying. Jose Pepe Diaz will have his date in court and all you should do is report the news fairly without making your point of hate .
Sixto – we respect your opinion and agree that there are many issues which don’t get the attention they deserve.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however; first, Commissioner Diaz is the one who pushed for and passed the laws that are CAUSING 200 people to live homeless. It’s not just that he didn’t do something to help the problem – he IS THE REASON for the problem. Second, we are not a news organization – our posts are not intended to report on current events. Our organization is an advocacy group that fights for the rights of registered citizens. In doing so, we’ll put down those who have put us down.
If a holier-than-thou commissioner passes a bad law and makes comments to the effect of him not caring that there are hundreds of people living under a bridge under the guise of public safety, then goes out and drives drunk going more than twice the speed limit, he deserves to be called out on his hypocrisy.
Nobody is happy that anyone is getting arrested and nobody at FAC is happy that anyone did anything to jeopardize the safety of another. FAC does not condone the actions that led to someone being placed on the registry. To the contrary, we condemn it and believe a just sentence is warranted. The point here is that everyone has done something in their life which they wish they could undo and which they deeply regret. Nobody is infallible. But after the punishment is over and the lesson learned, everyone deserves to live past it – including Pepe Diaz.
The Miami-Dade Sex Offender Residency Restriction – which was passed by Commissioner Diaz – is the proximate cause for 200 people to sleep homeless at night and there is no end to that punishment. It endures for life, regardless of how many decades ago the crime was committed, regardless of how heinous or benign the “sex offense” was and regardless of anything an individual can ever do to repent for.
Nobody is happy that Commissioner Diaz chose to do something so irresponsible and reckless to endanger others. Hopefully, however, Mr. Diaz has some new-found empathy for those who have made mistakes or done bad things, but are really not bad people, and deserve an opportunity earn a chance at a meaningful life. Hopefully he will do something to end the needless suffering he’s created.
Sixto,
If politicians, news, etc. told lies and made false statements about cancer and/or research a cause you believe in and if all cancer patients went on a list and if a local politician comes along and helps to create local law stating anyone on that list must live outside, no bathroom, shower, water, etc… and then years later that politician does something that can easily harm or injure or kill others tell me you would not be happy that person will no longer be in power.
Sixto, you come on here condemning the author trying to point out faults, are you not doing the same thing that you say is wrong?
Sixto-
I appreciate that you are advocating for pediatric cancer research.
I think the FAC-Admin’s reply to your post aptly answers what it is you are trying to say, but to put it a little more illustratively, I’ll apply it directly to your analogy.
You are advocating for getting rid of cancer. You say that you will not speak poorly of those that do not aid you in your fight. This is certainly admirable. Keep in mind, you are not trying to get rid of those that do not aid you. You are trying to get rid of cancer.
We are trying to get rid of legislators that pass unconstitutional laws and also the laws that they draft. To draw a direct line–Pepe is not someone who is not aiding us in our fight against this ‘cancer.’ He is the ‘cancer.’
Further, we harbor no animosity towards those that do not actively help us, but the same certainly could not be said for those that actively hinder us. I think that you might find that you are the same in that respect, if you were to consider that for a moment.
Hopefully that can help you see from our point of view a little more clearly.
Scott – this is a very good analogy.
I appreciate you and Randy jumping into this one!
Glad you liked it.
Bit off topic, but I found another analogy today. Guess this guy didn’t get the message about effectiveness of public registries:
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/09/24/lewiston-mayor-wants-online-registry-of-welfare-recipients/
Sixto
I don’t think FAC approved or supports unconstitutional feel good laws, i know i don’t and i know many other non kool-aid drinkers do not as well; thus, your statement “Because he might not have approved or supported a cause you believe it! ” is very much incorrect!
Sixto, you are confusing hate with our concern with how Constitutional Laws are administered. Our Founding Fathers provided us with a framework that we are admonished to work within to remain FREE as a society. When we begin to abrogate certain Amendments that are part of that framework, i.e. the III, IV, V, IX and XIV Amendments that guarantee our rights to privacy, non-incrimination and safety under the Law and the very people who are supposed to UPHOLD those rights abrogate them, or break another, do we not have the right to point that error out? It’s not just a question of trying to be hateful, but it’s a question of trying to level the playing field, which is very, very hard in the State of Florida, when we have nepotism in the State Senate (Lauren Book, with her father’s passion for the Registry, when her offender was not on the Registry, and people like Pepe Diaz, who are so lame-brained, that they somehow in their imaginations, think that it will be okay to pass laws that make it impossible for homeless people to live. I WAS homeless in Hillsborough County for 11 months. Thank God it wasn’t in Miami-Dade. I would have been treated as a criminal.
That said, we all have our causes; yours happens to be pediatric cancer, a noble cause. Most children survive their cancers, but from personal experience, I know that there can be as many as 3 or 4 remissions and each of them are a huge battle for the child. I WANT to see pediatric cancers cured as well. But, I also want to see “man’s inhumanity to man” cease and to see the laws regarding the Registry in the State of Florida changed. They are pointless, counterproductive, cost time and money and law enforcement resources better served elsewhere. No one here hates you. None of us are that important. It’s the cause that is important and you would do well to remember that!
FAC might want to think twice about making you “point man” for their cause Viola, you are dismal at it. You may want to cruise over to WAR or Oncefallen’s site. The mindset seems a better fit.
Dear Sixto,
Agreed. On the point of not relishing in another person’s falling from grace, you are right. And thank you for speaking out against any apparent hypocrisy here. The point of FAC is to reverse this type of thinking, not foster it, and I think that is what you will find mostly.
However, while some commentary might be lacking in compassion, the article is not all about throwing this person in the gutter. It’s about showing, yet again, that these outspoken profiteers and hatemongerers are as flawed as those they persecute relentlessly and without regard. This righteous hypocrite has done much harm to many people, many families. His cruelty was met with, just perhaps, a little karmic response. And for that, some might initially “applaud” in a moment of bittersweet joy.
When the news broke that Hitler had been defeated and had taken his own life, the majority probably felt a sigh of relief and, unnecessarily, a sense of bittersweet joy. But then came sadness, anger, etc., and eventually, for many including those he harmed, forgiveness. We cannot expect anyone’s initial response, or any response really, to be purely logical. The emotional brain is the first master of our behavior, this is something we fail to acknowledge so often and because of it we fall into a virtual stupor while thinking we have it all under control and all figured out. So, kneejerk reactions are sometimes unavoidable. We say things in the heat of argument that we truly regret. Just one common example. So, forgive those who would take any joy in this incident. This man should be pitied for the state he must be in to act so selfishly and intentionally harmful, he deserves the same forgiveness every person wants. Any compassionate person might first feel joy that this man has been “caught” to some degree, especially because it’s another one for the books of a righteous hate-mongerer being exposed, but in the long run the compassionate person will cede to the more humane attributes of forgiveness and understanding.
First they came for the Registered Sex Offenders, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a [Registered] Sex Offender.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Lets give this dirt-bag a little taste of his own medicine? Why not put up a web site I WILL DO IT FOR FREE! List all of his personal info-picture-address-where he works-pay for a small add of the web site url of this dirt bag!
best thing we can do is post links to our article from other places.
Here’s another video that shows what happened during the car ride to jail
https://youtu.be/30hSwi30TF4
if you forward to 16 minutes in you can hear him say, “do whatever you got to do, my career is ended anyway”
Welcome to the club, Pepe!
tells me video is private…cannot view 🙁