text:
In the last segment of this lecture, Dr Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 talks about practices to avoid when you are assisting your students, as well as the value of props.
Lecture 1 | Lecture 2 | Lecture 3
This is the seventh major Chakra, which focuses on self-realization. Its corresponding color is violet and/ or white. Every Yoga teacher certification course should contain basic information about the Chakras. Aura's Basic 200-hour course contains one teacher text and one training manual, which elaborate on the purposes of the Chakras.
This is the sixth major Chakra, which focuses on intuition and clarity. Its corresponding color is indigo. Within The Original Yoga Teacher Training Camp-in-a-Box (Gold) course are many resources, including a Chakra balancing kit. In addition to the Chakra Balancing kit, you also have information contained in the Aura Yoga Teacher Training Manual, and one of the teacher texts.
This is the fifth major Chakra, which focuses on self-expression. Its corresponding color is blue. Anyone who decides to become a Yoga instructor would want to have good communication skills, which this particular Chakra relates to.
This is the fourth major Chakra, which focuses on loving and relationships. Its corresponding color is green. Everyone who decides to become a Yoga teacher should have deep compassion for his or her students. Anahata in particular, is the Chakra for balanced relationships.
This is the third major Chakra, which focuses on empowerment. Its corresponding color is yellow. Manipura is an important Chakra for Yoga teacher courses because it enhances self-esteem and self-mastery.
This is the second major Chakra, which focuses on movement. Its corresponding color is orange. The importance of Svadhisthana for Yoga teachers is related to training the mind and balancing one's emotions.
This is the first major Chakra, which focuses on grounding. Its corresponding color is red. Muladhara is important to certified Yoga instructors because it has the ability to help one establish a strong mental, physical, and spiritual foundation.
In the last segment of this lecture, Dr Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 talks about practices to avoid when you are assisting your students, as well as the value of props.
Lecture 1 | Lecture 2 | Lecture 3
Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 says:
Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 says:
Precell Galorie says:
Dear Paul,
I want to THANK YOU for a wonderful yoga teacher training program. I found the program to be much more informative than what I was expecting. The program took me on a personal journey that I never expected, which made me dig deeper i(...)
Dear Paul,
I wish you and all those who are touched by the AURA Wellness Center PEACE, for your journey is blessed. I believe there is no greater gift in life than to seek understanding of the Divine Grace within each of us, the Atman. AURA's f(...)
I just received my Hatha Yoga Teacher's Diploma & I am extremely grateful for taking this course. I did research on the Internet before deciding and I discovered that not only does the Aura Wellness Center offer the most comprehensive training (...)
My name is Justin Kiely, I am a 30 years old Australian and have just completed Level 1 diploma of Yoga Therapy which took me approximately 15 months to complete (2 years was allowed).
Before commencing the diploma i was a student of Iyengar fo(...)
Dear Paul,
Thank you for the wonderful Yoga Training Program. The materials were wonderful and the weekly newsletter was awesome. I learned so much. I liked being able to replay the DVDs and CDs to refresh my memory. I read the books over and o(...)
"I had been talking about starting an exercise program for a long time. When I found out that my son could take Karate, while I attended Yoga/Pilates, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did.
After just one month of three classes a(...)
Being a single mom in a town where certification training is not offered, I was relieved to find that Aura Wellness Center had the option I was looking for: studying at your pace, on your own time, from anywhere. I first inquired about the progr(...)
I feel very fortunate that I have found the Aura Yoga Teacher Program. The course is very well assembled and it allows you to complete it at your own pace in the convenience of your own home.
Paul was always there for me, he replied to all my q(...)
Dear Dr. Jerard:
In October 2011, I completed my Certification with High Honors, from the Aura Wellness Center. From the very first phone call to Paul, in regard to Certification Training, he gave me his undivided attention. His gentle and reas(...)
Dear Paul,
Thank you for an excellent course of study for Introduction to Yoga Therapy and Level I Yoga Therapy. As a Registered Nurse, I found the curriculums and materials for both courses obviously well thought out and carefully chosen. It a(...)
Paul and Marie:
Thank you so much for granting me with my second Yoga teachers license. The material was well chosen and very interesting. The work on the Modules was motivating, enriching and very beneficiary. I enjoyed the months I studied fo(...)
Hi Paul,
Thank you for making it possible for people like me who have to work long hours to complete courses on line and successfully pass to have the ability to teach others and share the knowledge that we have been able to learn to progress w(...)
I would like to sincerely thank Paul and his team at Aura Wellness Center for offering such a wonderful option for people who are passionate about studying and sharing yoga. I cannot imagine another avenue fitting in with my lifestyle and person(...)
Dear Paul,
I am really grateful for the journey of transformation I have discovered through Aura Wellness Yoga Center, since studying my Vinyasa Yoga Course helped me gain invaluable and comprehensive knowledge and insight that I will apply t(...)
Over the past 12 months, I have received top notch instruction and guidance from Paul Jerard's Aura Yoga teacher certification course in Hatha Yoga. As I approached my mailbox in anicipation, I wondered…"will it be there?" Imagine my joy when I (...)
Aura Yoga teaching is the most accessible, easy and transformative Teacher training program on the Internet. It allowed studying in my own home, at my time with pace I have decided for my own self. And that is of course very important in this da(...)
Sorry it has taken so long Paul, been busy teaching yoga!!
Paul & Aura Wellness team
Thank you so much for a great independent study course!
I am so pleased with the journey and the beginning of a new path
teaching yoga.
Uniting what i love(...)
Words can not explain the joy this course gives. It is so well presented with great resources and the very clearest of steps. The teachings are amazing! The course allows for life with freedom to study when you can and gives so many t(...)
Good morning Paul,
I wanted to let you know that I am thrilled to have my certificate from you. I have learned a great deal about Yoga and myself. I appreciate the experience! I am now in the process of getting a Yoga and meditation program s(...)
"The Certified Meditation Teacher Course is excellent in every respect. The teaching materials are superb, consisting of a DVD, 3 CDs, and a state-of-the-art workbook by world-class meditation teachers, which includes study cards, and a comprehe(...)
Aura Wellness Center has been a delightfully refreshing experience for learning how to teach and practice. Every encounter I've had with the staff has been unfailingly supportive, instructive, friendly, and authentic. I heartily recommend Dr. Pa(...)
I hold Aura Wellness Center with high regard It's teacher's training program went beyond what I anticipated for an online training program. Because of my location, Newfoundland, Canada it is very difficult to almost impossible to find in-depth t(...)
It has been a pleasure to study your yoga, the course was very interesting, and in many ways motivating and inspiring. Also I have to highlight that it brought a high spiritual enlightment in me. Without a doubt I will forward people interested (...)
I really want to thank Paul and Aura Wellness Center, because the Certified Meditation Teacher Course was inspiring, useful, practical, and very well explained.
Paul answered me all the time I had questions, and this Course has been very helpfu(...)
Hello Paul!
Just received my Yoga Teacher 500 certificate. I am very proud to have completed this course. More importantly, I want to share with you and others contemplating this course, how much this program has improved my teaching techniques(...)
Hello Paul,
Happy New Year and sorry to have taken so long to get back to you!
I completed the 240 hour teacher training program and want to express my appreciation
for the organization of the program. The curriculum included a wide selection(...)
"For those aspiring Yoga Instructors who already have a full-time job, Aura online education is a perfect fit. Aura's educational materials are first class, giving you a thorough, well-grounded education in Yoga. I highly recommend Aura."
The (...)
The Yoga in a box program was perfect for my needs. I truly enjoyed all the components of the course. Paul was always quick to answer all my questions and welcoming to new ideas. Therefore, I was able to explore the integration of Crystal Signin(...)
Dear Paul,
Just wanted to thank you so much for the great experience I had getting my certification through your program…
After doing some research on the different options available for certification I found your web site and decided that you(...)
Hi Paul:
Thanks so much for my yoga certificate. I am really proud to display it on my wall especially since I was able to take my time in completing the Yoga Camp-in-a-Box. It looks great!
When I found the yoga teacher's training, it was a bl(...)
I was very happy when my Aura Hatha Yoga Teacher's Diploma arrived last week. I was impressed by the thoroughness of the program: the books and dvd's were excellent and I just love the Chakra Kit.
I have been teaching yoga for years and by foll(...)
I have been teaching online courses at a research university for several
years. Successful learning is a function of the motivation of the student
and the quality of the course materials. If you are motivated, you can learn
a lot from this co(...)
Dear Paul,
Thank you for guiding me along the process of becoming a certified Yoga instructor – I have thoroughly enjoyed your distance learning program. I found the training material very well put together and comprehensive. I also appreciated(...)
I just want to express my gratitude to Aura Wellness Center and to Dr.Paul Jerard. I recently completed the Digital Yoga Teacher training in-a-box Hatha Yoga course Level 1 and have received my certificate. I live in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Can(...)
Good Afternoon Paul,
Please accept my apology for having taken so long to write this. First of all, please accept my expression of gratitude for the yoga teaching program "Camp in a Box" which has allowed me to become a certified yoga instructo(...)
I wanted to express my deeply and sincere gratitude to Paul and Marie for their guidance through my training. I never felt alone. There wouldn't have been another way for me to become a certified Yoga instructor. I completed the Yoga teacher tra(...)
Aura Wellness Center online teacher training was a fantastic experience for me. I live in a rural area far away from any Yoga Teacher training source and my work doesn't allow for long periods of time away to travel to take training in person. T(...)
Dear Paul,
I deeply apologize for taking a time too long to write the testimony, this is a long overdue promise. However, I have a good excuse for that, because I finally opened up a yoga course and teach yoga! It takes a while to settle down t(...)
Dear Paul,
I received my certificate and am so thrilled to be a certified yoga instructor. I
want to thank you for being so positive and encouraging during my training.
You always answered my e-mails quickly, and I appreciate all of the comme(...)
Hi Paul and Marie,
I just wanted to drop a line to thank you again for providing such a wonderful teacher training course (and at such a great price). As you know I was teaching yoga regularly for a couple of years before taking your course, (...)
"Aura presented the course in a 'personal' feel. The course itself was very informative and helpful and provided all the stepping stones I needed to not only instruct yoga, but to also be confident in doing so. I highly recommend Aura Yoga Insti(...)
After deciding to pursue my Hot Yoga Certification, I chose Aura Wellness Yoga Center somewhat randomly based on the reviews I read. I made a very wise decision. I received my course materials including DVD's, books, and step-by-step instruction(...)
Hi, Paul!
I just wanted to drop a line and let you know how my teacher training is going. I ended up running 2 Saturday morning classes because my first planned class filled within a week through word of mouth and no advertising. I had 2 clas(...)
I've been practicing yoga for 13 years and had dreamed of becoming a certified yoga instructor. With the support of Dr. Paul Jerard, I recently completed The Original Yoga Teacher Training Camp-in-a-Box – Level 1 (PLATINUM) course and made my dr(...)
Dear Mr Jerard,
I would like to express my gratitude to Aura Wellness Center for offering a unique training course – I really enjoyed the in-depth research the course had to offer regarding teaching, philosophy and all the wonderful aspects Y(...)
The Aura Yoga Vinyasa Teacher Certification course was well structured and provided information in a variety of forms. The books and videos complemented each and reinforced what's involved in the union of a yoga practice. I recommend Aura Wellne(...)
I jumped at the opportunity to do an online yoga course with Aura right away. I am a firefighter and have a rotating schedule so it is difficult to attend a weekly class. With Aura I could go at my own pace and schedule. I also had major surgery(...)
I would like to give you a testimonial about Aura Yoga Center and your teacher training program. This is the best independent study course I have ever taken and I have taken quite a few over the years. The support available is the be(...)
Dear Paul,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for offering such a wonderful home study program. I have wanted to achieve my Yoga Teacher Certification for a very long time, but personal family circumstances required that I find a prog(...)
Dear Paul:
Last week I received my Certified Yoga Teacher certificate in the mail, and I just can't express my gratitude enough. As a mother of two small children, my dream of becoming a Yoga teacher seemed years away. Being unable to spend day(...)
Thank you so much to Aura Yoga.
I just received my certificate. And I am so pleased I was so happy to learn that even with my limitations, neck injury, I can still teach yoga and enjoy its every aspect.
I love the mind, body, breath connec(...)
As a yogi of over a decade, becoming a yoga teacher had been a dream of mine for a long time. After doing my homework into the various teacher training options that were available in my community, I can honestly say that Aura Wellness Center pro(...)
Thank you so much for this eye-opening and inspiring experience. Doing your program through distance learning was absolutely ideal and I can't wait to do the Kids Yoga Teacher Certification program. This has opened a lot of doors in the yoga and(...)
"Overall, a fabulous training program,
AURA Yoga Institute is comprehensive and offers a good balance of didactic and practical training. The training program provides to the teacher with the tools necessary to begin a career as a yoga teacher.(...)
After taking various Yoga classes for over 4 years, I was encouraged to obtain my certification by my current teacher. I researched paths for certification and came across the Aura Wellness Center's "Yoga Teacher Training Kit in a Box". While ob(...)
I remember about two years ago during winter vacation sitting at the computer and looking up some more information on Yoga. I had already been practicing for several years and it just hit me, "I want to become an instructor…. someday." I did not(...)
Hi, my name is Lucille and I am a student living
in South-Africa and did my Yoga teacher course
through Aura Wellness Yoga Center.
I am not easily impressed in life, but Aura Wellness Center
has definitely impressed me! I graduated as a
Dear Paul,
I'd just like to take a moment to share how grateful I am for your teacher training program. As a longtime Yoga practitioner, I knew I wanted to eventually get certified to share the amazing, life-affirming qualities that Yoga brings(...)
I have been practicing yoga for years but in the island where I live (Bora Bora, French Polynesia) there are no training programs available. I wanted to become certified yoga teacher to be able to teach safe to my students and progress in my pro(...)
I spent the last three months focused solely on finishing these two courses. My life was yoga…everything! When I received your email of congratulations, I was so excited that I didn't sleep…I had moments of sheer relief and then a great feeling (...)
Hello Paul and Happy New Year!
I trust this email finds you enjoying life/practice/work to its fullest!
I do apologize for the late follow up to my final exam papers being mailed to me here in Ottawa. I have been busy continuing my Yoga studie(...)
I have practiced yoga in my personal life regularly since 1984, and while my 27-year career as a pediatric occupational therapist has been tremendously rewarding, something has felt lacking. Recently realizing the importance of integrating my pe(...)
Thank you for the wonderful Vinyasa yoga teacher training program. I was truly amazed with all the available learning resources that were provided with the training. I didn't know what to expect. The course was well put together and the cost for(...)
"Dear Paul
I was thrilled to receive my Yoga Teacher Certificate, and very appreciative of your collaboration with the timeline in the marking of my exams. Already having quite a bit of Yoga experience and knowledge, I needed to formalise it so(...)
Dear Paul,
I first began the practice of yoga five years ago and have been "sharing" its joys to friends, friends of friends and family members for one year now. I was constantly being encouraged to get my teacher's certification. It has been o(...)
Namaste Paul,
It is with great happiness that I am sending you this e-mail. I have recently graduated from your Yoga Institute program and have found myself teaching Yoga in a place that has not had the opportunity to experience its greatness y(...)
Dear Paul & Marie,
Thanks to you two I have found my new passion in life-Yoga! I was first introduced to it about ten years ago but didn't fully embrace it then as I do now.
I was so fortunate to find your internet website. Something about it (...)
I wanted to take a few moments to thank Dr. Jerard and the Aura Wellness Center for their wonderful training program, as well as their assistance and guidance throughout the entire process. I received my certification this week with high honors (...)
Wow! I did it!! I became a Yoga instructor. I am very excited and happy to prove to myself that Yoga is to everybody. I started practicing yoga in March 2010 only. within two months of continuous Yoga I saw change in my performance and attitude.(...)
Aura Wellness Center has given me the flexibility and resources needed to easily and effectively acquire my yoga certification. I have been practicing yoga since 2005 and teaching yoga since 2009. However, there were no local yoga training progr(...)
Just wanted to take a moment and send an email for your website testimonials! I am still excited about this CYT training course!!! This has been one of the best decisions that I have made! Your course has been an incredible blessing not only to (...)
Dear Paul,
Thanks very much for everything. I have truly enjoyed my experience with Aura Yoga. I did 270 hours of teacher training and earned the designation of Yoga Shikshak in Bangalore, India, which was a great experience. But I feel that th(...)
I have recently received my yoga certification from the Aura Wellness Yoga Center. What a wonderful learning opportunity it has been! As I am a nomad of sorts, it was the perfect approach as I could study and practice yoga where ever I was and(...)


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Which is the Better CPO Buy: Luxury or Economy?
The first factory-certified pre-owned cars were luxury models, starting with Mercedes-Benz in 1989 and followed by Porsche in 1991 and Lexus in 1993. Later Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, Toyota, Saturn and Volvo joined in. Now, nearly every automaker offers a program.
Early on, certified pre-owned cars were seen as alternatives to new cars and, for the most part, were low-mileage cars coming off a lease, said Rob Gentile, director of web product development for Consumer Reports.
"These were 2- to 3-year-old cars with less than 50,000 miles on them. Now most everyone offers certified cars," Gentile said. "And now we have 5- to 8-year-old cars with more than 60,000 miles on them because there were only so many low-mileage cars out there and people only had so much money to spend on them."
So, is it best to buy a certified luxury car or a certified economy one?
"The rate of savings is the same, but the amount of the savings is greater with a luxury car because of all the money you save on depreciation," Gentile said.
"Smaller and off-brand cars, like Isuzu for example, depreciate quicker than luxury models because there is a very hot market for pre-owned luxury vehicles," said Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research.
Spinella said that even when you factor in new-car incentives, consumers save about $3,200 in buying a 2- to 3-year-old car; all that money comes in the form of depreciation that the original owner had to absorb.
"If it's a luxury certified pre-owned, the savings on depreciation is even greater, usually three times that on a non-luxury car, because you are starting from a higher base," he said.
You can expect to pay from $800 to $1,300 more for a factory-certified pre-owned car than a non-certified vehicle of the same make and model because the price is kicked up to defray the cost of inspection, repairs and warranty.
That added cost is offset by the fact that you save about $2,000 in depreciation on a certified pre-owned 2- to 3-year-old car than a non-certified one, Spinella said.
"Because it isn't inspected and repaired, the non-certified car usually has more miles that bring more wear and tear, plus older, worn components that will need repair," he said.
Few people notice when a luxury sedan is more than 2 or 3 years old, so many buyers who want the image and prestige of a luxury car without that initial big price tag favor certified cars.
One of the reasons for buying a used car is to avoid absorbing the huge chunk of depreciation you will when buying a new car.
"When buying new, you might have to pay $30,000, but depreciation on that car is 20 to 40 percent in the first two to three years, depending on whether it's a luxury or an economy car," Gentile said. "So if you wait two to three years to buy the car rather than pay $30,000, you might only pay $20,000.
"So why buy used? To save money. And with a certified used car you not only save money, you get a vehicle that was inspected, repaired and given a factory warranty, so you save money and get added value."


text: The optional wireless Single-zone CONNEX Controller can operate one or more LPC and PCH heaters, with a simple snap installation into a decor-style wall plate. The built-in radio frequency transceiver eliminates the need to run wires.LPC and PCH heaters communicate through radio frequency to provide whole home comfort. Install one remote control for multiple units and maintain a precise temperature throughout your home. Or, use multiple controls to set desired temperatures in different rooms, saving energy costs with zonal heating.


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We would like to put a smile on the Grumpy AT Elves faces, by saying a big thank you. We ordered stuff on friday and recieved it Monday in the UK - we were blown away. We have been waiting weeks for stuff from british websites.
Keep up the good work, you are all good punk rockers. Nige + Toni.
It was an incredible night I will never forget. Anyway thanks for the email and I am looking forward to my package in the mail.David"
12/02/04: Aad Bass Customer!
"Just got my cd's and gotta say, you guys are the best...not only three bad ass cd's but all sorts of other free posters and stickers... rock on !"
11/29/04: Phone companies ROCK!
"Your internet service should be back within an hour"
- Local phone company to us last Wednesday. Our internet access (and our ability to update this site, download new orders, and all the rest) was shut down from Wednesday 11/24 to this afternoon Monday 11/29. That's what we get for using all of this technology stuff, right?
Please join me in supporting the display of the Ten Commandments in all public places, including schools and courtrooms."
- From a mass e-mail from the American Family Association about pressuring the US Supreme Court to allow the US government to post a list of moral commands from the Old Testament of the Bible in government buildings. Apparently the whole separation of church and state thing is SO 20th Century!
You can reach the American Family Association at:American Family Association, 107 Parkgate Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801, phone # 662-844-5036
11/15/04: Hassle-Free Day!
i got my package yesterday... made it through customs with no hassles.
thanks again folks... you're the best!
hugsnsmooches, jeff
- George W. Bush, 11/4/04
- George W. Bush, 10/27/04, Lititz, Pennsylvania (Reuters News Service)
p.s. 'Never Breathe What You Can't See' gets my vote for Album of the Year. Jello is clearly better off without Klaus, Ray and Peligro.
Yeah! Thanks again, B.
- Robert S. McIntyre, lead author of the brand new study, "Corporate Income Taxes in the Bush Years."(New York Times, "Study Finds Accelerating Drop in Corporate Taxes," Lynnley Browning, New York Times, 9-23-04)
09/14/04: AT rulz GTA forums wrld-wd!
Hi, im very happy wiz the Virus 290 had safely arrived to me the day 9 & there's alot of things that i don't knew; i've lughted alot wiz some of the Jello explains & how he spoken 'bout his teacher, that 1 from Norway. I wear now very proud my dear workin' jacket wiz the BIG bat on the back, the speed of the postal service still have me amazed; i hope to be able of buy more music, maybe clothe & some other things that i find interestin'.
I love some of the details in the record & in the catalog among the stuff that came wiz it. Yar the fuckin' bosses. I try do do as much publy of Alternative Tentacles as i can, from speakin' to the ppl 'bout you, to do it in some computer game forums, do do it in missions in those games.
Many thanx 4 all, u've done me very very happy. God bless u all, let's cu!!.
"As Dale Maharidge reports... after spending more than two years crisscrossing the heartland, ...the 9/11 appeals tap into a growing fury over conditions that seem incapable of being righted but have nothing to do with terrorism. Maharidge writes, 'The 9/11 attacks were not solely the genesis but an amplifier of pre-existing tensions- rooted in the radically transformed American economy, from a manufacturing dynamo to that of millions of jobs of the Wal-Mart variety.'"
Here is Dale Maharidge's full article in The Nation entitled "Rust & Rage in the Heartland."


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Jan 9, 2013 The Daily Beast
Arizona's Joe Arpaio is back in the news—this time, he's sending armed 'posses' to protect Phoenix school kids. Terry Greene Sterling on why the sheriff's plan is truly terrifying.
The self-described "Toughest Sheriff in America" raced off to a hospital emergency room on Monday night to comfort the family of one of his deputies, who was fighting for his life after being gunned down in a Phoenix suburb. Outside the hospital, 80-year-old Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio lamented to a local NBC news affiliate that there "seems to be quite a bit of violence out there."
Now, Arpaio says he's got a plan to fix it: armed volunteer "posses" that will patrol the areas around some 50 Phoenix-area schools. He'd been touting his plan just hours before his deputy was shot, during an interview with CNN's Piers Morgan. The full plan, and the posse, will be unleashed at a press conference on Wednesday, but Arpaio, outfitted in his trademark gold gun tie clip, has been giving interviews to carefully selected broadcast journalists like Morgan. (Earlier in the segment, Morgan had interviewed Alex Jones, a conspiracy theorist radio host and gun-rights advocate whose own topics have included Arpaio's claims—using yet another "posse" of investigators—that Obama's birth certificate is a fraud
Arpaio once told me he got the idea for these so-called posses from watching Western movies as a kid. He claims to have the biggest posse in the world, numbering about 3,000 volunteers, and says about 500 of them are armed, some with automatic weapons. His office won't provide data backing these claims.
Latching his posse onto a national controversy—in this case, the gun-control debate generated by the recent slaughter of children in a Newtown, Conn., school—is a tried-and-true Arpaio technique that appears to have a clear purpose: generate worldwide press, secure more donations from loyal fans, and distract journalists and the public from ongoing allegations of civil-rights violations, wrongful deaths, mismanagement and misspending. Arpaio always denies politicking, and told Piers Morgan that by utilizing his well-trained posse he intended to take immediate action to "keep bad guys out of schools."
But to many Latino kids in Maricopa County, Arpaio and his allies are the bad guys. And advocates fear this particular posse stunt might severely impact school attendance and further stress some students who fear their undocumented parents might get deported.
The reason: For six years, Arpaio has ordered raids of Latino neighborhoods and workplaces, and some raids were shock-and-awe extravaganzas with battalions of patrol cars, horses, helicopters and uniformed posse members. Arpaio once formed an "illegal immigration posse" to round up undocumented immigrants. (This posse included actor Steven Seagal.) As a result, many of the Hispanic kids who make up nearly half of about 693,000 students attending public schools in the Phoenix area, and their parents, are leery of anyone in a sheriff's uniform, regardless of their intentions. And that includes posse members.
"Arpaio is seen by children as 'El Cucuy'—the Boogey Man," explains Salvador Reza, a Phoenix-area organizer for community groups known as Barrio Defense Committees. "He's seen as an oppressor, a violator of human rights, a divider of families."
"We have heard stories of kids peeing themselves during Arpaio raids," Reza tells me. "Even American citizens are terrified of Arpaio because they think he will take away their parents. It petrifies them. They don't want to go to school."
In an email, Brandon Jones, a spokesman for Arpaio, said the new posse isn't intended to appeal to a "fan base," but is to serve "a local need."
"The Sheriff is starting this School Posse program in order to allow everyone to feel safe sending their kids to school," said Jones in the email. "Using the history of his Mall Patrol Posse, statistically driving down crime at the local malls, he believes this is an appropriate way to address the public's outcry for more security in and around schools." He said the final details are still being worked out, included how much the program might cost or how many people will be involved. He said some of the posse members will use their own marked cars, and others might use patrol cars if they're available.
Jones also said that the sheriff isn't "out to get" anyone in the Latino community and people shouldn't be frightened.
That's not how José Moreno, a former undocumented immigrant who is professor of Latino Education and Policy Studies at California State University (Long Beach) and president of the board of the Anaheim City School District, sees it. He characterizes Arpaio's posse ploy as "a backdoor way to terrorize a community."