A Sense Of Democracy
Elected officials don't really care what their citizens think, especially not after they've been elected. That certainly appears to be the position of California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation late Tuesday to ask California voters in an advisory ballot measure if they want to withdraw United States troops from Iraq.
The Democratic-backed bill put the Republican governor in a political bind because a majority of California voters support a withdrawal of some or all troops, but Schwarzenegger has hedged his own answers on the issue and his Republican base opposes withdrawal from Iraq.
"The decision to engage in or withdraw troops from war is a federal issue, not a state issue," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "Placing a non-binding resolution on Iraq on the (presidential primary) ballot, when it carries no weight or authority, would only further divide voters and shift attention from other critical issues that must be addressed."
The ballot measure had been introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland as a way of putting pressure on the White House. It also might have sent a signal to other members of the California delegation to Washington. The bill was passed by the California legislature along party lines, with no Republicans in the state Senate voting for it.
Governor Schwartzenegger's fear that it would "divide voters" is laughable. Polls show that more than half the state's voters want a timeline for withdrawal at the very least. Equally as foolish is his fear that it would shift attention from other critical issues. It's pretty hard to deal with education, infrastructure, health insurance, and public transportation when federal contributions to those other issues have dried up in the face of the billions being sucked away by the misbegotten and illegal war. Mr. Schwartzenegger knows all of this, as evidenced by the timing of his veto announcement.
The governor may have tried to minimize negative reaction to his action by delaying his decision until late Tuesday night, shortly before a midnight deadline. At an afternoon press conference, he repeatedly dodged questions about what he would do. ...
When it comes to politics, the Governator has made it clear whose side he's on. While it may not be a goosestep, it certainly is a lockstep.
Shameful.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation late Tuesday to ask California voters in an advisory ballot measure if they want to withdraw United States troops from Iraq.
The Democratic-backed bill put the Republican governor in a political bind because a majority of California voters support a withdrawal of some or all troops, but Schwarzenegger has hedged his own answers on the issue and his Republican base opposes withdrawal from Iraq.
"The decision to engage in or withdraw troops from war is a federal issue, not a state issue," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "Placing a non-binding resolution on Iraq on the (presidential primary) ballot, when it carries no weight or authority, would only further divide voters and shift attention from other critical issues that must be addressed."
The ballot measure had been introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland as a way of putting pressure on the White House. It also might have sent a signal to other members of the California delegation to Washington. The bill was passed by the California legislature along party lines, with no Republicans in the state Senate voting for it.
Governor Schwartzenegger's fear that it would "divide voters" is laughable. Polls show that more than half the state's voters want a timeline for withdrawal at the very least. Equally as foolish is his fear that it would shift attention from other critical issues. It's pretty hard to deal with education, infrastructure, health insurance, and public transportation when federal contributions to those other issues have dried up in the face of the billions being sucked away by the misbegotten and illegal war. Mr. Schwartzenegger knows all of this, as evidenced by the timing of his veto announcement.
The governor may have tried to minimize negative reaction to his action by delaying his decision until late Tuesday night, shortly before a midnight deadline. At an afternoon press conference, he repeatedly dodged questions about what he would do. ...
When it comes to politics, the Governator has made it clear whose side he's on. While it may not be a goosestep, it certainly is a lockstep.
Shameful.
Labels: California, Iraq War
posted by Diane at 3:56 AM
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