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February 03, 2006
On Burned Bridges
Gov. Schwarzenegger appeared at a highway construction site last month to shake hand with workers and get some face time in after signing a bill that would speed up the I-405 construction that is long over due and badly needed. The Governor making face time is nothing new, he's known for doing so, but this was a bit different. All he did was show up, talk a bit, and mingle. There were no fireworks, props, Humvee's, or other antics that he's been come to be known for. Personally, I think it's refreshing. All of that stuff, while impressive to the eye distracts from the message and gets away from the point.
Fernando Losada of the California Nurses Association was not as impressed. On the appearance he said that the new image was a change in form, not in substance. Perhaps he's right. But, then again, perhaps he's wrong. It doesn't matter though, does it? The Governor burned his bridges with the CNA and other unions last November with his special election. Those bridges can't be rebuilt, and it's probable that the Unions don't want them rebuilt. Having Schwarzenegger for an enemy is great for CNA and other Unions as it gives them something to go on the news about on a regular basis, which is essential for their success. To quote a co-worker's comment, "It wouldn't matter if he bent over and peace and sunshine erupted from his butt, I still wouldn't like him."
I can see not liking a political figure for their policies but to just not like them because they are not of your party, or because your Union tells you not to, or because of some other foundationless reason is just plain dumb. What happened to free thought? I didn't like Clinton for a lot of reason, but I had to appreciate what he did for our economy. I do like Bush in some respects, but his foreign-policy needs some work. Being a Bush or Schwarzenegger hating robot deprives you of your God-given right to think and act the way you want to, not the way you're told to.
Posted by at February 3, 2006 11:33 AM