by James Henry

Created on: March 01, 2009

In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I am a moderate but a Democrat, because I definitely trust liberals more than conservatives. Keeping that in mind, you may be suprised that I would say that the governator should not be recalled.

When Arnold was elected Governor, I thought it was the ultimate joke. I could imagine Sly Stallone running against him. Only in California could this happen, I thought, forgetting momentarily that another California Republican actor actually went on to be a two-term President.

Since Arnold took office, I have not always agreed with his positions, but since he is fairly moderate, I found that I didn't always disagree with him either. Regardless, he was elected by the people of California, and reelected when very few people gave him a chance. He has earned the title of Governor, and he should be proud of that achievement.

The main reason why I do not think Governor Schwarzenegger should be recalled is because I believe recall elections should be rare - like impeachments. Governor Schwarzenegger has not done anything that I have seen that would suggest that he has done anything illegal or unethical while in office. Those are the standards to which I apply the litmus test of whether a duly elected public official from either party should be removed from office.

Many people on both sides of the aisle may take exception with his policies. That goes with the territory when you are in government on any level. Some may feel he is too liberal, and others may feel he is too conservative. Despite that, the fact remains that the majority of voting Californians elected this man twice. In that regard, it would be a disservice to the citizens of California to second guess those votes and try to have him removed.

These are tumultuous times for our country. California is a huge part of our national economy. When Californians begin to prosper again, the rest of us will as well. Now is not the time to enter into a divisive debate over whether the Governor should be removed from office. Expend those energies on trying to find solutions for the problems that plague our country. Then we'll all benefit from it.

On a local level, I have seen how nasty and devisive recall elections can become. They appeal to the lowest common denominator, and the temptation to engage in the bane of my existence - politics of personal destruction - become all too real. It would take time for a new governor to get in gear at a time when we need all our leaders operating on all points.

So I say that Governor Schwarzenegger should be given the opportunity to lead, and when the next election comes around, let him ride off into the sunset.

http://www.keepthegovernator.com

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