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Al Gore Says Thanks, but No Thanks to Climate Czar Role

LibertySugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:39 -0800

Word on the street is that Barack Obama plans to create a "climate czar" position to lead his administration's climate change and energy policies. But Al Gore, the most likely candidate, has already said that he doesn't want the job.

Perhaps Al Gore either didn't want to fill out that cumbersome questionnaire Obama is passing out to potential appointees, or saw the position as a demotion from vice president. Then again maybe he thinks he can get more done outside of government. Whatever the reason, Al Gore's disinterest may clear the way for another candidate — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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States, Provinces to Cap and Trade Sans Federal Governments

LibertySugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Seven western US states and four Canadian provinces have agreed to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 15 percent before 2020. Proud of the Western Climate Initiative, Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asserted:

We’re sending a strong message to our federal governments that states and provinces are moving forward in the absence of federal action, and we’re setting the stage for national programs that are just as aggressive.

So how will Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec curb climate change? To find out,

Schwarzenegger Vetoes Climate Change Curriculum Bill

LibertySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:03:50 -0700

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill last week that would have required all future science textbooks to discuss climate change as a distinct subject. High school science material already includes the sometimes-controversial topic in the weather unit.

Governor Schwarzenegger explained that he supports teaching climate change in schools, but does not think state lawmakers should dictate specific curriculum.

While the general scientific consensus regarding climate change gets a meaningful boost from official backing, I appreciate Schwarzenegger's skepticism of legislating educational material. And as Schwarzenegger pointed out, state agencies are currently developing a K-12 environmental curriculum.

California has taken some official steps in addressing climate change; for example, new cars will soon be required to display a global warming score. Do you think the possibility for climate change curriculum offers another responsible response to the crisis, or should education be free from all mandates, even if honorable?

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California Becomes First State To Ban Trans Fats

CitizenSugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:48:21 -0700

California Becomes First State To Ban Trans Fats California on Friday became the first state to ban trans fats from restaurant food, following several cities and major fast-food chains in erasing the notorious artery-clogger from menus. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation that will ban restaurants and other retail food establishments from using oil, margarine and shortening containing trans fats. "Today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California," he said.

States Struggling: Budget Crises Lead to Desperate Measures

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:01:09 -0700

If you thought your wallet was feeling light, it's not just you — states are feeling the budget crunch just as hard — with unique ways to manage the money meltdown.

In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has just threatened to pay state employees federal minimum wage in an effort to push lawmakers to agree on a budget. Even though minimum wage hikes up today, it would still mean thousands of workers would only take home $6.55 an hour (which is still $1.45 an hour less than CA's minimum wage.)

The budget stall comes as Republicans and Democrats battle to bridge the $15.2 billion budget shortfall California is facing. Republicans want to deal with money crisis through cuts, Democrats are angling for more taxes. Schwarzenegger says he won't sign a budget unless it contains improvements like a rainy day fund to help the state through tough times. Hmm. Just like we're supposed to have at home!

Also in the category of, "Governments! They're just like us!" Gas! Though consumers have been concerned about the price of fuel for months, state budgets — especially for driving heavy departments, like the police — are way overdrawn on fuel bills. To see how cops have to carpool,

Luxurious? Juvenile System To Cost California $378 million

LibertySugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:00:39 -0700

Get this — California taxpayers will spend $378 million next year to care for 1,500 juvenile inmates. In addition to this exorbitant cost, the money spent is more of a waste than an investment, since three out of four juvenile inmates re-offend within three years.

These considerations have prompted a state watchdog group to suggest that California dump its juvenile prisons, in a new report sent to Governor Schwarzenegger and other lawmakers.

The report recommends scrapping the statewide juvenile justice bureaucracy and replacing juvenile prisons with county-run regional centers for the most serious offenders. The less serious offenders would stay in local juvenile halls. Due to the decrepit state of juvenile prisons, if the state does not reform the system, it will have to pay a lot to replace the current, and not so successful, one.

What should society do to get young offenders back on the right track, instead of pushing them further down the wrong one?

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Hasta La Vista, GOP? Schwarzenegger Would Join Obama

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:04 -0700

Well, well what do we have here. California governor, actor, body builder, Kennedy spouse . . . and Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger, seems open to being President Barack Obama's "Energy Czar."

When asked if he would consider leading Obama's energy programs, the Governator said:

I take his call now, and I will take his call when he's president — any time. Remember, no matter who is president, I don't see this as a political thing, I see this as we always have to help, no matter what the administration is."

Obama, arguably an Abraham Lincoln-wannabe, says he wants a "Team of Rivals" a la Lincoln; so Arnold might be a compelling addition to a bipartisan cabinet. But don't forget, Arnold endorsed McCain in January! Perhaps Arnold is hedging his political bets by suggesting he would take a position in the Obama administration, but I can't hold his bipartisanship and dedication to the energy issue against him.

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Schwarzenegger Says "No Fireworks" for 4th, Fires Rage On

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

With more than 1,400 fires engulfing the forests of California, President George W. Bush has designated areas from Nevada to the Pacific Ocean an official federal disaster area, allowing FEMA to dispatch equipment and financial relief to the counties that have been devastated by the blazes. So far more than 17,000 firefighters from more than 35 states are currently battling the fires with nearly 1,200 fire engines and 85 helicopters.

Given the unprecedented amount of fires raging throughout the state, the air in Northern California has been reduced to an unhealthy smog of ash causing the cancellation of athletic activities and other outdoor events. Some regions are registering the worst air quality on record with smoke from the fires ascending to the ground levels like a fog. Air quality departments are concerned about small-particle pollution in which tiny particles can penetrate the immunity system and burrow deep into the lungs and blood stream. Health officials have reported an increase in eye and throat irritation and have warned that the poor air can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis.

The raging fires are putting a damper on Independence Day celebrations as well. To see how,

Arnold Schwarzenegger Supports Gay Marriage Ruling

LibertySugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:00:56 -0700

Now that the California Supreme Court overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage, the real question is whether the ruling will stick. California's Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has twice vetoed same-sex marriage legislation, has decided he will be one less person standing in the way of gay couples joyously planning their nuptials.

Arnold said he supports the ruling, which overturned an unconstitutional voter-approved ban, despite his personal view that "marriage is between a man and a woman." He told the SF Chronicle:

When the people vote, people are not legal experts, constitutional experts or any of that. I think that's why we have the courts. People may vote with good intentions, but then the court says, "This is not constitutional. It's not that the court interferes with the will of the people. But the court says, "You voted for something, but it's not constitutionally right, so let's rework this.'"

But the governator's support doesn't stop the battle. To see what's next,

Alec Baldwin Coming to an Election Near You?

LibertySugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:45:08 -0700

Alec Baldwin is getting ready to retire from acting. The Democratic actor just sat down with 60 Minutes to discuss his future in . . . politics! Now that he's turning 50, Alec says he's ripe for elected office. I say —now that he's 50, he also has more skeletons in his not-so-private closet. But, Alec says he's ready for the public scrutiny, and will be more careful about his actions. He explained: You can pretty much bet all you own that I would never leave another voicemail message for my daughter that wasn’t just like something out of a Rogers and Hammerstein score.

Want to hear more of this? The whole interview will air this Sunday. Alec has had politics on the brain for a while. Back in 2004, Alec had strong words for fellow actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, saying "if the largest, most economically significant state in America could elect a man who is totally unqualified for the job, then they can elect anyone." Going back even further, in 2000 Alec said he would move to Canada if George W. Bush was elected. Guess he couldn't find a flight!Do you think Americans want to cast movie stars as their leaders? Would you vote for Alec? Source

Alec Baldwin Coming to an Election Near You?

He's got my vote! He could resurrect government like he did his career.

Awesome! He would be as tough on US enemies as he is on his daughter.

No way. Alec Baldwin is unqualified at best, crazy at worst.

Undecided. Only if he stays on 30 Rock, too.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

The Terminator Fires Dirty Harry Over State Parks

LibertySugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:00:46 -0700

Well this only-in-California story involves Clint Eastwood, a Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and environmentalists. Governor Schwarzenegger let go conservationist/ex-mayor/actor/director/producer Clint Eastwood from his position as a California park commissioner. Arnold's brother-in-law, Bobby Shriver, also got terminated.

Arnold says he just wanted to give other people a chance, but Clint thinks it's politics. Eastwood and Shriver suspect they were fired because they opposed a toll road through an Orange County beach. Clint said: "Somebody got a bee under their bonnet at the right moment, so there we are. I guess he felt we were going to be guys who were going to be obstructionists for anything through state parks."

Enter the environmentalists, just

Headline: Schwarzenegger Flexes Muscle for McCain

CitizenSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:07:42 -0800

Leading up to the big Super Tuesday primaries, which include California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially endorsed John McCain. The former muscle man's endorsement joins fellow action star Sylvester Stallone's, adding strength to McCain's campaign. At the announcement (with Rudy Giuliani interestingly also on stage) Schwarzenegger praised McCain's history of reaching across the aisle to get things done and called him a "great American hero."

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