No Going Home

No girly man, our governor:

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday told officials in his hometown in Austria to remove his name from a sports stadium and stop using his name to promote the city.

The governor's request came after politicians in Graz began a petition drive to rename the stadium, reacting to Schwarzenegger's decision last week to deny clemency to condemned inmate Stanley Tookie Williams. Opposition to the death penalty is strong in Austria. [SNIP]

"In all likelihood, during my term as governor, I will have to make similar and equally difficult decisions," Schwarzenegger said in the letter. "In order to spare the responsible politicians of the city of Graz further concern, I withdraw from them as of this day the right to use my name in association with the Liebenauer Stadium."

The stadium had been renamed for the former Hollywood star in 1997. He said he wanted the lettering removed by year's end. [SNIP]

In [the letter to the officials of Graz, Austria] Schwarzenegger also said he would no longer permit the use of his name "to advertise or promote the city of Graz in any way" and would return the city's "ring of honor."

The ring was given to him in a ceremony in Graz in 1999. At the time, Schwarzenegger said he considered it "a token of sincere friendship between my hometown and me.

"Since, however, the official Graz appears to no longer accept me as one of their own, this ring has lost its meaning and value to me. It is already in the mail," the governor wrote.

The letter notes that city officials will receive a follow-up letter from Schwarzenegger's attorney.

Done like a true American.

Comments

[Jack]

Arnold Schwarzenegger has just set an example for all immigrants, take that other foot off the old country and join the rest of us as American countrymen. The autopsy photos of Tookie's victims more than convinced me that that 1981 jury made the right decision, Arnold Schwarzenegger upheld that decision.

[Shoprat]

This is a shame. At least it shows some integrity on Schwarzenegger's part.

[Skinner]

These GRAZ =ians { the officials at least} Are totally chickenshit.
First they use his name to attract tourists money Then when he makes a decision they dont like
,Which they probably Know nothing about, They turn on Him
because they"re spineless and worried about possible repercussions on themselves. I've had freinds like this. Had is the key word.

[Ashley Bowers]

Arnold has my vote for worst Governor ever!

[Francis W. Porretto]

Schwarzenegger and I disagree on any number of things, but I have the profoundest admiration for him even so. He knows where he stands. You can't budge him with contempt or intimidation.

Bless you, Governor. Long may ye reign.

[Chevy Rose]

Values and principles, drawing a line in the sand really tic liberals off.
Good job, Gov!

[Ken Summers]

"I won't be baaack!

[lgude]

Yeah, I knew nothing about Williams before his recent execution but once I got the whole picture I had to back the Terminator. This business with Graz further ups my respect for him.

[Fausta]

Good for Ahnuld!

[Synova]

Now, now, Jack. A big part of being American is that we're all from somewhere else. ;-)

Still, good for him. Too many people in this world behave with the expectation that they aren't going to be called on it. Making political hay is all fine and good when you don't expect there to be consequences.

[birdwoman]

I disagree, Synova. I am an American, born in pennsylvania, of people who were born here, of people who were born here, and so on back to at least 1840. I am NOT from somewhere else.

As for Arnold, agree with him or not, I respect the fact that he sticks to his guns!

(*)>

[tully]

Why I'm not fond of the term "Native American" in exclusive usage. I was born here.

Take no nothin', governor. Good for you.

[Skinner]

Ashley worst gov. of which state obviousley you just moved to ca.

[steveH]

Looks like Ashley missed the previous two, at least.

[Skinner]

Ashley , Are you making youre judgement On , Not getting That
Intern job? If so, you have to remember He's gotta be carefull
now.

[Skinner]

I think "monika lewinski was
The worsest naughtiest Intern
.......... EVER !!!!!!!!..........