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California: learn from our mistake
By Joe Palmersheim
Published:
Thursday, October 9, 2003
Joe Palmersheim -- Staff Column
Well, Arnold has won in California, and I'm shaking my head. Didn't they learn from Minnesota's example? We've already been through the circus for this sort of thing once, I'm sure it will give us more empathy for what's to come.
I don't think that Arnold will make much of a difference in California. California has always been in a world of its own, and always will be. There's too much money to be made out there for it to be any other way. I think though, in a way, that Arnold being elected is just another symptom of Americans obsession with celebrities.
I'll make my point this way. Find a random person on the street, and ask them who the cast of "Friends" is, and they'll rattle the names off in a heartbeat. Then ask them to name anyone on the Supreme Court (insert blank stare here).
I'll admit it, I like some of Arnold's movies. But as far as thinking that this man could be governor? No way. But I will say this: he DOES make a good robot.
Like I said, Americans love famous people. Maybe it gives us something to look up to from our own seemingly-humdrum existence. Just take a look at any supermarket and look at all of the trashy magazines that have headlines like "Britney Spears in Alien Love Triangle With Bob Dole." I mean, it's pure fluff, but people buy it because it gives them a sense of something bigger than themselves. Maybe it's just a cheap escape.
That's what I think California was thinking. After years of an economic slump and rolling black-outs, voting an actor into office actually seemed like a good idea. I mean, after all, how could it get worse? At least this way, it would be entertaining? Right?
Good luck, California.
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