Mike, like many, I see IRR (initiative, referendum, and recall) as a bit perilous to those raised on representative democracy--or other less democratic forms, but I see a new equilibrium re-asserting itself.

It will be interesting how Swartzeneggar fares (I being somewhat neutral on whether he will be better or worse than Davis). Will his supporters have their hurrah and there will be "a return to normalcy"? Will the Democrats stop fighting IRR and use it themselves? Will the system be repeatedly abused and make Californians think?

This was the purpose of my proposal. It would have effectively told Californians, "Okay folks. You gave Swartzeneggar a plurality (48% I believe), but do you really, really, want him as guv'nor?"


kilopi, I know I'm walking on thin ice here, but I feel the topic is light enough in stirring passion. Granted, I tend to regard many contentious political issues with a dispassion that borders on apathy. For instance, unlike many political types, and perhaps like most (thinking) people, I can (1) give praise to Republicans that are indirect criticisms of the Democrats, and (2) give praise to Democrats that are indirect criticisms of the Republicans.

As for Swartzenegger, he wouldn't have been my first choice and the criticisms are somewhat legitamate, but neither do I detest him. I'm also a big fan of Terminator 1 and 2 (I've yet to see the 3rd one--perhaps on video in several months). I enjoyed Total Recall, though I understand it was a serious aberation of the book. His Conan wasn't a total waste of time, and "Pumping Iron" and "Hercules Goes Bananas" was fun in a campy way.

His other movies, however, sucked, though this could be as much the fault of Ivan Reitman as Arnie's.

I started this thread on the basis that it will not inspire terrible debates, unlike what you might see on shows like Crossfire. I hope and trust that I haven't.