Mixed Reviews for Governor’s Comment

Re “Gov. Criticizes Legislators as ‘Girlie Men,’ ” July 18: Celebrity Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is finding out that state legislators whom he labels as “girlie men” are not gofers on a movie set who are intimidated by star power. Threatening lawmakers, calling them names and flexing his muscles will not move men of principle.

State legislators are elected to safeguard the best interest of their constituents, not to rubber-stamp everything that serves the governor’s purpose.

Schwarzenegger should take a crash course in government; he might find that diplomacy will twist more arms than his muscle ever will.

Phil Wilt

Van Nuys

Amazing how a party that bemoans the degrading commercial and social influence Hollywood has on our society will heartily cheer when our California Legislature is reduced to a cheap “guy” movie, complete with he-man hero and macho one-liners.

However, this is not a movie, and real people are going to be affected by the governor’s budget cuts. Too bad our hero has forsaken the traditional “hero” role, which is to help the little guy in trouble.

He attacks trial lawyers and unions, which actually do stick up for the little guys, while he uses his hero powers to help those who are having no trouble taking care of themselves: insurance companies, big corporations and moneyed interests.

Valerie Cribbs

Cherry Valley

Where is the California legislators’ collective sense of humor? Schwarzenegger made a comment that I found harmless at best. I mean, come on, people, did anyone really find anything homophobic, gay-bashing, anti-Semitic or the like?

Our governor seems to have a fun-loving streak in himself that I personally find refreshing. And if you ask me, he didn’t go far enough in trying to break the budget stalemate with a funny wisecrack. To our state legislators, I say, “Shoot or pass the ball.” Stop dribbling around and do your jobs.

Gregg M. Shives

Alhambra