Schwarzenegger Legacy

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is about to become 'former Governor Schwarzenegger' in a few days.  Will anyone miss him?

Yes.  I will definitely miss The Governator.

When Arnold Schwarzenegger was a 2003 California candidate for governor, he was optimistic, buoyant and passionate about California.  He was also politically naive.

Today, after more than seven years as California governor, Schwarzenegger is still optimistic, buoyant and passionate about California.  The naivete' is gone, though.

That's what I will miss the most.

That wide-eyed innocence and willingness to work with everyone without prejudice made Arnold Schwarzenegger politically attractive.

I am aware of what Schwarzenegger critics and detractors have to say, and I don't care.  I like Arnold.

He tried hard; never stopped trying; tried something old; tried something new; tried something weird; tried it all; tried like hell.

TRYING is the greatest gift that Arnold Schwarzenegger could have ever given to California.

By trying more approaches than any governor in history, Schwarzenegger completed the difficult and exhausting task known as The Process Of Elimination.

Governor Jerry Brown will enjoy the benefit of his own past experience in Sacramento but, more importantly, Brown will have a much easier time targeting what will most likely work for California, now that what doesn't work is out of the way.

Jerry Brown goes back to the governor's office knowing the guts of the California Capitol as the seasoned politician he is.  With the decks now cleared by Arnold, he can hit the ground running.

I am one of many who wish to thank The People's Governor at this time:

Thank you, Arnold, for years of trying everything including the proverbial kitchen sink on behalf of the People of California --- and for no salary.

Thank you, Arnold, for showing up in all those disaster areas, hugging victims, carrying supplies, and comforting the frightened --- being a real MAN.

Thank you, Arnold, for representing California better than any chamber of commerce could have.  You made California more popular than ever --- and with style and class.