Schwarzenegger Criticizes California’s Rezoning Efforts
Arnold Schwarzenegger is voicing strong opposition to California’s current rezoning initiatives, suggesting that Democratic leaders shouldn’t adopt tactics similar to Trump’s to counter him.
During a discussion at the University of Southern California, the former Republican governor expressed concern over attempts to dismantle an independent committee. He remarked, “Today they want to dismantle this independent committee. They want to remove it under the auspices of ‘We have to fight Trump.'”
Schwarzenegger added, “It makes no sense to me because I have to fight Trump to become Trump.” He emphasized that two wrongs don’t create a right, saying “Two bad actions don’t do the right thing.”
Last month, the Democrat-controlled California Congress passed a rezoning plan that could go to voters in a special election this November. This initiative, known as Proposition 50, seeks to address a similar push from Texas Republicans for additional seats.
At 78, Schwarzenegger urged voters to reject Proposition 50, stating, “It’s important to vote ‘no’ on Proposition 50.” He expressed frustration, saying, “I hate being political here, but this isn’t political. It’s about democracy.”
He criticized the way the proposed map was created, insisting it was drawn by politicians rather than being subject to public input. The bodybuilder-turned-governor has long advocated against gerrymandering in California.
Schwarzenegger defended the state’s Independent Constituency Commission, established by voters back in 2008, stating that the recent changes being pursued by Democratic lawmakers circumvent this committee.
He also remarked, “They are trying to fight for democracy by removing California’s democratic principles.” His criticism points to what he sees as a contradiction in their approach.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of transparency in the democratic process, stating, “There was no transparency here. The way they drew the map is the most important thing in democracy.” Schwarzenegger advised voters that supporting Proposition 50 would only lead to regression, asserting, “That’s what they want to do, it’s about bringing us backwards, but we’re not going backwards.”
