Funmurphys: the Blog

Voices Arnold Should Heed

Arnie for governor has been covered from every possible angle but one. He should listen to some advisors who are uniquely qualified: fellow celebrity republicans. While liberal celebreties tend to dabble in politics (with the notable exception of Bill Bradley), conservative ones actually run for (and somehow get elected to) office. I have done Arnold the favor of collecting just some of the wisdom of celebrity republican politicians.

Is Arnold qualified for governor? Well, as Sonny Bono (another celebrity of modest acting ability) said, "Don't let a lack of qualifications stop you from pursuing your career goals. I was never qualified for any of the positions I achieved."

What should Arnold do about the fiscal crisis facing California? He should remember the words of wisdom of Congressman Fred Grandy, AKA Gofer of Loveboat fame, who said "Why is Congress so out of touch? We're not. We are responding faithfully to the schizophrenic signals you're sending us, which is 'cut our taxes and increase our entitlements and do it in a noble manner so that we can have pride and respect in you.' "

How should Arnold approach government in California? He should take to heart the words of Ronald Reagan, another actor turned California governor, who noted that "A government that is big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take everything you have." Congressman Steve Largent considered that important enough to quote it himself.

How long should Arnold stay a politician? Not very long if he listens to Fred Grandy, who opined about politicians that it "is a good job for someone with no family, no life of their own, no desire to do anything but get up, go to work, and live and die by their own press releases... It is a great job for deviant human beings."

Should Arnold go on to Washington? Not according to Senator and TV star Fred Thompson, who observed of his time in our nation's capitol, "After two years in Washington, I often long for the realism and sincerity of Hollywood."

Oh, and here's a little something for Gray Davis from Bill Bradley: "Becoming number one is easier than remaining number one."