As reported today in The San Francisco Chronicle in reference to a letter sent by Governor Schwarzenegger to the attorney general directing him to halt same-sex marriages in San Francisco:
"The governor can direct the Highway Patrol. He can direct the next 'Terminator 4' movie if he chooses. But he can't direct the attorney general in the way he's attempted to do," Lockyer said, adding that Schwarzenegger's written directive "was a statement designed for consumption at the Republican convention."
Props to Bill Lockyer for calling it like he sees it.
What Bill Lockyer is referring to here is not his disapproval of what the governor is doing/saying, but the governor basically washing his own hands of the issue and placing all of the responisibility of defending the constitutionality of the amendement on Lockyer's shoulders. Lockyer and the governor both support the amendment and are against San Francisco's suit against the state. Their only difference is that the governor wants to avoid dealing with this issue in any way that would either piss off his party or conservative supports, but I get the feeling he also doesn't want to be the one to go on the books as having defended the unconscionable trampling of California citizens' civil rights. I'm glad to see the Governator has learned that all-too-essential lesson of party politics: pass the buck, let others deal with the hot potatoes.
Posted by: Kristina at February 22, 2004 01:34 PMHa!! Schwarzenegger is afraid there are going to be riots in San Francisco. I wonder if his pal, Bush, has been whispering scary stories in his ear.
Also, I find it hilarious (and outrageous) that he compared the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples to licenses for assault weapons or licenses to sell drugs. Unlike selling drugs and buying assault weapons, which are illegal activities, getting married is a civil right that many people enjoy, but some people are denied. Whether it's two men, two women or an opposite sex couple makes no difference. It is legal to get married and illegal to prevent two people from getting married if they desire it.
Posted by: cody at February 22, 2004 10:21 PMI think that those that are trying to get the injunction against the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples realize that they cannot satisfy the Due Process requirement for getting an injunction; namely, irreparable harm, so they're trying to start the rumor of riots (and I bet would go so far as to recuit some rioters) in the hopes of actually starting some shit in the streets of San Francisco, harming our citizens and thereby getting their precious injunction. Devious. Ingenious. Gotta love those Conservatives, they really know how to get their way. I think I feel another letter to the governator coming on...
Posted by: Kristina at February 23, 2004 04:56 PM