CNN

I will not join you in this disremembering game; Arnold is only in office because Grey Davis got stuck holding the Wilson Republican hot potato. The CA GOP is a total parsite with paranoid delusional fantasies that allow them to deny what happened with Enron and ignore the insustainable nature of suburban-car-dominated-stucco-mini-mall-sprawl models of growth. (Another Home Depot/Starbucks/Appleby's?? Sure! We can't get enough of mediocre products that funnel money out of our communities!). These are the fake-work jobs that Steele claims to know so much about.

I really think that nobody reaaly realizes what deep doodoo this country is heading into – the extraordinary steps that both Bush and Obama have had to take isn't just for show folks. So your opinion is just hit air – Aronold knows something I and Rush Lushboy is a big fat fool!

Why can't we toss political bickering aside and come together to do what's best for our country??? I congratulate Governor Schwarzenegger!!!

All you in the privare sector hoping to strike it rich are hurting now, while those of us in the public branch are making a steady income feeding our families. Life is still going good.

Well Arnold. You're just going to give it to the illegal mexicans taking over your state. Pretty soon, the entire state of california is going to be a bario. Who's going to support them whne the money runs out? Your people who pay taxes are abandoning ship.

Arnold, you will be like the governor of Florida, still employed. The rest of the Republican governors and senators will soon join the rest of the American people.

First of all, it was John McCain that wanted a tax "holiday" giving people $65 for their gas FOR THE ENTIRE SUMMER as a solution to the crisis back this summer. How easily some forget..

Those who are against the stimulus and are against getting at least $65 a MONTH are the SAME people who were in favor of the ONE-TIME payment of $65 tax holiday.

But nevermind that: it takes a stuck up person to say that $65 is not enough money. For those of us who work hard for every penny, an extra $65 each month is enough for an extra tank of gas, or an increase in one's monthly food budget, it is a credit card payment, or a utility payment.

$65 may not mean much to those who can afford to be childish (GOP and fat cats), but for the rest of us, it helps. It helps A LOT.

Maybe you should stick to acting Arnold. Cali's not doing so great and if you were a true Republican your state wouldn't be such a mess.

Republican Position:
If Obama wears a suit coat in the Oval office, he's an elitist. No jacket then he's unAmerican.
If he stays in the White House he is out of touch with the people. If he goes out and speaks with the people, he's not doing his job.
If he gives states money they have been screaming for it's too much or we really don't need it.
If Obama goes to the bathroom is it a publicity stunt or does he have kidney cancer?
Do I get it or maybe I don't?

Cut out all the name calling! I'm sick of seeing one side bash the other constantly. If you don't agree that doesn't automatically make you a: idiot, rethug, dimocrat, unpatriotic, racist, etc. All it means is that don't agree!

The Republican governors are simply stating that if they accept the money for unemployment extensions then THEY will have to fund those extension when the federal money runs out and that is what concerns them.

They already can't balance their budgets and now they are being asked to increase their spending in a couple of years when the money runs out. Sort of the same way people did with their housing mortgages and now WE have to bail THEM out. Are we going to have to have another spending stimulus package then to bail them out again? A never ending cycle.

Since this is what concerns them, it doesn't make them jerks, idiots, dishonest, uncaring about their people, etc. It actually makes them responsible.

By the way, Arnold is a Republican in name only. He's always been a Democrat at heart so his responses never suprise me.

Hilarious. All these liberals now sticking up for Arnold. Gosh, wasn't it just last week when you called him an idiot for running California into bankruptcy?

Now he's a genius because he supports Obama? Really people, you really are ignorant. Arnold is incompetent.

At least Schwarzenegger is a pragmatic republican governor, more than I can say about some of these other neanderthal republican governors, who claim they won't accept aid from the stimulus package...oh wait, they didn't say NO to all the stimulus, just the parts of the stimulus they don't like. Two-faced hypocrites! Glib-tongued charlatans! These governors have the gall to criticize the stimulus package while stretching their hands out for a little bit of the stimulus dole out. If they don't like the stimulus package, they should refuse all of it, not just part of it.

deep down, arnold has a conscience and say what's right. there are a lot of cowards in congress – self-serving immoral politicians representing only themselves and their lobby constituents. their only purpose is running our country to the ground.

they vote no and then go home to take the piece of the pie. i no apathy for their cries and whines...

Gov. Terminator, it's time to leave that party behind. Become an Independent if you are not quite ready to be a Dem. You, Gov. Crist, and a few others, have more in the sum of your parts than.......

Arnold's become much more bi-partisan and respectful ever since California's public employees' unions have have humbled him a few times.

Arnold is basing his judgments on what is needed for the people's benefit in his state, not on what he think will be the best tactical political position to take for his own political career. How refreshing!

Those republican governors who want to turn down this money are simply thinking ahead selfishly to how they can craft campaign slogans describing their "character" for opposing the bailout bill. But it is going to be a huge mistake, as it will make the people in their states pay for their obstinance and unwillingness to compromise.

I live in CA. The politicians (Iincluding Arnold) both Democrat and Republican are the very worst our country has to offer. (we are and have been run by Democrats forever) We were th 8th largest economy in the world at one time, but now we are on the verge of bankruptcy. He just signed the budget into law and gave us a 14 billion dollar tax increase. That takes away my $13.00 per week that Obama gave us plus! Housing and construction has left the state and these paid for life politicians act like they did something good. You people need to pull your heads from your butts and realize that no politician (including Arnold or Obama) is worried about what happens to us. As I said, they are paid for life. They keep there jobs because we argue about who's better, Republicans or Democrats and they like it when we do. There is only one way out of this, Americans for Americans and Americans buy American and sell American. Illegals go home and American money is for Americans. Stop believing that a politician will save us. Not in your lifetime. It's up to us.

If Obama would have told everyone that they would be getting $65 per month from his plan, I don't think he would have been elected. One girl said that Obama was going to send her to college and pay for it and fill up her gas tank. Boy, is she disappointed.

Any state Governor who will not except this money has just lost their re-election plans and their presidential run in 2012 plans aswell...When these states collapse no one will vote for them

Halley Babour is the former Chairman of the GOP, and is passionate as a partisan. He is not interested in cooperating with any member of that party. He does not put his people in Mississippi, and their needs first. Look at the poverty all over the state of Mississippi. He ought to be ashamed to call himself that state's governor. Wake up people in Mississippii.. It's time to throw these self-promoting, egotistical, know-it-all GOP's bums out of office, and start thinking progressively for your state.

Whether they accept it or not.. americans would still be paying for it! Why not use it and maybe Republicans once more may look smart!!

California is one of the top 7 largest economies in the world. This is comparing countries as well. Most of the money the federal gov gets is from CA, so it is only fit CA gets some of that back. More than half of the CA fed tax money is spent in improving and helping other states. So stop whining about how much CA is getting. Please know the facts before you open your mouth people.

of Course the Gov. Schwarzennegger is pleased, Along with other people's money, the stimulus, and the tax hikes that were just voted in, the gov. can hold his breath and hope he's out of office before the money runs out so he avoid being a true leader and make the hard decisions.

I am glad his term is on the way out, he accomplished zero

we need to revamp the whole California system, it is broken, over borrowed and discourages investment

we need help and to start over

I don't know if this "stimulus money" will help the nation or not. I know it will help some areas, but others...I am just not sure about.

I am willing to give Pres. Obama some time to set some positive things in motion. But he is a centrist. Not a liberal. So he won't make everyone happy, all the time. Everyone has a different opinion about what the perfect stimulus bill would be. I remember being very against some of the original Clinton policies early in his first term, which led to a cash surplus for the first time in my lifetime. I was wrong on that one.

As a result, I will be willing to give Pres. Obama and entire term to make a decision on 2012. But like most of you...I am quite nervous.

I am a registered Republican. But I want the United States to have good leadership more than I want my party in power.

Thanks!

Republicans are digging their own political graves by being this malicious and uncooperative. 2010...they are going to get voted out of the Senate...they'd already been tossed out of the House, and the Presidency in the last 2 years.

okay, for everyone complaining about california - we're the biggest state with the largest problems AND a draught, so why shouldn't we get the proportionally larger amount of the money??? we need it too!

Arnold says, "It was Obama that got elected, he put the package together, so lets support it.' He sounds like he has no mind of his own. If Obama does it, it must be right???

YEAH IT'S MARIA WHO IS "PRESSURING" ARNOLD A BIT, A REPUBLICAN TO BE PRO-STIMULUS PLAN & PRO-OBAMA.

I believe that the people have already spoken in November, Obama and a clear Democratic majority in Congress was the PEOPLE's answer.

It appears that the Republican Party would just as soon see America fail for four more years. Such Idiots! W put us in this position and didn't give a damn. McCain I guess forgot that he was beaten for doing just what we all knew he would, follow the old party line.

It's amazing that a drugged up radio DJ is running thier party, best of luck again in four years if you continue to buck the American People. And as for those of you governors who don't want the money, that is fine, just go ahead and give it to my state, I know we can sure use the extra to get our employment rate down and jump start construction and housing, which is what makes this country go and grow!

Bobby Jindal has to turn down (a very small) part of the stimulus money in order to position himself to be the change agent in 4 years. Arnold is glad to accept the money and be vocal about it because he must ditch the sinking GOP platform to run as a "for-the-people" senator when his term is up.

Funny thing about the Republicans refusal...the bill has a provision in it that if the states do not accept the stimulus after a certain number of days, it automatically GOES to the state. So they can say We didn't take it but get it anyway.

I am so sick of the Republican party...they put us into this mess with the banks and bottomless spending. Just keep on saying no because the next time people vote, they will remember that No vote!

Which republican is the real 'girlie man?' Maybe Rush will challenge Arnold to Suma Wrestle to the death.

Really?

Everyone expects cooperation? I do not remember any cooperation from the Dems after GW(not a fan of his) got elected..in fact I remember a bunch of them walking out when he addressed Congress the first time...so please stop the whining. Although, his package is a solution, it is definitely far off from a good solution. I am tired of Baby Boomers screwing every generation after them so they can be rewarded for their short-sidedness and greed! Although I like Schwarzenegger, he is from one of the worst performing states, where public service employee unions(police, fire, civil, etc) and a long series of horrible state legislatures have run the state into near bankruptcy! Some cities are even giving raises and pension improvements to service employees, while shutting down libraries and firing people...what sense does that make? We need to rip the bandaid off quickly, so we can then start recovery...the longer we intervene, the longer this process will take. I for one am sick of PAYING for others greed and mistakes.

YEAH IT'S MARIA THAT'S "PRESSURING" ARNOLD A BIT TO MAKE THIS REPUBLICAN PRO-STIMULUS PLAN & PRO-OBAMA.

not be able to feed cloth or provide shelter for my children now or leave them some debt i can help prepare them for in adulthood... there is only one chose. the ones bum rapping this stimulus have money like rush L and bill reilly to name a couple.

Don't forget what the most populated state is, of course CA is going to get a lot of the money compared to other states. Don't forget which state is generating the most Federal Taxes and GDP.

Why give all this money away? Why not just add 10 years to those mortgages that are in danger to lower the payments instead of giving handouts from the responsible tax payers. GM and the american autos should fail. They have for years been brought down by their unions. An autoworker can literally retire at ager 48 and be paid for the rest of his life a pension. This is not the way it should be. People should save their own money, not sit around waiting for a handout.

BTW, the bailout is not 1.5 trillion as stated. Just look at how much money the UN-federal reserve has "loaned" out. It has surpassed 10 trillion dollars. They could have paid off 95% of all homes in the USA instead.

What a joke these "bailout" packages are.

Now you get it Arnold. i suppose the ones against the bill would rather use the money to spend in Iraq. That makes sense. Spend it in another Country and not ours. And for those blaming illegals, stick it up your lousy ass!!!! It is not the illegals stealing. IT IS WHITE PEOPLE!!!!! Why do white people think they own the US? Because they steal everything!!!!

My new book will be out 2010.
REPUBLICANS: The root of all EVIL!

Arnie is a Republican? I would never have guessed in a million years. Ideologically, he's a garden-variety liberal.

Let's face it, you have to be economically ignorant to support this "stimulus" package, the bulk of which has nothing whatsoever to do with economic stimulus at all. Reading the comments from liberals on this site and others, it seems clear to me that they've given up the idea of objective debate and have resorted to schoolyard jeering – calling Republicans "bad losers" and saying things like "you're just jealous," etc. This is the extent of their argument.

Besides which, it's been made very clear over the last eight years that not only are *liberals* bad losers, they're also bad winners, too. And after eight years of attacking the President and everything he did, all of a sudden they're demanding that everyone support *their* President whether they agree with him or not. Will someone please awaken these infants to the existence of reality?

Hey J. Bailey,

If you are going to complain about illegal immigrants taking US citizen jobs, please at least learn how to spell illegal. Most illegals know it isn't spelled illeagle.

as a proud resident from louisiana, i've been long ready to cede from the union. i'd even invite my fellow southern states. btw...the south represents the 4th largest economy in the world. california ranks as the6th largest economy in the world. what do we need california and the northeast for? all they do is cry and complain and blame everything on everybody else. they got no principles. unless you call spending other people's money a really good principle. heck i might even sabotage my own financial well being. i'll stop paying my mortgage so i can get the rest of the nation to subsidize me. this is a really good idea. you know...it is actually a really good principle too. but then again, i don't think i am going to fall into that moral hazard. after all califonia, new york, new jersey, and massachusetts are quite capable of fulfilling that moral hazard. obama is my president and i will support him if he has some good ideas. but i am really frustrated and disgusted with the blue states because they have always acted like their shit don't stink. when did these blue states ever voice an ounce of support for the prior president? the afghan president said just last week that obama has some very big shoes to fill and he also said that george w. bush was a great man. that is strong praise folks. it pays to have principle, courage, conviction and hope. i never heard george w. bush complain or whine. he held his head up and faced fire with fire. he was the true beacon of hope like reagan. this is why the south should cede from the union because the rest of the nation is bringing us down. liberals can have california and the northeast and us conservatives can keep the south. then we will see who really needs stimulating. the south will be running marathons and those blue states will be on life support...

Those GOP governors who do like the stimulus package and oppose the package the boost the current economic problems are dumb as bricks. We the people must be blamed for electing these bricks to office.

Matt – If you think that we can't get any more into debt than ol' W got us into you just wait. Within the next 18mo or less we'll be so far into debt these will be the glory days. This 780+ Billion in porkulus will by itself ballon into 2 Trillion a few years down the road and with another porkulus bill rumored to be in the works we're headed downhill at a rate never seen before. Spending our way out of debt didn't work for the great depression and it won't work now. This porkulus bill and the one for the banks are the first steps toward inflation as we've not seen since Carter. The good ol' Terminator is trying to save his "legacy" by grabbing as much pork as he can and deferring making real changes in the issues plaguing his state to someone else. Same goes for our "leaders" in congress and the Whitehouse. The only way out of this is to suck it up and make some real changes in our economy engines, financial regulatory methods and personal spending habits. Anything else is just lipstick on a pig.

Notice to all posters: If you cannot SPELL please do not POST.

Baily, learn how to spell! That is why illegals take American jobs - who wants to hire stupid Americans?

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH...

And this is the same rubber stamp republican party who cheerfully supported and accepted anything and everything during the last eight years of Bush and Cheney to push the national debt from $3.7 trillion to $10 trillion.

They could not even do the right thing and advocate to internally finance the wars they championed for by raising taxes but had no qualm asking our soldiers to sacrifice their lives.

To play the usual politics during any other time is fine but to play politics now when this great nation is in dire situation is outright criminal and pure childish.

However – what does one expect from a party who takes its main cues from an empty barrel radio talk show host?

Good for Gov. Barbour. Mississippi gets less than one tenth of one percent of the stimulus package. I say we reject all federal funds from the stimulus package and let all that money buy one job for an illegal immigrant in California.

of course California is getting a larger amount of money than most states, it has the largest economy out of any state in the country and 1 in 8 Americans lives here. I don't understand why people are complaining that California is getting more money than most states without understanding this.

Its about time I hear a smart republican talk. Its too bad Arnold couldn't run for president. Its funny how those same republican nay sayers who rode us into the crapper ,suddenly have all the ideas about whats wrong with Obamas stimulus. How stupid do they think we as americans are to believe that when they couldn't fix the economy then, their ideas will fix it now.

The Recovery Website, http://www.recovery.gov, should list all the Republican politicians who said no and still received money from the stimulus package, time to expose the hypocrites in our midst.

FINALLY a republican with the COURAGE to stand up against what's popular in their own party (ie bashing the current admins efforts to fix the mess that they themselves created!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

Get real.... He gets to spend money that's not his in the first place. A gift from hard working people from across america. California doesn't have to raise taxes or cut their budget. The rest of america will keep bailing them out. All the benefits, none of the work. What happens when the money runs out?

Let me tell you how this will end. Ever country on Earth is damn near bankrupt. Nationalism is on the rise and resources are not dependable. Somebody will start a war and a lot of people will die. We will blame it on them. THEY will blame it on us. In the end, the population will be reduced and infrastructure that has been turned to rubble will need to be rebuilt. The economic collapse will be written off and a new monetary system will be put in place soooo all the old debts won't matter.

Dudes and dudettes there ain't nobody on Earth can fix this collapse. We brought it on ourselves by living above our means and you can cry your damn eyes out but it won't change a thing. Now we are going to build a deficit that is beyond absurd (it already was) and wait till the money runs out while Nero fiddles. I wish President Obama all the luck in the world and hope him all good fortune but he can't fix this. It's not republicans or democrats that did this. It is Americans spending more than they make and buying foreign goods.

Doesn't stimulis mean to spend to make prosper, why would governors who know that their state is hurting be against any plan that would try to help. I don't think there is a plan that would cure everything but this package is out there now and until it fails why not support it. You are not going to save your way out of this economic problem, so unless you can come up with a plan that is better not more trickle down economics then support it. If you really believe it will not work don't except the money for your state, and send it back instead of the constant negativity.

this comment is for mike. He can not be reelected nor is he eligible to run again as governor. He is not fighting for votes. He is fighting for a legacy

Way To Go Terminator!

The Republicans who think this is a bad idea, should come up with a better plan. But they can't, so it's sour grapes politics as usual.

kathleen sevelius, governor of kansas, got to the bones of the stimulus debate when she said recently:
"hey i assure you that i will apply for use of any money any one refuses to accept" no problems what so ever. thank you

What I do like in all this is the TRANSPARENCY that Obama and his gang has for the american people.The TRANSPARENCY is so tranparent that I can 'see so well '- even through the WORD itself- and it seems that EVERYONE CAN SEE (LIKE X-RAYS) throught this TRANSPARENCY,...for nobody is protesting (I mean, the democrats worshipers)

Right !, the so called 'TRANSPARENCY' IS SO TRANSPARENT THAT I THINK THAT REALLY IS NOT THERE ! It is?

It is for this joke what you did vote for?

sincerely,
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillville, Indiana

Im not against Obama - i hope he is everything everybody has been hoping for - I hope his balls are made of Gold so we can melt them down and sell them later --

Wow! I use to respect Arnold. Anyone who thinks the stimulus bill is good for anybody other than immigrants and illegal aliens is a complete idiot or is not informed. Try reading it people! What is happening to this country? One day white males will be running for the Mexican border.

California sends more money each year to the Feds than most of the complaining Red states combined.of the states combined. We subsidize states like TN, OK, ID, MS with our tax dollars every year.

Don't tell me you are subsidizing my state. We getting back a small portion of what we over contribute each year.

If Alaska doesn't want federal aid then let's cut it all off...not just the stimulus portion. Palin's state would not no what to do without our federal aid money.

I don't see any of the morons posting here coming up with any other way to jump-start this economy. These are also the same losers who looked the other way when the Bush Administration was making war in Iraq with no-bid contracts and credit cards. Come up with a solution that doesn't involve stimulus money that is workable and you might have a seat at the table.

We are borrowing from our children's children future. Has anyone looked at our national debt and not realize that one day someone will have to pay for our current government's excesses. I know its not popular to talk about this government and socialism but we are in the midst of our banks becoming nationalized, our government becoming so large that we can't pay for it and a President who wants to make it larger. Our founding forefathers knew that government was to protect and not to provide. Once we have a government that provides and is voted in on that provision then we can say goodbye to the vast majority of our paychecks and an economy that will be 2nd rate at best. Also, look at FDR's stimulus package – The New Deal. Did it work? Nope.

GOP is still in deniel.
They think we are not in a ressession.
They still think, the country on the right direction.
They still think The U.S. Health Care is in prety good shape. (Although we spend 16% GDP and have 70 million under / un insured while other G& countries spend only 7% of their GDP and have universel Health coverage.)

GOP Is still in denial. They are dellusional. They

The national debt is over $10 Trillion even before President Obama took office. That was what Bush left at the doorstep on his way back to Texas. Any worry about the $800 Billion stimulus or $350 Billion TARP II mortaging our children future is moot. Our next generation's future are already mortgaged. It is only now that most people begin to take notice after falling from the top of an economic bubble ballooned by a subprime mortage con game. What President Obama and his administration is trying to do is to rescue our nation and children out of this debt.

Arnold has never really played the party game – probably because he is an immigrant and KNOWS the hardship of making his own way. He has not forgotten what people who are middle class feel, nor has Mr. Obama because they have walked in our shoes. People facing no job and no unemployment get desparate. .

It is such a shame that for 8 years, George W. Bush, spent and created massive debts for this nation, with the blessing and supports of those two-faced republicans, governors, senators and house representatives. To think of them as having supported this all along, no matter the debt this action by W, now we have to remind them that this is not the Bush adminsitration and that their asses were kicked in the election which still bothers them so much, i wonder if they even see Obama as the president of this country. Governors like Jindal and Barbour dont have anything to worry about employment or food for their families, you and I are paying all of those for them, so why should they care if you get any breaks from this stimulus plan. It is just politics as usual. Why didnt Jindal refuse all the money sent to Lousianna to help the people of New orleans who until this day are still suffering? It hurts me to think of these governors who as i have come to realize are solely concerned with their political base. Like one reader, Republicans are truly robots. You wonder why minorities are still lacking in that party, and forever will. You may have a chairman of the RNC who is black, but he is a joke. He will never amount to any support from any minority groups in this nation. Or i forget, they have Alan Keyes, that sick and sad human being...

As a former Californian, I'm not surprised. What a greedy state and "thank God there's money now!" If they could balance their budget they would be in line with every other state that is going to refuse funds. Get it together California!

Republicans are so bitter. They slam the stimulus because they have NO CLUE if it will work. But they do the devil's work of sowing doubt to keep things from getting better.

They think that being the voice of HATRED it will draw people to their party.

Most of all they are trying hard to distract us from the fact that THEY GOT US INTO THIS MESS. btw, it was a GOP President that created the first stimulus that had NO ACCOUNTABILITY.

So to the GOP: sit down and shut up!! Obviously, you don't have a clue of what you're talking about, and you certainly don't have solutions that are proven to work.

Finally a sane Republican. All this opposition to the stimulus bill? How soon we forget that Bush's bailout was initially $700 billion and signed just October 3rd, with hardly a peep from anyone? Watch Letterman's final "Famous Presidential Speeches" on D-TV. HILLARIOUS, How we supported that idiot for so long??? No wonder McCain and Palin stood a chance with Bush supporters. HA I hope we are a single party system one day and kick all the winy Republicans back to there respective country clubs, then maybe progress will be made. Remember who got us in this mess, and they have the nerve to chastise someone trying to get us out. The Republicans can say "Mission Accomplished" on ruining this country.

I think the gov. was being honest and he also doesn't have to do what
the republican leaders want him to do and contrary to other republicans he does what the people want he's different maybe the
republican party could take some notes, also listen to him speak
he wants to do what the people say to do and he refers to the people
all the time you never hear any republican say that they say tax cuts ,
and then how big business means prosperity for all when it really means the rich get richer and the poor get what they want us to get.

Maybe" Madoff" should b
e in charge of this s
tate stimulus money; which ever way this goes were screwed anyways, at least "Madoff" would promise us 10% on our money.

Bravo to Arnold,
Even he is a republican he is willing to admit mistakes of his own party and support democrats when it is due.

He is the type of person republicans should follow not Rush Limbaugh

I applaud the Governor for stepping up and making some sense. Those republican governors who are loudly complaining about the stimulus sure as hell don't mind getting in there and demanding some of the money. what hypocrites they are – clinging like leeches to their failed ideology while their constituents, the people who got them elected, are hurting for jobs, homes, food, heat.

I will never vote for another republican as long as I live.

Is that "terrific" in like "..I vunder vy I never received an Oscar..I vas such a 'terrific' actor."

When CA first voted in Arnold, I thought they were just voting in an action hero. But as I've listened to him over the years, before this time of crisis, he has said often that the ideology needs to go and the politicians need to listen to their constituents and forget the politics; It's not about politics. Whether you aree with him now or not, he's had that attitude from the start, and I've been impressed by that. I'd like to see more of that myself.

Good for Arnold! At least he stands up for something right and doesnt always bow to the party rhetoric.

I don't understand why some of these Governors don't want the stimulus money, they are all crying too much spending, while when "W" was in the office of the presidency and the Republicans were in control of Congress, they spent more money than ever spent in this country.

Republicans are all sore loosers, now all of a suden, they want to cut spending, what a bunch of hypocrytes. I hope their constituent votes them all out of office when they run for re election.

What ever happen to the so call mantra, "COUNTRY FIRST" Senator 13 houses McCain cried and preached during the election, how quick do they forget because they lost.

Oh, I forgot, they are all once Liberals until they make their first MILLION DOLLARS and all of a suden they become conservatives and forget about the rest of the people who are just trying to make ends meet.

America is the riches nation on earth but we can not help the homeless and want to create some more homelessness, yet we spend billions and billions of tax payers dollars to fight wars that was not necessary while our own people are loosing their jobs, homes, medical insurance and these so called conservatives are playing politics with other people's lives because it does not affect them one iota.

Why should they care when they don't pay for anything from their pockets, they don't even know how much bread or milk cost because they don't go to the grocery store since they have maids who does those things for them.

Give me a break.

W. wasn't exactly a bum. He did have some unexpected priorities that had to be attended to. W's greatest failure was not utilizing his political goodwill after 911 to maintain a focus on the war on terror in Afghanistan and pass real fiscal reform.

As to the Governator's political perspective...I think the GOP should start listening to him a little more closely and drop the likes of Limbaugh and Rove. At some point if the Republican Party is to ever recover and start winning elections again they have to start seeing things in more realistic terms and stop being spoon-fed by these ultra-conservative wacko talk show hosts promoting inaction and negativity...THEY AREN'T TELLING YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. YES-MEN PAT YOU ON THE BACK AND WILL GLADLY TAKE YOUR MONEY BUT WON'T GET YOU OUT OF A TIGHT FIX.

I say the GOP needs to look to the middle. It doesn't make you a bad Republican to find common ground with folks across the aisle. On the contrary it gives you an opportunity to take some credit on bills that are passed for the common good as is the case with Governor Schwartzenegger. Don't leave your fiscally conservative base but start looking to leaders like Arnie as he seems to have it right.

Compromise ain't such a bad thing...especially if you are in the minority. And oh yeah one more thing...if you are a Republican and you think you are so different than those liberal, welfare-minded Democrats you are wrong. Democrats aren't the only politicians who like to spend taxpayer dollars. They just spend it on a few things other than the military and foreign wars.

" I'll be back"

The Terminator would make a good Secretary of Commerce

Barbour is an idiot. He has no ideas. Former RNC Chairman Barbour just wants to throw mud at Obama no matter what. Barbour never complained about the massive federal spending in his state and the massive deficits incurred under Bush and the Repuglican Congress. Barbour has no credibility whatsoever with his very transparent partisan political attacks on Obama.

The needs are different. The governors have and will act accordingly. So what is the big deal. Schwarzenegger is the governor of California and responds in the way that will help California residents. Must we worry about others? Take care of your own States and its needs. Not its wants.

It's all about the Benjamins isn't it "Ahnold?"

I'm sure glad Republicans and Democrats alike can come to a common ground and rape the average citizen in harmony. I'm really glad that families are going to be taxed into bankruptcy and foreclosure. You partisan people, Rep/Dems, are fools. Nobody in government is looking out for you and your family. It's a stuggle for money and power...that's it. If a massive tax hike in the middle of a recession doesn't prove that...you have your collective heads in the sand.

Mike, do you realize Arnold can't run again? Also, California has the THIRD largest economy in the WORLD. It would be in all our best interests that it does not fail.

Let's pay off one credit card with a second card, then open a third card and give it to our angry ex (the democratic party of Pelosi and Reid control) !!!!!!

Based on revenue, California as a state is the 7th richest country in the world. Of course we'll get more money because we contribute more to the federal budget you morons. Silicon Valley alone probably contributes more in federal taxes than most of the podunk states you guys live in.

What? Since when are Republicans "conservatives"?

This is becoming a bit. . . excessive. Everything and everyone is being bailed out, seems to me we're on the way to becoming a Socialist country. Anyone every heard of Free Enterprise or Capotalism??

please stop talking about illigals in this country without them we would be in worse shape then we are now. i am native american so actually who is really the illigals mexicans have just as much right to be here as white people black people or asians get a life people.

If you thought it was so great, then why didn't you vote for it? I don't think that any state that voted against the bill should get a thin dime. That would leave more money for the states that did vote for it.Only three people from the Rush McCain party stood for the voters. Does anyone recall the words {A house devided will not stand.}

How are we going to pay for this? & please, stop reporting this as a "stimulus package" & call it what it is - a spending bill laden with ridiculous items like, 5 billion for ACORN, etc. Wake up people, it is only going to get worse.

Arnold, you were not NEAR enough of a Republican to get the job done and straighten out California. It should be no surprise to anyone that you would support this ridiculous and foolish piece of legislation.
Californians would be so much better today if they had chosen McClintock over you in 2003. At least he was a REAL republican.

Arnold, you are no Governor Reagan!

CA should get the most money. We ar th most populous state, contribute more tax dollars to the Feds than any other state. If CA was it's own country we would have the 7th largest economy in the world. So those ofyou who are griping about it, get over yourselves and PLEASE DO NOT MOVE HERE.

It;s a ashame the politicians and many of you hee can not see past your own party affiliations and bring solutions rather than complain about hte problems themeselves or the solutions arrived at by our elected political leaders.

Where were these so-called fiscal conservatives during the LAST 8 YEARS when their beloved president overspent on HIS pet projects which did NOTHING for the general unemployed, flooded-out public but rip them off of hope and menial prosperity? Oh ya, getting fat off the pet projects which banckrupt Our Dream. You poor southern saps, I certainly hope you remember your considerate leaders during your next election. Many of us in the west have turned BLUE; we fight for the middle-class and our leaders know it.

Arnie- do you want a cabinet post as Secretary of Commerce?

I have to agree strongly with Matt and Dana. Do the republicans of the country honestly forget what the economy was like when Clinton left office? Look up those figures and see if your stomach doesn't turn when you consider what we have now after good ole' president Bush. How can you knock a stimulus package presented by Obama when the entire reason we are having this discussion is because of the shortcomings of the Bush Administration? It is becoming apparent that Arnold may just have more common sense than anyone else in the Republican Party. Doesn't everyone see that it is time to get past the political affiliation borders that in many ways weaken our government? Until we can all act under the understanding that we are Americans (not Republicans and Democrats), I don't feel that we will ever fully recover from the problems facing this nation. I support President Obama with no reservation, I can only hope that the American people who have concerns will set them aside to support the nation we all love and stand behind OUR new president. Only after this happens will things start to get better.

Glad to see someone with common sense. Any business man knows it takes money to make money and investing in jobs is a trickle up economy. Once people are back to work, service industry picks up and then the infrastrucutre industry picks up and everyone gets back to work.

As long as failure is the republican agenda, the republicans are doomed to fail. Pretty sad when the most powerful nation in the world makes standing up against unemployment benefits their top concern. Get those people back to work! Thanks Arnold.

"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it."

We'll also remember who put the package together when it comes time to pay the bills in the form of higher taxes, high unemployment due to the level of taxation, the collapse of the dollar due to inflation, etc., etc.

Arnold has done more for this state than any governor has for any other state for that matter. The cultural diversity and beautiful weather here are a direct result of Arnold's friendly neighbor and environmentally friendly policies. Arnold will restore the public's image in the Republican party.

Arnold, It's far from terrific.

Gov. Schwarzenegger should take money meant for other states with governors refusing it.

As a governor, you are free to denounce and speak out against the stimulus bill all you want but the money is not yours to refuse it, if you wanted to stop a bill...go be a senator!

Gov. Jindhal, your state of Louisiana needs the money more than any state even if the country was not in a recession, people are still recovering from Katrina!!

For Jindhal to turn down the money can't be seen as anything but a political stunt.

This why the highly-educated people supported Obama and the poorly-educated did not in the election. Is there any wonder why so many people do not understand this package too? I would suggest a simple Econ course but I understand that the same people complaining couldn't pass the course. Too bad when you think about it.

Honest Governor ??!!!!!.... People need to take their heads out of the clouds and recognize this two faced so called "Green Governor" for his true colors. Under the guise of twisted and false environmental science he has been pushing his precious peripheral canal agenda. A canal designed to pump more water out of the already fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in order to support his wealthy, agricultural, co-conspiring business partners. With the Pacific West Coasts struggling salmon fishery on the brink of collapse, this canal will be the final death blow as well as Schwarzeneggers corrupt legacy upon the future generations of all Californians.

Let's set the record straight.....
In case you all forgot...America had a bafoon of a President named George W. Bush that left this mess behind. President Obama is just left with cleaning it up. There is no quick fix to the economic problems that the US and the rest of the world faces. Some action is better than no action at all. And for Gov. Arnold...what's he pumped about? The stimulus package is an attempt to bring some help/relief to what we're dealing with and he just signed a bill last week to raise our taxes here in California. Idiot.

Rumor is Arnold is switching partys.Join early to avoid the rush.

to Governor of Calf., get your facts right, Mr. Terminator, Ob didn't write any bill, The house Speaker and her Boy Friend, chairman of the Senate wrote it and told OB what to say and how to push it through. Same old lies and dirty tricks on the Hill. They both publicly said, "We won, so we write the bills." To me, a life time Democrat, that is just two self serving fools, out to get even with the Repubs for being in power the last 6 years, yes, I said 6 years, remember the dems took control the last 2 years before Obama's election.So those two think, "to hell with the people", we are entitled to our victory, what ever it cost. In those two years, they did nothing to correct Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and so now we have some real opportunities to fix. As for Mr New attorney Gen, go get a life, and stop all the racial whinning. How is it only white people can be called raciest? Try white history Month, or White college fund, or White Miss America, and the list goes on, Be advised there are near 60 all Black colleges in this country, but no all white colleges.

Where the credic of spending and not paying during
George Bush spending spree

Listen to all of this hatred. Everyone needs to calm down and support the US right now. You can play your party politics later. Obama and Schwarzenegger are doing what is best for out country right now.

U republicans are a bunch of negative thinking folks without any ideas to fix things at all in the first place. Without the last President we would have been much better of with way less dept.
The stimulus will help all states, fixing our schools, bridges, rail roads and highways creating jobs urgently needed. Schwarzenegger at least got it right helping the new president to fix this broken country.

Keep in mind just how remarkable this is. the reason Arnold is a Republican is because he is a fiscal conservative. He has thusfar proved to be an excellent governor for California as he has shown that his intellectual muscle is as formidible as physical strength!

California only gets back $.81 cents for every dollar of federal spending they receive, while Mississippi gets $2.02 back for every dollar they contribute.

http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/266.html

Mississippi doesn't want to take federal money? Fine. Can we have it back please?

Now that the GOP governors are refusing the money, I want to hear from Republicans in Congress: Since they voted for the package, are they going to resist cashing in on this stimulus package for their districts. They won't, because they're cowards.

Finally a GOPer with some common sense. Thank You Arnold!

MATT.
That is not true about Obama getting us in a hole.
BUSH indeed put us in a hole. 5 Trillion worth in 8 years.

OBAMA has just come out with a 4 year budget. 1.6 trilion deficit this year and at least 1 trillion the 2 years after. At least 500 billion in the 4th year. That is " 5 -7 Trillion in Debt" by Obamas own estimates.

He is not solving any problems. He is adding to them.
STOP SPENDING. CUT BUDGETS. Leave the taxes as is. But dont raise taxes if you are just going to keep spending.

You must have a terrible job if your complaining about illegals taking over it. Maybe you should get a real job.

Can I just say whoever mentions illegals taking are jobs, are just plain stupid people. You know where all the jobs went, over seas. Yeah, that's where all these rich companies took their manufacturing plants to. So stop blaming immigrants and start asking for these companies to provide jobs in the U.S. I'd rather pay more for a product, if jobs are kept here in the U.S.

Agree with the stimulus or not, at least Arnie is taking a pragmatic point of view.

Reply to: Schwarzenegger is a true Republican

Of course the dems would never shun one of their own...(cough, Lieberman)

Oh and I forgot he's married to the Kennedy family, a true Republican through and through.

kudos governor, your GOP counterparts don't have the true interest of the people at hand, they are playing the stale game of politics, most GOP governors are multimillionaires already,

Once again Hollywood screwing up the political process. Stick to what you know and terminate yourself...oh wait Californias economy will take care of that.

obviously reps "fiscal responsibility" landed us in this mess. so yeah a stimulus is a "spending" bill to get money back in the economy for stores and jobs.
what else did Obama have to do? he inherited this mess – it took 8 years to fudge the economy its going to takea lot to fix it – years we are tallking. Im sure no one is 100% sure how to fix it.
we gave Bush 8 years of nothing but lies and mistakes give Obama some slack, I m sure he will make mistakes as well.

1) How easily we forget that the first stimulus package was sponsored by the GOP
2) The president responsible for getting us to this wretched place, was from ...the GOP
3) Said president, for years, was instrumental in being the biggest road block to any real progress in Washington, namely, Congress' inability to get any substantive legislature passed, for 8 years.
4) Obama INHERITED this problem, from the GOPs great George W. Bush

that said..I'm from California originally, and thought that Arnold was going to be the biggest joke. However, as his tenure ends, I believe him to be one of the few Republicans left, with any real sense. Sure, he may have made some bad calls, but who hasn't. And at least, He's on of the handful of republicans, that show any respect for the President. The GOP could learn a lot from Gov. Schwartzenegger...mainly how to be respectful again.

The guy is an idiot. He should just switch parties and get it done.

CUT YOUR SPENDING ARNOLD.

To other people's money:

So, an economist who also happens to be Nobel Laureate (i.e., Paul Krugman) isn't "worth listening to?"

Well say what you may about Arnold. I didn't vote for him, but I am beginning to like him. California has been HIT real hard by this econmic melt down. 20,000 state employee's being laid off. Other state employee's are not being paid for a day or two each month. Cities laying off police officers and I'm sure firemen. We're in the double digits employment wise. I believe Arnold is doing the best he can. They almost didn't pass the budget out here because Repub's didn't like it. boo hoo Finally the 'one' repub vote they needed stepped up to the plate. What I found interesting, is the RNC told Calif repub's if they voted fot the Calif budgets, when they ran for re-election they'd be sure other repub's would be set-up to run against them. Good old GOP..Nice guys..

If Repub gov's don't want the money, send it to California..

1- Being that AMERICA WAS BUILT BY THE MIDDLE-CLASS, and that is what the Republican Party has tried to ELIMINATE.

2- When you've Initiated TWO WARS, and OUT-SOURCED THE HIGHEST NUMBERED OF JOBS (simultaneously) . . .

3- Have OVER 1 MILLION H1-VISA WORK PROGRAMS

WHY WOULD THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT?

OBAMA/BIDEN 08-12

Gov. Barbour should be awarded the a*&hole of the year. How on earth can he turn down any type of aid for the State of Mississippi. I attended college in Mississippi and I was able to see first hand the poverty in the state. There are areas in the Mississippi Delta that would make you want to cry. The living conditions are worst or equal to those of a third world country. I've seen homes without plumbing. Children that literally have to cut the tips of their shoes off because their feet have grown and they simply can't afford new ones. My Fraternity did a lot of community service, but we would still leave feeling that we could have done more. The reality is, it is just to much to do. Gov. Barbour before you talk about turning down money look past the city of Jackson and take a look north west to the Delta.

" The terminator doesnt want to get terminated so he will agree to take the money.."

CA has term limits; Arnold can not be elected again, even if he wanted to. So from a political career perspective, he would have nothing to lose by saying the stimulus stinks. Yet he says otherwise. I find that interesting ...

Let Arnold sip on that koolaid! He's the only sensible Republican that realizes sitting down and complaining about the package without offering any kind of new solutions outside of the same 'ole Bush tax cuts won't fix the economy. Obama is trying his best to provide some kind of economic relief....we need a stimulus package...These GOP idiots do not feel the sense of urgency that most of the American people feel because they are too busy selling their multi-million dollar homes to purchase new ones (cough* Mitt Romney)

We need this money, want this money....GOP does not care about the American people. If they truly did, they would not have let Bush and his goonies run up the debt in this country for a whopping 8 years. They want Obama to fail so they can reclaim power. This is a conspiracy! Since they didn't succeed in shutting down the stimulus package, they are now going to try refusing the funds so that people will continue to suffer and then they can jump up and say that the stimulus did not work. I will not vote for GOP candidate ever! I will remember how these idiots put party first instead of country first.

Is this really going to help California where state workers and state officers are now closed the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month for the next 18 months to 2 years? California can expect more taxes and less education. This is what happens when the populace elects someone who had no political experience, only political ambition. This is what happens within a celebrity culture – we get The Terminator – terminating services.

"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it."
Shun Arnold at your own risk. He is not always brilliant, but at least he speaks with common sense.

I am not usually a fan of Governor Schwarzenegger – but I pretty much agreed with every single word he said during his interview this morning. And I hope that the Governors that dare to state that they are not taking "the money" follow through and send the money to Schwarzenegger and others who keeps this nation at heart – with no eye to their own political horses. Bravo Schwarzenegger! If we just had more politicians of your caliber.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the
Donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his
back, the donkey was doing some thing amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel
dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

The Republicans have been busy shoveling dirt on Obama but with each step he keep shaking off the dirt. That’s how he got to where he is today. They have called him every name in the books: a terrorist, a Socialist and a Communist. Yet every day he keeps working for the American people. By the time the Republicans will wake up Obama may have accomplished what no Republican President would have done. He’s been busy keeping the pace while the Republicans are busy whining and critiquing.

You know, we don't remember history in this country.
I heared similar arguments against President Clinton that the Republicans are laying on presiden Obama.
What happened? Clinton left us with SUPPLUSSSSSSS.
Who left us with DEFICIT , I mean HUGE DEFICIT ? BUSH !!!!.
I have no idea why the lonely republicans are fighting Obama who without a doubt beat them.
Word of advice , JOIN OBAMA TEAM IF YOU LIKE TO BE RE-ELECTED

I wish someone could produce real numbers on the stimulus. One post here says "california gets more money by far". California is more populous than other states. Let's be rational and use numbers. Statistically Californians get a low return on federal taxes compared to most states. The prosperity of Californians and some other states like Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois help other states. it's odd then that when California is facing tough times as are other states some don't want to help out – but were more than happy to take the wealth generated in good times.

It would be better if these posts used facts as opposed to politics. What got us into this mess is more focus on politics and less on economics and sound business principles.

I would love to see a ranking of stimulus package per capita of each state. That seems rationale as opposed to saying one state got more than another particularly given the wide differnences in population.

The stimulus bill now signed into law has two mail flaws:
a) Pres Obama and his team should have written the stimulus
bill in the first place and presented it to Conpress for a BIPARTISAN
debate and approval.
b) The USA being a trillion dollars economy and now in danger of
collapse must be answered with the injection of smart spending,
collective and inclusive but it looks for sure very selective.
c) As nothing in the above meets the essential points for success the
stimulus is on the way to failure

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Arnold is handcuffed by term limits. He has nothing to lose by "bucking" his party. However, he was never a poster child Republican. He went his own way based on his personal beliefs, whether or not any of us agreed to them. I just wish he could browbeat the other Republicans into line. This isn't the time to go partisan – people (like me, who is unemployed) are suffering.

My concern is if the portion of the stimulus in CA really will create jobs or plug a whole in their massive deficit...

Considering that California accounts for over 13% of the nation's gross domestic product and over 12% of its population, maybe that state should get the largest portion of the stimulus?

Way to go Arnold ! you just proved you can think for self and not be a Limbite ! as in biting off of Limbaugh's rhetoric .

Barbour and Jindal, unfortunately, are more focused on the 2012 elections than the impact of turning down the unemployment benefits for ordinary Americans in their states. These benefits would not impact future state funds unless the states make them permanent. I can think of plenty of other states who would be willing to take the stimulus funds turned down by these shortsighted governors.

he is right for california for such

@Matt: That is where you are wrong...Obama can get us further in the hole than Bush did. In fact, he just did...one trillion dollars worth...where do you live? under a rock?

Tell them Governator!!! The Miss governor is playing politics. It's HIS discretion if he wants to keep the unemployment benefits extended two years from now. DUH!!! I know the education in Miss is a little behind but come on!! With or without the stimulus it will be up to him!!

The way the republicans are acting, I am going to vote for obama even if he does not solve the problems in this first term.

Hey Terminator, you do not know anything. You are an actor basically. Barack himself has no experience in governance. He has to take expert advise from these Republican governors who are trying to save our country from financial disasters. Do you understand? Is Barack listening? He should learn because he has no executive experience.

at least one republican governor has common sense. arnold take the money from the five governors that's against the bill. it obvious the demos are looking at the country first.

California has a population of around 37 million, Mississippi has 3 million. For every dollar in federal taxes California workers pay, they get $0.78 back in spending. For every $1.00 that Mississippi workers pay in fed taxes, they see $2.02 in return spending. It's obvious that California should get the most help, we have the highest population and one of lowest costs to federal tax spending. I can understand why the Mississippi governor doesn't want any more money, they are currently #2 in fed tax dollars spent per capita, they could easily be an unwelcome #1.

Matt in MN, your stating the obvious. California has the biggest economy in the US. Thats why they need the most money, its not a bad thing its a fact. Sorry MN is a weak state with no economy, maybe you should do something about it.

Good for Arnold. At least he has the courage to stand up and say what he believes, even if it differs from his party line. I just hope the people of this country will rally behind OUR PRESIDENT and give him support on his endeavors. He is really trying to help us all, regardless of what the Republicans say. He needs everyone now.

I wish someone tell Georgia Governor it terrific I cant wait until 2010 so I can vote for oxendine for the demoncrate governor of Georgia I am going to tell everybody in Georgia to vote republicans out the office....Georgia need help and the republicans in Georgia does not care about the poor or middle class

Vote 2010 for Demoncrate

Thanks Gov! I'm behind you all the way on this one. The thing about these other governors as they can take this public stand that they turned it down and were good Conservatives because they know their state legislators are going to overrule them and they will still get the money for their states. Way to play politics.

Get over Mike. You make no sense. Go find your bottle.

Well I am glad my governor of CALI is taking the money because I want my state taxes that I have paid forget all of this BULL- $#!% these other governors are talking about, When they run out of money they are going to run to Washington DC asking for money and I will turn them down. I feel they dont want to take the money because the President is BLACK not because he is a DEM, It is time that we all work together and stop saying that it is not going to work no one said it was not going to work when BUSH ask for $700 BILLION DOLLARS and no one said anything about it is not going to work. Once ange the color of your skin still matter in USA no matter what anyone say it matter, If McCain was in office all the GOP governors would be taking the money like it was PANCAKES. Why cant you take it now and help your state is the pride that you have more thant the people in your state needs. What a &$^## UP WORLD.

Hey "Other People's" which economists are you listening to? Please name names. Did Rush Limbaugh suddenly declare himself an economist? All of the economists I have heard on the left and right say that only massive spending by the government will get us out of this.

What you and Limbaugh don't seem to understand is that is also what got us out of the Great Depression. The lunatic fringe that got us into this mess likes to say that the war got us out of the depression, but really what was the war but a massive government spending program? The government spent the country into full employment and it ran all the factories at full capacity, and that got us out the hole.

Of course, the Republican way of having a war is that you run up huge deficits outsourcing everything to your friends and pouring money into a foreign country where it disappears, and at the end, your country is in massive debt with nothing to show for it. I guess that's the alternative your "economists" want to offer us.

I feel like so many Americans out there speak so nagative of anything and everything the Presidents does. Yet when Bush was diging us into a big hole very few objected to his ways. How about we give it time and then we can start naging.

I am glad at least one person is speaking up in support of the stimulus package. It seems that all parties agree that a stimulus was needed, but the only articles that are available are those criticizing the stimulus agreement. It would be impossible to please everyone, but something had to be done quickly. The president did exactly what he needed to do under the circumstances. Now we wait and see what happens. One thing I do know, is that people (especially our nation's leaders) have to be a little more positive about the situation. Our nation is not confident in the economy and the media is definately not helping.

Some people in here must not realize that California has a larger population than the entire country of Canada which probably has something to do with the amount of bailout money they are scheduled to receive. These same ignorant people that continue to bash Pres. Obama are the same people that supported Pres. Bush for 8 years even though he has been considered one of the worst Pres. ever (or at least bottom 25%). Maybe those Obama haters would like to bring back Bush for a 3rd term to make things better. And with "better" I do mean "worse".

Really Arnold...You should reexamine your loyalties and get in line with GOP majority.

Obviously the obstructionist would like to see Obama’s polices fail...Then we can go back to the enormously successful polices that created this crisis.

Don't get confused fellow citizens. Arnold is simply double talking. He knows his party is UNPOPULAR and in SERIOUS trouble. He is now talking like a Democrat in an attempt to get California votes and to get re-elected. Arnold hasn't changed a bit. Do not trust him.

it is funny how some governors do not support the stimulus plan. I understand that if someone makes $200.000 a year or more of course u dont need no help from the government but stop being selfish and think about the ppl who lost their jobs have a family to support and can t find another job because the economy sucks, After all the governors were voed by the pp to work for the ppl. I suggest these governors should not be re-elected next time around.

Bailey? Are you stupid? Seriously. I dont know how I feel about the stimulus. But I know how I feel about stupid people like you. What defines an "American"? I know my family has lived here for 20 years, we're hispanic, we work hard at what we do. And I'll tell you this much. Any white woman with as much as a speck of dirt on her arm will shout to the world that she's going through hardship. You know what? Time to start understanding. We're not taking your jobs. We're doing the worst jobs, the ones you don't want. All the big wig jobs are pretty much taken by "True Americans" Aka, white folk, as you're stupid post is assuming. Haha. Think about things. Stupid.

I see a ton of people responding negatively to Gov. Swarzenegger's comments, and spouting the usual nonsensical rhetoric. California was not destroyed by Democrats... nope it was destroyed by deregulation of their energy grid imho. The seventh largest economy in the world has rolling blackouts still. And guess which party thought that was a good idea?

Nevertheless Gov. Swarzenegger, who came into office as a deeply committed Republican, quickly found that absolutely nothing would get done if he stayed far to the right. He rethought his approach and by and large has done a terrific job. I am sure there are those that disagree, but California isn't opposed to another Republican governor – and that my friends is what they call "proof in the pudding". Considering how many states are going Blue these days, California (deep deep blue) is okay with a Republican governor.

So, Repubs, this man has done what many in this country didn't this was possible, and painted your party as viable even in the bluest of states. Maybe you should put down your megaphones and listen to the man.

Peace.
Rick Beagle

Its clear why arnold loves this bill. His state is getting most of the money. Also in the package a high speed train from L.A. to Las Vegas. Not sure how that is gonna help out the economy with all the people who ride trains in America. Funny Nevada happends to the be a Democratic state and u can guarantee there was some pull for this. And all you democrats out there who want tax increases for the weathly and Corporations ask yourself this, Who really pays the corporate tax? Corporations or the People. If you knew anything about business you would know that tax cost gets put into the price of the good. So even though Democrats say they are for the people, and the middle class well its all a smoke screen because the very people they are "helping" is actually costing them more money

"more kool aid please "

Just wanted to point out how retarded people sound saying this.

Apparently, Arnie is shunning the GOP as they do him simply because he's married to a Kennedy!!! How childish can those Republican'ts get??? For once I'd like to see a Republican do something FOR America rather than TO America. They should simply switch names to the Take The Money And Run party!!!!

What do expect him to say? His state runs a $40bil budget deficit. He has no choice but to gladly accept the money the "stimulus" is going to give him. However, the stimulus is not going to work. All these states are going to have the same problems in a year. This doesn't fix anything. It perpetuates the reckless spending by the government.

The comments about California getting the most stimulous money shows a lack of understanding of where tax money come from. California gets less that 100% of its taxes returned to the state whereas many other states get much more than 100%. Dollar wise, California gets the most because it has the largest population and pays the most in taxes.

The primary people against the stimulous, which is intended to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn, are the very rich and the very ignorant. The rich don't want it because the downturn is not hurting them and the ignorant can't understand how serious it will get if nothing is done.

You know what's irritating? People who pick up on comments and phrases used during and post election that are running rampant in the media...

For instance:

kool aid - i mean really....we have all drank the 'kool aid' for the past what.... 400+ years now? We're all in this together, get a grip.

Nobama - the person who came up with this stuipid play on a name should feel proud of themselves for coming up with the most uncreative use of a name.

Hussein - Why must people call him hussein? He is not Saddam Hussein...nor will he ever be... So...what is the use in pointing out his middle name? If you go by that logic, anyone with the middle name of manson would be considered to be a serial killer...or maybe someone with the name David...they could be the same as David Koresh right?

You people make me sick.

IT IS TERRIFIC! The hater-complainers-critics-on-the-far-right will ALWAYS spew their hate, they do not have SOLUTIONS OR IDEAS OF THEIR OWN!

What really upsets me is that in a year or so, when our Nation is returning to PROSPERITY.......... WILL THE FAR-RIGHT GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE???????? NOPE.

Arnold has gotten a taste of his own party's "stubborness" when he couldn't get his own budget to pass because of three republican's who were holding out. At this point, he probably empathizes with Obama. That;s why he's like"hell yeah, bring on the money."

Well done Governor Schwarzenegger, let's join forces with the Democrats to switch funds from those republican states to make California the world leader again.

I think it's also time that our good Governor from California switched parties and became a card holding Democrat.

doesn't matter what Obama does the REP....are going to hate it
these are the same REPs that told us to give "W" a chance in 2000
and not play politics,,not sure if this program will work but something had to be done....and of course the REPs..had 8 years to earn my respect
and failed ..so I will take one for the team at least for now...

I am so sick of the blame game. The Dems messed this up, the repubs messed this up. Shut up!!!!! Work together to fix it. Geez. I can't believe the cry baby mentality on both sides. It's quite hypocritical that the same people who don't want to help people in need keep their houses were so willing to pump billions into Iraq to rebuild it. I don' t mind people disagreeing with the stimulus just don't be a freaking hypocrite. These are American people we are talking about. We can help Iraqi's but not Americans? Amazing.

California has an enormous economy on its own, it's no surprise that it is getting the most with the troubles it is having.

Obama need to find a way to have the money flow back into US instead of flowing out of the country.

Raising tax or use the borrowed money from selling US treasury bond to fund the stimulus package is not the solution to the US economy.

Having the chinese to use their huge US currency reserve to buy US products will have to money flow back in US and create jobs in US. People have jobs will buy made in China product from Walmart and it will help the chinese workers to keep their jobs too. The trade deficit between US and China will also decrease. This is a win-win solution for both China and US.

The peace between US and China will enhance because the ecomony of both countries are heavily depended on each other.

Let's see if Hillary could strike a deal with China and have a chinese shopping team come to US soon. Boeing should sell more 747 and 787 before the order go to AirBus of France.

A republican that think for himself! GOD FORBID!

Arnold is awesome...maybe he can take over as illinois governor in a few years... or better yet, fill that junior senate seat!

Dana,

Why don't you explain to me this "performance" you're talking about. Quit putting Obama on a pedestal until some "performance" can be gauged.

don't agree with everything arnold says or does, but he is one of the few republicans that i believe. he's what john mccain used to be, a rare honest republican.

"I really don't understand how getting into more debt is going to solve the problems that debt got us into in the first place. Any economist worth listening to is saying these "bailouts" are a mistake."

Well... if you talk to 'any economist worth listening to' they would tell you that this isn't the first time there have been 'bailouts' of failing businesses in this country...remember the 15 billion dollar bailout of the airline industry?

These bailouts may not be great in the long run, but really...is it hurting you now? no....is it making your situation at least a little better? probably.

Arnold is happy to take money from Washington because he's a failure here at home. Recall.

This money is going to keep state employees working for another few years, while they wait for common people like me to come up with new ideas and improve the economy. It will not help it will just keep the broken system up and running that much longer while they tax you and me and wait for us to fix this mess so they can stay in charge and keep on going like nothing is happening.

To all those opposed to the stimulus package: Please publish a better one so that we can all agree with you geniuses, regardless of party allegiance!

It appears to me that Governor Schwarzenegger actually thought about what the stimulus package could do and, unlike so many others, is grateful for any help even if it's not going to cure all his woes at one time. Good for him. And good for him for standing up for our President.

other peoples' money February 22nd, 2009 1:51 pm ET

I really don't understand how getting into more debt is going to solve the problems that debt got us into in the first place. Any economist worth listening to is saying these "bailouts" are a mistake.

That is a straight out lie. Most of the best minds in economics are saying this stimulus package is exactly what the country needs. If your going to spew your rhetroic, please do some reseach instead of blantantly lie about facts. Republican mantra at its best.

In debt? Can't pay your bills? Dreaming of that wonderful vacation or that McMansion that you are sure you deserve even though you only get earn $18,000 a year as a greeter at Wal-Mart – when you can bother to go in?

Then BORROW BORROW BORROW and never repay a dime at the Barry O. National Bank of Washington DC! A branch office is coming to a Democratic State Near You Soon!

Feed at the trough all you want, with never a bill to pay in sight!

Don't let the threat of hard work and trouble of saving money stand in the way of what you DESERVE! Get your unearned reward TODAY!

Everyone has an opinion on the stimulus so I'll spare you mine, which is equally irrelevant.

However, does everyone else get the impression that many Republican leaders would like to see the stimulus fail? Whether you support it or not, it has been passed. Why not then throw your support behind it to give it our best shot? It's too early to be pointing fingers.

Wow, you Conservatives really are a selfish lot. All I hear from your mouths are me and mine. If I had your attitude I would have not gone to Iraq the three times I have been there. Unfortunately a majority elected Bush and he said I had to go so I went. Now the majority is saying you people have to stop thinking of only yourselves and start thinking about everyone. Good thing you guys are Christians. Nice milk of human kindness. Sometimes I wonder why I have spent twenty years of my life giving it up for others, when those same people who are the first to send me to war are the last to help anyone else out except themselves.

All of the leaders should get behind the bail out and talk it up so the country will have more confidence. This partisan crowd did not say one thing about the 700 billion Bush got for the rich investment bankers. That was good potitics even though it did not put one cent in the hands of those who will spend it to create jobs.

Jindal, Barbour, Sanford, Pawlenty are hypocrites if they take one dime of the money. They say it will increase the debt, the same debt that Bush increased 6 TRILLION DOLLARS AND NOT ONE OF THEM SAID ONE WORD ABOUT THAT INCREASING THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL DEBT.

Arnold is a moron, simple as that. Had he run the state better, he would not have to be at the money hand out

CA supports the rest of the country – so all you CA haters and whiners – buzz off. We never get back what we pay in tax dollars – South Carolina whiners take home $1.35 for every $1 they send to Washington – total welfare state. I say – If a repub governor doesn't want some of the money – don't give them any – then see how their citizens react.. These are the same eggheads that drink at the trough of Rushannity – the new republican religion!

I can't stand Arnold – he was a wishy washy governor that never would have been elected if not for a recall – he campigned on the principle that no one would raise vehicle taxes on his hummer – and now he is raising vehicle taxes. He never took on the prison guard unions...

Leave us be here in CA – we will survive – 8th largest economy in the world and darn proud of it! Our real estate goes up/down like a yo yo and we all survive.

The only people that leave this state are the ones that can't make it! So Sorry.

Another actor that thinks he knows somthing. Obama is a joke as well. He did nothing but ruin everyones future with the bailout. Forced down our throats before anyone could read it. Now we all will pay and pay we will.

for everyone slamming california for taking a big chunk why dont you look into how much our state puts in. 7th largest economy in the world and no one complains when the time's are good and we're contributing a chunk load in taxes.

and to dan in az....i dont think it was californians who overdeveloped your desert and now your state is abundant with empty homes and a large amount of foreclosures.

I think the fact that Arnold's state is getting a lot of the money, does make him happy, why wouldnt it? I am not an economist, but these people that think stimulus plans are a bad idea, have no idea how bad things would get with out it? they think they do, but they have absolutely no clue. If you believe the stimulus plan is bad, do you have any better ideas?? if so let's hear them. I think Obama is doing the best he can right now, which is more than I can say for past presidents no names mentioned. Give the man a chance, show some respect, he is the President of the "United" states. Although I was not a big fan of our formr president, I still respected him because he was the President of the United States, and that is the bottom line. Isnt it awesome to live in a country where we can post comments like this with out being persecuted? God Blessa America!!!!

Lest we forget, part of the stimulus was absolutely necessary to bring those who have been almost destroyed by this event, some degree of basic life and living assistance. I'm sure there are many of you reading this page who will be without a job within the next 3 months for the first time in your lives, perhaps then you will begin to lose the learned selfish behavior believing it is you who makes the world go round.

I think getting us out of debt is going to help us more than this stimulus. People just need to stop putting everything on their credit card and use cash. That's what got us into this whole thing too many people getting into debt. If Obama wants to try this stimulus, let him, but I think he needs to be more concerned about getting us out of debt. I mean that's one of the reasons everyone hated Bush, this stimulus is just going to put us more billions of dollars in debt.

I will call California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a brave objective politician who voice out his opinion on an issue even the whole world says otherwise. Yea i blv his party will shun him on this no doubt about that. but the shows a brave he is.
ARNOLD YOU ARE A TRUE PATRIOT AND WOULD VOTE FOR YOUR PRESIDENCY IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE. LET ME KNOW THOUGH WHEN EVER YOU ARE ELIGIBLE.

NO MORE PARTY POLITICS! AT LEAST NOT NOW!NOT WHEN PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS BECAUSE OF OTHERS' GREED.

I can't wait to hear who gets to say I told you so. after a few years of this.

It astonishes me how much the people on this board just don't understand the issue. Accepting the money in exchange for modifying state law will impose new state tax burdens on employers eventually. Those employers need only cross the state line to avoid the new taxes. GOP governors see this as an opportunity to increase employment in their states. Even Rendell sees that.

The only way to avoid it is, as Ah-nold suggests, to take the fed money now, and later renege on the agreement to continue the benefits. So which camp is being more honest about what will happen in the future? Barbour and Jindal, or the governors that will take the money and try to punk out later (and screw their constitutents) or raise taxes later (and screw local employers)?

But after I read this blog, it is no longer a wonder that capital is fleeing this country at an unprecedented rate.

get a life terminator

Well, then Schwarzenegger has some sense... maybe has been listening to his wife! I don't how he has seen the light... but I am glad that he has!

The sky is falling and the repubs along with Limbaugh want us to see their version of that. THEY DO HAVE THEIR AGENDA! They do not want to give up their power. Thank you, Gov. Schwarzenegger!

Ha. Of course he thinks it's terrific... our state is broke and Obama is giving us money.

If Osama bin Laden came up and said, "Here's a few billion" Arnie would say "Osama is terrific."

I live in ca and am embarrassed by this Steroid idiot. I voted for this fraud to replace Gray Davis and he is worse. He wants the money to bailout CA. All these crooked lying thieves who bought houses they could not afford should be thrown on the street. instead we are bailing out all these scum bags. I hope the Stimulus plan fails.

Correction, I'm sorry, $200,000,000( two hundred million)./wk

J Bailey @ 1355 hrs, look, when you speak truth like this, please keep one good eye over your shoulder and more importantly, stay prayed up! HOLY GOD bless you!
Remember, no man can do what HOLY GOD hasn't ordained, even on earth!

Poor Governator,

They will start coming out against him, because he's more moderate.
The religious right control freaks will start their propaganda against Arnold if he doesnt watch out.

Arnold, go back to Hollywood. You might as well, because you are not worth a nickel as a politician. Your state was an economic basket case when you took office, but you have only made it worse by making it a haven for illegal immigrants and environmental extremists. Now, by endorsing this idiotic socialization of America, you seem determined to bring the same carnage on the national economy. YOU ARE DEFINITELY NO GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN!!

Who cares if some of them don't take it. Let their constituents "man up" for a change and vote out the white hair hags as a result.

Take the money. Sure beats solving the states illegal immigration problem, which is partly responsible for their financial woes.

Please if the federal goverment is only giving it but demanding more of the states later how is that gonna help. The unemployment portion of this package is not logical.
Guess no one can see how socialist this something for nothing concept is. This package is not gonna help and sorry if you got over your head in a mortage you couldn't afford. Deal with it. It's called being responsible for you own life. Are we really gonna teach this next generation that there is no consequences to being irresponsible!! We are instilling in them that you are better of to do nothing for yourself because the goverment should take care of you. This has failed in every socialist nation!! What happened to the dream and earn your way.
The dems had control the last 2 years of congress.. you can't lay all of this on bush. It was all of them.

All of them should be terminated. Or hey, if your such a public servant maybe you should have a pay cut or go without your 300,000 a year, after all you just want to help. 300k times 545 is alot saved!!! even a 3 percent pay cut or more would go along way. Many companies are doing this to their employess to save jobs so should we to congress.

We should petion our leaders to take a 3 percent pay cut!!! They have done a below average job so far. If any refuse they should have to give up there seat!

you better be careful Gov. before Limbaugh labels you as not being a "real" Republican.

not many in usa care about lim....?
because his contribution to the american society is ..... words, words.words.

Even Gov Pawlenty stated on CNN yesterday that the 4 or 5 Governors are only talking about 2% of the money being offered. Why isn't CNN reporting this statistic?

Hurrat for Arnold! At least he has the cojones to stand up to the RNC who obviously have been threatening all Republican politicians with being blackballed. it seems like the name of the game is if you don't toe the line, you won't get a dime.

Wow - a Reublican that looks at things from a non-partisan standpoint and doesn't let his party tell him what to think! A Republican governor who cares about the needs of the people of his state more than he cares about the party line. GO ARNOLD!

Great- so when is he going to authorize payments to state tax refund for Caulifornia? Gray Davis looks to be at least as competant as AS, in retrospect.

I think Arnold isn't using this as a political ploy unlike Barbour and Sen. Shelby of Alabama who said he wouldn't help the big 3 auto companies even if they had facilities in Alabama even though he helped get BILLIONS of tax breaks and incentives for the foreign plants in HIS state. You can tell he is lying- just watch his lips move!!!

"We welcome this economic stimulus package. I think it's terrific and will help us," the California governor said. "We were happy even though there's…people complaining. It's not what they envisioned, but what is? The people will give you 1,000 different answers.

"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it," Schwarzenegger's comments.

Look, the GOP is again scaring us. Isn't Schnwarzenegger the Republican Gov. of Calif? Just last week, didn't the Rebs (Oops) Republicans openly say, that they wanted no part of the stimulating pork? Just asking!

It's time to educate the american people on what exactly is a mortgage and the necessary steps it takes to obtain one. There should be a govenment mandated education system in place for anyone who wants a mortgage for a refinance or purchase transaction. There loan will not close unless the borrower/co borrower completes a course and passes the test. We all are on board with educating our children, how about educating ourselves in the details of something that we are responsible for for the next 20 to 30 years. Stop blaming everyone else and GET EDUCATED on the loan process, the paper work and last but not least. CAN YOU ACUALLY AFFORD THIS LOAN if " life" gets in the way. As a regulatory compliance analyst, I see all types of loans, excuses and most of all lack of evidence that the borrower can afford the loan. Lets go back to the 1980's and have the borrower put 20% down on a purchase transaction, limit the amount of cash out to borrowers with less than steller credit to $4000 and be able to verify his occupancy, as well as his/her identity and most importantly his/her income.

Yup, it's so obvious that most Republicans are still bitter about their big loss in the election...and more importantly, the loss of the American public's trust. So they are going to rip anything up that Obama attempts to fix that thier leader oh so badly messed up! Even if Obama does things the GOP wants him to do, they'll find a way to mock it. If in two years we still see our country sinking, then give our new President a hard time. Gee...it only took eight long years for a majority of us to finally grasp what massive harm Bush was doing to this nation. Hmmm....go figure.

The Republican way obviously did not work. Arnold is being honest and open to something that has a good chance of working. I live in California and am proud that he is putting the people he represents first. The other Gov's. should take a lesson and remember that their people always come first, go out there and actually talk to them, and after they have done that, , , roll up their sleeves and get in there and help!

Ca gets about $.75 in federal dollars for every $1 in federal taxes paid, so for those of you who think Ca is stealing from your state, odds are pretty good they aren't only going to be responsible for paying back their share, they will be paying back a large chunk of yours as well.

In fact, it's states like MS, AL, SC, and LA, that take way more than they pay in federal dollars. I'd love to hear some of you acknowledge this, and I'd really love to see your states demand that they only get what they pay in federal taxes.

You'd be doing those of us in the "subsidizing" states a huge favor.

CNN KEEP CALLING OUT THE NAMES OF GOP SENATORS WHO ARE AGAINST THE STIMULOUS. THE STIMULOUS IS DESIGNED TO WORK, NOT TO FAIL, AND THOSE GOP SENATORS ARE GOING TO PROVE WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW, THEY ARE NOT FIT TO BE SENATORS AND SHOULD BE EXPELLED FROM THE SENATE.

"Qweek, get in da chappa!" "LUKE OWT!!!"

And for once he makes sense. The Republicans who are talking about not accepting funds from the stimulus package should not accept ANY of the funds. Then go back to their constituents and explain how they were looking after their best interest. Let their constituents know that even though Republicans have no answer, their plans are to reject anything President Obama has to offer. They should also let them know that while the Republican Senators have nothing more than tax cuts to offer, They'll be doing everything in their power to undermine the President while whining that the Democrats won't do it their way. Man up. That should go over great with their constituents.

The RNC can use a whole lot of Arnolds.

Arnold, tell that Mississipian how to govern. Smack him for he needs some. It doesn't mean I'm agreeing with you on everything. Remember, you were the guy, who said McCain was better and had more experience, and you made fun of Obama during primaries. Now, see how phony you look.

When your state is bankcrupt, you'd say anything to get government cheese, that's REALITY.

Folks in California,

Look out your idiot Governor doesn't know any more about finance than he does about running your state which he has done until you have no water, power, jobs. Just plenty of illegal aliens sucking on the teat of the state of California.

I think arnold is one of the few politicians looking at the big picture. There are possible repercussions in the long term, but if the money from the stimulus package CAN be used to create more jobs, it could up the states productivity and get it out of debt faster.

Good to hear that the Governator gets it and accepts President Obama's stimulus plan even though the Governor's own economic mistakes caused California's massive economic crisis in the first place. I spoke with a California legislator who informed me that the Governor got rid of the license plate tab higher fee and lowered it thereby causing Billions of dollars of reduced state revenues and then never replaced that shortfall with anything else. So, now is a good time for the Governator to change his political affiliation and join his wife's party. More and more key politicians are supporting President Obama. The old-school GOP thinking is dead, the majority of Americans have voted for change, yet those stupid Republican'ts continue down the path of destruction, ruin, and ignorance. What a bunch of idiot losers. Wow! It feels so good to say those words out loud – Obama Won! Yaay – America Won! Boooo to the GOP (Greedy Old Party).

KA"MON PPL STOP BLAMING THE ILLEAGLES., HOW MANY OF YOU PPL WOULD LOVE TO PICK TOMATOES AND PEPPER AT 120* NO BREAKS OR BETTER WASH DISHES AT 7:50 AN HOUR MMMMM...GOOD QUESTIONS RIGHT???? GOD BLESS ....STOP YOUR NONE SENSE...

Obama can't put us more in the hole the G.W.? I think perhaps you need to go back to school and take a remedial math class. Perhaps this is why Dems can't do their taxes.

Thank you Governor Schwarzenegger for stating "It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it." This is the most professional statement anyone has made since President Obama has been in office. It isn't just because you believe we should give the plan a chance, but it is positive. I am tired of the negative and insecure statements other politicians are making regarding the President's work in office.

His fellow Republicans must be calling him a "girly man".

legalize and tax...

I am so sick of hearing about "illegals" taking jobs. I've lived in the Central Valley in California most of my life, and let me tell you, if the white boys can't drive the tractor, they don't work in the field. It's the Mexican laborers who pick your lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and cut your grapes. Have you ever picked peaches? It's horrible - absolutely horrible. And if you think you could pull it off, come on out. Then try to gas up your Yukon on what you make. When you complain about Mexican laborers, don't talk with your mouth full!

This stimulus bill is going to do nothing more than waste money, deflate the dollar and prolong the recovery. It might be different if the country wasn’t broke but it is and borrowing more money is not the answer. So keep on parroting ideologues and while you are at it supporting your various party affiliations start learning Chinese. They are your masters now.

Arnie is lost in the Terminator role and his power abyss as a wanna be Republican Governor which he ran under but has shown his own ineptitude and conservative leadership. His last name should be Kennedy -Schriver . Having said that it is quite apparent he does not know whose bill this is... This is a Pelosi & Reid bill Arnold. Do you read the papers or are connected with the facts? If this fails Pelosi and the likes of socialist Democrat spendaholichs will be thrown under the bus at the taxpayers expense just like the war in Iraq.

I think everyone here has it wrong. The past 5-6 years both the gov't and the population have been living beyond their means, not thinking about how the growing national or personal debt would be paid.

Through bad management of the economy, bad personal choices, bad decisions by the banks and investment firms all that debt has come due. We have limited choices what to do.

We could just let the debt crush our economy through personal bankrupcies, loss of consumer spending, loss of jobs and higher taxes because a smaller depressed economy will have to carry the national debt.

...or we could borrow from the future, try to stiumulate the economy, reduce job losses, increase consumer confidence and lessen the recession. If we do that we all must recognize we are are incurring a future debt to spread the cost of the past 5-6 years over the next 12-20.

However, we must understand we can only do this once, and do it right,in the next 20 or so years and spread the cost over that time period. If we get this nwrong and screw things up there will be no opportunity to fix it and try again.

For that reason we all have to start thinking as Americans and not a partisan democrats or republicans. Above all we need to avoid thinking like Rush "I hope Obama fails" Limbaugh. If the current adminsitration fails we all fail and will pay for it for a generation or more.

The GDP for California is 1.2 trillion dollars anually. California makes a lot of money for America. If states like this one crumble, then it would create a ripple effect world wide–not just here in the US.

That state has three of the largest cities in the US and countless military bases for our troops. They deserve to have a large chunk of the money. Arnold is a smart governor for accepting the money not just for Californian's sake but for the country's sake. Think about those nice bottles of wine, the fresh fruit that you eat in the winter time, the wonderful video games, the movies you watch, and the numerous other things from this state that have been taken for granted–that's California!

Now think about NY, VA, IL , your state and it's GDP's and what it produces for this country and the rest of the world. We are all connected-WE ALL NEED HELP!

Finally, a Republican with a functioning brain. There is a God.

To all of you hicks slamming California ... when it's hard to find fresh fruits and veggies cuz of a drought and you all start crying and whining over the fact that there's no produce in your grocery store, don't come running to us. We're one of the largest states in the US, covering almost the whole West coast, and WE PRODUCE 1/6 OF THE NATION'S PRODUCE. CA's own economy could compete with other *countries.* We also have more people in our state than six of yer common little house on the prairie states combined (even though we're so big, parts of CA could also be considered little house on the prairie-like). We have one of the largest brain trusts in the US (yeah, OUR innovation has given a shot in the arm to many a US economy past, present and future) and allow more diversity than almost anywhere else in the country. Any noodnick could figure out that proportionally, we *should* be getting more of the stimulus. And yeah, it would make sense that proportionally we'd be more in hock with subprimes, etc. since we have proportionally more unintelligent people here (I'm being diplomatic) who took these kinds of loans out in the first place. Duh.

j bailey
If you'd like to pick your own produce please do so. Also how can someone be more concerned about the Immigrants than knowing how to spell? Please let's stay on subject at hand, inform yourself, unless your a wealthy individual this stimulus package doesn't help you, on the other hand if your low -middle income your state and country will benefit in the long run. SUPPORT THE MAN! DAMN RETARDED Republicans inflated the debt of the American people when Bush was in power and benefited from it. Now on the opposition because they won't get a cent.

P.S. I'm a Democrat and I like Arnold, I voted for him. A lot of this mess here isn't his fault, the rest of our state government here is kind've a joke.

To all you that are complaining that 13 dollar a week is not a stimulus. Try multiplying that by 150 million workers, altho, that number is rapidly declining, and you will see that the total pumped into the economy each week is nearly 2 B that would not have been there otherwise. It was intentionally set up to slowly goes into the economy as opposed to a one time rebate. It is more apt to be spent if it is a small but regular infusion. A rebate as we know, will most likely go to pay off existing debt or savings.

So, try to see past you own selfish self-interest and see the big picture, but I forget, you are republicans, watching out for your own selfish self-interest is the ONLY view you believe and support.

I hear a lot about illegals taking jobs and putting a strain on our health system. Well, where is the blame on the Owners of these businesses that employ illegals. I have never heard of a company being founded by an illegal, lets start enforcing the currently employment laws and then the jobs will be there – the question is then if the american job market can lower their ego enough to accept those jobs and pay the illegals have been accepting for decades.

As a person born and raised in small-town Mississippi, now living in California, I am a bit sickened but not surprised at the move of Southern Governors. Southern ideals are driven on hard-core, unwavering principles, whether that relates to politics or religion. Sadly, vision is not at the forefront of the leadership of these states, risk-taking is limited, and bitterness and spite exudes towards the unknown and threats to those principles.

Take Mississippi, last in education, last in economic vitality, last in quality of health of its citizens. Mississippi is last (or first) in so many "bad" areas. I encourage Mr Barbour and the leadership of the state, for Christ's sake, get creative! Find funds in this stimulus to get creative, to bring new industry to the state and educate its people. Where is your thinking hat, Mr Barbour? Garment, textile, furniture, agriculture, are all areas that have left or are non-existent from ten years ago. The Toyota factory that Mr. Barbour was so proud of, is now $400M ghost town. Who knows what is up with the Nissan plant, are they staying or going?

What I am seeing is basically Mr Barbour and other Southern governors jumping to make a political statement. To take a moment to build a leg for their party and create a shout-out to those principals.

On a side note, how funny and ironic that Mr. Barbour is so outspoken now against the political machine in Washington and a movement to help the state. Aren't there towns on the gulf still demolished from Katrina? Where was the outrage then? Haley's a man of the party.

I've lived in CA my entire life, and I'm one of those democrats who Governor would probably place "in the gutter" when he quoted Eisenhower about how one drives in the center of the road, not on the left or right. I make no apologies for being on the side of social justice, human rights, workplace equity. a health care system that serves people not insurance companies, excellent public schools, opportunity for prosperity in a green economy for all.

I have to say, I am proud of this Governor's unwillingness to play politics and for speaking out, using a simple analogy: when half the players walk off the field, the rest of the team can't win the game. He's truly living up to his word that he would not be owned by special interests or party hard liners. He also learned the hard way how to work and play well with democrats and progressives.

In your heart, when you're in trouble, you'd rather have social progressives controlling government – even if you're republican. Come on, you know that's the truth.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrnold joined the Dims years ago.

He was swept in to replace Grey Davis, another Dim idiot, who doubled car taxes, Arnie cut those, then just raised them for us.

We first had a spending problem here (his words), that changed within a week to now we have a revenue problem, again his words.

CA State Gov't doubled in size and spending over that last 10 years all while we lost 1.4 million taxpyers to other states.

At a population of 35 million in California, Mr. Schwarzenegger understands the impact of the stimulus. Please people stop being narrow minded. Stimulus increases weekly pay at about $10-$15/week. Do the math people. 20million taxpayers and multiply that by $10 and you get the product of $2 billion.

Hey Mr. "Drink the Kool Aid" Comment...Got any more Rush Limbaugh ditto head cliches to spit out?...Try thinking for yourself...You want to bash Obama at every turn but don't want to face that the Repubs got us here and that nobody has presented any better ideas on how to get us out...the President even compromised on his stimulus bill to reach out to Republicans and they basically spit in his face...apparently bipartisan is a word not in the Republican dictionary.

Now I understand those Governors who think the stimulus is bad are all "Gouilrly men" except for that Sarah Palin she's all woman.

it is very simple to know what the gov. is trying to do... put the country (the american ppl) first before the party, and thats what he is exactly doing... I hope the republ dogmas and that Larry below me gets it...

I hope they give me some of that stimulus money..... because I have a meth problem... And boy howdy, what an expensive habit. I mean jeepers!!! I am trippin pretty hard right now. I hope my kids don't wake up.

California needs the help big-time, and I'm glad Schwarzenneger's pragmatic enough to realize that. I didn't support the recall of Gray Davis, but I have to admit Schwarzenneger (with a few notable exceptions) has done a good job of governing this state. As a Democrat, I find it ironic that he governs with the help of the elected majority Democrats and without the support of his Republican party. In the end, their attempt to hijack governance of this State backfired.

This may not be the most appropriate place to make my comment but it is the only one with space.
My question is: Why do some bloggers get to be published time after time or even severel times within the same posting e.g. Griff, Texas Teacher, Proud American? Do you have to married to a moderator or perhaps be a love child of one of them to get published?

At least with the election over that damned Mockingbird Singing in Berkely Square is gone !

1. CA has the eighth-largest economy in the WORLD. If IT fails, there will be WORLD-wide repercussions.

2. Haley Barbour is an idiot.

3. Mississippi is an economic, social, educational, healthcare, etc. BASKET CASE. Those "bootstrap" Republicans get back SEVENTEEN DOLLARS for every tax dollar they send to Washington.

By contrast, CA gets about fifty-seven CENTS.

WHO'S bankrupt??!!

DO NOT take the govinator seriously, HE IS GOING TO BE RECALLED.

The ONLY reason Arnold is "pumped up" over the stimulus is because his state is bankrupt. If ANY Republican has any self respect, they will reject this MASSIVE spending package. This is a welfare package for those who don't want to work, anyone that doesn't see this is delusional. SHAME ON YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!! (And Im not a republican, for those who want to reply with a dim-witted comment bashing republicans... save your breath)

Go Arnold! Who cares from what party it comes if it helps the country. There are no easy solutions for difficult problems. I have to laugh at the Californian's that complain the state is in so much debt. They had the chance to vote for the spending limitations and to put money away for bad times on the ballots the last time. Guess what, they voted to keep all the money squandering projects in place. Now they have to pay the bill...

OMG, how many times has Arnold had plastic surgery???
He looks terrible.

I think everyone is forgetting that the last 8 years a Rebuplican was in office. Now the Democrats have to clean up the mess. You Republicans baically have nothing to say. If you don't want any of the money or tax cuts from the stimulus then move out of the USA. Go to Canada or Asia and see how you do there job wise and financially. Let's see how you get treated there too.

God I love this guy! Why couldn't he run for another term?

I am so sick and tired of the purely anti American crap spewing out of the Republican politicians lately; it has done absolutely nothing but smear this country's ability to actually fix problems.

I am just tired of listening to Republicans whine and complain about spending, when for the last 8 years not one of them offered up a hand to stop the trillions of wasted money pouring out of the White House. Now all the sudden the lot of them are fiscal conservatives? Right when the money is being put back into the country to simulate it? I find it absolutely abhorrent and every last one of them need to be punted out of office for good. Hippocrates.

For those who think that this FREE money and stimulus package is the great answer-read what was said almost 70 years ago: The Socialist Party candidate for President of the US, Norman Thomas,
> said this in a 1944 speech:
>
> "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under

> the name of "liberalism," they will adopt every fragment of the
> socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation,
> without knowing how it happened."
>
> He went on to say: "I no longer need to run as a Presidential
Candidate
> for the Socialist Party. The Democrat Party has adopted our
platform."
>
>
> "The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other
> people's money ~~Margaret Thatcher~~

I was highly skeptical when Arnold ran for governor of CA, , but he has done a good job. His openmindedness in the face of his intractable Republican colleagues demonstrates that he cares more for his constituents than clinging to an outdated political philosophy.

Repubs= Fake christians...
As soon as someone of their can speak with some sense and truth they outcast him......remind anyone of a story out of the bible "JC"?

When Arnold ran for governor of CA, I was highly skeptical, but he has done a good job. His openmindedness in the face of his intractable Republican colleagues demonstrates that he cares more for his constituents than clinging to an outdated political philosophy.

Fareed Zakaria's guest from Pakistan today made one of the most cogent observations I've heard lately... I believe he was quoting from Alice in Wonderland when he said "When you don't know where you are going all roads lead there".

Whether you are Barack Obama or a Nobel Laureate in economics or Nancy Pelosi, you don't slap together a $750 billion spending plan in a couple of weeks and get it right. Doing something is NOT better than doing nothing if what you are doing is wrong. The stimulus package is a patchwork of pork, good intentions, finger-in-the-dike anti-starvation measures like extending unemployment benefits, and political patronage that cannot possibly stimulate the economy to the degree necessary. (I know there are some good things there, just not nearly enough).

The Dept. of Energy just made their "alternative energy biofuel grant program" public. It totals $25 million dollars. That's LESS than Citigroup paid for an airplane for their executives. The grants are for four years of STUDY without so much as a dime to plant a tree or build an ethanol conversion plant. So much for energy independence and the greening of America.

Yet GM (incompetents) will get billions. The banks (criminals)will get billions, people who filled out fraudulent loan applications to buy a house (mini-criminals) will get billions. But not a single productive small business will get a dime.

When you don't know where you are going every road leads there.

I think the democrats should call the Alabama Sen. Shelby to come out and clarify himself on his moronic innuendo about Obama"s eligibility .
Let him explain if he now has joined the conspiracy fringe-theorist of his party in this blatant racism to undermine the new president.

I live in California and I love the plan! For all of the GOP who have a problem with the stimulus package and have stated they will not accept the money, let's see how many of them will donate their portion to California.

I live in Cali so Hells Yeah I'm glad we're getting a lot of the stimulus money. We need it. Our state government can't even afford to pay us our tax refunds this year, they're sending out IOU's. If it means we'll be able to pay our hard working, and deserving, cops, firemen, teachers, and other goverment employees then I really don't care if we are accepting a government handout.

I don't think Arnie has been paying attention – Obama did not "put this plan together", Arnie, Nancy and Harry did, and because if them, we have a pork-filled payoff to unions and other Dem favorites that will burden our country for years to come. California is in the worst financial shape of all the states, so why, oh why, would anything Arnie has to say regarding the economy have any credibility anyway? Go home to your state of "santuary cities", Arnie, and try to figure out how to stop the mass exodus of hard-working American taxpayers who are tired of shouldering the burdens you and your buddies in government have left them with.

It's funny to see how the Obama supporters can't even spell. Perhaps dumping money into the education system is a good thing. The children of these illiterate, useless fops can learn to read and write properly so they can actually READ and UNDERSTAND what is being jammed down their throats.

most republicans know that the president is fixing things and doing a wonderful job.. but they are scared to speak up their mind, may be they are scared of the racist radio conservative commentator, limbaugh.

After the stimulus has stimulated the economy, and it is gone–then what?? Perhaps another super-stimulus will come from Santa Claus. Oh yes, several generations will be "in hock" to pay off this monstrous cost which is going to jeopardize their future also.

Accountability and transparency has been promised, or how it is spent!
The BIG ONE is down the pike. Reduce the National debt of about 13 trillion dollars. Other nations have bought a large hunk of bonds to our super accelerated run away economy such as China, UK, Japan and others. China owns about a trillion of it. What if these nations called for their bonds to be cashed in?

Is debt to do us in eventually? It is paradoxical to tell citizens to live within their budgets, and here we have real trouble attempting to balance the national debt.

Just a comment about those Governers who may not take their share of the stimulus package. Since when do Republicans refuse money????? What's going on here is that they got put out to pasture...they voted against the package, but now have to look like total losers by accepting the same money they voted agaist. It's too much for their egos to do. The only problems with this is that they are taking a big political risk that will have dire consequences for their political futures. Their hurting constituents would NEVER forget them at the voting boot knowing that the global economic meltdown which is affecting everyone could have been eased if they had accepted the money even if they did not voted for it. The bottom line is these fools dont want to be seen as the HIPPOCRITES they are by accepting the money they voted for in lockstep. What you bet these HIPPOCRITS will accept every dime..watch.

Glad to see there are some sane Republicans out there still attached to reality. I laugh when I hear that Palin and the guy from South Carolina are going to refuse the money. Good, I'd like to see them live up to their word for once and then see if they get re-elected.

Tell them Arnold.

It doesn't surprise me at all that Gov. S is supportive of the stimulus plan, since his state is on the complete and utter verge of bankruptcy. At this point ANYTHING would be attractive to him. That state is by far one of the MOST mismanaged in the country, and just like we're going to rewarding people for taking on mortgages they weren't qualified for, we're going to be throwing good money after bad in California.

I know there are many of you Democrats who are so filled with hatred toward all things Republican that you're not able to be even remotely objective, but try to understand something: Many/most Republicans are just like you, and we also perceive the need to do something. The difference is that we believe our actions shouldn't perpetuate the problem but rather should fix it. I'm all for helping homeowners who are in over their heads–compassion does mean that at times we help one another learn–but there's no apparent learning going on here...simply bailouts and a lack of any real cost for bad behavior. Those of us who were smart, followed the rules, didn't get in over our heads, etc. are now going to have to bail out those who didn't do those things, and frankly that stinks. We're willing to do it, but you also need to accept that if the roles were reversed, you'd want at least a LITTLE acknowledgment or learning taking place so it's not simply leading to more of the same behavior in the future.

We need to do what's right here, and think carefully about it. Not just for my kids, but for yours...for everybody's. We're a nation of short-term mentality, of selfishness, greed, and "I need to have my way or else"...and that works against us right now.

Don't go blaming Arnold for all of California's problems. The Repugs were holding the state " hostage " by refusing to vote for what the state needed. Some of you people need to do your homework before you speak or write.

Way to go Arnold !

j bailey complains that "the illeagles ...take our jobs".

You're comment is ignorant. "Ilegals" consistently take jobs no one else wants, with bad pay, no benefits, and poor working conditions. "Illegals" have nothing to do with the current recession. As far as I can tell the economic crisis is because Americans (and not "illegals") borrowed and lent money irresponsibly. This economic crisis is as American as apple pie, and the whole world is paying for it.

To other people's money: You are a fool. Really. If you actually used your brain you would realize that we are soooooo far in debt already that we need a boost to get us going again so we can speed up the recovery. You say our children will be hurt..... well, your retarded. You seem to only be able to think 100 years ahead. What about 1,000??? We WILL get out of debt at some point and I feel its better to spend now and get a boost than to let us sink and bottom out with no boost. A little boost will go a long way in the short term and provide a base to grow our economy faster in the long term. What you are missing is that we will be in debt for a long, long time.... so we should not do anything about it?????

For the republicans spending millions on bombs and bullets is fine, but developing infrastructure and keeping the economy from collapsing is not. A lot of them are probably responsible for the collapse. I guess republicans are only happy with war mongering.

Matt and Dana You both are absolutely correct.

I firmly believe President Obama will do the job he has promised to upheld with the best he can.This is I can say with fervor,he may not be able to fulfill all he promised during the campaign,he will do most with honesty and dignity.I hope and pray that we all be supportive of all his under takings to fix the economic woes,security concerns,
health issues,and the global diplomatic standing of the U.S.A.
Remember the saying:After the storm,the sun will always comes up,
and it will be another day.Be optimistic.HOPE AND CHANGE.YES WE
CAN...

Arnold's simply playing it smart.

He knows his state's current fiscal situation was caused by the problems Bush started – not anything for which he was responsible.

The 40 MILLION Americans in California need help, and luckily, they'll get this stimulus package. Obama's simply trying to administer a booster shot to get the free-market economy back on track. He's NOT asking us all to become socialists or something.

As a native of San Diego who is going to college in Connecticut (another state with a street-smart Republican governor working hard to effectively handle the economic crisis), it shocks and saddens me to see so many people hate on California's situation when they:

a) clearly don't live there and

b) are bitter about the GOP's loss of the White House. We're all one nation – suck it up and deal with it. America's been through tougher times before.

Finally a republican with a Brain and not just brain farts!!

400,000 new jobs . I really doubt that number.

Gov. Schwarzenegger is in a very humble position right now considering California's state of affairs. However, the thing that amazes me most with the GOP is there is no humility.

The best way to start making amends in the Republican Party is to do as the Governator is doing–putting legislation, although not perfect, on the table and get it passed in order to show the American people that you aren't just standing around with your arms folded complaining without alternatives or a solution. Like it or not every state will see stimulus money coming to help out. It will be very interesting to see if these governors can put their money where their mouth is and utilize this funding appropriately for the people. If not, I guarantee you Mr. Obama has eyes watching on how this money is spent and will call you on it in a heartbeat.

90% of it will go into politician's pockets and those of their friends.

It's refreshing to see a Republican speak his mind regardless of what his party will think. Sure, California's getting more money, but it's also one of the largest states. I'm tired of all the fighting about this. Mad McCain won, he would also be pushing a stimulus package and I bet it would be similar to the one Obama just signed into law. And remember, it's only been a MONTH since Obama took office. Let's sit back, give the guy a chance, and see what transpires before passing judgment. The new guy has some great stuff cooking and I, for one, am going to be watching.

Another Republican governor - Charlie Crist of Florida - said the same thing on Meet the Press today: The plan is not perfect but it's needed. He has to do the best thing for the people of Florida, which is to accept the funds.

At last! One Sane Republican with a conscience, willing to work with the man millions chose to lead us out of this mess.
There is nothing more honorable than standing up for what`s right!
And are we not the UNITED States of Ameria?
Thanks, Arnold!

Arnold has the right idea. It's about what's best for the people of the U.S.; not what's best for a party politician.

Aren't we getting sick and tired of the right blasting everything Obama does, when they could be helping to come up with solutions...like ADULTS????

Arnold is one of the smartest republicans I've seen. He's great. He's very bipartisan and acts in the good of the people and not for his party. I would make a bet that if he could run for Pres., he would and would do pretty well. I don't like what the republicans have become, but would def. consider voting for a republican like Arnold. God bless America!!!

It would be nice to see the republican party stop trying to get elected in 2012 and get in the game that is "now". This constant non-bipartisan stance is not in the best interest of this country. Our government has the smartest people in the world at their disposal to help us get through these hard times and the administration is seeking this knowledge. We need the governments help since they are the only ones with deep enough pockets and influence. It would be nice to see a little support from the other side of the aisle instead of the "we are not going to support anything from Obama/democrats".
Quit trying to separate yourselves in an effort to change your image of a failed 8 years. Step up and start doing what you were elected for and help your country out.

Juice Man supports anything blowing his way. He first disrepected President Obama now he's backing him.

Just another example of what the Juice can do to your mind.

Arnold ... this is from the same man you talked s–t about in Ohio when you were campaigning for John McCain.

I can't wait until he is able to get at you without hurting the rest of California. You are a marked man ... kissing up now won't help buddy.

Florida's Republican Governor, Charlie Crist, is on safe ground with Obama because he didn't shoot off his big mouth the way Arnold did.

"it is a shame to put illegals first"

I couldn't agree more. As a part American Indian, I wish all of you ILLEGALS get off our land that you stole from us the past 250 years.

More money more spending No responsibility Hand outs who really gets theses jobs Lets see some ID and trim the fat Arnold!

Good for Arnold!
The rest of the Republican Party has a lot of nerve calling the stimulus wasteful after falling over themselves to help fill Halliburton's pockets with trillions of tax payers dollars on two wars that have helped destroy our National morale and economy. Then they throw another trillion at their greedy fat cat friends in banking and wall street.
If the Republican Party is really looking for a model and foundation for the future they only need to look to Arnold Schwarzeneggar.
I hope he switches to the Democratic Party and leaves the Republicans in the dust where they belong.

I hope everyone in the US enjoys paying for my states debts. Personally, I am embarrased for Californias pathetic leadership-both Democrat and Republican.

The stimulous package for any state is a bad reward for the governor and legislature's monetary mismanagement, lack of responsibility and leadership and avoidance of law to live within a states budget. It sets a poor example for the people of that state to live within their own income and it perpetuates a states illogical overspending continuing the economic downward spiral.
Each state should be left to solve its own problems and pay for its excesses to put an end to mismanagement.
In the case of California, much of its problems stem from its unwillingness to deal with the illegle immigration problems which is draining its states coffers. Too bad-poor decision!!

And that's just the stark difference in a Moderate Republican using common sense and a Conservative Republican being idealistic. Common sense wins everytime. It's sad to say that most southern Republicans are stuck on idealistic views. That's the very reason why a lot of things done in the Southern states seem to not make sense. Because they don't make sense!

Wow, a Republican who listens to voters, homeowners, and consumers instead of the talk-radio ayatollahs. This might even be a Republican who wants to be reelected, unlike the rest of his party colleagues.

If "illegals" are stealing your jobs, then you need to get educated. they mostly take the jobs no one wants at salaries that no can afford to live on. we basically had an open door policy, letting anyone in while the economy was strong and we needed the cheap labor, but now that things are tightening up we are going to try to strip them of their basic human rights... Bailey you are ignorant! you should go and post on fox news with the rest of the wack jobs!

To Matt in MN and Mike,
Ill have you know that California sends about the most money to Washington. In fact for every dollar we send we get back only a mere seventy-seven cents back. So don't you think California deserves SOME of our taxpayer dollars back. I mean its not like we contribute nothing to the country like Mississippi.

That guy is an opportunist. He supports death penalty because it is the easy way and he refused to vote for Obama. So now he is sucking up to him ? Please.

Good to hear that the Governator gets it and accepts President Obama's stimulus plan even though the Governor's own economic mistakes caused California's massive economic crisis in the first place. I spoke with a California legislator who informed me that the Governor got rid of the license plate tab higher fee and lowered it thereby causing Billions of dollars of reduced state revenues and then never replaced that shortfall with anything else. So, now is a good time for the Governator to change his political affiliation and join his wife's party. Arnold, what are you waiting for?

The Republican should take notes and don't run him away and if they do I'll be very happy he's been a great Governor I voted for him and I'm a Dem. They don't believe in country first.

The State of California sends far more tax money to Washington than it ever gets back so it is about time some money came back our way.
Arnold isn't the only one who is happy to see it...

Arnold is positioning himself to run for the Senate. He can't win by being a neo-Hooverite. Same for Charlie Crist (FL).

Arnaold Schwarzenegger cares more about the American People than
ideology.
The Republicans when in power of lower taxes, increase spending that results in record deficits and debt, balance budgets be damned.
When out of power the Republicans ideology is a balance budget, eliminating the deficit and debt along with their old faithful lower taxes.
The Republicans ideology seems to be at odds with their actions when in power, in other words they talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk.

Barbour is the only semi-honest republican governor. All the other ones complain about the stimulus package, but in the end eat up all the money offered them. All self-respecting republicans should not just complain about the stimulus bill, but turn down ALL the money from it!

Dana – you should maybe consider that Schawarzenegger is a Republican governor supporting a Democratic president. Perhaps you should read up on the facts.

why not swich over to the dems. Gov. Shwarzennegger , after all if not for them there would be no more california thanks to the republicans.

Let's keep in mind that the state of California is the 8th largest economy in the world and can't be compared to the economies of RI, Kentucky or even Texas or Alaska – it utterly dwarfs them!

Doesn't it seem like the divide in the GOP is between the House/Senate Rethugs and the Governors and GOP members on Main Street who are the moderates and are the only ones acting like grown-ups?

The Bush Administration, in partnership with Enron (remember those highly controversial meetings in the first days of Dubya's presidency?), specifically targeted California during Davis' administration...and that was the death blow that put California where it is now. California deserves every penny the Federal Government gives it.

Of course they will take it, its free money, so they dont have to deal with their issues now, just puts them off for a bit. Each state that takes the money can say they were bought and paid for and own their existance to the corrupted federal government. Might be worth that revolution that Thomas Jefferson says must come very so often and put the US back on the right track.

enjoy the money now before the taxes go up to meet that 2013 deadline...
13 bucks extra a week.. but then Mass raises the gas tax 19 cents a gallon... there goes that...

So, two Republican governors of two of the four largest states (CA and FL) think the stimulus plan is a good idea. Makes sense to me. Who really cares about MS anyway? What has it produced other than Brtiney Spears???

Newsflash: Arnold is "not" a republican, but it nice that the media will use this to show how Republicans are embracing the new President and his horrific stimulus plan. Of course Arnold would embrace this, it's all he has left to save his rear end. He's "hoping" that it will offset some of the new taxes that just got dumped on the "taxpayers" (illegal aliens excluded of course). For those of you who don't follow California current events, California is near bankruptcy, has huge deficits, a brain dead legislature, and yet, California voters continue to put these people in office! While the state crumbles, our brilliant representatives refuse to cut needless things out of the budget, continue to add needless costs to our expenditures, then raise taxes on everything possible. There is a mass exodus of business, residents and even illegal aliens from California because of its irresponsible and idiotic liberal causes and agendas.

Republicans need to take note from Gov. Schwarzenegger. Although I didn't like how he came to power in California, I think he is doing exactly what Obama is trying to accomplish. Save the partisan rhetoric for now and get to the people's work.

You can say that the Governator is only talking positively toward the President and his stimulus because the State of California is in such dire need of these funds, but I think it's much more than that. The Republican party needs to reassess itself and stop listening to the wacko's like Rush Limbaugh. The GOP MUST stop listening to all of the idiots who keep spoon-feeding them all the typical Republican ilk and start acting positively through action as Gov. Schwarzenegger has been doing. I'm not a big fan, but for now I say Go Arnie!!!!

Finally, someone who talks straight, not politics.

I wonder if any of the politicians have actually sat down and read it yet?

At least one Republican Governor speaks about the benefits that the stimulus plan will bring to the people of the state he governs. McCain and the others live in a crystal bowl, then they don't get what is happening. I hope the plan will work for everybody!

I have currently been working 30 hr work weeks for the last 2 months, we've seen one shift eliminated, we have seen many people laid off. In anticipation of the signing of the stimulus we have received a boost in orders for uniforms last week for businesses in construction and infastructure maintenance & repair. We have been told we will probably be going back to 40 hrs soon. THIS is what the stimulus is meant to do! I am working, I will be working more, more will be hired to help. People who make heavy machinery will be back to work, those who maintain it, those who use it, those who feed the workers, those who provide any services to the workers.....and it is already happening. I agree with the Governator. I just wish the rest of the Republican Party could see that giving big business more tax breaks HASN'T helped and won't help....they just pocket it. Getting Americans back to WORK is what is needed.

"other peoples' money: I really don't understand how getting into more debt is going to solve the problems that debt got us into in the first place. Any economist worth listening to is saying these "bailouts" are a mistake."

Some debts are good, some debts are bad. We need cholesterol, but the good ones, not the bad ones. Buying a house we can afford, but we need to incur debt is a good debt. Buying luxurious goods using credit card is a bad debt. Again, there are good porks and bad porks. Don't pull down all debts, and give one sweeping judgment for all issues. Bailing out failed banks is not good, but selective bailout should be done. Banks bailout should be a discriminating process, where the good assets are differentiated from the bad ones, and we only bailout those good assets, instead of the bad ones. The GOP doesn't make sense, because they cannot differentiate the good from the bad.

Why are we so against putting the money into Hollywood when it's currently one of the few sectors that actually earn money for America? This is something that we, as Americans, should wake up on.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for being an honest governor Arnold. Its governors like you that keep the states and this country going strong. Its okay to disagree sometimes and we all understand there are two sides to every story; however, when the governors don't take the time to read and review things, it creates more stress on the American people. If the governors are worried about long term cost to their states they evidently didn't even look at the entire bill.

My children and grand children will pay for Bush's wars and the credit mess that his administration created. Where were all of the GOP members then? Why aren't they talking about all the money we're paying on that load of bull? I work hard and don't want handouts but when handouts are needed its nice to know that America has my back.

The Obama administration's stimulus package at least has money for my children and grand children to get their education–in a nicer school mind you, drive more efficient cars, on safer roads, have lower energy cost, and make sure they have a higher life expectancy than our previous generations. By doing these things in the stimulus we are making the next generation stronger instead of giving them a band aid and a cookie.

Now, to all the other republicans and obstructionist out there that don't read the fine print as to how this bill will actually help, you can view it on this website.

Read the stimulus break down before you open your mouths to comment. Thank you republicans for being literate this time and not listening to the hype.

Arnold campaigned to recall our Governor Davis to repeal the vehicle license tax hike from Governor Davis. Fast forward to 2009 and Governor Schwarzenegger brings back the vehicle license tax hike. So much for party politics. He did ok. This is his last term. He doesn't need the Republican party. He has a life and career outside of politics.

I find it very interesting and revealing that an elected official who under the constraints of the constitution can not seek higher office (ie: the Presidency) supports the stimulus, where as his fellow rebublicans feel political pressure to oppose it solely on the merits of political expedience. I applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for voting on principle as opposed to tested and failed partisan liptmus tests.

Good to hear that the Governator gets it and accepts President Obama's stimulus plan even though the Governor's own economic mistakes caused California's massive economic crisis in the first place. I spoke with a California legislator who informed me that the Governor got rid of the license plate tab higher fee and lowered it thereby causing Billions of dollars of reduced state revenues and then never replaced that shortfall with anything else. So, now is a good time for the Governator to change his political affiliation and join his wife's party.

Well for one who cares about rush limbauh he is and extremist and a pill head hahah anyway yes I for once agree with Arnold lets back the president he is smart and capable and has smart people around him. And tell all the republican who have gotten us into a 10 trillion dollar national debt to shut the hell up about spending money on our infrastructure and our schools and trying to create jobs they should fell horrible how can they sleep at night... While all bush did was give 500 billion to the banks which did nothin we dont even know what happened to the money they should all be ashamed.

Arnold campaigned to recall our Governor Davis to repeal the vehicle license tax hike from Governor Davis. It was a corner stone of his campaign. Fast forward to 2009 and guess Governor Schwarzenegger did: signed the vehicle license tax hike into effect. So much for party politics. Fact is Governor Schwarzenegger wouldn't approve the fictional income numbers like he did last year. Let's make up income so the numbers balance and get it passed. Thus we had an every worse deficit this year. He did ok. This is his last term. He doesn't need the Republican party. He has a life and career outside of politics.

"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it," he also said.

Thank you! A true reflection of what it means to be there for Country first at time of crises!

deemed appropriate is in the fine print.. that means must be pro-Obama huh???

those states that dont want to accept the stimulus offered are the ones that allow the illeagles to take our jobs here and send the jobs over seas. it is a shame to put illegals first.....giving homes, jobs and lives while leaving our children and families out

Of course he is going to say hooray.. look at how much that state is in debt... His state is getting the most money... keep cheering folks... more kool aid please more kool aid... The terminator doesnt want to get terminated so he will agree to take the money.. thats the only reason....
time to stop paying my mortgage.. let you happy people pay it instead...

I completely agree Matt. Good Ol' W was really a bum president.

It is sad that there are people who will not support President Obama regardless of his performance. Too many people are hung up on their political party than doing what is right for the country. Many Americans need to open their eyes and their minds.

No nonsense Arnold. Just tell it like it is, even if it's political suicide and the public does not want to hear it.

I had very serious doubts about Arnold Schwarzenegger ever becoming a competent governor. But recent events have shown him to be a very practical and pragmatic fellow. This bodes well for Californians of every political stripe.

And I agree with Kim's comment that perhaps Arnold can talk some sense into the more moderate members of the GOP. (That is, if there are any left!)

Thank you Arnold! Hope your party doesn't turn on you too hard for speaking your mind contrary to their strategy of obstruction.

With as much money as Cali is getting, it's no surprise their Gov likes the plan.

the republicans who are trying to tear it apart and voting against it are just mad they could not put it together. they are bad losers. its all polotics they are once again looking out for their own skin instead of the good of the country. bunch of pathetic has-been conservatives.

I don't think he really cares about being shunned. He's term limited, and has probably become fed up with politics.

WOW, A REPUBLICAN THAT BELIEVES IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST, AND SPECIAL INTERESTS SECOND! YOU GO MARIA, WOOP ARNOLD INTO SHAPE!

I really don't understand how getting into more debt is going to solve the problems that debt got us into in the first place. Any economist worth listening to is saying these "bailouts" are a mistake.

I think politicians in general are clueless – republican or democrat – and the fact is the repercussions to the decisions they make now to pile on debt will be felt by me and my children, not them. Very easy to sign a bill today and swipe the credit card – paying it off, well that's the hard part.

I really don't care what Arnold says, or what any politician says. Arnold has no fianancial worries, and politicians' pensions are secure (including cost of living increases). When they have a plan for how to pay all of this new debt off, then maybe I'll start listening.

Hey, Arnold never said "no" to the stimulus. He always supported it.

@ Mberwa N.Y.

I'm as concerned as you are about Lush Limbaugh. But let's not forget America's two sweethearts... Sarah Palin and Ann Coulter. Wonder how they feel about it ? Tune into the FAUX News Network and find out.

Since the state of Ca probably gets more money by far than any other state Arnold is correct but he is being very selfish. This will be at the expense of many other sates.

Also most of the home speculation that caused the housing crisis occurred by a far greater percentage in several key states of which CA is the all time leader.

Seeing Arnold here makes me think of the futuristic movies like Terminator,the cities like L.A. or New York are always destroyed and the people are in the streets running around mindlessly,I always wondered why it was depicted like that,now I think I know.We are headed that way fast.

A way to go Arnold. Now what are your homies saying now?

Who cares what Rush Limbaugh thinks? Is he the self proclaimed leader of the people? He's just another MOUTH out of which nothing good comes.I give credit to my governer to see that some positive things are happening, and isn't afraid to give credit where credit is due!

Where was Barbour and others when Bush and Paulson were stuffing the pockets of CEOs with stimulus money.
Not one complaint.
Obama is trying to fix the economy while the Republican do nothing except complain.
Party politics as usual.

LOL – Of course he wants the money, his state is so BROKE they have to take it...

With California's over regulated, over spending – 40 billion dollar deficit, 11 (plus) Billion dollars from national taxpayers directly to the state goes a long way!

Arnold's state is broke. Of course he's going to love the free money coming from the other 49 states!
SPREAD the WEALTH to avoid the CATASTROPHE!
CRISIS! CRISIS! CRISIS!
DON'T ASK QUESTIONS, JUST SPEND, SPEND, SPEND!

If Arnold keeps making this much sense I might have to vote for his probable senate run, even though I'm a democrat.

Well, what would one expect from Arnold – he is in big trouble and is only thinking of himself. If her really cared about his state he would look deeply at the bill and be Concerned about the long term implications. Quick fixes never work.

thank you,a repuplican who can think for himself ,and dont have to take his cue from that brainless limbough,good for schwarzenegger.

Finally – a Republican that is thinking more about the people of the state that he governs vs. his party. I am not a fan of Arnold but I say kudos for this action. He will be ostracized for it.

Great Show / Hideous Desk

John King is a great program anchor.... We love(d) his magic wall. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a impressive TV personna. His SOTU program is top notch... Governor Schwartzenegger's interview was first rate... However, starring at the modernistic Swiss Cheese desk is so irratating. Can't CNN do better than that? How about a splash panel CNN State of the Union.... Anything is better than the Swiss Cheese.

wow. go arnold. way to be honest, and unafraid of what your fellow republicans will say to you (more like rip you apart). funny how a former actor is better than almost the rest of his party. maybe other repubs will come out from their hidey-holes and admit that this stimulus may actually work instead of complaining and being completely unsupportive and useless.

Well his political career ended long ago, his only hope is to live through his wife's family the Kennedy's. His state is run by the democrats that bankrupted it long before he took over. The problem is these democrats in Calf. f up their own state, make it impossible to live there with the out of control spending and taxing and then have to leave for other states like AZ. They take their stupid political ideas with them and then proceed to f up that state. They're like locust. It's happening in Az right now where the democratic gov. just left to join obama's team leaving what was a financially fit state now billions of dollars in debt. Thank god she's gone.

Let's admit that the stimulus package is another huge expenditure from the democrats. Let's also admit that it is needed b/c tax cuts and doing nothing will make the economic conditions worse.

The tax money that will be spent is going into the hand of the people so we can jump start the fluid cycle of the economy, even though it is our borrowed money.

For those politicians who want to grandstand let the people in their states do something about them. Let's take the money that they are going to turn down, if they are honorable politicians (oxymoron), and give it to us so we can spend it for them.

Repugnant idiot republican politicians who are out for their own political futures, who do not worry about the working people, let their constituents worry about them when their is no money for their local programs like the schools, roads and bridges, and health care for young children.

I wish more people from his party would take the same outlook he is. I mean Obama can't get us anymore in the hole than Bush already did and for any republican to even think any different is crazy. Maybe Arnold is trying to become a democrat b/c he realizes how ignorant his party is.

Who gives a damn what Rush Libaaaaahhhh thinks.
That overweight grandpa needs to do America a favor pick out a retirement home. Noone takes him seriouslly anymore. His arguments are invalid so he results to name calling like a 2nd grader.

How can you say Arnold is a true republican when he is for big massive gov't.

A true Republican would be 100% against all this spending

Arnold is one of the most level-headed, approachable, savvy politicians out there. He's definitely in Obama's league, and I hope he runs for Senator in 2010.

Arnold got it right this time. If the red state Republican governors don't want the stimulus money, Arnold is more than ready to accept their share on the behalf of the citizens of California.

Finally get this RINO out of the closet and into the DemacRAT party!

CNN should hire more people to moderate on the weekends,what a bunch of cheapskates,they must be republicans.

I am from Mississippi and I hope all of the ohter residents of Mississippi will make Haley Barbour eat those words when his reelection comes up.....

Go, Arnold! Now go talk some sense into your republican colleagues.

WHAT DOES HALEY BARBOUR KNOW AS HE IS PART OF THE DOWNFALL OF REPUBLICAN PARTY WHEN HE WAS THE HEAD OF IT. AMEN

Phony Republican.

Again, deep breath...I'm choking on my coffee......really? Did I hear you say that? He's right!

I applaud Arnold and Charlie Crist for crossing party lines and doing what's right for the people of their state. This is also the behavior that will bring more people back into the Republican fold because there are still phisosolphical differences. The Republicans are just too stupid to see that.

Ca Governor is right on this one! We need to be solid and focused into solving this common problem. Bad Economy is not Republican(though repubs policy lead us into this) neither is it Democrat. Excellent plans are being watered down along political idieologies and infighting as opposed to neutral assesments and implementations aimed at getting out of this galloping hole. Tax cuts to the super rich have never worked neither will they work this time again. We are in a liberalized Economy whereas our main competitors like China runs Controlled Economy right from production to exports. We lower our cost by tax breaks for example and they lower costs of labor and devalue their currency! Simply our mode of Capitalism is not instep with Global market not unless the rest of the World is equally fair with their Economic policies(UNIFORM POLICY FOR GLOBAL MARKET.....WTO).

How much longer do we Californians have to put up with this Idiot?

hey look a republican with some sense. dont see that everyday

Yes, and there's one born every minute.

"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it,"

Schwarzenegger can not be that dumb.
He don't even know who put the Stimulus package together.

Terrific only because his state is BROKE and needs all the help it can get right now! I'm willing to bet if that wasn't the case it would be a different story! He is a Republican ya know!!!!!

Now theres a real republican. Charlie Christ is also one. Too bad the republican party has been hijacked by the crazies like Palin.

And watch: Arnold is going to get shunned by his own party for actually speaking his conscience.

Of course, Arnie would say that the stimulus package is "terrific." I'm sure he gets more than $1 for every $1 Californians spend in taxes. Other states don't. Minnesota only gets 75cents for every dollar they spend in taxes. I'm sure the money will be pouring into California. That's wonderful. Another reason not to go near that state.

Just because you're a failure in your state doesn't make obama right.

OMG! how is rush limbaugh feeling about arnold's statements? any ideas folks..

finally a realistic and at least honest republican not one of those that publicly say no to the stimulus bill while rushing to the back to collect their share

When your state is in a finacial crisis I guess any money is good....

Thank you, Gov. Schwarzennegger, for putting the wishes of your constituents first and not being obstinate in Republican ideology (for better or worse) like so many others.

I love Arnold simply because what he is not.........PARTISAN

For those of us living in a bankrupt state lead by the governator-his thumbs up to the stimulus plan confirms my belief that the stimulus plan is bad for the economy.

How refreshing to see and hear a Republican not be a "nattering nabob of negativsm" (Spiro Agnew quote). Perhaps there is hope for bipartisanship ... well at least from our nation's governors. Doesn't look the same for the House and Senate. Are they out of touch? You decide.

Arnold is a tool. He likes the stimulus bill, of course, because it helps to cover up his failure to bring California's budget under control.

Remember Arnold was going to "cut up the credit card"? What happened to that?

In regards MR Donovan and his appearnce on State of The Nation what kind of remarks do you expect from someone from the Clinton adminstration. We can now start referring to America as The United Socialist States of America.

Well Arnie we will see if the plan creates new jobs soon enough. As a buisness owner I am skeptical.

This from a guy who has driven California's economy into the ground? I'd say its scary if he thinks this is a good plan. Their state is one of the worst off in the entire U.S.

Finally a republican who talks like an American. All the others should listen to Arnold and follow his lead.

WOW. At least there is one honest Repuglican.

Arnold is much smarter than a redneck scumbag.

He is the most democratic Republican.

Isn't it a shame the kiss the feet mentality of republicans to bush was a real thing. But if anybody agrees that this stimulus will help those other than the super rich, big business and company CEO's they are accused of worshiping obama. Remember...the Senate and the House wrote the bill, and they are the ones, "with obama's approval only" got the ball rolling. So why is agreeing adulation to obama...Boy these republicans can still "spin" it can't they. BS that is.

I don't always agree with Arnold's policies. But I give him major props for being reasonable and willing to work WITH other people.

Ohh come on Gov, you know you wanna "be back" for another term...get, get it? LOL!! Haaa, you get it...just one advice to you Gov...try Gov, try and make your people proud.

Also, I just wanna say one last thing about John's new show,since I haven't commented on it.

Is good!! Good stuff! He's going at it all angles, we like it and is in the morning. Now you see, that's how politics is supposed to be discussed...watch,. I'll say OVER on the ratings in a couple months...as a matter of fact, I'll bet on it, LOL!! Now let's watch GPS...and other stuff too, is a very busy day getting information and numbers.

GOOD JOB ARNOLD,NOW JUST MAKE SURE THOSE JOBS GO TO LEGAL AMERICANS AND YOUR STATE WILL PROSPER MUCH FASTER. I HOPE YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE THAT A STATE CAN NOT GIVE OUT WELFARE FOR ILLELGALS AND SURVIVE. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR PRESIDENT.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT,HE IS THE ONE ELECTED AND IT IS HIS DECISION TO GO FORWARD TO HELP OUR NATION WITH OR WITHOUT THE SORE LOSERS THAT STILL DON'T GET THE MESSAGE....THEY LOST!!

There are green-card holders in Arnie's state that will walk out on their mortgages and return to India, leaving the state with more of a mess. I know – at least three of them told me that in late 2007 when I worked on one of their projects. Their project is ending in June, they will leave and never look back.

Wow, what a sharp about turn for Mr.Schwarzenegger. It's nice to see some red identify with the current administration.