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Antis Target Schwarzenegger
Arnie made pit stop for Cuban stogie
June 01, 2007
Katie Daubs, The Ottawa Citizen
A funny thing happened on the way to the airport.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on his way out of town, after a quick trip to Ottawa to meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper, when he decided to stop his five-car motorcade for a moment.
He got out and walked into the Westin Hotel to get a cigar. It was a Cuban, the kind that can't be found on the shelves of American cigar stores because of a long-standing embargo -- and the kind that Americans aren't legally allowed to smoke, even while away from home.
At around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Rahmat Assad's shift at International News Plus changed dramatically when he was told by a police officer that a special guest would be arriving.
Mr. Assad was stunned to see Mr. Schwarzenegger walk in, accompanied by ten police officers and security guards.
"I was very surprised. I couldn't believe my eyes. I've seen his movies," he said.
He said the governor, dressed in a pale blue shirt, was in and out very quickly. An aide who was with him bought him the Cuban cigar -- a Partagas -- for $15.99.
"They paid for it, he put it in his mouth, and he left," Mr. Assad said, adding that he did get to talk cigars with Mr. Schwarzenegger before he left the store. He said he was so excited at the time, though, that he can't remember what Mr. Schwarzenegger said.
Mr. Assad said, though, the governor was very genial.
After leaving the tiny shop inside of Ottawa's Westin Hotel, the motorcade left for the airport -- where the governor had to catch a flight to Vancouver. Mr. Schwarzenegger did not stay overnight in Ottawa.
The U.S. embargo got more strict in 2004, when it also became illegal for American citizens to purchase or smoke the cigars abroad.
There's a movement to change the policy within the United States. This week, five U.S. congress members in favour of easing the embargo and its related travel restrictions are in Cuba to discuss agricultural trade and U.S.-Cuban relations.
Aaron McLear, a spokesman for the governor, said the brief stop was unusual, but not unheard of. Mr. Schwarzenegger has made no secret of his passion for cigars.
Mr. McLear would not comment on Mr. Schwarzenegger's attitude toward the U.S. embargo of Cuban goods.
"He stopped by, smoked it, nothing else. I don't know what kind of cigar it was and it's gone now," Mr. McLear said.
It's not the first time a famous American politician has stopped by to sample the cigars at this little shop. Just last year, former president Bill Clinton bought a few, said employee Tina Nguyen.
Ms. Nguyen said many of the hotel's American clients will stop in to partake of the forbidden goods. The shop is unaffiliated with the Westin Hotel where it is located. Read
Cigar-tent debate flares up
Anti-smoking advocates descend on Capitol to send Schwarzenegger a message
Cigar-tent debate flares upAnti-smoking advocates descend on Capitol to send Schwarzenegger a message By Ramon Coronado -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, July 10, 2005 A group of anti-smoking organizations gathered at the south steps of the state Capitol on Saturday to make a stink about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's cigar-smoking tent. "This is not his house. It belongs to every Californian," said Debi Austin, a cancer survivor who smoked through a hole in her throat in public service announcements circulated across the country. Cynthia Hallett, executive director of Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, said the governor is a role model and he is sending the wrong message. "Mr. Schwarzenegger, tear down this tent," Hallett shouted from the podium as she looked down to about two dozen spectators who collected at the noontime protest. The group, which held its first protest on Valentine's Day 2004, claims that cancer-causing secondhand smoke is wafting from the tent, which is perched in the courtyard outside the governor's Capitol office. The smell of smoke, they maintain, is seeping into office windows in the upper floors surrounding the courtyard. Schwarzenegger, who vows to keep the tent, claims he sometimes uses it for sensitive negotiations and business meetings. "As long as I'm at the Capitol, I will be smoking my stogies down there, and I will be having people down there smoking stogies," Schwarzenegger said in a May 8 Fox News interview. Last month, the Assembly voted 41-32 for a bill that called for dismantling the tent, with the governor and his fellow Republicans opposed. Critics of Assembly Bill 616 described the bill as "childish." Supporters of the measure, by Assemblyman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, said children visiting the Capitol are exposed to smoke and the sight of a governor smoking. Bryan Pate was out for a Saturday stroll with his fianceé, Caroline Paterno, when the Sacramento pair came across the protest. Pate agreed that a cigar-smoking governor is not a good image for children. "I don't have a problem with Schwarzenegger smoking a cigar as long as the public isn't paying for the tent," Pate said. Flap over cigar tent
Alleging health risk, Assembly votes to stub out governor's negotiation canopy. By Dan Smith -- Bee Deputy Capitol Bureau Chief
Published 2:15 am PDT Friday, June 3, 2005 Sure, the governor and the Democrat-controlled Legislature are locked in the political battle of the ages, what with long-term school funding and the ability of labor unions to be political players at stake. But take away the chief executive's right to a good cigar on the job? Those were indeed fighting words Thursday as the Assembly voted 41-32, with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's fellow Republicans opposed, to dismantle the famed cigar-smoking tent in the courtyard outside the governor's Capitol office. Supporters said Assembly Bill 616 by Assemblyman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, would eliminate wafting smoke from the tent, which they say seeps into office windows in the upper floors of the office building surrounding the courtyard. In some cases, supporters said, children visiting the Capitol are exposed to smoke - and the sight of a governor smoking. "I think this is a good bill because it endeavors to set a good example for our children," said Assemblyman Paul Koretz, D-West Hollywood. But Republicans said the measure was "despicable" and "a childish prank" to tweak the governor, thinly disguised as a health protection effort. "We didn't do things this dumb in kindergarten," fumed Assemblyman Jay LaSuer, R-La Mesa. "But we weren't that devious in kindergarten." Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta, noted that the state faces another budget deficit and a host of other problems, and "we're worried about whether or not the governor smokes cigars outside his office? Ladies and gentlemen, let's get serious." Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, said Schwarzenegger's cigar smoking isn't bothering anyone. "Who is the governor harming? It's not the Legislature's job to protect the governor from himself." Health advocates and Democrats have been critical of the beige, Bedouin-like smoking tent that Schwarzenegger sometimes uses for business meetings. State law prohibits smoking in public buildings and within 20 feet outside of public buildings. Opponents say that by placing the tent in the middle of the tiny courtyard - just outside the 20-foot limit on four sides - the governor is belittling the law in the house of state government. But Schwarzenegger is of no mind to give up the tent. Should Vargas' bill clear the Senate and land on his desk, it faces a certain veto. Gubernatorial spokesman Vince Sollitto referred to Schwarzenegger's own pronouncements on the subject, providing a transcript of a May 8 interview on Fox News. "As long as I'm at the Capitol, I will be smoking my stogies down there, and I will be having people down there smoking stogies," Schwarzenegger said. "This is my negotiation tent, and no one is going to take that away. Just remember one thing: They can be passing all the bills they want. There's one person who has to sign it. That's me."
http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/12999612p-13846202c.html
Will Schwarzenegger Lose His Cigar Tent? Posted May 13, 2005
By Deidre Woollard One of the world's most famous cigar smokers may be in danger of losing his favorite place to puff. California governator Arnold Schwarzenegger may be in danger of losing his beloved smoking tent. The tent, set up outside the capitol building is where Schwarzenegger likes to talk policy and smoke cigars. Democrats have created a bill that will ban smoking in enclosed courtyards of state buildings which will mean that the tent must go. The Schwarzenegger camp says the tent promotes bipartisan relations and has vowed that no one will take away his tent.
http://www.luxist.com/entry/1234000437043265/
Critics are fuming over governor's 'smoking tent'
Bill proposes to ban smoking in courtyard
By Bill Ainsworth
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
May 13, 2005
SACRAMENTO - Perhaps nothing symbolizes the up and down political fortunes of Gov. better than his "smoking tent" - his deal-making lair set up in a courtyard outside his Capitol office.
Last year, Democrats competed for a chance to sit in the tent with the popular governor. They'd talk policy, smoke one of Schwarzenegger's coveted custom label cigars and maybe, just maybe, bring a few home as souvenirs.
Now, with Schwarzenegger experiencing declining poll numbers and fierce partisan battles, some Democrats are trying to shut down the tent.
Critics view it as a monument to an unhealthy habit.
"It's quite obnoxious," said Assemblyman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, whose office overlooks the tent and courtyard.
Vargas is carrying legislation that would force the tent to be folded. The bill passed its second committee Wednesday, winning the votes of all the Democrats on the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The bill, AB 616, would ban smoking in enclosed courtyards of state buildings. Under current law, smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of an entrance to a public building, forcing the tent to be placed in the middle of the courtyard.
"A cigar is simply a cigarette on steroids. It's just as bad. It causes cancer," said Vargas, who said he has never been in the tent. "I do think the example he sets is a poor one."
The Republican governor's press secretary, Margita Thompson, said this is not an issue for most Californians. "When the people of California elected him governor, they knew he liked to smoke cigars. He's an adult," she said.
Last year, anti-smoking activists protested the tent outside the Capitol, carrying photographs of well-known smokers who have died and a headstone labeled "Your Name Here."
Last fall, the artificial grass installed in the tent and courtyard was initially blamed for causing flooding after an unusual heavy rainfall. Later, it was determined that bad drainage caused the flooding, Thompson said.
Despite the controversies, she said, the tan-colored tent, equipped with a heater and a fan, has played a key role in deal-making at the Capitol.
This week, Schwarzenegger and state Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, credited the tent with providing a friendly atmosphere for working out the details of a bipartisan prison reorganization plan. They believe the plan could fix the state's troubled prison system.
"Thank you for coming down to the tent and smoking a stogie with me," Schwarzenegger told her at a news conference Tuesday at Folsom State Prison. "It just shows you all the things we can accomplish in that tent."
Romero agreed.
"We smoked cigars and talked about reform," she said. "This was the white smoke coming from the tent and it meant that hope was on the way."
During her tent session, Romero tried smoking a cigar for the first time.
"It was a fine cigar. I felt OK, but I thought I'd better go out and get something to eat," she said.
Romero said she doesn't plan to back Vargas' bill. She said the governor needs a quiet place to chat informally with legislators, staff and visitors.
For his part, Schwarzenegger vowed to keep the tent in place.
"This is my negotiation tent and no one is going to take that away," Schwarzenegger said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday. "Just remember one thing. They can pass all the bills they want. There's one person who has to sign it. That's me."
http://www.signonsandiego.com/
Anti-Tobacco Activists Target Capitol Smoking Tent Apr 20, 2005 Anti-smoking activists are taking aim at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, specifically at a private courtyard at the state Capitol, where the governor has set up a tent to smoke cigars. Right now, the smoking tent is legal, but it may not be much longer. Currently, no one is allowed to smoke in the hallways or within 20 feet of the doors at the state Capitol, or any other public building in the state. Now, some legislators want to expand the smoke-free zone to include an area where the governor's office says he does some of his most important work. While celebrating new statistics that show fewer than one in seven Californians are still lighting up, anti-smoking advocates Wednesday targeted one of the state's highest profile smokers. Anti-Tobacco Advocates Celebrate Low Smoking Rates Smoking opponents have long criticized Schwarzenegger for not only smoking cigars, but also appearing on the cover of Cigar Aficionado magazine. "I think the fact that the governor is using state property to promote the use of a product that kills over 40,000 Californians is totally unacceptable," said American Lung Association spokesman Debra Kelley.
Shortly after the governor took office, he had a tent set up within an inner courtyard of the state Capitol, which is exempt from the state's current ban on smoking in public buildings because it does not lead outside and is normally off limits to the public.
Assemblyman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, said he has seen the governor smoking because his office at the state Capitol overlooks the smoking tent. At a committee hearing Wednesday, Vargas was pushing a bill to outlaw the governor's smoking area and hundreds more such courtyards in all public buildings. "The governor's smoking area is not a nuisance to me, not an annoyance to me, and that's why it's not aimed at the governor. I mean, there are many, many places like this around the state," Vargas said. Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, accused Vargas of trying to make the entire state into a smoke-free zone. "If Mr. Vargas wants to eliminate smoking in the state of California, then come up with the courage Mr. Vargas to bring that bill to the Assembly floor," Mountjoy said. If the new smoking ban passes in the Legislature, it would need the governor's signature to become law. The governor's office told KCRA 3's David Bienick Wednesday that Schwarzenegger has not yet taken a position on the bill, but added that the smoking tent is an informal area where the governor can meet with people to discuss state business.
April 25 - Too much time on their hands - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can't smoke anywhere within the state Capitol. He can't even smoke anywhere near its entrances. Nobody can. So the chief executive had an oasis built, a tent in a Capitol courtyard, where he and smoking visitors could be left in sequestered peace and moderate comfort. The Nico Nazis have naturally been up in arms about this.
"I think the fact that the governor is using state property to promote the use of a product that kills over 40,000 Californians is totally unacceptable," the American Lung Association's Debra Kelley complains. Never mind that smokers live on average into their seventies, and that the ALA blames smoking, virtually no matter what one dies of. What Debra Kelley and her hysterical ilk cannot bear is having anyone smoke in anything approaching a dignified setting. Arnold Schwarzenegger smokes, everybody knows it, and Debra just can't bear this.
The news article linked with here includes a picture of the Capitol tent. Those within the tent would normally be altogether unseen by any who do not enter. What really does the tent "promote" except privacy? It's well known that cocktails are served in the tent. Is the governor promoting alcoholism? Snacks are provided. Does this promote the "worldwide epidemic of obesity"? The governor and his friends generally wear shoes within the tent. Are they therefore promoting the shoe industry, and its abominable practice, of skinning slaughtered animals? Shut up, Debra Kelley.
Reportedly it's possible, for Nazis willing to crane their necks, to peep through a slat or window in the tent. One such peeping Tom, Assemblyman Juan Vargas, Democrat of San Diego, declares that he has indeed experienced an obscene vision of the governor smoking a stogie.
Vargas is now pushing a bill to outlaw the tent, or any "enclosed" smoking area, on public property. As we understand it from various news reports, smoking could still be permitted under this bill, in areas where smokers are exposed to all the elements, and therefore also subject to cold and open ridicule from the likes of Juan Vargas and Debra Kelley.
Hilariously, Democrat Vargas pleads innocent, to making a partisan or personal attack on the Republican governor with his bill: "The governor's smoking area is not a nuisance to me, not an annoyance to me, and that's why it's not aimed at the governor. I mean, there are many, many places like this around the state."
There are indeed many, many places (if not too many gubernatorial smoking tents we've heard of) where smoking is not a nuisance or annoyance to anyone. Within California, legislators like Juan Vargas have banned smoking in nearly all those places anyway, just because they want to, just because they can. Of course Vargas's plan is a direct slap at Schwarzenegger. Californian smokers, generally, are already slapped silly.
The California Legislature typically throngs to support every anti-smoker measure. Schwarzenegger's signature would also be required to make Vargas's bill become law. The governor's office says he has not yet taken a position on the bill. Schwarzenegger has personally opined in the past that anti-smoking is "overboard" but he recently signed off on legislation banning smoking absolutely in California's prisons. This takes effect on the first of July. As in every prison system where smoking bans have appeared a violent cigarette black market will result.
Republican Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, quoted in the linked article, points to the truth: anti-smoker legislators like Vargas intend to impose these prison conditions on every inch of the state. They know they can't do this all at once. So they deny what they're doing, and enjoy what they're taking, inch by inch. Submission by submission, humiliation by humiliation, they've learned to expect more and more, and how to savor every bit. They've learned how to make the world oblige them. They wish to have the governor oblige them again, more personally, this time.
Vilifiers rely on the human weakness for hysteria. Sadists rely on the human weakness for masochism. Vilifiers and sadists grow dominant in societies grown weak. Most individuals within those societies will conform. They will conform even when they know what is happening is cruel and wrong and even if it is happening to them. They will submit when requested, and hastily join the hateful mob if they can, out of fear of it, but equally out of fear of not belonging to it. Most men cannot bear to feel apart. They will accept anything before that.
Bad times require morally strong men, real ones, not play-actors. It's easy playing a hero in the movies. In real life that's a difficult role: it's easier and much safer to be politically correct, to salute jackbooted gangs, and chant their slogans. Arnold Schwarzenegger has already bent over, like a "girly man" of the "Saturday Night Live" satire he inspired, on the prison issue. Now let's wait and listen to hear if he says "Thank you."
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