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OK, from someone (me) who was pointing out throughout the campaign that Arnold had declared he was *NOT* a Republican, I have to say this:

Dick Riordan, former mayor of Los Angeles, while very liberal on many issues, would be a secretary of education who would make me very happy as a conservative. When all the establishment politicians, including those beloved by the right wing (Lundgren, Bush, Cox, Hunter, etc.) were running away from Prop 227, Riordan boldly supported, and was a key figure in getting it passed. I understand he also supported the reintroduction of phonics-based reading. These two reforms will be so beneficial to education that they simply overwhelm any other educational issues.

Of course this is why the Teacher's Union people couldn't stand Riordan. He's a fine appointment.

I have to say I think the article's a little over the top. Arnold's top priority is to fix the state's economy and formulate a budget that works for everyone, and in that task he did not compromise. His new budget director is top-drawer, the Reason Foundation is involved, the Jarvis people are, and so on.

I don't know about environmental terms, because it's not my speciality. I'm sure Carry Okie will drop by and remind us what a disasterous environmental appointee he has. I think appointing a dedicated environmentalist to head the EPA was probably a winning political strategy. This does not mean it was a good idea, just that it will play well politically.

Let's hope he gives the Reason Foundation people a seat at the environmental table, and then I think many of Carry Okie's concerns will be represented.

Personally, I think a lot of us are underestimating Arnold. I'm impressed by him so far; let's see what he does once in power.

D