They’re No Fans of the Arnold Amendment
Re “TV Ads Advocate ‘Amend for Arnold,’ ” Nov. 13: Ads have begun running to amend the Constitution to enable Arnold Schwarzenegger to run for the presidency. His story is inspiring, and his speech at the Republican convention sent chills down my spine as he laid out the very reasons “I am a Republican.” I have no doubt he would be a great president, but this is very shortsighted.
The last two elections have seen minor movements toward changing what I see as brilliant portions of our Constitution. In 2000, Democrats began assailing the electoral college, and now Republicans appear to be assailing the eligibility requirements for the presidency. Both of these are of great importance in ensuring all of our liberties.
Although Schwarzenegger is no threat, is it that hard to see foreign governments attempting to run a planted candidate? Would anyone doubt the Soviet Union would have attempted this during the Cold War?
Jason Vanzin
Bridgeville, Pa.
*
I’m in favor of a constitutional amendment to allow foreign-born citizens to become president only after we have a woman, an American Indian, an African American, a Hispanic, an Asian American, a Jew, a Muslim, an atheist or a homosexual who have the experience and intellect to be president.
Julie Tankenson
Los Angeles
More to Read
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.