Ahhhhnold

The big news on the front page of the newspapers here today is that Arnold has told Graz to take his name off the city stadium by the end of 2005... a little explanation is in order.

Below is a pic from the Kleine Zeitung, the banner over the stadium says "Menschentoter" which means "man-killer"

As everybody in both America and Austria knows, Arnold refused to grant clemency to Tookie Williams. This makes for complicated politics here in Graz because Austria as a country is against the death penalty, and Arnold is a native of Graz. Arnold and the city of Graz have ever been friends publicly and this friendship was solidified by Arnold receiving a "Ring of Honor" from the city, and also having the stadium named after him. Finally, Graz uses the Schwarzenegger name to promote itself, with Arnold's permission.

Sensing the political tide changing, Graz politicians started to wonder if they should re-name the stadium. Arnie caught wind of this, and has said they are no longer allowed to use his name to endorse anything in Graz, and is returning his honorary ring of the city. In the letter he faxed to the town hall, he expressed:

"Er würde es nie wagen, eine Entscheidung der Grazer Politiker von Sacramento aus öffentlich zu kritisieren: 'Aber Graz schreit stets als Erster laut und öffentlich auf'." (Kleine Zeitung)

Which roughly translates as: He would never dare to criticize Graz politicians from Sacramento, 'Yet Graz is always first to cry out publicly'.

Politics! cited links:
Kleine Zeitung (Deutsch)

Breitbart.com (English)

(PS- the ring is in the mail)

Most of the Grazers we know side with Arnold on this one, and many think it was a great move for him preempt the politicians.