Schwarzenegger Reconsidered

San Francisco

I had doubts about Arnold Schwarzenegger upon his becoming governor here. Perhaps I'm locked into a traditional paradigm, but I like my public leaders to have actually prepared for the job and to display an honest intellectual engagement that encourages them to rise above simplistic partisan bromides.

Hey, maybe I'm wrong! The Governator seems increasingly to understand the essential need to move beyond the rancid, mind-numbing partisanship of recent years into what he calls "post partisanship." Yes, he's physically strong but perhaps the key is his emotional strength that comes from an inner personal security that so many politicians seem to lack. Arnold knows precisely who he.

After a very rough start to his tenure filled with stupid name-calling - remember his "girlie man" slur and ill-advised and ultimately failed referenda, he has become an increasingly effective leader. Governor Schwarzenegger is starting to shine a bright light where others simply continue to curse the darkness. He has grown on the job and remains open-minded to possibilities, which makes him the antithesis of the close-mindedness of some others who purport to lead us these days.

p.s. Add the delightful Kabuki Hotel here in Japantown to my list of wonderful hotels. Rooms here feature a pretty tokonoma, shoji screens and furo tubs. Japantown is in need of a face lift and this revitalized version of the old Miyako provides an enormous boost. It's time for sushi and sake!

An intense game of checkers on Stockton Street in Chinatown here.

The rare nice view from Fisherman's Wharf.