Schwarzenegger holds dual citizenship

[BrendaStarr]

As a special priviledge Arnold Schwarzenegger holds dual citizenship US and Austrian. I'm getting the feeling that when this shit hits the fan.,

Graz, Austria -- Should Arnold Schwarzenegger be elected governor of California, he may well be facing a conflict of interest of sorts. He owes allegiance not only to the United States but also to his native Austria.

Shortly before gaining U.S. citizenship in 1983, the bodybuilder-turned- actor made sure to retain his Austrian citizenship as well -- a status rarely granted in Austria, which in principle does not allow dual nationality.

Unlike Schwarzenegger, thousands of other Austrian immigrants who became naturalized American citizens over the years have automatically lost their Austrian citizenship the moment they took the oath of allegiance to the United States.

Josef Krainer, the former governor of Schwarzenegger's home province of Styria, recently acknowledged that he had helped Schwarzenegger to retain his Austrian citizenship.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/08/18/MN266612.DTL

Index to my news blogs-- http://news4u.alturl.com/

[ElsewheresDaughter]

1. WTF?

[dArKeR]

2. I think the 'good' will overcome evil and Arnie doesn't stand a chance

after he gets the treatment most politicians get. My friends in CA said they're voting, 'No Recall'. (All in the software bus.)

I think I would keep dual citizenship if possible. Especiall in a EU country. That's means you could work and live in any EU country.

[northzax]

11. I'd love yo have dual citizenship

but not as a politician, imagine the uproar if this was French...

[Kellanved]

12. Austria was even more anti-war than France

The even closed their airspace. Right wing Right-Winger Haider, who is still a person of influence in the gouverning coalition's junior (extreme right) party claims friendship with Hussein.

[northzax]

26. of course

I'm just commenting on the anti-French histeria.

It's interesting, isn't it, how little we pay attention to Austria? after all the jokes about Cheese-eating surrender monkeys, at least the French put up a fight before surrendering in WWII, Austria just laid down and spread it's legs. (well, except for Captain von Trapp, of course:) )

[kskiska]

29. There's a joke on this subject

What's the difference between Germans and Austrians?
Germans were once Nazis. Austrians still are.

– anonymous

[Julien Sorel]

3. His candidacy is not looking as good as it once did.

At one point there, I thought he was going to win; now I think he has a lot of work to do. If he is able to successfully campaign his way out of the problems he has, he might not turn out to be the sub-mediocrity I thought he would be...

[dArKeR]

4. He ran out of his 5 lines.

'Asta bla bla bla'
'I'll be bla bla bla'
...

[davhill]

5. Herr Arnold

Prepare for the Austro-Californian Empire.

[Voice_of_Europe]

17. History...

Did somebody ever tell you that WW2 is over long ago?... ^_^

[joefree1]

21. Yeah, but funny how relevant it still is

The lessons learned in WW II need to be relearned every decade or so.

[Julien Sorel]

23. It was a WWI reference.

And a clever one, at that.

[Snellius]

6. Does the U.S. recognize dual citizenship for adults?

I thought only children with parents from different countries could retain dual citizenship but had to declare only one or the other when they become adults. Maybe this is only recognized in Austria.

[Sick of Bullshit]

10. I have known Canadian adults with dual citizenship

So it is possible. However, all of them had an American parent, so that may be a qualifier.

[Voice_of_Europe]

14. I know some too

My friend is citizen to the US and also Tschechia (or however you call it)... and! he's living here in Switzerland all his life long... ^_^

I'm not absolutely sure, but I think here in Switzerland you can have up to 3 citizenships and many people have more than one...

There are also generations of people living abroad but they still retain Swiss citizenship if they apply for it for their children...

[KellyW]

13. You can

The USA is has loosened up the rule on dual citzenship in the last 10 years. There are even (Dem) members of Congress that have it. Can you guess which one ?

[Snellius]

27. Lantos?

Just Guessing.

[eilishleavy]

43. dual citzenship

I came over here from Ireland and became a US citizen in 1976. I had to renounce my allegiance to any other country, however some country's such as Ireland always claim you as a citizen, the USA did allow me to hold dual citizenship, so I now have two (Passports) USA and EU. However I know Germany and I think Austria is not one of them. Germany has recently relaxed their rules but they are almost impossible to meet. Ireland on the other hand conciders childern of an Irish parent an Irish citizen and allows grandchildern to become naturalized citizens.

[OrdinaryTa]

20. I've Never Had to Declare Anything

Nor did the late, great Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whose parents were born in Ireland.

[DemExpat]

55. Yes, but the laws keep changing.....

I hold dual citizenship U.S./ Dutch.
My husband and children as well.
No telling what the laws will be in 5 or 10 years....
DemEx

[Isere]

7. Uh, oh....

His weinerschnitzel just got burned.

But, really, when you consider all of the many liabilities that are blithely overlooked in the rush to anoint him "Herr Governor," this is really the very least of it.

But it does add up..... he, he, he....

[mike6640]

8. I was surprised to hear

this weekend on NPR, that Bustamante (Lt.Gov.) is the current frontrunner in Sunday's polls.

I'm voting NO on the recall. On the second part of the question however, I am torn between a vote for Bustamante (Davis 'Lite') or some real reform...Arianna.

[David__77]

15. Bustamante not same as Davis.

I think if elected in the event Davis is recalled, Bustamante will represent a real change from Davis. I understand the desire to elect a progressive reformer, but I think the prospects for actually implementing progressive reform are best served by voting for Bustamante, who will be working with leaders like John Burton, Sheila Kuehl and others to remake this state. The right must be defeated. Bustamante hasn't really started campaigning yet; I hope he will convince you he is worthy of your vote.

[roughsatori]

9. That is downright Anti-American

This proves he is not that bright. Did he not realize that he should relinquish his Austrian citizenship before throwing his hat into the ring.

I may be old fashioned, but I could not support even a Democrat with dual citizenship.

I hope one of you brave Freak-republic Trolls posts this at your website. Where are the patriotism police now? Now AWOL Chimp and Rove are installing a Austrian citizen into an American office.

California Uber Alles

[Voice_of_Europe]

16. Do I sense fear here..?

Does not really sound very open minded to me...
Pretty nationalist if not racist...

I mean, he's the same person with the same background no matter if he comes with a Austian passport or not.
And he's got all the same rights in the US as you do.. no more, no less... what do you fear? That he's an Austrian spy and tries to establish a new Austrian-Hungary-Second-Reich (yes second, not third).

^_^

[Kellanved]

18. no - a Politician should not have to divide his loyalties.

It might be okay for a house member - but not for somebody running for a gouvernmental office.

[dfong63]

40. but the house IS a governmental office

It might be okay for a house member - but not for somebody running for a gouvernmental office.

what kind of house member are you talking about?

[Kellanved]

49. sorry - language problem

I mean the difference between a member of Parliament and a member of the cabinet.

[roughsatori]

24. yes I am very racist I hate all foreigners and anyone different from me

<sarcasm off>

You sound like a Freeper imitating a "left wing wacko." I'm not sorry that I demand my elected officials hold loyalties only to the US.

And by the way, did you know that "Austrian" is not a race?

[PROGRESSIVE1]

35. No But, if he does have Dual Citizenship then...

his Children will NEVER have to serve in the Military if there is a DRAFT!!!!!

[drewb]

56. How is that different from any other politician???

n/t

[dfong63]

39. not quite the same thing

Pretty nationalist if not racist... I mean, he's the same person with the same background no matter if he comes with a Austian passport or not.

when you say "he's the same person", what you're forgetting is that the public never knows the whole person. this dual citizenship is a part of the "same person" that wasn't known before. after all, you could make the same argument whenver any scandalous secret came out --- say, "Arnie a convicted murderer". what difference should that make? he's the same person, isn't he? but it does make a difference. as more information becomes public, we get a more complete picture of the man, and we have a right to change our views because of it. it makes a difference, and in the case of dual citizenship, the difference is more than holding a passport. the difference is in loyalties. someday the interests of CA and Austria may be in direct competition. which side would Arnie take?

IMHO it is an act of unspeakable arrogance for someone to try to run for gov of CA while retaining citizenship and loyalty to another country.

[OrdinaryTa]

19. Dual Citizenship Not Rare

It depends on the other country. For example, you cannot renounce French citizenship. C'est increuble! All children of native-born Irish are also Irish. If your mother came from Ireland, you could go back there and run for office.

It happens that I have three citizenships ... by birth. Today I have not the slightest trace of an accent. Other than Noo Yawka, of course.

[northzax]

28. incorrect

you can, in fact, renounce citizenship you cannot renouce nationality and there is a fine difference between the two.

just like you can become an Irish citizen (it's tough, but possible) but you can never become and Irish National, you either are, or you aren't.

how can you have dual loyalties? do you have to recuse yourself from all decisions related to that other country? Say you're a senator, from say, California (I am not referring to anyone in particular, just an example) and you have dual citizenship with Ireland. and a bill comes up that cost 10,000 jobs in the US, but create 20,000 in Ireland. or the alternative? a bill comes up that will punish Ireland for something, and cost 10,000 jobs in Ireland, while creating 10,000 in the US. How do you vote? how can you vote to hurt one nation while helping the other? One way or the other, you have to be disloyal to one citizenship.

oh, even better one. You learn that the private secretary of the Prime Minister is on the payroll of the CIA, providing intelligence to the US on trade matters. Are you not obligated to inform Ireland of this? by not informing them, are you not aiding and abetting treason against your state? What if you learn that someone in the White House is on the Irish Payroll, providing trade intelligence (note, I avoid the military complication) by informing the US of the traitor, are you not damaging Irish national interest? how can you do that, as an Irish national?

What if you weren't a senator, just an average bloke, who learned the above information? what do you do? Where do your loyalties lie, when the chips really are on the table? Which citizenship are you forced to betray? and if you are willing to betray that state, should you be a citizen in the first place?

[onehandle]

22. Interesting....

Shouldn't he be living in Argentina?

[Snellius]

25. Is Paul Wolfowitz an American/Israeli dual citizen?

I ran across a few sources that say that Wolfowitz is also a citizen of Israel. Interesting if true, but I can't find any confirmation.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LLNews/message/3251

[GreenGreenLimaBean]

30. No one should be allowed Dual-Citizenship

Citizenship is something that should not only define who you are,
but who you want to be. An immigrant that wants the benefits of
being American, but maintains a fallback passport isn't a real
American in my opinion, they are more like an opportunist.

I think this will kill a good 5-10% of Arnold's support once
the general public finds out.

[0rganism]

38. My wife has dual citizenship, English & US, and I'm sure glad of that

Makes it easier for her to get out of the country with our son when Herr Ashkroft opens up the concentration camps for liberals.

[Pert_UK]

46. What a bizarre thing to say....

It's only a nationality, after all...

Why is it wrong, for example, if a UK guy marries a US woman and (eventually) becomes entitled to US citizenship, yet wants to retain his past heritage? Surely by taking dual citizenship he'd embrace his new home in a very concrete way, whilst not rejecting his past.

On a purely practical level it makes it much easier for a married couple to move back and forth, live and work in their respective countries of birth.

Your attitude is too black-and-white/with us or against us for my taste, but that's up to you.

On the other hand, if you're just saying that no-one with dual-citizenship should be allowed to hold office without becoming a "full" citizen, I'd have no argument with that. If you want to represent the people then you must be prepared to show commitment to the country.

P.

[genius]

51. The U.S. has a tougher policy for naturalized citizens than

most other countries. It's easier for an American to go elsewhere and get naturalized and retain dual citizenship than visa versa.

[GreenGreenLimaBean]

53. Whats so Bizarre.

Nationality: The status of belonging to a particular nation by origin, birth, or naturalization.

Citizen: A person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or nation.

So in your judgement, its O.K. to have loyalties to more than one
nation. I happen to think you should not have divided loyalty when
it comes to the issue of citizenship.

[SideshowScott]

31. I wonder what the immigrant hating right wing bozos have to say about it.

NOTHING beacuse they are bunch of two faced hypocrates..They dont want actors speaking about poltics..Oh unless its pro republican..They hate immgrants and forginers..Oh unless they are right wing zelots..They hate abortions..Oh unless thire mistress or kid gets knocked up..the list goes on and on
Im finding it totaly amuseing how the right wing is swallowing its " Morals and principals" by backing arnie

[dmr]

33. Here's your answer via right winged TownHall.com

(the discussion is really about Mexicans, she may have a different tune about Arnold!)

Phyllis Schlafly (archive)

May 15, 2002

Dual citizenship is an oxymoron

One of the goals of the globalists is to make everyone believe we are citizens of the world, not citizens of a particular country. This concept, widely taught in the schools, tends to diminish patriotism and allegiance to one's country while promoting open borders subject only to a network of international bureaucracies.

We are also beginning to hear more frequently about "dual citizenship," but that phrase is an oxymoron. One cannot truly be a citizen of two countries because ultimately loyalty cannot be divided.

If the two countries went to war against each other, the so-called dual citizens would have to pick sides. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.

More ....


http://www.townhall.com/columnists/phyllisschlafly/ps20020515.shtml

[Unknown Known]

32. This will not sit well with the Hispanics in CA

Especially since Arnie was against Prop 187 and now has the prop's main architect, Pete Wilson, as a campaign advisor. Jeeesh! How arrogant can you get:eyes:

Woops! I forgot about Tom DuhLay who wears chicket fat on his hair!

[PATRICK]

34. I thought it was California and Mars

"Get your ass to mars."

[truthisfreedom]

36. he can't be president.

you have to be born here.

[AlGore-08.com]

37. Orrin Hatch and other Rethuglicans have tried to change that

Hatch especially has tried to introduce legislation to allow naturalized citizens to become President - - and he has specifically used Ahnold as an example of somebody who is unfairly kept out of the White House because of this.

I wonder how old Hatchet's Utah constituency would appreciate his attempts to boost a drug smoking, sexually harrassing, foreign born porn star into the White House? Oh, I forgot, this is a Republican drug smoking, sexually harrassing, foreign born porn star. Never mind.

[andyjackson1828]

48. Natualized Citizens as Presidents....

i think the Constitution should be amended to allow natualized citizens to serve as President. If the best man or woman for the job just happens to have been born elsewhere, why should we be denied the change to vote for him or her. Governor Jennifer Granholm is an excellent example. She was born in Canada and so under the current constitution cannot be President or even Vice President.


I would keep the residencty requirement thought, 14 years i think.

[genius]

52. I like the Constitution just the way it is.

Once we start messing with the Constitution, there's no limit to how much damage we can do.

[andyjackson1828]

58. Amending the constitution....

Yeah, making slavery unconstitutional, or allowing women or 18 year olds to vote. Can't go around amending the constitution for that.

[peacefreak]

41. So if he did get elected *shudder*

would that mean that the governorship is another job we've out-sourced to another country?

[Kbowe]

42. No one with dual citizenship should be allowed to hold public office in US

That's my feeling. There is always the issue of conflict of alligence. The RW "patriots" are always so hard-nosed about "America first" and all that stuff. I even think it is deplorable that members of Congress hold dual citizenship. The RW is so hypocritical and they lack integrity on all fronts.

[IndianaGreen]

44. Many Americans hold dual US-Israeli citizenship

so much for your bullshit argument about Arnold's alleged dual citizenship!

[timbo]

47. excuse me?

one, why are you being rude?
two, why is it a bullshit argument?
three, what is "alleged" about the dual citizenship?
four, are these others you speak of running for office?

nevermind, just answer question one please.

[IndianaGreen]

60. A citizen holding dual citizenship is no less a citizen

What's so complicated about equality under the law?

[drewb]

57. Are you implying dual loyalties??? Oh my!

n/t

[IndianaGreen]

59. The post that started this thread is implying dual loyalties

This is another subtle form of racism! We have active duty military officers holding dual US-Israeli citizenship. There is no doubt in my mind that they are loyal patriotic Americans, which is more that can be said about "pure" single-citizenship Americans traitors like Robert Hanssen and John Walker.

[The_Casual_Observer]

45. And both citizens are dumbshit muscle head actors

WIth big egos and great business managers.

[genius]

50. The U.S.government has a strong policy of requiring

people to renounce their former citizenship when they become U.S. citizens. How did he get around this?

[Riptide]

54. Well, I became an American two years ago...

I was born in Canada, and lived there until I was 14. I then lived in the US, got a green card, and stayed as a resident alien for another 20 years. Finally, after the election in 2000 fiasco, I decided I had to vote, so I made the decision to be naturalized.

I spoke with the Canadian department of immigration, and they said that I could still keep my citizenship.

However, when I took my oath, I had to denounce my allegiance.

I hold both a Canadian and American passport. People may think it is wrong, but I am holding onto my Canadian citizenship in case Dumbya decides to start any more wars and wants my children to die for oil. I would be happy to return with my husband and children to Canada. I just like to keep my options open.

I also know many people in Canada who have both Canadian and British citizenship.

[indepat]

61. Hopefully if elected, he'll remember his first allegiance is to

California and the USA. On second thought, hopefully he would have to give up his other citizenship before being sworn in as Governor of California.