Yup, Arnold Schwarzenegger is sounding like a politician.
From SFGate.com:
In a 1981 interview with Penthouse, Schwarzenegger — who has come out in favor of gun control — detailed how he was strongly against gun control, because it "forbids law-abiding citizens from owning guns but doesn't stop the criminals, who can always buy them on the black market."
"Also, there have never been valid statistics to prove that gun control has worked," Schwarzenegger told Penthouse. "There are gun-control laws in Austria and Germany, but more people have guns there than you can imagine. You can get them everywhere on the black market. Gun control isn't the answer. Stiffer punishments are the answer."
Asked about those statements, campaign spokesman Stutzman said Friday, "I don't think anyone's surprised that in the course of 20 years, someone's positions (on issues) has changed. He has stated he supports the current assault weapons ban and the Brady Bill, and wants to close the gun show loophole."
Reading these tea leaves then, I would take it that Arnold really pretty much opposes gun control in his heart, but recognizes the political reality of having to support some gun control as a basic condition of being electable in California.
Best guess: In practice, he'd probably be inclined to go along with a gun control bill from the legislature unless it was particularly egregious, but absolutely wouldn't be calling for or promoting such stuff.
Article comments
1 - Steve Rhodes
Or perhaps he has gotten wiser in the last 22 years and really does support gun control.
The measures he supports (the Brady bill, assualt weapons ban, requiring trigger locks) weren't law back then. Given what has happened since then, a lot of people have changed their attitudes towards gun control. And closing the gun show loophole is obvious except to anyone who isn't in the NRA's pocket.
He also married into a family that has experienced the horrors of gun violence.
2 - Al Barger
Again, we're both just trying to read tea leaves here. He's clearly more open to gun control laws than he was 20+ years ago. I'm just hoping that some remnant of the old thinking will be a bit of a check on that stuff.
3 - J. Alec West
To call Arnold a "traitor" would be inaccurate. He's always been a nazi-idealist. This is not hyperbole. It's a fact. Do the research if you don't believe me.
Our founding Fathers were NOT idiots! We have a 2nd amendment for a very good reason. I urge everyone to research this as well. ...or forget about our Founding Fathers and just research the cold hard FACTS!
Gun Control actually CAUSES more crime than it prevents!!! :O :O :O
Do the research. Please. Learn the truth for yourself. Don't be brain-washed by the anti-gun propaganda. Defend the 2nd Amendment.