Although Schwarzenegger has expressed some very libertarian ideas in the past, since becoming governor of California he’s been largely ineffective in slowing the growth of the nanny-state. It’s a notable aberration then that he just vetoed a bill that would have “banned smoking at state parks and beaches”.

Although more a token gesture for freedom lovers than a sign of a changing sentiment in the Californian government, Arnie’s veto is still worth applauding him for. That said, what I actually find most interesting and ugly about the article are the quotes from Sen. Jenny Oropeza who proposed the measure:

“I’m sorry the governor did not agree with this widely supported effort to increase public awareness about the environmental threats carelessly tossed cigarettes are doing to our marine life and to the great outdoors,”

Apparently the “great outdoors” is now at risk from those evil smokers. More hilariously though, the restrictions were apparently “clearly needed” for:

environmental, fire safety and health reasons

The bill would have introduced $100 fines for anybody caught smoking in these “public” areas, how exactly that would help with fire safety or health reasons is anybody’s guess. The more important question is after 100 years of widespread smoking, why is it finally in 2010 that outdoor smoking and it’s effect on “fire safety” and “the environment” finally needs tackling? Could it just be that smokers are an easy group to target and victimise and therefore a prime candidate to further enrich the state coffers? Does Pete Doherty do drugs? Do bears shit in woods?