There is a clear hierarchy at work within the Republican Party. Above all other considerations is the accumulation and hoarding of power, especially over Democrats. Anyone and anything can and will be subordinated to that, including the veterans that Republicans have spent so many years using as a political tool.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, upset that the Legislature hasn’t acted on some of his “priorities,” decided to threaten to veto all the bills on his desk unless the Legislature gave Arnold the water, prison, and other bills he demands. Kevin Yamamura explains what happened next:

The Senate withdrew all of its 43 bills from the Republican governor’s desk for temporary safekeeping. But in an act of defiance, the Assembly left on his desk a bill that would designate March 30 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”

“I dare the governor to veto this bill,” said Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, D-Newark, before the close of Tuesday’s session.

Shortly afterward, Schwarzenegger accepted the dare and vetoed Assembly Bill 264.

“Our state is facing significant challenges, including the need for comprehensive changes in our policies on water, energy, and corrections and the need to take meaningful steps to stimulate the economy and rein in the rising levels of unemployment,” Schwarzenegger wrote in his veto message. “This bill does nothing to address any of these issues. I look forward to considering this measure when these other major issues are addressed.”

Even Republicans are outraged, perhaps because some of the genuinely believed that their party would put the military over the power plays of their party leaders. Obviously these folks hadn’t been paying attention to the numerous ways Republicans like George W. Bush screwed over the troops and vets, but Arnold’s vindictive veto should prove that Republican pro-veteran rhetoric is nothing more than posturing.

Many, many other worthwhile bills are now in limbo because Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t abide the fact that he does not have total control over state government.

The proper move would be for the Legislature to override the veto and show Arnold, perhaps for the first time, that they aren’t going to be cowed by his theatrics. But in this Legislature, the concept of a veto override is almost as verboten as discussions of economic recovery. Until the Legislature decides to stand up to the governor, he will continue to employ these childish and pathetic tactics.