During the state of the state address, he said that "California is the modern day equivalent of the ancient city-states Athens and Sparta. We have the ideas of Athens and the power of Sparta." How is this statement true? What is it about Athens and Sparta that the Governor decided to compare it to California?

1. Athens was famous for their art and culture, while Sparta was known for it's military might. I don't know why he decided to do it, but that's what he meant.

   I have no idea what the guy above me is talking about.

2. Like all politicians he was talking high flown c**p, trying to sound good. For example, to be like Sparta all boys would have to be taken from their parents at a young age and brought up in barracks. To be like Athens, women would not be allowed any say in politics and all work would be done by slaves. The man doesn't know what he is talking about. It is a constant amazement to me, as a Brit, that the Americans can elect such loons to high office.
3. It's called politics. Whether a statement is true or even the meaning of the statements you make are not the important thing, it's how many people can you make happy with your statements.
   Athens is renowned for it's philosophers and contributions to the advancement of civilization such as the concept of democracy.
   Sparta was just a a powerhouse that went to war with everyone and consistantly won.
   He's just saying that California is the best at everything and if that gets him votes he will keep on saying it.
4. Perhaps Ahnold was trying to point out the disparity between democrats and republicans in CA, by reminding us of the differences between ancient Athens and Sparta. The reality is probably much simpler…He read it off of the teleprompter.
5. He is grasping to take the rust off of the Golden State. To be honest I used to work for the state and am in extreme terror in regards to the financial disaster it is currently in. You have to think when all of the state lawyers are trying to get out of the pension system that the rats are trying to flee a sinking ship. Because if it lasts it is a really good retirement system.
6. I think Ooby Dooby said it best. At least Arnold didn't call them "Grecians."
7. Sparta was defeated in the Pelopennesian WaRS
8. Well the Athenian League went around forcing the other Greeks to join them and pay taxes. I don't think that is a great idea but what do I Know.
   Sparta now I can see that. Yes I know that they are not militaristic but they do have the whole sodomite thing going on (See: Plutarch's Biography of Lycurgus)
   Think you better go read Thucydides again.

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