# Did Schwarzenegger compose a "Fuck You" acrostic in a veto letter? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 28, 2009, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469 "2009-10-28T16:34:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/1 "2009-10-28T16:34:01Z")
[It appears so](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/27/schwarzenegger-sends-lawm_n_336319.html) but was this plausibly just a coincidence as his office claims? The phrasing of the letter seems odd to me, which is evidence that the acrostic was intentional. But then, I haven’t read anything else he (or whoever writes these for him) has written. Maybe he always writes like that. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/2 "2009-10-28T16:40:02Z")
Well, maybe he’s just copying [this guy.](http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_gravestone.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/3 "2009-10-28T16:41:52Z")
Well, I don’t know the probability distribution of first letters in an English text (assuming it’s even, which it’s not, we’d be looking at something like a 1 in 8 billion likelihood, not counting the paragraph break), but even without that, and even without factoring in the probability of the paragraph break being in just the right position to separate the two words – I don’t think there’s a way in hell that was an accident. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/4 "2009-10-28T16:42:29Z")
It doesn’t just say ‘Fuck You’ it says ‘I Fuck You’. My vote is for intentional and that it’s kind of awesome. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/5 "2009-10-28T16:45:42Z")
Here is the [letter in question.](http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/2009bills/AB1176_Ammiano_Veto_Message.pdf) The phrasing looks slightly odd, and the acrostic makes up the entirety of the letter. I say it was done on purpose. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/6 "2009-10-28T16:52:40Z")
Schwartzenegger is officially still my favourite politician. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/7 "2009-10-28T16:58:21Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > It doesn’t just say ‘Fuck You’ it says ‘I Fuck You’. Actually it says T I Fuck You. I think he must have gotton distracted part way through Titty. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/8 "2009-10-28T16:58:30Z")
If that is not intentional, then Arny oughta be out buying lottery tickets. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/9 "2009-10-28T17:01:43Z")
I thought it was going to actually spell out the words. If you’re claim is that the paragraphs start with IFY, and you’re interpreting this as “I Fuck You”, then I think it’s a stretch. I’d agree with **mswas** that it would be kind of awesome if he did that intentionally, but I don’t think there’s good evidence for it. Although I will say that starting the second paragraph with ‘Yet’ is a little abnormal and could be seen as being done intentionally. I just think there’s a very good chance it was accidental. Now, if he had written something like this: > [@The Governator](#): > > For a year now, I’ve been asking for more substantive bills. > Under our system of government, it is important that we maintain our priorities. > Care must be used in managing the budget of the state. > Keynes is not an excuse for fiscal irresponsibility. > > Yet whenever I try to pass fiscally sound legislation, I am thwarted. > On several occasions, we have had to borrow massive amounts of money. > Under my authority, I therefore veto this bill. Then you’d have something. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/10 "2009-10-28T17:03:30Z")
That’s hilarious. I sincerely hope it’s not a coincidence. And by the way, this Ammiano guy (who probably shares a lot of my political opinions) sounds like a real piece of work. He heckled Schwartzenegger with, “You lie!”? I don’t mind our pogressive legislators getting a little over-the-top in their rhetoric, but at least be original ferchrissakes. How seriously can you take someone who apes Joe Fucking Wilson? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/11 "2009-10-28T17:05:00Z")
Actually, the message seems to be, “T, I FUCK YOUS A.” The governor may be a… a… how do I phrase this politely? An assman. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/12 "2009-10-28T17:07:06Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > That’s hilarious. I sincerely hope it’s not a coincidence. His “Eat my grimy nutsack” letter will do away with any thought of coincidence. ---
**Author:** ![Mojo\_Pin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Mojo\_Pin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mojo_Pin)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/13 "2009-10-28T17:07:11Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > I thought it was going to actually spell out the words. If you’re claim is that the paragraphs start with IFY, and you’re interpreting this as “I Fuck You”, then I think it’s a stretch. > > I’d agree with **mswas** that it would be kind of awesome if he did that intentionally, but I don’t think there’s good evidence for it. Although I will say that starting the second paragraph with ‘Yet’ is a little abnormal and could be seen as being done intentionally. I just think there’s a very good chance it was accidental. > > Now, if he had written something like this: > > Then you’d have something. Read it again. And look at the first letter of each line extra carefully. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/14 "2009-10-28T17:10:30Z")
I’m laughing. I suppose it could be a mistake or intentional. I’d have more respect for the guy if it was intentional and he admitted it was. I’d give him a big thumbs-up on this one in that case. If it really is a mistake then it is just mildly humorous and no props to the Governator. Either way chuckle worthy. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/15 "2009-10-28T17:10:34Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > I thought it was going to actually spell out the words. If you’re claim is that the paragraphs start with IFY, and you’re interpreting this as “I Fuck You”, then I think it’s a stretch. > > I’d agree with **mswas** that it would be kind of awesome if he did that intentionally, but I don’t think there’s good evidence for it. Although I will say that starting the second paragraph with ‘Yet’ is a little abnormal and could be seen as being done intentionally. I just think there’s a very good chance it was accidental. > > Now, if he had written something like this: > > Then you’d have something. He did write something like that. See the link in **Ravenman’s** post. Heck, here’s the text: > [@The Governator](#): > > To the Members of the California State Assembly: > > I am returning Assembly Bill 1176 without my signature. > > For some time now I have lamented the fact that major issues are overlooked while many > unnecessary bills come to me for consideration. Water reform, prison reform, and health > care are major issues my Administration has brought to the table, but the Legislature just > kicks the can down the alley. > > Yet another legislative year has come and gone without the major reforms Californians > overwhelmingly deserve. In light of this, and after careful consideration, I believe it is > unnecessary to sign this measure at this time. > > Sincerely, > > Arnold Schwarzenegger Another vote for no way this could be accidental. ---
**Author:** ![SecondJudith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@SecondJudith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecondJudith)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/16 "2009-10-28T17:10:45Z")
The “kicks the can down the alley” turn of phrase is incredibly stilted. My vote: intentional and hilarious. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/17 "2009-10-28T17:12:46Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I’m laughing. I suppose it could be a mistake or intentional. I’d have more respect for the guy if it was intentional and he admitted it was. I’d give him a big thumbs-up on this one in that case. > > If it really is a mistake then it is just mildly humorous and no props to the Governator. > > Either way chuckle worthy. I’d have less respect for him if he admitted it was intentional. Taking credit belabors the point and cheapens the punchline. ---
**Author:** ![Hallucinex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba9def/32.png) [@Hallucinex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hallucinex)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/18 "2009-10-28T17:12:54Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > I thought it was going to actually spell out the words. It does : > [@](#): > > .. > > For.. > unnecessary.. > care.. > kicks… > > Yet.. > overwhelmingly… > unnecessary.. > > .. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/19 "2009-10-28T17:16:04Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Actually, the message seems to be, “T, I FUCK YOUS A.” The governor may be a… a… how do I phrase this politely? An assman. [“my favorite body part, the ass.”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XE8FQRJCOE) ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469/20 "2009-10-28T17:16:18Z")
That’s intenational. The giveaway is ‘filler’ phrasing like “reforms Californians _overwhelmingly_ deserve.” It may not be Schwarzenegger’s doing - maybe a staffer wrote up the text of the announcement. You can expect someone to get the axe over that. It’s mildly funny but stupid. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-schwarzenegger-compose-a-fuck-you-acrostic-in-a-veto-letter/515469.md?page=2)