SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 15 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's commencement speech at Santa Monica College, a typical call to success, was greeted with as many catcalls as cheers.
Schwarzenegger traveled to Santa Monica -- his alma mater -- one day after calling a special election regarding many policies that he feels Democrats in the state are hampering, but many people believe would hurt California education. Lookout News reported that when Schwarzenegger's name was first mentioned the boos and cheers began and neither side gained advantage. It could be a barometer for how close the election next November will be.
Some faculty members and students at the two-year school turned their back on Schwarzenegger in protest. Police pulled down some anti-governor signs, but the catcalls continued, Lookout News reported. The report added that Schwarzenegger continued through his 20-minute speech as though all he could hear were cheers.
Lookout News said Schwarzenegger referred to "the greatest state, the greatest country in the world," even his detractors had to agree and there was a standing ovation.
Only after the governor stopped his exhortations -- and left -- did the service settle enough for the graduates to ceremoniously receive their diplomas.
