ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER - SCHWARZENEGGER DEFENDS 'INSENSITIVE' BUDGET VIDEO

SCHWARZENEGGER DEFENDS 'INSENSITIVE' BUDGET VIDEO

Action star-turned-California governor ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER has defended his decision to announce a $15 billion (£10 billion) cut in the state's services while brandishing a hunting knife in a light-hearted video.
Schwarzenegger posted a video on his Twitter.com page earlier this week (begs20Jul09) in which he addressed California citizens about impending budget cuts which will affect education and health care spending.
The star was heavily criticised for the footage, as he was gripping a huge blade while taking about cuts in public spending.
But Schwarzenegger has laughed off reporters' suggestions the video was insensitive, urging his critics to "have a little bit of a sense of humour".
He explains, "You know, you sent a governor to Sacramento - not El Stiffo, like some of the past were, but you sent someone that is a little bit more entertaining and has a little bit more fun with the whole thing.
"Not that I have fun with making the cuts; they sadden me. But fun with the job itself, because I think it is the most rewarding job that I've ever done, even though with a huge responsibility. So just relax and have a little bit of a sense of humour."