Product Description: Jesse Ventura—former governor, wrestler, and Navy SEAL—on what's wrong with the Democrats, the Republicans, and politics in America.
Jesse Ventura has had many lives—as a Navy SEAL, as a star of pro wrestling, as an actor, and as the governor of Minnesota. His previous books, I Ain't Got Time to Bleed and Do I Stand Alone?, were both national bestsellers. Don't Start the Revolution Without Me! is the story of his controversial gubernatorial years and his life since deciding not to seek a second term as governor in 2002. Written with award-winning author Dick Russell at a secluded location on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, Ventura's new book reveals for the first time why he left politics—and why he is now considering reentering the arena with a possible independent run for the presidency in 2008.
In a fast-paced and often humorous narrative, Ventura pulls no punches in discussing our corrupt two-party system, the disastrous war in Iraq, and what he suspects really happened on September 11. He provides personal insights into the Clinton and Bush presidencies, and elaborates on the ways in which third parties are rendered impotent by the country's two dominant parties. He reveals the illegal role of the CIA in states like Minnesota, sensitive and up-to-date information on the Blackwater security firm, the story of the American spies who shadowed him on a trade mission to Cuba, and what Fidel Castro told him about who really assassinated President John F. Kennedy. This unique political memoir is a must-read for anyone concerned about the direction that America will take in 2008. 16 b/w photographs.
terrific book. This book is both well written and thought provoking. It offers interesting perspectives on subjects I never would have thought of before. An excellent book!
Chase Von's Review... Normally when I do a review and I don't think I've done that many of them, I have the book or product handy so I can refer to it in case there is something I am trying to say that I think needs to contain more detail. Unfortunately this book was lent to me by a friend and I've since returned it. We have differing views and when they said Jesse believed a lot like me, I thought it was another jab at messing with me.
I also thought I had done a review already but apparently it didn't take. (I certainly remember writing one). That said, there are books that I personally think every American should read. I won't list them all but Grady Harp's "War Songs", "Enders Game" by Orson Scott Card, "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury, Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell and this book all fall in that category.
Jesse is a no holds bar type of person. He doesn't say what is always popular but he does say what he believes and he is also very easy to understand as he doesn't just say things, he backs them up with clear intelligent thoughts and sound reasoning. To be frank, I wasn't expecting this book to be as engaging as it was but once started, I didn't want to stop reading. It tells of his younger years, his family all being veterans to include his mother, and how he himself became a Navy Seal who also served in Vietnam. (I was also surprised to learn his birth date is the same as mine), but what was truly mind boggling to me is how open and honest he is about revealing just about everything in his life!
Almost through out the book, which I also think added another dimension to it, him and his wife would offer different views on the same subject. So one was able to see not only what he was thinking, but also his wife who I gained a lot of respect for as well. To sum it up, OUTSTANDING READ and A TRUE AMERICAN!
If it's any indication of how strongly I was touched I added him or I believe it's someone saying it's him on my my space!
I also would certainly sleep better if he was in the White House!
There are many things I am not delving into in this review because I think you have to read them yourself and shocking as those revelations are, I can say that if there were more people like Jesse in "Public Office's" through out the land and not what we have sadly become accustomed to, this country would certainly be a better place!
I wish he would have ran this year but I don't blame him for having a place in Mexico either:)
Hopefully he will in 2012 providing we have a country left...
All the books mentioned in this review speak on life or war and possible situations for not only America's future but the future as a whole for all of man kind. If we had more people like Jesse at the helm, I would certainly say the future of this country and yes, that of the world would be in much better hands then ever they have been previously.
Jesse is honest, truthful, full of integrity and good old fashion common sense and yes, a love for this country and all its people regardless of race or creed or sex.
I started this book admittedly, with an eye of skepticism as I thought I was being told to read it as a joke based on my own beliefs. I finished it with a heart felt respect for a genuine man who I myself would be thankful to call leader and certainly, Mr President.
Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak
An Ideal Politician This is a great read for understanding how a man of true values takes a political stance to improve (or atleast try to improve) politics.
Jesse "the Mind'' Ventura What can I say, Jesse Ventura calls a spade a spade and tells it like it is (through his eyes). I don't disagree with a lot of what Jesse says in this book but some of his views are oversimplified which shows he doesn't always think through exactly what is coming out of his mouth.
But if you watch all the videos of Jesse on the internet - one thing always comes to my mind. This is a man who loves to hear himself talk. Regardless of his views - right or wrong. He loves to just go on and on and conquer every hot topic out there. Very often with little to no support for the basis of his opinion or solution to fix it. This book is identical to all the little videos of him circulating. I like him - sometimes because I agree with him and respect his clarity. Sometimes purely because he is entertaining - right, wrong or overly simplified. His book is fits this mold. The most appealing thing about him to his fans is that he was a politicians and we all dream that our other elected officials behaved with the morality and simplicity Jesse does.
This book is about the trip Jesse and his Wife make out of the US to live in Mexico. Along that trip he recalls many memories as governor of Minnesota and volunteers his current views in political issues of the day. The thing that is so damn compelling about Jesse is he cuts through the semantics and says it exactly how he sees it. And 90% of the time it jives with everyone else. And I like that, especially from a politician. Jesse said America has become very boring - same chain restaurants, same chain stores - he's right. His view and remedies on our two party politics and term limits is on mark.
His view on immigration - "just throw them out" is not practice. Illegals are so intertwined in our economy that to do so would cripple it. And there is a "human" side to the story. His view on Castro leans more like he was so impressed by him that his emotional connection triggers his response to open relations with this country, But, it's not that simple.
Jesse really wet my whistle with the 9/11 "conspiracy" and very important unanswered questions by our government. I have done a lot more reading as a result of his views.
Just is a great book if you're a fan. If you know little of him as a politician - I recommend this book. Easy read, interesting read - he's a fascinating man.
Love It Gov. Ventura has a way with words and an ability to make you think by saying what we all think but rarely have the courage to say. Outstanding book!
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