Rating: 
Summary: A Slam on the Political Establishment
Review: Political movements usually come from unusual places. I think it would be fair to say that we have not seen everything that Gov. Jesse Ventura has to offer to the shakeup of the established political machines of the Democrats and the Republicans. I have NOT yet read "I Ain't Got Time to Bleed" but I plan to go back to read it after I finished this book I received as a gift. I am not sure what he covers in the previous edition to the "Complete Guide to 'Body' Politics" as I will call it, that he did not cover in the 2nd volume. But I can guess. In this edition Ventura points out more of what his experiences as the chief executive of the state of Minnesota. There are several examples of political tugs-of-war he has with the Twin Cities media, the legislature, and other political organizations in that state. Many of these are boring simply becuase I am not from Minnesota--can I relate?. Any of these examples can give you an idea of the local issues in your own state I am sure. He makes a great case for the goal of a unicameral legislature, instead of the clunky, inefficient bicameral that most states have. As well as for the the streamlining of gov't so that it better serves that people by staying out of the way--and leaving many social programs to private organizations better equipped to handle those problems.
Most of this book reads like a series of pro-wrestling promos. IN case you are unfamiliar with wrestling, a "promo" are those angry, blood-pumping, violent taunts and speeches that most pro-wrestlers give with some schmuck of a "reporter" holding a mic to their face and the wrestler pointing to the camera looking menacing ("Hulk Hogan!? You Prima-Donna! ON Saturday Night's Event, I am going to tear you UP! I am going to chew you up and spit your pulp on the mat!"). Most effective promos are only a minute or two long. Most of the book is sectioned off into subjects--but the segments are so short that I was left for wanted Mr. Vetura to elaborate more on his opinion or his plans for improvement.
Jesse Ventura was the original "Straight Talk Express" before last year's John McCain named his bus. A book like this does get to the point and doesn't try to confuse the reader with stats and figures. It's safe to say that part of this is what makes his persona so popular in the political field. He's Ross Perot, except not quite so flakey. His critics that try and dismiss him as a "muscle-head" or someone that is an "embarassment" to public office are missing the point to everyday voter. In Ventura's opinion, lawyers are an embarassment to public office. People are drawn to Ventura simply becuase people know he will work for everyone--not just those that voted for him, and not becuase some focus group or poll told him he should. He does what he feels and thinks is the right thing. If it turns out wrong, he is smart enough to try again. Simple as that.
Fifty years ago the same critics would dismiss a president by the name of Truman for many of the same criticisms as they give Ventura. I don't know if Ventura will ever run for president, but his influence may inspire the everyday man or woman to get involved in politics and overcome the established corporate, popularity-contest we have today. Where the winner is the one who can raise the most funds--legally or illegally. Is that the way to run a country? Some day a real Party revolution will occur (not like in 1994) and Ventura's influence will be all over it.
Rating: 
Summary: No to bigotry
Review: The book tries to make Mr. Ventura into a courageous populist. It won't wash. Mr. Ventura despises all religions. That includes Jews, Catholics, Protestants. He denigrates both political parties. That includes Democrats and Republicans. But just what he has done for the glorious state of Minnesota? Has he reformed welfare like neighbor Thompson? Has he reformed education like neighbor Engler? Duuuh, Mr. Ventura?
Rating: 
Summary: Everything I expected
Review: This book (audio) was everything I expected it to be. I had not read anything from Mr. Ventura prior to this experience, although I had watched a couple of his debates. He sounded like he was a man with an idea, and some principal. I listened to the audio version and found that Mr. Ventura is the exact type of politician this country needs more of. I truly hope more people reado or listen to his material and are inspired to hold public offices, it is the last hope of a declining nation.
Rating: 
Summary: A new literary genre -- the "Whine-all" book
Review: This book should be subtitled "I Ain't Got Time to Read" -- an activity Governor Ventura should have indulged in more often, starting with the galley proofs of this book. I mean, it doesn't even get his REAL NAME right!
Nor is this the only inaccuracy. He claims he has inadequate security protection --- but in fact, he has more security than most state governors. (There was also a debate here in MN about who should pay for security on his book-promotion tours. His publishers originally said "no" and he expected the people of Minnesota to pick up the tab. Why can't he just pay for it himself out of his bestseller royalties? Talk about pork!)
Throughout this book, Ventura constantly whines about how he has been mistreated (supposedly) by the media, and how people do not take him or his third party's ideas seriously. Well, if you want to be taken seriously, then you have to take the office seriously, and not go around insulting people.
What Jesse does not seem to get is, that a public figure is, well, public -- if the governor -- ANY governor -- says provocative things, then the media will report them, because that is the media's job. Jesse seems to enjoy being a controversial celebrity with a big mouth, but can't take the heat when people disapprove of what he says. He may be macho-man in the wrestling ring, but when it comes to the political arena, he's a total wimp. About the best thing I can say for this book is that it sure makes me glad I didn't vote for him!
Rating:
Summary: Grand Slam: a book for every patriot
Review: This book was like a breath of fresh air to me. Mr. Ventura explains everything simply and what is amazing is that he helped me understand the political terms that I haven't been understanding for years. He is truly a man for the people and I really envy the people of Minnesota that they are presided over by a patriot in the truest sense of the word. I think our Founding Fathers would be proud of him. He is worthy of our respect and much more.
Rating:
Summary: Ventura for President
Review: This has been a wake-up call for me...until I read this book, I was an apathetic American non-voter who was squandering his freedom. Governor Ventura has awakened a new political interest in me from this and his previous book, I Ain't Got Time to Bleed.
Jesse Ventura and the Independence Party are exactly what America needs to get back to greatness -- to destroy the culture of entitlement and victims that has taken reign over the last few decades.
I implore you to read this book and then become active in government. The Bushs and Gores of the world are the alternative.
Rating:
Summary: You Do NOT Stand Alone
Review: This second book by the Governor of Minnesota gives his viewpoints on current events.
He wants a unicameral legislature for his state. Will a single chamber automatically reduce voter apathy and the influence of special interests? Instead of limiting terms, limit the meeting time of the legislature so they'll only concentrate on important items. They should spend most of their time with the citizens, not the lobbyists. Alexis DeTocqueville's "Democracy in America" explained why there are two chambers. A yearly elected Assembly to respond to the people's wants; a triannually elected Senate to provide a more farsighted view as to the people's needs. The Senate would also impeach judges, state officials, and the governor as needed. The one state with a unicameral legislature may also have an egalitarian and homogenous population with similar interests.
The cure for too-powerful representatives is simple: select committees and chairman by lot. Once these elections can't be fixed the power of the special interests will be greatly reduced.
The correct campaign reform law is to ban all broadcast political advertising; they are either lies or half-truths. Printed literature will last long enough to check the promises against the achievements. Candidates will not have to sell their souls to the devils of special interests. The next step should be to ban any contributions from corporate entities; they are not real people. This will return campaigns to a very level playing field.
In "Tort Reform: Civilizing Our Civil Courts" he asks why so many lawyers are politicians. That was answered by DeTocqueville in Volume I. That's like asking why so many people in rural areas go hunting.
In "Tax Reform" he complains about the income tax, and high property taxes. (Isn't an income tax just a type of property tax?) To lower property taxes you must either give localities and counties part of the state sales tax, or part of the income tax. You can't do anything else!
There are many other topics covered in this book. Most are common-sense proposals that are unusual to hear from a politician; but J.V. is not an ordinary politician. You should read the chapter on "Education".
Rating:
Summary: I Read It Cover-to-Cover Twice, Extremely Unusual For Me
Review: Two things upon which Mr. Ventura elaborates are common knowledge: 1) Government is completely out of touch with "we, the people." and 2) The media distort, rather than simply report, the news; like the government itself, the media has become totally self-serving. However, Ventura's numerous examples from his own experiences reveal THE GIGANTIC EXTENT of the corruptedness, which is so shocking it's unbelieveable. A good example is how the media can completely slander someone's reputation using a complete fabrication, no sources even needed. However, this is permissible under the guise of "protecting the sources."
This book has fired me up so much for the hope that a socio-political revolution might take place within the generation.
Very few issues he discusses I disagree with. I especially support his anti-prohibition views (regarding prostitution, marijuana, etc.) and I get the impression most Americans, certainly of the young, open-minded generation, would agree. I admire him one thousand percent for being one of the few politicians who is vocal in his decree that the War on Drugs has failed, and particularly, in his call for marijuana legalization. He declares, I believe quite rightly, that less prohibition actually LOWERS crime, and he offers sound testimony for this opinion with his own personal account of his visit to Amsterdam's Red Light District, which he says has no more crime than the average white, middle-class suburban neighborhood. I've heard the same thing from other people who've been to Amsterdam (and purchased pot from the "Cannabis Coffee Shops").
Most important is his cry for the American public to break out of its current indifference. He reminds us that political corruption only flourishes when we lose touch with our system, thereby submitting our will to our officials' own ends.
I don't know how many others feel as passionately about this as I do, but I sincerely believe every American should read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: Ventura is so right "on the money" with this book it's ridiculous. Easy to read, no nonsense, tell it like it is kind of book.
