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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4421 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Former pro wrestler and Minnesota governor Ventura (Do I Stand Alone?) has been awakened out of semiretirement by his outrage over the grievous state of the country and his need to once again exercise his enormous ego by rehashing events from his life and political career. He holds forth in his typical blunt, anti-intellectual style on a range of topics including the Rolling Stones, Fidel Castro and 9/11 conspiracy theories. His diatribes are loosely linked to a travelogue as Ventura and his wife drive to Baja California in their truck-camper. Excerpts from interviews and his wife's diaries provide a welcome break from Ventura's boorish tone (although his anecdotes—particularly one involving the Dalai Lama and the film Caddyshack—are occasionally amusing). The book concludes with Ventura combining his three passions: wrestling, politics and self-adulation when he imagines running for President on a WWE ticket. Whether the reader will find that a horrifying fantasy or a hilarious one will largely determine how they feel about this book. (May)
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About the Author
Jesse Ventura is the former governor of Minnesota. He lives in Dellwood, Minnesota.

Customer Reviews

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!