Don't start the revolution without me! : from the Minnesota governor's mansion to the Baja outback : reflections and revisionings

From Publishers WeeklyFormer 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) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Product DescriptionJesse 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 bestselling 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 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. 16 color photographs

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 bestselling 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 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.

Jesse Ventura--former Governor, Wrestler, And Navy Seal--on What's Wrong With The Democrats, The Republicans, And Politics In America.--from Publisher Description. 1 The Need For A New Adventure 1 -- 2 The Road To The Arena 25 -- 3 Down That Texas Trail 47 -- 4 Thinking Politics In Bush Country 65 -- 5 Crossing Borders: A Curious Sense Of Security 83 -- 6 Breaking Down Barriers: China And Cuba 101 -- 7 Transitions: Down Mexico Highway 5 123 -- 8 Longing For Light Rail 143 -- 9 Money, Sports, And Politics: A Universal Language 161 -- 10 The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same 179 -- 11 In The Eye Of The Hurricane 199 -- 12 At Conception Bay 215 -- 13 Reflections On Tv And Teaching 235 -- 14 Thinking War In A Peaceful Place 257 -- 15 Musing In Baja On Changing The System 275 -- 16 A Character In Search Of An Ending 291 -- Epilogue: A Glimpse Of The Future 305. By Jesse Ventura ; With Dick Russell. The former governor recounts his gubernatorial years, discussing his decision not to seek a second term, frustration with internal corruption in the two-party system, suspicions about the September 11 attacks, and views on the war in Iraq