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Do I Stand Alone?: Going to the Mat Against Political Pawns and Media Jackals
The author of I Ain't Got Time to Bleed and current governor of Minnesota shares his insights into the political system in America, confronting special interests, corruption, and politics-as-usual thinking. Reprint.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
110 people want to read
About the author
Jesse Ventura
41 books173 followersJesse Ventura is an American politician, actor, author, veteran, and former professional wrestler who served as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003.
Ventura served as a U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Team member during the Vietnam War. He had a long tenure in the World Wrestling Federation, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1951, James George Janos, later known as Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was born in Minneapolis to George and Bernice Janos. Janos joined the U.S. Navy and spent time in the Vietnam War. He was briefly a bodyguard for the Rolling Stones. Janos developed a rigorous workout routine, and his newly muscular physique attracted the attention of famous Midwest wrestling promoter Bob Geigel. He began wrestling professionally in the mid-1970s and changed his name to the one that made him famous, Jesse "The Body" Ventura. He continued wrestling in the national spotlight until 1984, when emergency hospitalization due to blood clots in his lungs made him miss a title match against Hulk Hogan, and ended his professional wrestling career. He spent the next five years as a wrestling commentator for various television and radio programs. He acted in a handful of films, including several Arnold Schwarzenegger movies: "Predator" (1987), "The Running Man" (1987) and "Batman & Robin" (1997). In 1990, Ventura ran against and defeated the 18-year incumbent mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minn., serving until 1995. He campaigned for governor as a third-party candidate, and was one of the pioneering politicians who reached out to new voters via the Internet. He was elected as Minnesota governor in 1998, and proved to be a progressive politician, strongly backing gay rights, abortion rights, funding higher education, third-party politics, mass transit, property tax reform and opening trade relations with Cuba. Ventura Decided not to run for reelection because he wanted his family to regain their privacy.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation awarded the former governor the 1999 "Emperor Has No Clothes Award" for his "plain speaking" on religion and, as governor, for rejecting proposals to entangle state and church, including refusing to proclaim for Minnesota a "Day of Prayer." As governor, Ventura vetoed a bill that would have required students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. Ventura, on refusing to sign a National Day of Prayer in 1999, said: "I believe in the separation of church and state. We all have our own religious beliefs. There are people out there who are atheists, who don't believe at all. They are all citizens of Minnesota and I have to respect that" (Minnesota Independent, "Despite court decision, National Day of Prayer will endure in Minnesota," by Andy Birkey, April 20, 2010). In his 2009 book Don't Start the Revolution Without Me! (co-authored with Dick Russell), Ventura writes: "I was the only governor of all fifty who would not declare a National Day of Prayer. I took a lot of heat for that, and my response was very simple: Why do people need the government to tell them to pray? Pray all you want! Pray fifty times a day if you desire, it's not my business! . . . If I declare National Day of Prayer, then I've got to declare National No-Prayer Day for the atheists. They are American citizens too" (p. 58). "For me, the lines between church and state seem to become more blurred by the day. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, thought — and religion. Nowhere is it mandated that we're the Christian States of America. . . . That's made us, I think, a stronger and more democratic nation. . . . It's abundantly clear that our Founding Fathers wanted to prevent our government from establishing a 'national church'" (p. 59).
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Ve...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001818/
Ventura served as a U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Team member during the Vietnam War. He had a long tenure in the World Wrestling Federation, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1951, James George Janos, later known as Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was born in Minneapolis to George and Bernice Janos. Janos joined the U.S. Navy and spent time in the Vietnam War. He was briefly a bodyguard for the Rolling Stones. Janos developed a rigorous workout routine, and his newly muscular physique attracted the attention of famous Midwest wrestling promoter Bob Geigel. He began wrestling professionally in the mid-1970s and changed his name to the one that made him famous, Jesse "The Body" Ventura. He continued wrestling in the national spotlight until 1984, when emergency hospitalization due to blood clots in his lungs made him miss a title match against Hulk Hogan, and ended his professional wrestling career. He spent the next five years as a wrestling commentator for various television and radio programs. He acted in a handful of films, including several Arnold Schwarzenegger movies: "Predator" (1987), "The Running Man" (1987) and "Batman & Robin" (1997). In 1990, Ventura ran against and defeated the 18-year incumbent mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minn., serving until 1995. He campaigned for governor as a third-party candidate, and was one of the pioneering politicians who reached out to new voters via the Internet. He was elected as Minnesota governor in 1998, and proved to be a progressive politician, strongly backing gay rights, abortion rights, funding higher education, third-party politics, mass transit, property tax reform and opening trade relations with Cuba. Ventura Decided not to run for reelection because he wanted his family to regain their privacy.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation awarded the former governor the 1999 "Emperor Has No Clothes Award" for his "plain speaking" on religion and, as governor, for rejecting proposals to entangle state and church, including refusing to proclaim for Minnesota a "Day of Prayer." As governor, Ventura vetoed a bill that would have required students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. Ventura, on refusing to sign a National Day of Prayer in 1999, said: "I believe in the separation of church and state. We all have our own religious beliefs. There are people out there who are atheists, who don't believe at all. They are all citizens of Minnesota and I have to respect that" (Minnesota Independent, "Despite court decision, National Day of Prayer will endure in Minnesota," by Andy Birkey, April 20, 2010). In his 2009 book Don't Start the Revolution Without Me! (co-authored with Dick Russell), Ventura writes: "I was the only governor of all fifty who would not declare a National Day of Prayer. I took a lot of heat for that, and my response was very simple: Why do people need the government to tell them to pray? Pray all you want! Pray fifty times a day if you desire, it's not my business! . . . If I declare National Day of Prayer, then I've got to declare National No-Prayer Day for the atheists. They are American citizens too" (p. 58). "For me, the lines between church and state seem to become more blurred by the day. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, thought — and religion. Nowhere is it mandated that we're the Christian States of America. . . . That's made us, I think, a stronger and more democratic nation. . . . It's abundantly clear that our Founding Fathers wanted to prevent our government from establishing a 'national church'" (p. 59).
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Ve...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001818/
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2013
This was a good book and it made me highly suspicious of everything I hear and read in the media. So I'm not sure if it was worth the read since it made me question everything I hear. I wasn't so sure about politicians and the government before I read this but now it makes me feel like we could do away with all of it. So it was great but it made me very frustrated.
June 29, 2009
I liked it. I agree with most of the politics in this book, which are of a centrist libertarian type. Ventura does a good job attacking the two party system and the media. He also explains the issues sensibly.
June 29, 2018
As a wrestling fan, I knew of Jesse Ventura's career before he made it in politics. I followed his run in politics, and found this book at a library book sale. I have read his first book, and with the last Presidential election, where an "outsider" won , I thought I'd read this and compare it with today's politics.
Ventura writes his views on how corrupt both parties are in Washington, along with his problems with the media, whom he states are just entertainers now (instead of just stating the news). The book has his thoughts on the apathy of voters to get involved even locally, to some of his interpretations on certain amendments in the Constitution. His opinion in the book on the education system, illegal immigration , and welfare are covered here. The last chapter deals with his opinions on the 2000 Presidential election. Also his take on his famous Playboy interview that got him heat in the news.
A surprising part of the book is how he speaks of the Bush's, John McCain, and The Clintons (it may surprise the readers).
Overall this is a neat book to read, whether or not you agree with his stance. I do not agree with a lot of his views now, but I still respect his writing in these early works. He may be controversial, but he has first hand experience in politics, and writes an entertaining book.
Ventura writes his views on how corrupt both parties are in Washington, along with his problems with the media, whom he states are just entertainers now (instead of just stating the news). The book has his thoughts on the apathy of voters to get involved even locally, to some of his interpretations on certain amendments in the Constitution. His opinion in the book on the education system, illegal immigration , and welfare are covered here. The last chapter deals with his opinions on the 2000 Presidential election. Also his take on his famous Playboy interview that got him heat in the news.
A surprising part of the book is how he speaks of the Bush's, John McCain, and The Clintons (it may surprise the readers).
Overall this is a neat book to read, whether or not you agree with his stance. I do not agree with a lot of his views now, but I still respect his writing in these early works. He may be controversial, but he has first hand experience in politics, and writes an entertaining book.
June 17, 2020
this book was dissappointing
i read most of it and skimmed parts that were just marketing nonsense and skipped some stuff on the reform party which is barely around anymore since ross perot died
ventura was an outsider, independent, non politician who got elected
and i was hoping for his insights on the political process he got thrown into
but
it was a book of mostly self congratulatory bluster which ventura used to hype himself
and only about 10 to 20 pages of insight on political processes
sadly
i read most of it and skimmed parts that were just marketing nonsense and skipped some stuff on the reform party which is barely around anymore since ross perot died
ventura was an outsider, independent, non politician who got elected
and i was hoping for his insights on the political process he got thrown into
but
it was a book of mostly self congratulatory bluster which ventura used to hype himself
and only about 10 to 20 pages of insight on political processes
sadly
May 31, 2025
I’m a Jesse mark and also love this niche slice on nonfiction; political commentary from 25 years ago. A maddening realization that this is still current life; the only change comes from the centrist perspective. Do I always buy it? No but I trust The Governor from the year 2000 more than these ideological figureheads who move as much as stone nowadays. Read it in a day, fun stuff.
November 28, 2021
Apparently I read this in middle school based on some old schoolwork I found. I rated it 3 out of three where 1=great, 2=fairly good and 3=dull I'll stand by that rating with a 1 out of 5 here... I guess this ideology was never for me.
January 12, 2024
Boy, he changed, and he was a great mind back then.
Loved the poll info about how they can be doctored to deceive the public.
Loved the poll info about how they can be doctored to deceive the public.
August 6, 2015
I enjoyed this even more than his first book. While his first book, I Ain't Got Time To Bleed, spends a lot of pages detailing Jesse Ventura's very interesting life so far, this book spends the majority of its pages discussing politics, the media, and all the problems inherent in both. I knew or suspected most of what he discusses, and still there are things in here that surprised me... and annoyed me... and disgusted me...
This book is a well-written attack on most of what's wrong in our country. Even being a few years out of date, I still think this book should be a must-read for every American. He presents many major issues and his commentary on each is a very centrist point of view. Basically, live and let live. Politics as usual is a pretty disgusting affair, and it's not a career path I think I could cope with. The mainstream media makes things much worse by trying to sensationalize everything. But I think Mr. Ventura is right. It will take all of us working together to effect real change.
Does he stand alone? No, I don't believe so. There are very few people prepared to dive into the political system to help, and a vast army of opponents waiting to fight everything these few visionaries try to accomplish. Most of the rest of us are waiting in the wings, watching and hoping for candidates like Mr. Ventura. I can't tell you the last time I voted for someone; I usually vote against someone else instead. There are many like me--Mr. Ventura estimates 60% to 70% of the country is in this middle ground--and we need candidates like this man. You may not agree with everything he says, but there are two things you can count on with him: he cares enough to actually listen to your point of view, and he'll speak his mind regardless of the consequences. In today's political landscape, both these things are rare, and I for one find both admirable.
This book is a well-written attack on most of what's wrong in our country. Even being a few years out of date, I still think this book should be a must-read for every American. He presents many major issues and his commentary on each is a very centrist point of view. Basically, live and let live. Politics as usual is a pretty disgusting affair, and it's not a career path I think I could cope with. The mainstream media makes things much worse by trying to sensationalize everything. But I think Mr. Ventura is right. It will take all of us working together to effect real change.
Does he stand alone? No, I don't believe so. There are very few people prepared to dive into the political system to help, and a vast army of opponents waiting to fight everything these few visionaries try to accomplish. Most of the rest of us are waiting in the wings, watching and hoping for candidates like Mr. Ventura. I can't tell you the last time I voted for someone; I usually vote against someone else instead. There are many like me--Mr. Ventura estimates 60% to 70% of the country is in this middle ground--and we need candidates like this man. You may not agree with everything he says, but there are two things you can count on with him: he cares enough to actually listen to your point of view, and he'll speak his mind regardless of the consequences. In today's political landscape, both these things are rare, and I for one find both admirable.
January 22, 2013
I was skeptical when I started reading this book. Knowing that Ventura's political career flamed out, I had my doubts, but I've always found Ventura to be an interesting and colorful character. What I found was that Jesse Ventura presented logical arguments in a clear and concise fashion. His viewpoints were well thought out and explained well. I even found myself agreeing with some of these points. Some I thought were out in left field, but even when I disagreed with him, he still put together sound thoughts. The book was also entertaining. Even if you don't subscribe to former governor/wrestler's political ideas, you should still find this to be a good read.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
July 17, 2021
Jesse has slipped further and further away. I used to get a kick out of him and read his books even if I thought they were a bit nutty they were entertaining and while his conclusions may of not seemed correct to me his questions were of interest. I still think he was railroaded and slandered by Chris Kyle and in spite of some of the wild things Jesse has said I do not believe he ever spoke disparagingly of the troops, the military yes but not the volunteer personnel. That said as admirable as Jesse's election to governor is after having been a professional wrestler he seems to have a inflated sense of self importance.
February 20, 2016
An OK book that showed the challenges Ventura had as a governor. He really did have a tough slog with the press hounding him at every opportunity. Not sure I would recommend this book, but I wouldn't advise against it either.
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December 15, 2012good, politics
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October 12, 2013False
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews