Ventura bio reviewed: Ain't got time to read!
By BOB KAPUR -- For SLAM! Wrestling
|
I Ain't Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic From the Bottom Up
By Jesse Ventura
Published by Villard Books, a Division of Random House Inc. New York, and
Random House of Canada Limited, 1999.
208 pages.
Cost: $19.95 (U.S.), $29.95 (Cdn)
|
Jesse "The Body" Ventura was the wrestling commentator who would "tell it
like it is." He was never afraid to call it like he saw it, and not once
did he apologize with those who disagreed with him.
Jesse "The Governor of Minnesota" Ventura is very much like his former
announcing persona. In his new book, "I Ain't Got Time to Bleed: Reworking
the Body Politic From the Bottom Up", his openness is at the forefront as
he takes us through all stages of his life, culminating in his shocking,
dark-horse victory last November.
As the title implies, the book's theme is political; Jesse loves talking
issues, a focus which he claims was the reason he defeated more experienced
opponents in the election. Ventura calls himself a "Centrist", in that his
policies are a mixture of both the Republican and Democratic platforms,
with a priority on "We, the People". His stand on a number of issues is
heavily expounded upon in the course of the book, all of them which
reinforce this idea.
Ventura insists that honesty is the best policy in any situation, and holds
true to this philosophy when it comes to telling us his colourful life
story. Through his narrative, we learn all about the experiences that took
a wild spirited teenager from a blue-collar Minnesota town through the
Vietnam War, the world of Pro Wrestling, the lights of Hollywood, and
eventually into the Governor's mansion.
Ventura entertains the reader with many humourous and revealing stories
which take us through his journey. At the same time, he provides insight
into the factors that shape his political mindset.
Ventura talks at length about his brutal SEAL training, where he managed to
channel his exuberance and spirit into a keen sense of determination and
fierce loyalty, as well as a quest to aspire to great heights in all that
he does.
It was this trait which helped him become one of the most popular (or
hated, depending on your point of view) wrestlers in history. Wrestling
fans will enjoy reading about his career from start to finish, including
his relationships with Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, and the fans.
From there, "The Body" evolved into "The Mouth", as Jesse used his keen
mind, charismatic personality, and silver tongue to go from wrestling
commentator to sports broadcaster to radio show host.
Ventura also discusses his occasional forays into movies and TV, where he
honed his acting skills, definitely an asset for anyone thinking of running
for public office, in movies like "The Running Man" and "Predator" (in
which Jesse uttered the immortal words that are this book's title).
Ventura writes that despite his celebrity status, he was always in touch
with the common man. Indeed, he states that it was the plight of the
"little people" that changed his course towards a political arena. While
serving as Mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Jesse learned about the "Us
and Them" mentality that has, in his view, ruined the concept of fair
government, and which he has vowed to target during his gubernatorial reign.
Between the tales of his public life, Ventura also talks at great lengths
about his relationships with his family and friends. A loving family man,
Jesse speaks of his wife and children with great affection and pride,
noting that his life would not have been the same without their love and
support.
Ventura's honesty and candour is refreshing in a world where politicians
are losing credibility on a daily basis. While some may criticize what he
chooses to share with the reader (for example, the story of his first
sexual experience), others, Ventura included, would argue that in order to
really know the man and understand where he is coming from, you have to get
both sides of the coin, the good and the bad. In his own words, "I have
nothing to hide; I am who I am".
Overall, "Ain't Got Time to Bleed" is an entertaining, enjoyable book. The
writing style ranges between eloquent and aggressive, which makes it both
fun and easy to read. While some parts of the book may not be relevant to
most readers (notably, the chapter dealing with his plans for Minnesota
during his term in office), the rest of the book is an interesting look at
the man now known as "The Mind".
