Gov. Jesse Ventura has been known for his straightforward, no-holds-barred honesty since the beginning of his campaign last year, but his outspokenness has frequently gotten him into trouble nearly as often as it has won him support. In his latest antic, Ventura has published an explicit autobiography, “I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed: Re-working the Body Politic from the Bottom Up.” With this book, Ventura presents a contradiction between his conception of his life and the proper behavior of a standing governor.
The book includes a detailed account of his life from youth to the governor’s mansion. Ventura describes his first sexual experience at age 16, which stemmed from a lost bet with a friend. He discusses his visits to prostitutes during his days as a Navy SEAL. And, he relates stories of marijuana use. The 150,000 copies in the first print are likely to sell well at $19.95 each. Ventura will begin his book tour at the Mall of America on May 22.
Ventura needs to understand that with the office of the governor comes certain responsibilities. The actions and decisions of the governor affect many people. This book sends mixed messages to teenagers. One minute he claims to be a role model, but the next he is raising money off of his womanizing and drug use. This is not the kind of example kids need today. Ventura should be more sensitive to his large audience.
This is just another scheme to capitalize on his popularity, much like the sale of Ventura dolls. It is disgusting to see the office of the governor so blatantly abused for personal glorification. The people of Minnesota elected Ventura based on his promises to serve them. However, he continues to use his position for his own gain, ignoring his responsibilities to the people.
Since coming to office, Ventura has had a lot to say about the press invading his privacy. Frequently he has lashed out at reporters and even walked out of press conferences because of probing questions. With this tell-all book, Ventura has lost the moral high ground. If he wants to tell all, he leaves himself open to scrutiny from the media and the general public. At one point earlier last week, Ventura angrily reprimanded a reporter who asked if the governor were going to apologize for his book’s content by saying, “You’re asking me to apologize for my life?”
No, Gov. Ventura, you should not apologize for your life. You should, however, apologize for exploiting your office and presenting a poor role model to the youth of Minnesota.
Ventura acted irresponsibly and did not take into account his role as governor. His whining at the press rightfully falls on deaf ears. Ventura needs to understand when making decisions that he is not untouchable, but that he is a public figure whose actions affect many people. He has a responsibility to carry himself with dignity even if he wants to portray himself as a political outsider and everyman.