Sport of governors

Kevin Sullivan

Normally, Greg Jerrett makes a lot of sense. Hell, I even agree with him from time to time.

After reading his column in the Daily this past Friday, however, I began to wonder if maybe he’s making statements without putting his brain into gear first.

It’s time to set the record straight: Jesse Ventura is as qualified, if not more qualified, to govern the state of Minnesota than anybody else.

Simply because the man participated in a form of entertainment that a good number of snobs in this country look down upon doesn’t make him any less able to be the governor of a state.

Jesse “The Body” Ventura was a pro wrestler, yes. In fact, he was a damn good one.

However, that seems to be the only thing people take into account when knocking the guy and the people who voted for him.

Perhaps when Ronald Reagan ran for governor of California, people scoffed at him and his constituency because he was an actor (and not an especially good one at that).

This was also the same guy who went on to become one of the most popular, if not the most popular, presidents in American history.

The man has had political experience, as well. Earlier in the decade, Ventura ran for mayor of his hometown, Brooklyn Park, Minn., a city with an irritating crime problem.

He was elected and helped reduce the crime rate in the town drastically, even going so far as to work with the Brooklyn Park police himself, taking a direct and active role. He was also a Navy SEAL and served in Vietnam.

I’m not saying the guy will be the greatest governor that Minnesota has ever seen. He very well could be.

To mock his victory because he was a pro wrestler is not only irresponsible, but just plain stupid.

And we’re probably better off that Jerrett didn’t vote, anyway.

If this is the way he chooses candidates, who knows who he would have voted for.


Kevin Sullivan

Sophomore

Journalism and mass

communication