Politics or gang warfare?

Former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura's latest book calls for a revamp of the US political system.

In his latest book “Democrips and Rebloodlicans”, former Governor Jesse Ventura says US politics have become so corrupt that politicians now resemble gang members. He calls for a dismantling of the two-party system and instead advocates a system of independent candidates. He also criticises the close relationship politicians share with Wall Street and the media’s role in perpetuating the status quo of “gangland politics”.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and Huffington Post’s senior political reporter Amanda Terkel (@aterkel) and ask if Ventura's ideas are realistic or mere rhetoric. Members of the Stream community also join the discussion via Google+ hangout.

What do you think? In a presidential election year where more than one billion will be spent, is it possible to change the system? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans " on StorifyDemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans The former Governor's latest book calls for a revamp of the political system.Storified by The Stream · Mon, Jun 25 2012 11:45:41Former Minnesota Governor and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura's latest book, DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans, likens the existing political parties to gangs, and advocates for a "No Party system" instead. Democrips and RebloodlicansAJstreamVentura, who served as Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003, was one of the first political figures to show support for the "Occupy" movement. The video below shows his first appearance at an "Occupy" event in Minneapolis in October 2011.Jesse Ventura Attends 'OWS' Protest Minneapolismitchindian8Ventura also calls for sweeping election reforms, including replacing the electoral college. A 2011 Gallup poll showed 62 per cent of Americans would support such a change.GallupAJstreamAmericans Elect is an organisation that also criticises the current electoral system in a similar fashion to Ventura. The organisation is committed to getting a third party candidate elected.Americans Elect: The First National Online PrimaryamericanselectDespite the fact that Ventura ran his campaigns on third party tickets, he has stated that he is now in favour of a "No Party system" because in order for a third party to be viable, he believes it would have to become corrupt in order to compete with Democrats and Republicans. Ventura has also spoken out against Americans Elect for taking large anonymous contributions.For some, Ventura's unorthodox views are so refreshing that they would like him to run for president. This petition currently has more than 5,000 signatures.JesseVentura.netAJstreamThough Ventura himself is not an avid user of technology, netizens have also shown their support for him on Twitter.I say vote former governor Jesse Ventura for president!!! He's the only candidate that can be trusted! Even Ron Paul is shaky now, smhRobert Berden-BeyIf you care more about the truth than partisan propaganda, Jesse Ventura's new book DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans is a must read!ACJesse Ventura Is da BestKayZet (Female Boss)Love the Jesse Ventura book Democrips and Rebloodlicans after just one chapter. Lots of great #occupy shout outs!Amanda KaminskasEver the controversial figure however, Ventura also has his fair share of critics. In a recent CNBC interview, Ventura was challenged on his gang analogy. This was not his first run-in with corporate media, which is also a target of attack in his book. According to Ventura, his show on MSNBC was prematurely cancelled in 2003 due to political pressure on the network. The video below discusses a more recent incident, in which a controversial episode of Ventura's current show, which airs on tru.TV, was reportedly pulled from air.Jesse Ventura's 'FEMA CAMP' Episode Pulled by LYING Congressman Cohen & The ADL!thealexjoneschannelVentura has also been the subject of criticism on the twittersphere. @AJStream Jesse Ventura? Worth your time? Surely you jest.Dave NewtonNot sure if Jesse Ventura is a raving, schizophrenic lunatic, or a master troll. http://pic.twitter.com/DmoNbXsYNick Lyons.@LukeRussert @lizflock In related news, Jesse Ventura is still batshit crazy.Holly Ventura will not be joining The Stream on set because he refuses to submit to airport security searches by the Transport Security Administration (TSA). Ventura's titanium hip frequently sets off airport metal detectors prompting a physical search. The former governor filed a lawsuit against the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security for the scans and searches, but it was thrown out by a federal district judge who claimed she did not have jurisdiction. Ventura's reaction to the decision can be seen below.Jesse Ventura TSA Lawsuit Denial Press Conferencefederaljacktube6

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Politics or gang warfare?

Politics or gang warfare?

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