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	Vol.7, No 24, October 11, 1999
	Religion's crutch won't carry Ventura  The people of Minnesota are now dissatisfied with their governor, Jesse ìthe Bodyî Ventura. It seems Venturaís approval rating has plummeted 19 percent from the summer polls, according to a Minneapolis Star Tribune report. Ken Hanson The change in Minnesotans came after Ventura said in a Playboy interview that organized religion is a sham and a crutch for the feeble-minded. Ventura, who was carrying a 73 percent approval rating during the summer, is an atheist. Presumably, his opinion is that religion is not needed and is an excuse for people. And the people who elected him into office because he was a breath of fresh air, so to speak, now want to get him out of office just because he does not believe in God. Why is it okay to discriminate against an atheist and not any other religious doctrine? What a bunch of jerkies! They elect this former professional wrestler because he is something different and has new ideas and solutions for the stateís problems. When he expresses one of those new, different ideas, the people turn against him.  If you ask me, they got exactly what they wanted when Ventura was elected. He was an abrupt, assertive man who had the courage to stand up for what he believes. That is what makes him a good leader for the state.  Just because he does not believe in God does not mean he is unfit to be governor. It may actually help him.  Without religious concerns, Ventura would be better suited to debate the pros and cons of, say, genetic engineering and cloning. He could also be able to determine where his administration should stand on the separation of church and state. Atheism allows for a much more objective view of these issues. Some believe Venturaís in-your-face style is not appropriate for a public official.  I know I would want a governor who is not afraid to take a stand and get his job done. If the people of Minnesota donít want Ventura, he can come to California and get my vote. The Long Beach Press Telegram reported that almost 60 percent of Minnesotans donít think Ventura is a good role model. Do they think this because he doesnít believe in God, or because he was a successful entertainer who made it into the world of politics by being outspoken and confident? Maybe he is not a good role model because he has the courage to call a spade a spade in an era that caters to peopleís delicate feelings.  Yeah, they're right. Ventura is a horrible role model. I sure wouldnít want my kids growing up and standing up for their beliefs.  Besides, Ventura was a professional wrestler, an entertainer. Athletes and entertainers should not be viewed as role models anyway. They are exceptions to the rule. Not everybody is going to grow up to be an actor or a professional baseball player.  Role models are the men and women who wake up in the morning, take the kids to school, go to work, come home and spend quality time with their families after a grueling 10 or 12 hour day.   I admire Venturaís attitude. People today lack the courage to stand up for what they believe. And for all the Minnesotans who donít favor Venturaís religious beliefs, they should have found that out before the elected the man governor!		Fungus not an ugly sight for professor Water polo star claims innocence Smuggled immigrants caught in L.B. Printmaking adopts 'Sweetie' Racism haunts U.S.A Religion's crutch won't carry Ventura Weberg's wicked weekday video rentals Kane & Abel shameful Elgazzar is knee-up on competition Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.