Yesterday, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura won a lawsuit against the now deceased author Chris Kyle. The jury decided that Ventura was defamed when Kyle fabricated a story into his autobiography "America's Deadliest Sniper" claiming that a man referred to as 'scruff-face' made derogatory remarks about the Navy Seals at a bar, and that he punched him in the face as a result. Although not identified in the book, Kyle made public statements afterwards, claiming that the man was Governor Ventura. The entire story was proven to be a fabrication on Tuesday, when Jesse was awarded $1.8 Million for lost revenue over the last two years, due to damages to his reputation. (You can read the details here if you're unaware.)
This was a very difficult case for him to win, let alone even pursue. He had to prove not only that Kyle lied, but that he intentionally acted maliciously when he put this chapter in his book. If that was not hard enough, Chris Kyle was shot and killed during the case, effectively backing Jesse into a corner. His choices were to either drop the case and let his reputation be destroyed, or continue and face extreme criticism for pursuing a widow's estate. This was particularly difficult for him because Jesse is a former Navy Seal himself, and likes to fraternize with his fellow Seals during reunions. Well, that was taken from him along with his reputation because now he can't go to those reunions any more, as many members of the military now despise him.
It's all very sad, and nobody really won anything. Kyle's widow did not have to pay a cent, as her insurance covered all legal expenses and the 1.8 Mill of restitution fees. Besides, this case was not about money, it was about Jesse legally restoring his reputation and getting the facts out. Why the 1.8 Million then? Well, after this defamation occurred, Jesse was pretty much banned from mainstream media in the U.S. and as a result he lost a lot of income. He was making over $2 Million a year prior to this incident, and only pulled in $200 K last year, so I think it makes sense. Not to mention this case cost him a fortune, as plaintiffs do not get insurance coverage for legal expenses in lawsuits.
Now that the truth is out, Jesse is facing extreme hatred by many members of the military (and the misinformed public), they're claiming he took this too far and should have just dropped it when Kyle was killed. I disagree, and not just because I love Jesse Ventura. First of all, I stand with Jesse because I know that he would never say what Kyle said he said. Jesse always has been very clear in supporting the soldier, while criticizing the war and the government. "Wars happen because politicians fail, and the soldiers are all just victims." This is almost of a mantra of his, not to mention that he was a Navy Seal himself! Second, I agree with him because he actually took the higher road and defended himself legally, and against all odds won. That should be enough for most people. It was proven in court that Chris Kyle intentionally, maliciously, fabricated this story and Jesse was harmed as a result. He did not only loose revenue, he lost the admiration of an entire generation of military members. He lost what I would call a perfect record, in that prior to all this, there really was nothing bad that anyone could truthfully say about Jesse, no reason to dislike him at all other than disagreeing with him, which does not warrant disrespect.
Sure, he investigated a few wacky theories on his Conspiracy Theory show, even debunked at least one (that our presidents are reptiles, yeah some people actually believe that)! But so what? If one is to investigate conspiracy or anything for that matter, one must take a balanced approach and more importantly, sort out the bullshit from fact so that all conspiracy theorists are not viewed as crazy. He maintained the perfect balance of showmanship while taking on very serious conspiracies and exposing a lot of malice. He stood up to some really powerful characters over his career, and did a lot more good for America than America will ever care to admit.
Whether or not you agreed with the man, it was hard to disrespect him. He's been a pro-wrestler, Governor, Mayor, Rolling-Stones bodyguard, actor, TV-Personality, and was called "America's Favourite Every-Man."
But all that has changed, as anyone ignorant to the facts would not have a good impression of a man upon hearing that he sued a widowed veterans estate, for any reason. That kind of stigma just sucks, and most Americans will not even bother to do their homework and get the facts straight before casting judgement upon him. What's even more sad is that too many Americans are so politically asleep, and don't have a clue about what is happening around them. I mean, this is a guy that only ever stood up for the middle class, the working man, and the average person. That's what he devoted his life to. And although I've considered myself an independent long before I even knew who Jesse Ventura is, it was he whom made me realize that the Democrats and Republicans are responsible for almost every problem this country has. After all, as he put so well, they have been in charge for 150 years. It makes me pity people who will agree with and even go out on a limb to defend their political party of choice, completely missing the point... you don't have to take a ton of bad just to get a little bit of good into the whitehouse. For instance, my father once told me that if Democrats did not support abortion, he would totally be a Democrat, but since they do and he is a Christian, he felt obligated to stand with the Republicans. I just think that sucks. Why do we all have to submit to one of these two parties? If it were not for Jesse, I may never have fully understood just how deep the hypocrisy really is.
So hate me, bash Jesse, and do what you will; you are entitled to your own opinion. I only urge you to do some research before casting judgement upon a very good, honest, and genuine person who despite not even knowing you, has stood up against corruption, for you, more than you probably ever will yourself.
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