Trip holds promise

Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 12, 1999

From staff reports

Two things are particularly encouraging about Gov.

Thursday, August 12, 1999

Email newsletter signup

Two things are particularly encouraging about Gov. Jesse Ventura’s pending visit to Japan.

One, the governor has enlisted the aid of Walter Mondale, former U.S. ambassador to Japan. Indeed, this is yet another example of Ventura turning to experts in various fields, rather than trying to go it alone.

Two, Ventura’s wrestling career may pay off for Minnesotans in more than national notoriety. In this case, Jesse &uot;The Body&uot; may be taking the first step toward increasing trade with Japan, right when the economy may be perking up for that nation.

It seems all Japanese are well-acquainted with two things Minnesotan: Ventura and the Mall of America. This makes sense given Japan’s love of wrestling, and Ventura’s wrestling experience in Japan.

And while the November trip is unlikely to result in any immediate economic gains for Minnesota, it is nice to see the governor acting gubernatorial – no refereeing of pay-per-view matches or tell-all books here, thank you – by outlining a goal, goodwill for Minnesota on an international stage, and making appropriate preparations to succeed for his state.