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Reviews
Norm
Goldman, Publisher of Bookpleasures: “In the
Acknowledgments to John Cooker's Cure Your
Democracy: The Infection, Spread and Treatment of
Contagious Opinions the author thanks his wife
Katherine, who has put up with his unconventional
sense of humor, which only has encouraged him.
And no doubt, there will be readers that will
consider this book truly ridiculous and just plain
nonsense. That's a pity, because if they bother to
do a little scraping below the surface, they will
discover an author that has a unique ability to
perceive and express in an ingeniously humorous
manner some profound and deep insights concerning
human behavior, as well as the dangerous lack of
civility that we witness every day in our society.
How often are opinions tossed around without any
thought or reason and moreover, without valid
research or accurate knowledge? We can spot this
everyday on the Internet and on various television
and radio shows, particularly the talk shows.
Cooker informs us that America is witnessing an
epidemic of two contagious viruses that cause
ordinary folk to become unfriendly, exhibit temper
tantrums, reddened faces, and irritable bowels. He
terms these two viruses Democratitus and
Democratosis that both share the same DNA causing
the same symptoms in the same degree of potency.
Unfortunately, no one is safe and many are
contaminated with these viruses.
Full blown Democratitus results in stress induced
revulsion to Government in any of its forms, which
manifests itself in irrational fear and actual
physical repulsion. Insofar as Demcratosis is
concerned, it is just as serious, as "any endeavor
that requires mingling with the People at large or
places faith in them causes such revulsion that the
accompanying fear paralyzes the infected."
It is these fears that are the underlying cause of
the symptoms. What is more dangerous is our
inability to self-detect the symptoms produced by
these viruses. To illustrate, Cooke refers to TV
host and satirist Steven Colbert who has been
infected with the virus in a way that it has induced
a drug-like effect of an outsized self-confidence,
that appears almost comical. Radio and television
news programs are particularly inciting in
presenting a format of pros and cons pretending that
they are being "balanced" which insures the
irritation of both viruses.
Cooker claims to have studied many victims over a
period of two years, particularly those who were in
constant inflammation and argument, and he maintains
that their infection leads directly to varicose
veins and conspiracy theories. I don't think the
medical profession would come to the same
conclusion, however, then again, many in the
profession lack the perceptiveness of Cooker or his
sense of humor. How about paranoia? We are told that
in the case of paranoia the viruses "have absorbed
any ability to use rationality, and their sufferers
are at the mercy of exaggerated fears that become
manifested in a range of aberrations."
I just loved the chapter dealing with Audio
Impairment that kept me in stitches. Cooker blames
secretions of dense wax in individuals affected by
the viruses. These sufferers hear distorted words
resulting in miscommunication. As an example, Cooker
brings up Sara Palin's totally mishearing of the
proposals during her briefing of a suggested Health
Care Reform Bill. Although, as Cooker states, this
can be attributed to the cold winters in Alaska
without ear muffs and a fondness for shooting loud,
high powered rifles at those cunning, craft Alaskan
moose. How about Bill Clinton's negative reply when
he was asked if he had "inappropriate sex" with
Monica? Cooker believes that because of the buildup
of wax in Bill's ear, he thought he was asked if he
had "inappropriate socks" with her. Other just as
hilarious chapters cover the allergic reactions
produced by these viruses, the spread, growth and
their concentration, their opposing natures, their
extreme manifestations, predispositions of certain
individuals, the history of these viruses and the
treatment necessary to become virus free.
By employing humor, together with exaggeration,
embellishment, and the manipulation of words,
language and thought, Cooker effectively conveys to
his readers larger truths, which incidentally may
even compel us to have a good look in the mirror and
wonder about our own behavior. Heaven forbid if we
should be infected with these viruses! Our family
doctor won't have a clue as to how to deal with
them. Fear not, read the various treatment steps
that Cooker presents to his readers. You won't be
sorry.”
Feathered Quill: From word one of this new
book, John Cooker brings readers a look at reality,
which is completely engrossing and unbelievably
hysterical.
There are two very contagious diseases spreading
through the world today. One is Democratitus, which
can place the victim into a stress-induced revulsion
for Government in any of its forms. Disease number
two is called Democratosis, which is just as serious
(fever, bed-wetting, etc.) where the inflicted
pretty much get sick as dogs when they have to
mingle with the People in any way, shape, or form.
This author brings to light these very serious
maladies that have held Americans helpless for
decades, as they’ve caused the constant scowls,
sneers, pessimism, anger, and rotten attitudes that
we all seem to carry around with us on a daily
basis.
With each and every chapter, these dreaded viruses
are laid out. Beginning with the symptoms of each,
from the powerful to the subtle, such as not being
able to read the “Wall Street Journal” without
shaking (Democratosis); to the inability to watch
“NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” without violently shaking
the head “no” (Democratitus).
This author, chapter by chapter, does an excellent
job of showing us our complete and utter ignorance
when it comes to politics. In fact, politics - which
used to be a very serious subject - has mostly
become late night fodder. Just think, Jon Stewart
has received so many Emmy’s (not to mention dollars)
that he can barely count them anymore - simply
because of the rich ridiculousness that he is
offered every day the stock market opens and closes.
Not to mention, when a congressman or high-ranking
politico gets caught with a girl, boy, priest - even
with his shirt off - Jon and his writers get to
bring home the gold. It is also a bit frightening
when you learn that most people not only want and
enjoy but, actually prefer to get their news from
Jon instead of tuning in to the “serious” newsmen.
Of course, why be serious? No one else is, EXCEPT
the people out there who are actually having
shortness of breath and chest pains because they
take all of this ‘bunk’ so tremendously seriously.
This book explores the differences between ‘lefties
and righties;’ the way brain cells continue to die,
and wax continues to build up in the victims’ ears
making it impossible for anyone to actually listen
anymore. He covers the Barkdoll Test, conspiracy
theories and, my favorite, paranoia. (Readers will
especially get a kick out of Eddie Simmons who lives
with a tank in his front yard). Mr. Cooker speaks
about all different kinds of wars such as the Elvis
Gyration battle in the 1950’s. He also unveils
secret information about what certain words really
mean. Example: 'Plumbers' is actually a code name
for spies trained as Navy Seals who come up through
toilets to steal enemy documents.
After reading each and every chapter of this
powerful book readers will, at times, hear the
opening banjo notes from Deliverance playing inside
their heads; while, other times, they will wonder
whether or not they should take the Allergy Test
(which is absolutely hysterical). There may be no
cure at the moment - or antiviral serums for these
issues - but the author delivers what may be a
perfect remedy in a section called “Succession,”
which may just have you going to the hospital
because your side actually split.
Quill Says: A perfect book that offers everything
one needs to know about how to avoid these viruses
and perhaps find a cure. Isn’t it always ironic that
comedians are the ones who actually have the
answers?
Reader Views: “Mr. John Cooker has written
"Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread and
Treatment of Contagious Opinions" to explain the
serious diseases that have inflicted the American
people; diseases that until now, had never been
discovered. Cooker has been able to identify and
classify them and has discovered a remarkable cure
for them. The FDA has not approved this miraculous
cure but the author swears that it worked in
seventy-five percent of the cases. These highly
contagious viruses, Democratitus and Democratosis,
have spread to epidemic proportions lately and Mr.
Cooker's book explains the reasons why.
His presentation is an acute infliction of humor,
aimed at the most basic of American beliefs,
Democracy. From contaminated buildings to conspiracy
theories and everything in between, the author finds
these viruses almost everywhere and in everyone.
They have no barriers and can be found in Liberals
and Conservatives alike. They lie dormant in places
like the Capital till something awakens them.
Later in the book Mr. Cooker includes an "Allergy
Test" that the reader can take to find out if they
have the virus. In the two-part test are some
interesting questions that ask your reaction to
different things and your feelings on such things as
"Ivy League colleges, Sushi, Unions and the NRA,"
just to name a few.
"Cure Your Democracy" continues to fester, sprouting
insights like the history of the viruses and an
aggressive prognosis of treatment. The treatment
explained sounds much like that of the AA program;
it has twelve steps. Some of the other cures have to
do with rituals and old methods from history such as
dueling.
I had fun reading this humorous 264-page report on
such wide spread, but yet not well known, viruses.
It kept me reading and I found it hard to put down
at night. Well written, it is a general audience,
G-rated book that will appeal to everyone.”
Rebecca’s Reads: "Cure Your Democracy: The
Infection, Spread, and Treatment of Contagious
Opinions" by John Cooker, MRI is a political humor
book. Throughout his research, Cooker has identified
two "viruses" which he deems as highly contagious:
Democratitus and Democratosis. These viruses are
associated with the positions one holds on the
conservative to liberal political spectrum.
Cooker opens the book by telling the reader that:
"There's an epidemic sweeping across America but no
one's taking it seriously. The infected look like
normal Americans, at first, familiar and
approachable. But then they open their mouths and
foreign words leap out known only to inhabitants of
their special Nation, a distinct code only they
understand; left coaster, mama grizzly, Obamacare,
drill baby drill, death panels, nanny state,
treehugger, nukular, smoke and mirrors, Orwellian,
refudiate; or PC, gay rights, luddite,
inclusiveness, Neocon, global village, teabagger,
glass ceiling, junk science, public option, I didn't
inhale." (p.9) He then goes on to describe each
"virus" and provide related examples and stories.
I think Cooker's work is a very timely piece.
Currently I live in Wisconsin, which as of late has
become quite the politically charged state with
battles waging over diminishing the rights of
unions. Heated debates have taken place on the
grounds of the state capitol between the deeply
polarized sides. I appreciated Cooker's humorous
take on the partisan arguing in our nation. The way
that he describes the different "viruses" is quite
amusing and in most cases spot on. I believe that
"Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread, and
Treatment of Contagious Opinions" is a great book to
help diffuse a little of the current tension that
exists in America today.”
Carol Piner, author Evidence of Insanity:
“John Cooker's Cure Your Democracy highlights the
incredible humor and the reality that he is most
likely nuts, but since he writes well he really
ought to get away with it. In this expose' of two
diseases that have grabbed their hosts and have
taken over America. In Cooker's opinion, these two
viruses, Democratosis and Democratitis are suffered
in varying degrees of severity by us all. Believe
me, no one is left out of his hilarious book. Bob
Dylan, Oprah and anybody you can think of will line
up with one of the two viruses; even Jim and Tammy
Baker. It's a very funny book and his tests to
determine which virus you have will leave you
laughing out loud. It is one of the most enjoyable
books I have read in a long, long time. I fully
intend to go back and read it again. I found myself
with touches of both viruses and I would really like
to narrow down to one. I won't reveal which. Cure
Your Democracy is a huge laugh out loud experience.
Way to go, Cooker.”
Pat Miller, Peaceable Paws: “This book hits
the nail on the head, given the insanity of the
political climate in Washington DC these days.
Wildly humorous and insightful. I feared I was
infected when I read the back cover, and subsequent
reading of the book confirmed my fears. I've started
the 12-Step Treatment, but it's slow going.
I just wish my political science professor father
were still alive - he would have enjoyed this book
immensely. Kudos, Mr. Cooker!”
Branch Isole, author of Saccharin and Plastic
Band Aids: “Mr. John Cooker displays a cunning
knowledge in this layman's guide to recognition of
the ever-present, yet decidedly disturbing viruses
currently plaguing American members of congress,
Presidential administrations and many card carrying
audiophiles of the fourth estate.
These unwitting carriers and spreaders, of the
perhaps soon-to-be infamous viruses "Democratosis
and Democratitus" continue to run amok via media
driven frenzies and camouflaged Internet blogging
causing more and more average individuals to succumb
to the power of its transmission. As a result the
CDC has washed its hands in a search for an antidote
or wonder drug to combat this sound byte infused
spread across contemporary American culture and
lifestyles.
As Mr. Cooker points out, today's American culture
and lifestyles are under attack and may be doomed to
a ruinous future with the unchecked gnawing presence
and contagion within unsuspecting general
populations of these ingrained and stealth like
symptomatic enemies of common sense. Oh where is our
Thomas Paine when we need him most?
An interesting and oft times outlandish look at many
of this country's leaders, mover and shakers, and
the influence they wield like a double edged sword
of destruction through a constant repetition of
inane treatises of proffered self aggrandizing
thoughts and oratory. "Cure Your Democracy" leaves
few stones unturned as it 'takes no prisoners'
through its rampaging and comedic look at America's
opined dumbing-down and eventual demise in the
Twenty-first Century. “
Dorothy Davis: “After reading this book you
won't see Bill O'Rielly, Rachael Madow or CNN the
same again. You'll see the viruses the author
"discovers" all over the media and just how
contagious their opinions are. The satirical bits
and spoofs are as subversive as THE DAILY SHOW on
cable and just as side-splitting funny. The humor
can be outrageous and the underlying political
points dead serious. I particularly liked the
letters mock-written by Thomas Jefferson to his
newly elected congressman.
This book is very timely and each chapter has
surprises. I highly recommend it, especially if you
follow politics - and all good citizens should!”
Mihir Shah: “Often times, humor is the best
way to convey a serious matter. Few issues are as
critical and convoluted as partisan politics in
America. When you incorporate the viral nature of
New Media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.), you see
news, among other things, rip through the country
like wildfire. In "Cure Your Democracy," John Cooker
leans heavily on humor to alert and encourage all of
America to take the nature of "viral illnesses"
seriously. Essentially, the public has been turned
into a walking pendulum: one day, a speech by a
potent figure in society will be on YouTube within
minutes--winning over supporters; the next day,
negativity will spread across the same social
platforms and change public opinion. What's most
interested, and largely the problem, is that much of
these discussions are opinionated. Discussing one's
opinion over and over on as many social platforms as
possible should not mean that opinion has become the
truth. This, however, is the very problem facing the
United States in the tech-savvy world of the 21st
century. Without giving too much away, "Cure Your
Democracy" is an eye-opening book that will make you
laugh and go "aha, I knew something like this was
going on." It is a highly-recommended, informative
read for all Americans, particularly those that are
not--or choose not--to be affiliated with what goes
on in society and the government.”
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“From
word one of this new book, John Cooker brings
readers a look at [political] reality which is
completely
engrossing and
unbelievably hysterical.” Feathered Quill Book Reviews
READ THE FULL REVIEWS
"As this hilarious book
proves, even when it comes to politics,
laughter is the best medicine.” - Jim
Barnes, Editor,
Independent
Publisher.com
“…an
author that has a unique ability to perceive and
express in an ingeniously humorous manner some
profound and deep insights concerning human
behavior.” BookPleasures
“His
presentation is an acute infliction of humor aimed
at the most basic of American beliefs, Democracy.”
Reader Views
“It’s
a very funny book and his tests to determine which
virus you might have will leave you laughing out
loud. It is one of the most enjoyable books I have
read in a long, long time.” Carol Piner, author
Evidence of Insanity
“CURE
YOUR DEMOCRACY leaves few stones unturned as it
takes no prisoners through its rampaging and comedic
look at America.” Branch Isole, author and poet
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