Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread and Treatment of Contagious Opinions

By: John Cooker
Publisher: Spin Doctor Press
Publication Date: May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-9835724-0-4
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor 
Review Date: July 10, 2011 

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?

For more information on Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread and Treatment of Contagious Opinions,please visit the book's website at: www.cureyourdemocracy.com