The Unbridled World Of Ernie Fletcher: Reflections on Kentucky's Governor [Hardcover]

Don McNay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 11, 2006

This book takes an unusual look at the life and times of Kentucky's Governor Ernie Fletcher. From Introduction: Introduction You may ask yourself, 'How did I get in here?' - Talking Heads I'm sure Governor Ernie Fletcher sometimes asks himself the question: How did I wind up being governor of Kentucky? The only consistent thing about Governor Fletcher's career path is that there has been no consistency. He was a doctor, a fighter pilot, a minister, a state representative, and a congressman before he was elected governor. Unlike several former governors, who dreamt of the office since grade school, Fletcher came into politics from a nonpolitical background. Lack of experience has accounted for a number of his problems. He came in with the message of "cleaning up the mess in Frankfort" and promptly got into a mess himself. From Book: Unbridled Etiquette "Don't you know about the new fashion, honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money." - Billy Joel Mark Hebert at WHAS TV in Louisville did a story about the Kentucky Labor Cabinet hiring a consultant to teach their employees proper manners. The employees were told they needed to bathe daily and wear real gold and silver instead of the fake stuff. The consultant said that "conservative dress was a symbol of conservative political beliefs." The story made me angry. I thought this was another example of Fletcher's team treating state employees like servants at their country clubs. Then I realized the problem. The consultant did not understand the techniques necessary to work in state government. For example, there is a proper way to greet a government contractor. A state employee needs to use phrases like "money is no object" and "your wish is my command" in the presence of any contractor who contributed to the governor's campaign. The governor's political staff needs to follow a different code when dealing with contractors. They should extend the right hand for a firm handshake and keep the left jacket pocket exposed so that the contractor can stuff a wad of checks in it.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Don McNay: Award Winning, Syndicated Columnist Don McNay is a syndicated columnist who views life with a rock and roll attitude. His columns are a combination of social commentary, business advice and insights on popular culture. Don's columns appear in the Richmond (Kentucky) Register and syndicated to over 200 cities through the CNHI News Service. He has also written for Trial Magazine, National Underwriter, Claims Magazine, Probe, Trial Diplomacy Journal and numerous business and legal publications. Don received a First Place award in the Best Column category at the 2006 Kentucky Press Association annual convention. Don made a mid life journey back to journalism. He was one of the first Community Columnists for the Lexington Herald in 1983 to 1985 and did business commentary on WKQQ-FM radio. He also appeared on KET's longest running public affairs program, Comment on Kentucky. For the next 20 years, McNay became one of the world's most successful structured settlement consultants for injury victims and lottery winners. He has been named to the Million Dollar Round Table for 20 consecutive years and to the Top of the Million Dollar Round Table seven times. He has spoken to over 100 legal and financial groups around the United States, Canada and Bermuda. He holds several professional designations and was a director of the National Structured Settlement Trade Association from 1998 to 2001. In December, 2003, Don began a weekly business column in the Richmond Register and it became syndicated through the CNHI News Service in 2005. He does a weekly radio segment with Tom Leach at WLAP-AM in Lexington, Kentucky is a frequent guest on the longest running show on Kentucky Educational Television, Comment on Kentucky. McNay has appeared on numerous television and talk radio programs, including multiple appearances on WLW-AM in Cincinnati. He is on the Board of Directors of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and serves as Editor of their newsletter. CHAR(13) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 124 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1425962459
• ISBN-13: 978-1425962456
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,358,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Content Matters, November 3, 2006

By 

J. Chasen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Unbridled World Of Ernie Fletcher: Reflections on Kentucky's Governor (Hardcover)

Unlike the vast majority of commentators, Don McNay is entertaining but is NOT trying to be an entertainer. He writes with intelligence and integrity, and it is clear that the content comes first and everything else supports the content, making it more interesting and impactful. Even here, outside of Kentucky, the book is a great read ... and I look forward to the next one!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars McNay's Book Gives a Fresh Look at Ky. Politics, October 8, 2006

By 

Jonathan Moore (Lexington, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unbridled World Of Ernie Fletcher: Reflections on Kentucky's Governor (Hardcover)

Don McNay is a hard-hitting journalist, and his new book demonstrates his knack for uncovering news stories that have been ignored by mainstream media outlets. This book focuses on not just Governor Fletcher, but rather Kentucky as a whole and what changes need to be brought about on a statewide political level. I reccomend this book: Mr. McNay offers keen insights into Frankfort's political machine and always presents his work in a fun and accessible way.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this Book!, September 22, 2006

By 

C. Bigler (Richmond, Ky United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Unbridled World Of Ernie Fletcher: Reflections on Kentucky's Governor (Hardcover)

If you read one book this year make it this one.

Don McNay does what all good Journalists should do. He makes those in charge accountable and helps his readers think about real issues.

In his book, he covers the issues of the Kentucky Governor's first term, including the "Unbridled Sprit" re-branding campaign for Kentucky. He then looks forward to the issues that are important to the Commonwealth and our society as a whole.

If you care about politics, society or just like a good read then get this book!