[Harry Tuttle]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04110/302898.stm
http://www.post-gazette.com/images2/20040419mf_nugent_nraPJ_450.jpg
Rocker Nugent tells NRA about his American dream

Ted Nugent holds his guitar and an assault rifle during his appearance before the National Rifle Association convention yesterday. Nugent played the Star Spangled Banner before his speech.
Click photo for larger image.

Monday, April 19, 2004
By Monica L. Haynes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


"God gave us life. It's not just our God-given right, it's our moral obligation to protect that life."

That's the gospel according to Detroit rocker, zealous -- avid is an understatement -- hunter and NRA supporter Ted Nugent.

The Motor City Madman brought his brash, unapologetic attitude to the National Rifle Association convention in Pittsburgh yesterday in a special session called "Guns, God and Rock 'n' Roll."

Nugent, who penned a book by the same name in 2000 and was just elected to his fourth term as an NRA board member, got a standing ovation as he kicked things off with a searing, electric-guitar version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" a la Jimi Hendrix. That was obviously the rock 'n' roll part.

Against a simple black backdrop with American flags standing on either side of the stage, Nugent, in his trademark camouflage cowboy hat, raised his guitar in the air with one hand and took hold of an AR-15 rifle in the other.

"Sit down and celebrate the American dream," Nugent told his audience of about 1,000 gun enthusiasts who filled the seats and lined the walls of a third-floor ballroom in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.

In a speech that was part-NRA rally, part liberal bashfest, he posited himself at the center of that dream, living what he called a lifestyle that was "pure and natural."

Nugent, a rocker who boasts of being drug-free his entire life, took a figurative shot at the counter culture musicians of his generation.

"Jerry [Garcia] got high and Jerry's dead. I went hunting and I'm still Ted," he quipped.

Squeezing off verbal assaults like bullets, he put anti-gun activists and Democratic liberals like Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy and Al Sharpton -- whom he referred to as Al "not-so" Sharpton -- in his cross hairs.

"If Al Sharpton's a reverend, I'm the dalai lama with a glock," he said.

Nugent urged his fellow NRAers to counter anti-gun leanings of family, friends and the news media by writing letters to the editor, calling talk shows and contacting their representatives in Congress.

"Y'all got to tell them. It's absolutely essential that you confront them," he said.

"Assert yourselves," Nugent exhorted. "Take political correctness and flush it down the brain-dead toilet from which it came."

Like Vice President Cheney the night before, Nugent also set his sights on Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, who he said wants to punish the most productive members of society -- NRA members.

"If John Kerry gets his way, good will lose and evil will win," Nugent said.

While most of those lined 60-feet deep in the exhibit hall to get Nugent's autograph afterward agreed with his rhetoric, one person checking out the booths did not.

Former Steelers running back Franco Harris, who had appeared at a Kerry rally at the University of Pittsburgh Friday, said he supported the Second Amendment but did not agree with the NRA leadership's assessment of Kerry.

"John Kerry really supports the Second Amendment," Harris said. "You can't have people putting fear and wrong information [out there]."

Harris would not say whether he hunts or owns guns. He said he wanted to attend the convention to see what it's about.

The NRA, he said, consists of some wonderful people. But Harris questioned the rhetoric of its leaders.

"I feel bad that they try to indoctrinate the membership into their way of thinking. Hopefully, most Americans dissect the information that they get," Harris said.

[rich2u]

Yep gotta love the motor city madman. I know i'm pretty well indoctrinated. Bwahahahahahahaha:evil:

[Bartholomew Roberts]

"I feel bad that they try to indoctrinate the membership into their way of thinking. Hopefully, most Americans dissect the information that they get," Harris said.

Hopefully, they dissect it better than you do Mr. Harris.

"John Kerry really supports the Second Amendment," Harris said. "You can't have people putting fear and wrong information [out there]."

Voting to ban all centerfire rifle ammo = support of the Second Amendment? Did I miss the memo declaring April 19th as Orwellian Language Day?

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=2&vote=00028

[atek3]

while I may not like nugent. I appreciate the fact that he showed up with an AR-15, and not a blackpowder musket. Reiterates the fact that the 2nd is not about duck hunting.

atek3

[Harry Tuttle]

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=947678
it looks like some ghostly severed right hand is trying to dis-arm Ted

[atek3]

if thats an acog he´s got great taste.

atek3

[Joe Demko]

I was there. Saw/heard Ted. His music has always given me a headache, but his support of the 2A is impeccable.

[GigaBuist]

Ted Nugent holds his guitar and an assault rifle during his appearance before the National Rifle Association convention yesterday.

That has got to be the worst spelling of "defending-of-liberty-against-all-enemies-foreign-and-domestic rifle" in my life.

[Norton]

The blissninnies simply don't like someone who unequivocally speaks his mind......it's not indoctrination!

[Smoke]

Ted is an ill spoken, redneck, hypocrite that presents a bad image of gun owners. If he was not famous for his music he would be considered part of the lunatic fringe that the NRA board and its leaders would consider toxic.

While I respect his 2A stance, and even like some of his music. If you spend any time listening and talking to him, he wears thin pretty fast.

You should have heard the way he talked to the local high school assembly. Every kid in the house was insulted, every parent pissed off. And he hardly mentioned 2A or hunting.

Another example of a celebrity getting to spout off his platform. He just happens to be on the right side of this one. There are better examples out there than Uncle Ted.


Just my opinion.

Smoke

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Regardless of what you think about Ted Nugent or his music, it is refreshing to see any NRA Board of Director up on the podium with a rifle that is still regulated as a firearm - much less one with a collapsible stock and evil magazine.

As for being ill-spoken, I'd have to admit that I haven't been the best representative of gun owners myself in the past. Everybody has those days where they are sick of taking abuse and trying to patiently educate. Whatever else you can say about Ted, he is out there trying to educate people and he deserves some points for that effort alone.

[Partisan Ranger]

Sorry Mr. Harris, stick to football.

When evaluating the pro-gunness of a candidate, I tend to look a tad deeper than the candidate saying, 'I support the 2nd Amendment.'

I look at his documented policy positions. I look at his votes.

In Kerry's case, reviewing his record makes my hair stand on end.

[angrywalkindude]

When is Ted going to be NRA president? How about US president? I would vote for him.

[GigaBuist]

When is Ted going to be NRA president? How about US president? I would vote for him.

No way, not yet. I got dibs on him as the next gov. of Michigan.

[Yowza]

Ted is an ill spoken, redneck, hypocrite that presents a bad image of gun owners.

Nice stereotyping. So what makes him a hypocrite, exactly?

Rick

[45 ACP]

Ted is an ill spoken, redneck, hypocrite that presents a bad image of gun owners. If he was not famous for his music he would be considered part of the lunatic fringe that the NRA board and its leaders would consider toxic.

Riiiiiight. So I guess demanding that people take responsibility for themselves and their family makes him "ill-spoken"? I guess demanding that "men" start acting like men makes him a "redneck"? Guess I'm all that too. :rolleyes:

What I can't figure out is what makes him a hypocrite? Pray tell, what am I missing here??

While I respect his 2A stance, and even like some of his music. If you spend any time listening and talking to him, he wears thin pretty fast.

I read his book "God Guns and Rock and Roll" 3 times and still get a chuckle out of it. He's the kinda guy I would hang out with ANY time. I try and model MY family after what he suggests. Haven't gone wrong yet.

....There are better examples out there than Uncle Ted.

Okay, I'm listening....

Just my opinion.

That's right, and my responses are mine as well. In the end, your opinion is just as irrelevant as mine when it comes to labelling others, right?

[Mulliga]

Ted Nugent holds his guitar and an assault rifle

The spin starts. I thought it isn't an assault rifle unless it's automatic.:rolleyes:

If John Kerry gets his way, good will lose and evil will win," Nugent said.


If sKerry wins, evil certainly will. Not so sure about the other side being "good.";)

Harris would not say whether he hunts or owns guns

Seems he doesn't want to admit

1) being a hypocrite owning guns while preaching "safety" for the unwashed masses OR
2) doesn't want to admit he's unarmed and helpless to the general public.

[WingZero]

Ted Is My Idol!

[thefitzvh]

the nuge reminds me a lot of how I WISH i could be...

He doesn't allow PC to erode what he wants to say.


He's a champion of rights in general, the perfect blending of the 1st and second amendments.

You don't have to agree with the things that he says. The fact that he says them, and sticks by them, regardless of what others think, speaks VOLUMES about his character.


James

[NIGHTWATCH]

Its interesting that Nugent is holding a "Military Style" rifle, seeing that VP Cheney never mentioned the true intention of the 2A throughout his speech. Only on his love of "hunting" and our right to do so? :rolleyes:

4 more years? Hope not. :(

[Ian]

I thought it isn't an assault rifle unless it's automatic.

Y'know...this being Ted Nugent...it might BE full auto... :cool:

[greyhound]

"John Kerry really supports the Second Amendment,"

As long as you think 2A is about hunting or target shooting.

At least John Edwards included "self defense" as a part of 2A.*

*Yes, I am aware Kerry supported some non-binding resolution back in 2001 that said the 2A was an "individual right". That still doesn't mean that he thinks we have more than an "individual right" to go hunting. Making a point of coming off the campaign trail to vote to extend the AWB tells me where he stands on gun rights.

Is there really any point in discussing Kerry and gun rights anymore?
Hey, if you hate George Bush so much that it makes no difference who is President, then go with "Anybody But Bush". But I believe there is no way to vote John Kerry if gun rights is your main priority. Bush is a passive anti, Kerry an extremely active one.

[morganm01]

http://www.post-gazette.com/contact/comments_form.asp?ID=56

Report the "technical problem" they are having with "assault rifles" and "assault weapons"

be polite, or they won't even read it.

[Kharn]

Nightwatch:
4 more years? Hope not. :(
And who are you hoping wins the election, if not W and Cheney?
Politics is like a game with a very complicated set of rules, sometimes its not the moves that are made that matter most, its the moves that arent made. Cheney might not have yelled out 'From my cold dead hands' or 'No more MG ban!' while holding an M249 above his head, but at least he respects the NRA enough to give a speech. Did Gore make any speeches while he was VP at the NRA meeting?

Kharn

[grampster]

What Kharn said!

Gigabuist, Ted frequents some places round and about where I live. My son, who is a bow/firearm deer hunting enthusiast (thanks to his father and grandfather) has bumped into him a couple of times. Ole Ted's not perfect and he does wear a little thin from time to time cause he rarely takes a breath when he is talking about a given subject. (we all have that problem from time to time) He is passionate, honest, blunt, and a great American. If you listen carefuly to what he says, tune out the the bombast, then any patriot would stand shoulder to shoulder with him. I'm proud that he is a Michigander. If he was Governor, Michigan would be called The Outdoor Wonderland State and our wonderful resources would get the attention they deserve. That would be after we gave Detroit back to Ohio.

:evil: :D

[Nightcrawler]

No way, not yet. I got dibs on him as the next gov. of Michigan.

What's that? I thought you trolls south of the Bridge all loved Auntie Jenny? LOL

Hell yeah. I'd vote for Governor Nuge!

[Diggler]

I sent my correction request to the Post-Gazette:
I would like to bring to your attention an inaccuracy that was in the story "Rocker Nugent tells NRA about his American dream", 4/19/2004.

In the caption underneath the photo of Mr. Nugent, it states "Ted Nugent holds his guitar and an assault rifle during his appearance before the National Rifle Association convention yesterday." The rifle that Mr. Nugent was holding was, in fact, a semi-automatic rifle, not an "assault weapon." Assault weapons are selective fire, which means that they can fire in semi-automatic or fully-automatic mode. The AR-15 in the picture is not capable of full-auto fire. In fact, besides sharing cosmetic features with the fully-automatic version, this rifle is no different than rifles that are commonly used for hunting in many states.

In the interest of journalistic integrity, it is my hope that you issue a correction regarding this mistaken labeling. There is no need to perpetuate misperceptions about sensitive issues such as this.

[Diggler]

Wow, that was quick... they already emailed me a response...

"we should have said "assault-style rifle."


Must have a bunch of people on them about this... :D

[GigaBuist]

Gigabuist, Ted frequents some places round and about where I live.

Same here, grampster. I've never bumped into him but I saw his name up on the Caledonia Sportsman's club a while back for shooting 25 straight. Kinda bummed out that I didn't run into him there.

Oh, and we're not giving Detroit to Ohio. Give it to Canada! I don't want those... whatever you call thems... picking US Senators anymore.

What's that? I thought you trolls south of the Bridge all loved Auntie Jenny? LOL

I like her about as much as I do getting romanced by a hot poker "prison style." Shame on you Nightcrawler... my blood pressure was doing SO good this morning. :)

[Abe]

Ted may be alot of things (most of which I like :D ) but I doubt hypocrite is one of them. I find his frank speech refreshing. Sure, he may go over the top on occasion but could it be that we are so used to the mealy mouthed PC blather that serves for discourse today that we are shocked when someone actually speaks their mind? Actually tells you where they stand on an issue and happens to do it with alot of passion?

I once worked for a guy that was alot like Ted. Always spoke his mind and was super successful in his business. Good or bad you always knew where your stood with him. What a refreshing change from the standard corporate PC routine.

I'll take Ted any day.

- Abe

[12-34hom]

I remember watching Bill Mahrs "politically correct" one night. Ted nugent was on with some of Hollywood's finest.

Ted hammered them into the ground discussing the firearms issues.

Although not "mainstream" he remains a breath of fresh air in a room normally full of stale smoke.

12-34hom.

[Smoke]

Nice stereotyping.

Not sterotyping, I've met the man.

Riiiiiight. So I guess demanding that people take responsibility for themselves and their family makes him "ill-spoken"? I guess demanding that "men" start acting like men makes him a "redneck"? Guess I'm all that too.

No, standing up in front of the entire student body and faculty of a school as well as a large faction of parents and the press and acusing all students of being drug takers or drug dealers in profane language makes him a redneck.


I try and model MY family after what he suggests.

By trying to get out of paying child support to your illegitimate son by claiming you pay as much as someone that makes $20k a year?

He doesn't allow PC to erode what he wants to say.

Nor grammer or profanity.

Ted is a frequent vistor of Bosque County. He has good friends in Waco, that are old friends of my family. He hunts locally. My mom was in the travel business for many years, used to book his airline tickets to Waco.
He has talked to the local school as I mentioned. HE does some good things and definitely feels a passion for guns and the 2A. BUt if you have the opportunity to sit and talk with him for any length of time, it gets old real fast.

I grew up on his music. Now that I'm a parent and have kids, and have seen first hand how he talks to kids in a public enviroment, I don't want my kids to have anything to do with him.

your opinion is just as irrelevant as mine when it comes to labelling others, right?

Couldn't agree more.

Smoke

[NIGHTWATCH]

Nightwatch: " 4 more years? Hope not." :(

And who are you hoping wins the election, if not W and Cheney?
Politics is like a game with a very complicated set of rules, sometimes its not the moves that are made that matter most, its the moves that arent made. Cheney might not have yelled out 'From my cold dead hands' or 'No more MG ban!' while holding an M249 above his head, but at least he respects the NRA enough to give a speech. Did Gore make any speeches while he was VP at the NRA meeting? -Kharn

If you want to risk your future by playing the game, go ahead. Im not playing. Because it is the "game" that has brought us to this point. We are nolonger a truly free people. :mad:

Who I am hoping to win is a Libertarian candidate (which will not happen in 04). But I will consider it a victory if Bush is dethroned and both Democrats and Republicans learn that one term presidents is all they have left to hope for because a third party is rising to power, the Libertarian party.

[The_Antibubba]

The caption in the photo is wrong. It should read:

"Ted Nugent holds his rifle and assault guitar during..."

:neener: