Getting Something Off My Chest...

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    Getting Something Off My Chest...
    Posted by
    WebCrew
    December 02, 2008

    Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and get something off my chest (as you all probably know Im not a big blogger! But I do read my website and myspace page when I have time, and thank you for all the kind words and shout outs!).

    I headed to Europe last Friday for a small tour and then am most likely going back to the Middle East to entertain our troops for the holidays (again!) I'd be lying if I didn't mention its kind of bittersweet due to the fact that I petitioned the judge (Alvin T. Wong, Dekalb County, Georgia) in my "Waffle House" case so that the 80 hours of community service he sentenced me to would be served by my holiday trip to entertain our troops (for my 3rd Christmas and 4th time!). Apparently he thinks it's more important that I do something else rather than sing, shake hands, take pictures and spend time with the men and women who put themselves in harms way to protect the very freedoms he and all of us live by. I really take it as a slap in the face, and really have trouble thinking of a better way to "serve the community," especially at Christmas time when it's obviously the hardest time for soldiers to be away from their families and home (and I try not to think about it when Im there, but its a little freaky being in the middle of a war zone!). Its not that I dont take responsibility for my actions, because I do, and I have, in more ways than one. The case got so much press (a lot of it very silly press) that I decided before I even went to court that I would have a fundraiser at a local Georgia Waffle House and donate the money to a local Dekalb County homeless shelter that helps families get back on their feet (we raised close to 20 thousand dollars for that shelter).

    I figured I would use the opportunity to turn a negative into a positive (The judge didn't seem to care to much about that either, but whatever, that wasn't about anything other than using the media BACK to do some good!). Im sure a lot of you will comment on this and in a weird way it will make me feel a little better, but either way this judge will leave a bad taste of ignorance in my mouth, but I dont let even the DEVIL get me down so, WHATEVA!! Well, thats my rant, I hope Im doing the right thing by sharing my feelings (I'm usually better at it on a song!!). So in ending I would just like to wish all of you, my friends, a happy holiday season. Thank you for all your support, I truly appreciate each and every one of you! God Bless!

    Your Friend,

    Kid Rock

    (p.s., below is the order denying my petition to the court, if anyones interested, and to be fair)



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WebCrew's picture
Submitted by WebCrew
on Tue, 12/02/2008 - 3:13pm

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and get something off my chest (as you all probably know Im not a big blogger! But I do read my website and myspace page when I have time, and thank you for all the kind words and shout outs!).

I headed to Europe last Friday for a small tour and then am most likely going back to the Middle East to entertain our troops for the holidays (again!) I'd be lying if I didn't mention its kind of bittersweet due to the fact that I petitioned the judge (Alvin T. Wong, Dekalb County, Georgia) in my "Waffle House" case so that the 80 hours of community service he sentenced me to would be served by my holiday trip to entertain our troops (for my 3rd Christmas and 4th time!). Apparently he thinks it's more important that I do something else rather than sing, shake hands, take pictures and spend time with the men and women who put themselves in harms way to protect the very freedoms he and all of us live by. I really take it as a slap in the face, and really have trouble thinking of a better way to "serve the community," especially at Christmas time when it's obviously the hardest time for soldiers to be away from their families and home (and I try not to think about it when Im there, but its a little freaky being in the middle of a war zone!). Its not that I dont take responsibility for my actions, because I do, and I have, in more ways than one. The case got so much press (a lot of it very silly press) that I decided before I even went to court that I would have a fundraiser at a local Georgia Waffle House and donate the money to a local Dekalb County homeless shelter that helps families get back on their feet (we raised close to 20 thousand dollars for that shelter).

I figured I would use the opportunity to turn a negative into a positive (The judge didn't seem to care to much about that either, but whatever, that wasn't about anything other than using the media BACK to do some good!). Im sure a lot of you will comment on this and in a weird way it will make me feel a little better, but either way this judge will leave a bad taste of ignorance in my mouth, but I dont let even the DEVIL get me down so, WHATEVA!! Well, thats my rant, I hope Im doing the right thing by sharing my feelings (I'm usually better at it on a song!!). So in ending I would just like to wish all of you, my friends, a happy holiday season. Thank you for all your support, I truly appreciate each and every one of you! God Bless!

Your Friend,

Kid Rock

(p.s., below is the order denying my petition to the court, if anyones interested, and to be fair)



Comments

Fan_87's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 7:38pm — Fan_87
Rock, I love you. I have admired you and your music for quite some years now and I am only in my early 20's. BUT I would have to disagree and side with the Judge on this one. I don't think his statement sounded ignorant at all, and I don't think he was discrediting all that you have done for the troops. My personal opinion is that community service should be something that you wouldn't ordinarily do, especially if it's meant to be a punishment. And I think you'd agree that performing and putting smile on troops faces is not much of a punishment. But like you said, maybe you can make the most out of this. Turn a bad situation into something good. I'm sure there are other community service things you can do besides picking up trash that will make a dent in the community. You'll figure it out. Try not to be sour. We all have to do things we don't like. We just have to make sure that we learn from them. =]
Cindy_132's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 7:38pm — Cindy_132
No matter what the judge says - please know that we appreciate what you do for the troops, and I'm sure that they appreciate it too. If you're in Nashville and can do some of the community service here, I work for a non-profit that serves mentally retarded & developmentally disabled adults and children in TN and I would imagine that doing a meet & greet with some of our folks would definitely count. You've got fans all over and I know one aspiring DJ that would LOVE to meet you! Anyway - thanks. Your music means a lot to so many people, for so many reasons.
Fan_333's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 7:19pm — Fan_333
i must correct it should be 20,000 " almost $20,000" and F--- y-- agian Jerk.
Fan_333's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 7:15pm — Fan_333
Philly Tom U R an Ass no one is asking for any laws of Democracy to be taylored? Dumb ass! All he ask was for that to count for the 80 hours. Most everyone gets to do the community Services of there choice. It is rare when the Judge ask for a specific task and under much differnt circumstances. He was" egocentic and selfish"? How dare you You might want to "GROW UP" and look at the big picture here. So What he wants credit for the CS for going to Iraq he desserves it. It is his time and his dime. Yes, he has done this in the past and so what should that make ot less of a service? WHat the hell is wrong with u. Should he have paid $800 for the time or maybe have donated some can goods? OR dumb ass would you rather have him boost morale of hundreds of our troops and raise $200000 for the homeless of Dekalb County. The scale has broke and he wins. This is way more than any other "Joe" would have been made to do or would have done on his or her own even having be convicted of a more serious crime.. So agian F--- y--. Do the Math.
Fan_88's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 7:07pm — Fan_88
It is damn sure not his job to do USO tours, and he chose to do the THREE PREVIOUS TOURS, as he has chosen to do this one, and yes, it is a wonderful, selfless act, and you just used the word "weasel" against this man! I still don't get get the Martha Stewart bullshit. Any opinion on the homeless shelter benefit? And please tell me, since you're such a fan of the Dishonorable Judge Wrong, what does a camera have to do with a damn thing? What judicial purpose did that remark serve, besides illuminating the true nature of his bias? Lady Justice's blindfold must have slipped a bit, since apparently, she's peeking through a fucking camera lens.
Fan_104's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 6:00pm — Fan_104
To those who bitched about my post... CHOOSING to do community service voluntarily, without expectation or hope of payback of any type is a wonderful, selfless act. Being SENTENCED to community service is an entirely different matter. And news flash, jamcrane3...when it comes as a judicial sentence, it IS MEANT to be punitive. One who is sentenced to community service does not get to choose. Punishment for a crime...regardless of type or size of the crime, or the public opinion surrounding it...is handed out, NOT chosen. I may be a fan of Kid Rock, but hearing him try to weasel his way out of 80 hours of local community service by offering to do something he already planned on doing (because he loves it and it's his job) sounds totally egocentric and selfish. And now he's calling his trip to the Middle East "bittersweet" because he didn't get his way. Awww. Gee. I still say "GROW UP." It's funny how so many here think it's wonderful that Kid Rock is going to support the troops and the democracy they're fighting for...but then want the laws of that democracy tailored so that their idol can make it work around his own schedule and needs. Sounds kind of out of balance to me.
Fan_88's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 5:21pm — Fan_88
Okay, I was just agitated, now I'm PISSED OFF!!!! The ignorant attitude of Judge Wrong was chafing my ass well enough, but then I started reading through some of these postings. Axomomma says "Hiding behind the troops is detestable". JDNYC says "suck it up". PhillyTom babbles inane bullshit about Martha Stewart. Enough!!!!!!! First, Axomomma, Kid Rock isn't hiding behind the troops, he's just trying to get credit for what he is going to do. If this judge had a sense of Justice then he would give Kid Rock retroactive credit for the THREE USO TOURS THAT HE HAS ALREADY DONE!!!! But denying the man credit for the homeless shelter benefit that raised $20000 is indefensible, and it is this particular act that exposes him for the publicity seeking leech that he is. Some jurisdictions allow people to pay off their community service at $10 per hour. By that standard, the shelter benefit paid off Kid Rock's obligation 25 times over. PhillyTom, WTF about Martha Stewart? She was convicted of a serious crime and sent to prison. Kid Rock was convicted of bitchslapping a punk ass weasel who deliberately started a fight because he thought he could gain from it monetarily. JDNYC, suck this up: ----C======O/O Here is a news flash for you people. Community service isn't normally intended to be punitive, it is to try to cultivate a sense of service to community that is missing in many people. And this is the fly in the ointment here, judges like Wrong never seem to take into account that for some people community service is a way of life. Did I mention THREE USO TOURS ALREADY PERFORMED yet?
Cynthia_37's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 5:18pm — Cynthia_37
I live and work in ATL with an office full of attorneys. Fire your lawyer. He/she should have asked for a jury trial. There is not a jury in Dekalb County that would have found you guilty (jury nullification) of defending a lady when some asshole was talking shit to her. I know requesting a jury is a pain in the ass, time consuming, etc. and its normally not done for minor infractions. But in any event, you did what any man should do in that situation. And I would imagine the judge would find it punishment to have to spend his Christmas in Iraq. We love you in Atlanta! And we love your support for our troops! I just watched StoryTellers the other night and you are more awesome every time I see you. So try not to let that asshole judge spoil your Christmas. What goes around, comes around.....
Fan_360's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 4:13pm — Fan_360
This seems to be the big news. Which it is hard for me to understand. The big news should be about all the awards Kid Rock has won this year, not about some petty stuff like this. And to all you people who have bad things to say, try to be positive. This happened like a long time ago. Kid Rock may be kind yes but you have to understand people from detroit are alot more tuff than most people. He will get over this with the help of people like me who really do care.
Fan_89's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 4:07pm — Fan_89
Sorry, forgot to add.. your situation and response got you one more fan me.
Fan_89's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 4:03pm — Fan_89
WOW. What a bummer! As to the opinions given what a great group of fans you have. Okay, the judge has a point, but considering the crime I think the punishment should involve whatever is best for the community overall. Since that isnt what happened, heres what Id do if I were you: Determine the next election and support a different judge. If the judge is appointed, support the one running against whoever appointed him.
Fan_333's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 3:37pm — Fan_333
Well thank you for your fine comment SMK2008va I am glad you feel the same way as Lawyer.. You must be a Defence Lawyer HA HA.. I wish I could have articulated my words as u have done. But ditto. Right ON.. U see this crap all the time. and if it were John Doe first offence in Georgia i think it would have been time served just for the over night stay in jail + Restitution. He has done more that that and then some.. Kudos to you for speaking the truth.
WYO11's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 3:22pm — WYO11
Kid: Here's the way I think the judge probably sees this (and forgive me - I'm a lawyer and big fan and just playing Devils advocate - no pun intended). First, you will probably go to the middle east and perform anyway, as you have in the years past. Second, why give you credit for what you are already going to do, as the Court Order is a method of punishment for your "bad" acts. Now, personally, the whole thing was blown way out of proportion. If any Joe smo would have done what you did, the system would not have made a big deal over the situation. The other guy would have been prosecuted, end of story. Do I think the judge is being unfair. Absolutely. When people spend time in jail, they get credit for time served prior to the final conviction. So, why not get credit in this matter? Its just another way of the legal system making a big scene over someone like you because they can. Personally, as I see it, You have done more for the community than many, many other entertainers ever dared. I read where you gave to the Boy Scout troop in Florida after their equipment was stolen. I have read numerous stories of your kind heartedness to those not so fortunate. I personally think its just a way of the legal system using you for an example so as to "deter" others. Does it work - no. If some a..wipe came up to me starting trouble, I probably would have lost my temper and ended up in the cell right next to you. WTF - Our legal system is so screwed up anymore, its not even funny. My personal advice, continue doing what you do and get your community service hours in as fast as possible and throw crow back on the Judge. I appreciate your honesty in this situation and am proud that you help so much with our troops. I'm glad there are still entertainers out there who have not thrown our guys to the wolves so to speak. Thanks so much for all that you do, legally recognized or not. God Bless you and have a great and safe holiday.
Fan_90's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 3:03pm — Fan_90
I have recently been a witness to what has happened to my soulmate, when he accidentally was involved in a situation beyond his control I was in the court and was amazed at how condescending and arrogant the judge was. At no time did he ever look up from his desk as any of us was making our pleadings. Then, he seemed to be looking for ways to insult and demean my husband, whil he said our grief was caused by him. I beg to differ. The judge seemed to think that insults and punishment would "teach" him to "honor" the laws of this country. What the "judge" HAS done, is destroy my respect for the court system of this country. My husband still honors it, but I make sure I obey laws, to AVOID the court system, not out of respect for laws, good or stupid. 80 hours of community service is totally absurd for a brawl-I bet the judge never even once considered the circumstances. I have learned out of this that our civics teacher in high school lied to us. Justice is not blind and is not balanced with mercy; courts are just demeaning and vindictive. God bless you for having the honor for the troops that you do. You know what is important, even if a stupid judge does not! "Non illigitemi carborundum!"
Fan_91's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 2:59pm — Fan_91
Sorry, Dude. Time has come to pay the piper and do as you're told, not as you want to do. Self expression stops when you violate someone else's rights, like punching their lights out. Where would it stop if one defendant is allowed to suggest their own penalty? The next guy who has committed a more serious crime asks for home detention instead of 10 years in prison? Nope, the "System" still needs to hold some authority. Even for those that don't like it.
Fan_92's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 2:42pm — Fan_92
Although I agree that Judge obviously has a bug up his butt, ....I have an idea for you re: Community Service. Why not suggest to his Honor that you will give tours of the courthouse and the jail? I work for the US Courts and find it very rewarding to teach a bunch of kids how the world works.. esp. how the Judicial system works. Most people do not have a clue about how laws are made, why voting is important, why if you get popped with some crack by a local cop you get a slap on the wrist, but if you get popped by a US Marshal you will get a min mandatory penalty of 5 years! anyway... just a thought!
Fan_333's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 2:08pm — Fan_333
Thank you Jenn for the correction. I am bad speller and there is no spell check here. It is so crazy to see everyones views on things.. I wonder if he will ever even read it! I hope the Judges phone and email gets flooded HA HA JUDGE WONG...
Fan_93's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 1:51pm — Fan_93
Can't help but wonder how many letters and emails Judge Alvin T. Wong is gonna get? hee hee!! Happy Holidays Kid!!!
Fan_94's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 1:45pm — Fan_94
If you ever want to get away from all the publicity and press, give us a shout. If you like to hunt and fish, or just kick back and relax we've got a great spot. I'm a pretty die hard country fan but I've got to admit, your last album has got some great stuff on it.
Dawn_114's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 1:32pm — Dawn_114
I am a HUGE fan and listen to your CD's all the time! I would love to agree with you because performing for our troops would be great BUT community service is considered a punishment for your crime. I do not see performing for our troops as punishment, sorry:( Have a wonderful Christmas Kid!
Fan_95's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 1:30pm — Fan_95
Mr. Ritchie, Shame on you for hiding behind our troops! Exploiting them as "community service" is detestable! You were already going to perform for them! How is that punishment? Pick up a vest and some trash bags and go clean up a highway! Eighty hours worth of picking up trash should provide some sense of being punished. By the way, the only two good Rockers that ever came from Michigan are Bob Seger and Ted Nugent.
CHASITY_4's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 12:29pm — CHASITY_4
Bobby, I think it's awesome you chose to share your feelings on your blog, and I hope you continue to do so despite the asses that are out here putting you down. Pay no mind to those people (if they deserve to even be called people), who tell you to "get the fuck over it." I think a lot of people just love to write harsh shit on anyone's site, no matter who the person happens to be, because they have WAY too much time on their hands and have nothing productive going on in their lives. The lady, for instance, who wrote the judge telling him his decision was the correct one, should have taken five seconds to use spell check before sending it off. It's a shame someone wants to ridicule someone else and can't even spell their thoughts correctly, especially when it only takes a few seconds to spell check a document. People like to read or hear things half ass and make their assumption based on what they choose to understand through their selective hearing or reading. People don't understand that you didn't initiate this fight, you simply defended yourself and the person who was with you and the band. So why should you be subject to community service anyway? I completely understand you trying to use your Iraq trip to serve the 80 hours and I think the judge is wrong. I have written this a few times on your MySpace blogs, and I'm not writing it repeatedly to brag, but I just want you to know...I flew from St. Louis, MO to Atlanta, GA in March to meet you. You probably remember me, I'm legally blind, I was the woman with the guide dog. That day, I thought it was funny because you asked my dog's name, but you never asked me my name. LOL. I got a kick out of that. Once in Atlanta, I took two Marta trains, a bus and a cab to come meet you, I had been trying for eight years. Ironically, the week before, a lot of friends were talking to me and saying I should give up following you and going to your shows because I would never meet you and they said I needed
Fan_96's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 12:26pm — Fan_96
it shouldnt of mattered to the judge community service is community service do a show at FT. Stewart and Ft. Benning im a ex soldier out on a medical wish i could of saw one of your shows when i was in Iraq i think its awesome that you guys take your time out for us when your overseas its like having a piece of home their. former Michigan soldier
Fan_98's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 12:24pm — Fan_98
Oops guess one of my comments needed to be cleaned up a bit....... Hmmm....have been reading a lot of the responses.........wonder if all the other women would have replied the same if you had a "female body part" instead of a "male body part". Don't mean a thing by it, really I don't, was just amused by it. Happy Holidays KR, KR fans, and the "Moderator"
sixpackpayne's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 12:19pm — sixpackpayne
I think for the most part everything has been said already! You are an awesome performer & an amazing person. The only thing I can see that you need to do is come to the Ford Center in OKC on this tour or better yet my house back in the woods! Judge Wong sucks wong!
Fan_98's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 12:17pm — Fan_98
Hmm....have been reading a lot of the responses.......wonder if all the other women would have replied the same if you had a pussy instead of a dick. Don't mean a thing by it, just found it amusing. Happy Holidays KR.
Fan_97's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 12:08pm — Fan_97
HEY, I JUST WANTED TO SAY DOWN HERE IN KY WE BELIEVE IN YOU DON'T EVER LET ANYONE CHANGE YOU. YOU ARE GREAT AND WHAT YOU DO IS GREAT. SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU. THEY'RE SO STIFF AND NEGATIVE TOWARD THINGS OUTSIDE OF THEIR BOX THEY DON'T EVEN WANT TO UNDERSTAND. I'VE SAW YOU WITH THOSE TROOPS AND IT'S VERY SPECIAL. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL SOUL AND A BEAUTIFUL PERSON ON THE INSIDE, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT JUDGE WILL NEVER BE. PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE CLOSE MINDED. IN TODAY'S WORLD YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN OPEN MIND.... KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO & NEVER CHANGE........LOVE, kygirlnlove
Fan_98's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 11:58am — Fan_98
OK suck it up. Although a very worthy cause to perform for our troops, that's not "community service" and you know it. If "average Joe (not the plumber)" has to pick up trash or whatever for his community service, you can too. You have an amazing talent that many wish they had just an ounce of.......don't tarnish it by attempting to use it for a free pass. And what the hell were you doing eating at the Waffle House anyway!!! :P
Tanya_23's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 11:55am — Tanya_23
You remine us( your fans) how wonderful you are when you place yourself on the same level as the rest of us. You spend your time giving back every chance you get and it seems some take it for granted. You could just party it up all the time, like other artist sut you have a big heart! That does SUCK it's over looked by a judge who does not pay attention to the facts of who and what you are about and what you do for this country. I have been to 2 of your concerts in Raleigh and you are an alsome person! SO HOLD YOUR Head High and Please keep doing what you are doing b/c. WE ALL LOVE IT!!!! BLESSINGS to you and your Family!!!!
Fan_99's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 11:53am — Fan_99
that should have said... MORALE! the MORALE of the troops

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