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

Carolyn_27's picture

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 12:06pm — Carolyn_27
KR, It's the same reason justice isn't always served. I think you have paid your dues. I am a sleep tech here in Memphis. Yes, I watch people sleep. I have had a couple of long-time war veterans as patients recently. I have been largely untouched by any military activity, but it really hit home when I watched these men physically fight and scream when they hit REM sleep, the dreaming stage. It is my job to help them to achieve this stage of sleep, but after four hours of watching them fight, I really began to wonder if this was the best thing! (Of course I knew it was.) So, the point in all this is - thank you for going and doing something the rest of us can't. Just give the judge whatever he wants, and be done with his unappreciative ass! It has been a pleasure (and adventure) to watch you grow and mature through your music. You are so bare-bones honest - for better or worse! The world could use more of that. Keep rockin'!!!
Fan_75's picture

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 11:37am — Fan_75
As another rock and roll son of Detroit I appreciate all of the things that you do to promote the D in a positive way. Not many other sources do on a national and international level. You're a down to earth guy and a talented artist, I respect much of what you do and how you represent us. I do however agree with Judge Wong's reasoning that performing the U.S.O. show wouldn't be punitive in nature thus defeating the purpose of the sentence. Punishment shouldn't be of ones own choosing. As a former servicemember I agree that serving during the holidays are a difficult part of the job and your contribution is admirable and deserves appreciation and recognition but it isn't a wash for your civil obligations. To treat it as such would be a disservice to the troops. The better goal I think would be to perform the community service as prescribed by DeKalb Co. in a quiet and professional manner. This would serve as a positive example to many people of what it is to be a good man facing up to the consequences of his decisions in an honorable way. Happy Holidays and I'm always a fan.
Fan_76's picture

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 9:11am — Fan_76
Kid, or Mr. Rock or is it Bob??, I too think the judge is trying to make an example of you. He apparently is small minded and wants the community service he ordered to be delivered w/in his community. I'm not really sure what you will learn from serving food in a homeless shelter in comparision to the crime that was committed. Will it be that you learn that the j/o you hit was from that homeless shelter or bought booze for the people in the homeless shelter? I'm not knocking those who have to frequent shelters, we all have sometime in our pasts where we've needed assistance, but there is a stigma (and believe me because I've worked at a homeless shelter), that they are alcoholics, drug addicts, mentally ill and then the very small popluation that is just down on their luck. Anyway, what type of community service does he want you to do? Maybe it's that he's getting a kickback from a local business person who would like to advertise a picture of you doing whatever this business man has links to, hypothetical scenerio. Bottom line is in my opinion they are all crooked with alterior motives. They've chosen you because of your stature and bank account, purely. Obviously they don't give a rats arse about men and women in Iraq serving our country and insuring our safety (even that judges'). Just shows you how closed minded local yocals can be, and let's face it the more you petition the more his name is in the press. Least of all you've learned no fighting in DeKalb Cty Georgia, specially in a Waffle House, take the higher road next time and just tell them to F off and walk away. I wish you nothing but great things. You're the only concert that I've EVER gone to where you actually thank the crowd for spending their hard earned money on coming to see you...that goes a very long way! Happy Holidays and be safe...and smart!
Fan_77's picture

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 6:36am — Fan_77
I Cant Beleave This Going Over To See our Troops Should Be Enough That Damn Judge Is Just Trying To Make A example Out Of You Maybe He Would Let You spend Sometime With The Kids In The Community That Would Be Good 4 Them 2 And That Could Be Your Service I Would Also Like To Say When Are You Coming Back To West Virginia Love You Been To All The Shows Got My Girls Into Your Music They Are Waiting To See You .You And The Band Have A Good Christmas And Be Safe 2 Terri Sigmon West Virginia Girl PS Leave That Damn Pam Alone
Fan_78's picture

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 1:16am — Fan_78
First, I would like thank you for supporting our troops. I have son deploying in April (if not sooner) and I plan to leave for the Navy before May. Second, if you are truly wanting to do something in way of community service that will also please the judge consider donating some time to a local emergency shelter. I work at one for abused and neglected children. For someone of your standing and popularity to give some of your time and energy to those less fortunate, those who will not have the choice to be with their families this Christmas, would be the greatest memory for them!
Fan_79's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 11:52pm — Fan_79
Personally, I think the way he did you is just pure BS! You know what this is about, huh? He (the judge) more than likely just wants some notoreity in his little town, and what better way to do it than with someone of your stature? From what I understand about the incident at Waffle House, in my opinion, you did nothing more or less than what any of my friends or myself would have done in that situation. Well, you know, that bastard has to be elected to have a profession, and you don't. How about that shit? LOL. I hope this little incident will give the people of DeKalb County a different perspective about re-electing that idiot again! He just wants notoriety, to make himself look like a "hard ass," and tourism in his little town. I hope he has kids and/or family members that love your music and jam LOUD AS HELL to your songs! You know that would piss him smooth the hell off! LOL. Thanks for supporting our troops!! My dad and uncle both died of cancer due to Agent Orange that they came in contact with during their years in the Army; therefore, it really means a lot to me that you are supporting our troops!!! By the way, this album (Rock N Roll Jesus) is the BEST DAMN ALBUM EVER!!
Fan_124's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 9:21pm — Fan_124
DadRock and Kid Rock - a couple of real douchebags. I wrote to the judge too and suggested he have you clean the toilets at Dekalb County Prison. I hope he takes my advice. My advice for you (Kid Rock) is to get an english major to edit your (thankfully) infrequent blog posts. Good luck douche.....
DAD ROCK's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:55pm — DAD ROCK
I just sent an e-mail off to that S.O.B. of a judge and voiced my opinion!!! FUCK HIM!!!! YOU'RE STILL HAVIN' A GOOD TIME...ROLL ON BROTHER!
Fan_80's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:08pm — Fan_80
I love your music and your style, and I hope you and yours have a safe and happy holiday - especially in light of the fact that you will be travelling to the middle east again to entertain the troops. I also have to say, however, that I agree with the judge in this case. Sentencing you to do something you are already planning on doing is not much of a punishment for your battery charges, if the judge is determined to force you to perform community service. I would have hoped he had taken your charity activities in Georgia into account and reduced or eliminated any further service requirements, but since he has not, then the punishment should come in the form that makes you think twice about getting into similar trouble in the future. Keep the faith! Keith
Fan_112's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:05pm — Fan_112
is their a reason why my comments arent going through because I would really like to know? Thank you!
sharlene's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:01pm — sharlene
Is everyone insane, you don't owe community service to anyone , has everyone over looked the facts, Bob you are the victim here, all you wanted to get was a meal @ the waffle house when a loud mouth drink just would not let you be, you had to defend yourself and your lady friend with you, you try several times to avoid him, but no he would not leave you along and he was the one that waited outside on you. I thank Judge Wong is on a ego power trip and what better way to go, then on Kid Rock's name, what bigger way for him to get fame then riding on your coat tail. It may have put his name out here, but the spelling should be ( Judge Wrong ). I wish I could be there with you to help you through this matter. please if and when you have to do the community service please contact me I will be out there picking up the trash or want ever for you I promise. happy Holiday to you with xoxo please contact me at sharlene_811@yahoo.com I will be there.
Fan_486's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 6:57pm — Fan_486
Kudos to you for sharing your thoughts on your website. Your music has touched my little boys heart. He belts out a few of your songs and it's so adorable. Please visit my blog and read this post: http://theeppfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/story-of-my-adoption.html I've mentioned you and indeed you do make the world a better place minus a few "oops!". Peace and Joy, Joanne
Fan_123's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 6:31pm — Fan_123
Take your punishment as a "Man" not as a "Kid" Just an idea, find an acceptable worthy cause and ask for $ contribution per hour. People walk for a $ dollar per mile, how about picking up trash or working at a senior home for a contribution for $5 per hour?
Fan_112's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 5:10pm — Fan_112
I have no idea what ever happened to my comment but I'll try again. I think its wrong that everyone is ragging on him for this, he was mad and he vented and this is probably why he doesnt blog often because he gets bashed. Like he said he probably should have just wrote a song but he didnt so its fine. Bobby is a great man that loves music and loves what he does and loves his fans and all the men and woman overseas. I think he should be able to have the 80 hrs over there count for his community service along with the time he spent raising money at the waffle house. I think this whole thing has gotten blown out of proportion and I think its a shame. He was defending himself and he reacted, he went after a guy that was acting like a dick. I dont know about you but I think thats the right thing to do. He offered him breakfast and the guy continued to run his mouth and be mean. Maybe Bobby reacted in a way he shouldnt but I still think he was defending himself and made the right call. He has apologized for the incident, hes paid his dues, he has to go to anger management, be on probation and do 80 hrs of community service for a little fight with some retarded guy? I think this whole thing is stupid and no regular person would get that much reprocusion for having a little arguement with some guy. He gets a bad rap all the time and he is treated unfairly. So Bobby if you ever by chance read my comment I just want to let you know that I feel for you I really do and hopefully everyone will stop trying to get a piece of you. And of course Bobby is going to list the judges name and number because thats who he is he does what he wants and doesnt listen to other people, its not the best move but he was mad and hey thats who he is if you dont like his ways by now then thats your problem. It looks like your going to have to do the 80 hrs of community service no matter what so I just hope it goes alright take care of y
Jess_11's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 3:10pm — Jess_11
Well, I think I am probably going to be the only one that disagrees with you. I appreciate all you do for the USO and our service men. There is no question that you are sincere in your efforts, but I find *this* completely unacceptable. The fact of the matter is your broke the law and in turn you are to be punished. It is not up to you or any defendant for that matter to decide what that punishment should be. Our judicial system is part of what our service men are fighting for. Because of who you are and the fame that you bring along with the name *Kid Rock* you are able to influence a large number of our population and with that influence comes responsibility. What you have done by posting the Judges name, address and telephone number for thousands to see, you will cause this person immeasurable harassment (for simply doing his job). I find this childish, irresponsible and the actions of a petulant 4 year that simply didn't get his way. For someone who is supposidly enlightened as being a better person, father and friend I would have expected more from you. If there is ignorance shown in all of this look no further than yourself. You are a father and a 36/37 year old man, I would suggest you start acting like the *better* person you claim to be.
Fan_81's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 1:17pm — Fan_81
I sent this via email to this worthless Judge: JUDGE WONG, ARE YOUR KIDS SERVING IN IRAQ? OF COURSE NOT. YET YOU HAVE THE CHUTZPAH TO DENY KID ROCK'S REQUEST TO DO HIS COMMUNITY SERVICE DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST, BRINGING JOY AND HOPE AND FUN TO OUR TROOPS WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A LIVING HELL. YOU ARE DISGRACE TO THE ROBE. YOU ARE DESPICABLE. THE POWER OF YOUR AUTHORITY HAS OVERTAKEN YOUR SENSE OF LOGIC AND REALITY. THE TROOPS LOVE KID ROCK. IT'S JUDGES LIKE YOU WHO SHOULD BE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE, YOU SHAME THE VERY CHAIR YOU SIT IN. I AM ASHAMED OF YOU.
Fan_82's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 1:15pm — Fan_82
Hi Bob - Well, I read your blog and the highlights of the 106 responses. Wow. It seems as though there are some people wanting to kiss your ass at all costs and a few that aren't even fans. Who visits the website of an artist they don't even like? Unreal. Let me start by saying that I AM a fan of your music. It's gotten me through the darkest of days and I'm thankful for artists like yourself who are willing to share a part of themselves with a world full of strangers. There's an honesty to your work that I truly enjoy and you're one of the few entertainers that I make an effort to see live when you visit Pittsburgh. I also admire your involvement with our troops, your patriotism and the difference you make in the lives of our American soliders deployed overseas. I know you do your fair share of 'charity' work although somehow I think you don't view it as charity; from helping out a boy scout troop to donating to a shelter for the homeless. Instead of commenting on whether I personally believe if the judge was right or wrong in this matter or even commenting on whether or not you were treated unfairly from the get go because of your celebrity...let me say this. The decision has been made and right or wrong, it kind of is what it is. It's out of your control. What is in your control is what you do from here. I don't pretend to know Bob, the person, as I am only familiar with Kid Rock, his music and his public persona but I truly believe that there is a golden oppurtunity in just about every unpleasant situation and as people, we're given a chance to maybe learn something about ourselves if we step out of our comfort zone. Your comfort zone must be your music, you're a songwriter I've heard that more than once! My advice and my hope as a fan of the music is that with dignity, you'll move on. You requested that your community service be fulfilled in Iraq, it was denied and what's done is done. Maybe you can spend some time thinking about how
Fan_83's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 12:19pm — Fan_83
I've been a fan from the early days and have seen you perform in LA and Vegas. Always a great show and I admire your work for our troops. But you are acting like a fucking pussy. Man-up and take responsibility for doing dumb shit. You and your so called "posse" were involved in a brawl and are being punished for it. Do your 80 hours and set a good example for your son. As for these other yahoos on this page talking that "judge is wrong" crap. Here the facts. Kid and Co. did something illegal, They are being punished with community service and NOT jail time as you or I would probably get. Well genius what is your excuse going to be when that judge you've instigated harassment of sues you? How can someone with no stones (or brains) be named Rock?
Fan_333's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 11:11am — Fan_333
http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org search civil suits Ritchie Robert James
Fan_84's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 9:52am — Fan_84
Couldn't agree more with you on that one! Our country seems to have forgotten what the war is about and I would think the judge would actually appreciate you risking your life going over there to support and entertain the soldiers of our country! That's the problem with this country today, too many people trying to tell us what is best for us and telling us what to do. They need to quit worry about the asinine bullshit and worry about the true criminals (including our polticians! Hope to see you tour again in the Louisville, KY area!
cj_12's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 9:32am — cj_12
You are unique and have been given a gift to become a top singer/songwriter. And you give back in so many ways that alot of entertainers don't do. Just your concerts alone for the general public show how much you love what you do and how much you care about your fans! It's too bad that the judge didn't acknowledge even the fundraiser at the Waffle House. The work you do is so important and don't let that judge get you down---I think this one definitely deserves a good 'ol country song--"let your mind be free"...and write it! Just bought SRO tickets to Greeley Stampede on July 3rd---can't wait.
Cindy_132's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 8:07am — Cindy_132
Just a word to everyone about court ordered community service: Judges can assign a certain number of hours of "community service" to be performed and the guidelines for fulfilling that service without dictating the type of service or assigning a job like picking up trash, etc. I got a speeding ticket and was assigned community service - 20 hours (and a hefty fine) - to be completed at a non-profit organization for the benefit of others and it was up to me to decide what that was going to be. The organization had to write a letter documenting my hours and what I did that I could send in with the $$$ for the fine. And I had a deadline to get it done - or else. The judge pointed out that you'd better choose wisely because you could do the 20 (or however many) hours, send in the letter & money, and if the court decided that whatever you decided to do did NOT fit their idea of community service, too damn bad - they kept your money and assigned the points to your license, plus whatever else they had suspended so in some cases, you could find your ass in jail because the judge decided reading to blind hookers at the pool hall didn't count. At least Kid knows up front that what he wanted to do wasn't going to work and has a chance to make other arrangements to get it done rather than face a full penalty.
Fan_85's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:13am — Fan_85
I know you will all send hate messages back to me - but here it goes anyways. I do love Kid and his music. I love that he does travel to entertain our troops. I love that we live in America and it doesn't matter who you are - star or not - that if you do the crime you pay the price. To many times stars get off because of who they are. If I have to do community service I don't get to pick what I want to do. I don't get to say that I want to work with kids with disabilities because I was already going to do that. Do the crime & receive the punishment & take it like a man. That will allow me to continue to respect you.
Fan_86's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 6:22am — Fan_86
His name is WONG and he aint RIIIIGGGGGTTTTTT!!!! We love you in Atlanta. Stay positive. Can't wait to see you again in Atlantic City.
CandyGirlPres's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 4:38am — CandyGirlPres
Kid, You are a humanitarian. I know it, you know it and all your fans know it. Screw that judge and just keep doing what you do best. Hope you have a wonderful trip to Iraq. I know how much your visits mean to the men and women that our fighting for our freedom each and every day. Have a very Merry Christmas and will you please come back to Cincy soon?
Dave_71's picture

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 2:41am — Dave_71
Hey Kid, Your doing the right thing for our country and our service men and women. They defintely need someone like you to keep there spirits up. Fuck that judge, he can stick it were the sun don't shine...biiioottch. What goes around comes around, you know that by now!!! I hope you like the key chain, I was hoping to hear some feedback. Call when your back in town, or hopefully I'll see ya in C-town.
Fan_127's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 11:49pm — Fan_127
Happy Holidays to You !! Please have a safe trip visiting our troops and wish them our best. I have always been a huge fan of yours and LOVE your music but I did not realize all that you do for charitable causes until recently. WOW.. very commendable on your part!! Just moved here to Ann Arbor MI (from TX) about 2 years ago and I am STILL getting used to these LONG AND COLD winters. How in the world do you do it ?!?! Oh yeah, I guess that would be another reason for you to travel to the west coast ! Anyway, take care and Congrats on the Grammy nominations !!
Fan_127's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 11:47pm — Fan_127
Happy Holidays to You !! Please have a safe trip visiting our troops and wish them our best. I have always been a huge fan of yours and LOVE your music but I did not realize all that you do for charitable causes until recently. WOW.. very commendable on your part!! Just moved here to Ann Arbor MI (from TX) about 2 years ago and am I am STILL getting used to these LONG AND COLD
AnnieBo's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 8:42pm — AnnieBo
It was a brawl. Was anyone seriously injured? Things like this happen all the time. And so many people get the charges dropped. Some, sure they have to do a bit of jail time, not much though. Then there is the fine and then some for anger management. Ok so maybe it all just depends on where ya live and depends on the judges. But something like this is peddly crap. Who cares about some fight(as long as no one ended up seriously injured or dead)? I prefer to worry about and care about...hey lets say drugs on the street, or gang shootings, robberies, and so much more worse then some brawl. And from my understanding....that guy is the one who brought it on, he wouldn't shut his freakin mouth, you get what you put in. Ok some people can walk away from that, and some can't. Some of you think it's that easy to just walk away. It's not for some. And I don't have a temper but I do understand those that do. Maybe some of you haven't been in this situation and you would not understand if you haven't. And truthfully, most people I have known to get into fights....never done community service, half the time these cases get dropped, or they have to just pay for the damages done. Not only that Kid has been good for over a year, he has done a lot of good this past year. I know he felt bad about that fight. I'm not saying what he did was right, but it's something that happens. The question is.....RISKING your life(even though you done it a few times before) to go entertain the men and woman that fight for our freedom....isn't a price to pay? My final opinion is....there never should have been community service on this.
Cats's picture

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 8:40pm — Cats
Bob, Look at it this way, someone somewhere is gonna be crapping their pants when you show up to do community service for them. Hopefully you can find something that is meaningful to you as well. Can't wait to hear the tune you right about this one. ;-) Also wanted to add that I attended the concert you did in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this year. Since then (August) 5 of my 6 CD's in my vehicle are yours. LOL The other one right now is AC/DC's new Black Ice. I travel over 5000km/month so that means I'm listening to a LOT of Kid Rock music. Keep up the good work...oh and stay away from the skanks. ;-)

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