Skip directly to content

Getting Something Off My Chest...

News

  • WebCrew's picture
    Getting Something Off My Chest...
    Posted by
    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)



    Filed under:
    214
    Blog category:
WebCrew's picture
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

Cathy_52's picture

I just want to say THANK YOU for what you are doing for the troops and what you did for the homeless in Atlanta. Being homeless in Nashville I wanted you to know your efforts don't go unnoticed. Thanks again. May your holidays be filled with happiness and joy. Bless you all. PS ... I would gladly help you in your community serve work. Cathy Homeless in Nashville
Fan_134's picture

Kid, Your trips to the Middle East to visit the troops and make their holidays as special as they can be in a war zone shows an amazing generosity in your spirit. Thank you for all you have given to them. But, you cannot expect to be able to serve your community service doing something you love and had already planned to do. Regardless of the fact that it is probably one of the best ways you could help others. That really defeats the punishment behind it. If everyone who got in trouble could pay their dues doing something they enjoy they wouldn't learn anything. There isn't any punishment and therefore learning or change involved. Often you are sentenced to community service based on what you did. For example if you got a DUI then you may have to spend time going to MADD and telling your story. What did he sentence you to do for your community service anyway? I think you are a smart man and were probably trying to play your odds to get the best deal out of it for yourself. No crime in that and anyone being honest with themselves would have done the same thing. The fundraiser was very generous and hopefully truly done to help those in need and not to help make yourself look good to the judge in the process. I say this as you held it previous to your court date. I have never met a single person who got in trouble with the law and didn't complain about their punishment, it sucks. You have a very successful life and have been very blessed. Is it really that big of a deal to have to spend 30 hours making amends for breaking the law? I'm sure you've been granted leniency before. It's your turn, suck it up and quit whining. You're promoted as and come across as being a "regular guy from Detroit" and therefore you should not feel that you are above or outside the law. What punishment did the other people involved get? Close to the same? Fairness should be the concern and if the judge was fair you really have no valid complaint.
Fan_122's picture

I think the judge must be wacked or lead a very sheltered life. The order SHOULD NOT of been how it is. Everyone on this planet is human and, makes mastakes. Just because you Kid Rock is a VERY popular doesn't mean you should get a stricter sentence. By you going over to Iraq and, performing for the troops and your caring is a VERY honerable act on your part. Your a very loved performer who cares about his country along with those who fight for it.The order should be over turned and, you sholud get to do what was discussed prior. Keep Partying like you do!!! Enjoy life and have a shit load of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fan_121's picture

I don't think anybody is saying your efforts in Iraq are not noble but one thing has got NOTHING to do with the other. Be a man and do your community service instead of being another spoiled pampered celebrity trying to get out of doing their penance, dude.
Terri_34's picture

I can understand that the judge wants this to be considered a punishment, but for cry eye eye, traveling overseas to the middle of a war zone should be "punishment" enough. I can't begin to imagine how lonely and desolate Iraq is, so anytime anyone has the heart to entertain them, the payment should be considered paid in full. Rock on! We love ya!
celtain's picture

Hi Bob, You are a great man with a huge heart. I live in the Orlando area and saw you at Earth Day Birthday. It brought tears to my eyes when I found out what you did for the boy scout troop that had all their camping gear stolen. Now that you know the judge is not going to give you credit for the hours you spend in a war zone because it is not punitive enought (pisses me off just writing it) Amaze him with what you can and will do for the community. He is expecting bitching and whining. Instead, give him some true Kid Rock style. Help build a couple of playgrounds for kids in neighborhoods that would never be able to fund it. Spend a couple of weekends at a habitat for humanity build, imagine all the volunteers that organization would get with a "Kid Rock Build Day" They could probably finish two houses in one weekend!! Free concert for 4.0 graduating high school seniors. Talk about motivating some kids!!!! There are so many things you can do to rise above how low the judge has gone, and as you do you will also be setting an example of HOW to take the high road to many, many people. You are simply a wonderful human being, don't let this bring you down. Roll on babe! E
Fan_126's picture

Rock on! But I think the judge was right. And I think it was a bit immature to post the contact information for the judge on your website.
Fan_120's picture

MichelleM...I am going to attempt to break down your post a bit. You took the time out to write a response to me, and I feel it would only be fair for me to respond in kind by elaborating a bit. 1: Civilians get injured in Iraq.-- Yes Michelle. You are correct. Civilians who are over in Iraq can be seriously injured. It happens all the time. But I am talking about the celebrities with the USO Show itself. You broadened my statement to include all civilians in Iraq. That is obviously not what I meant. The actual shows are held in secured locations. Civilians performing duties such as contracts to drive vehicles, for private security, for media outlets (especially embedded journalists) are in very real danger every day. NOT celebrities with the USO program. I am not "full of it" because everything I stated about security for the USO show is actual fact. I would recommend you Google it. Kid Rock actually has more of a chance of perishing in a plane crash to or from the USO Show than being attacked or killed at the actual show. Broadening my statement to include all civilians in Iraq is an unfair generalization, and the accusation of being false in my original statement is in my opinion unwarranted. I was specific in my comment that the security applied to participants in the show...NOT all civilians. 2: --Terrorist plot to kill Britney Spears-- This is again a generalization, however true. You are correct in the fact that there has been terrorist leaders who threaten to cut off her head, along with Madonna. There was no specific plot uncovered. There was no direct danger to her. Now, if they go over to a hostile foreign country outside of reasonable security, then the threats can become a reality. But also keep in mind that they have threatened many noteworthy western people. Most threats like these are not credible dangers to the people involved. Yes if given half a chance they would be happy to kill any icon of western civilization, but you al
Fan_128's picture

Hi! When I read this news I was whitout words! I cannot belive it, but is the sad truth... So Man I can say you're rigth to feel like this but, don't stop yourself to do what you are doing for the better. This Judge is blind and maybe he need his 15 min. of fame, so I agree whit "Sugar Mama". I will say to you don't let them bring you down! By the way Happy Holydays every one here from Italy. Ele
Fan_135's picture

Kid Rock, please bring us home to Wayne County( GrosseIle) for Christmas! In Dusseldorf for a 2 year assignment...we miss the U.S.A. I know you are touring here on Monday...Can you pick us up? xo jendh
Fan_90's picture

It also might amuse some of these people who think we're just kissing up to Kid Rock to know taht the only time I've ever heard Kid Rock was one night, when he was on a Country Awards Show!
Fan_90's picture

It's really easy to spot the letters written by lawyers and one is probably from "judge" wrong. You cannot "teach" someone to respect the law by being punitive, and trying to humiliate them. this jerk judge will pobably call the press and send them to wherever Mr Ritchie is when he is forced to do something demeaning. What the judge, and one I've seen recently too, IS doing is making families suffer and even, in some cases, breaking up families due to stress, for something as minor as punching a guy who was disrespecting a woman. I have lost my taste for Waffle House anything. That stupid judge wouldn't have made a big deal out of it if Kid Rock wasn't famous. The little "judge" just wants his 15 minutes of fame. The only people who think this is just and fair are probably the same people who think cops "serve and protect." (My mother and dad never taught us that by the way and I grew up in the 50's, when it was probably more true than it is now.) Non illigitemi carborundum (Latin for "Don't let the b------- get you down!)
Fan_71's picture

that is a bunch of bull shit how stupid can thta judge be to say that you could not count ur community service time for time spend helping our troops for christmas.I think that you have every right to after that damn judge i guess was trying to say that our troops dont fucking matter and that pisses me off because i have loved ones and i know what they see and deal with every day guys it is scary i think that our troops deserve more respect then they are getting now.that judge will eat his words i that TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fan_79's picture

Merry Christmas, Bob! Hope you and your loved ones have a great Christmas! Keep up the great work for our soldiers, please! They need you!!! Hell, come to think of it, I need you too! LOL.
Fan_79's picture

Spencer, since you find seem to be so inclined to respond to my comments above, I have one thing to comment about your statement of "the U.S.O. shows in Iraq are never held in areas any more dangerous..." YOU ARE FULL OF IT! Granted, they do try to keep every American civilian out of harms way and especially those with celebrity status. HOWEVER, AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, I can assure you that I know personally of a case where an American civilian was in Iraq, in which, he was considered to be in a "safe area" completely away from harm. While at this location, this particular American was merely taking a shower, fired upon, and he sustained permanent injuries including lacerations, burns, impaired his vision permanently, lost 1 of his testicle and one of his lower extremities. Now, if you STILL believe that they do not send anyone other than those who are soldiers to "safe locations," you better think again! I hate to tell you this, but ANYONE who goes to Iraq is IN HARMS WAY, especially AMERICANS and BRITAINS! DON'T THINK FOR ONE MINUTE THAT THEY (TERRORISTS) WOULD NOT ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF INJURING OR KILLING A CELEBRITY, SUCH AS KID ROCK, JUST FOR THE PURE HELL OF IT, THEN YOU BETTER THINK TWICE! For instance, you might want to Google research for the idea that they, yes the terrorists, had of killing Britney Spears! I don't care for her too much myself; however, I do not want to see her killed, especially with their only intention being due to the fact that she is an American celebrity! Personally, I think, if they want a celebrity to knock out, then we should just send Jane Fonda over there on the front line; she deserves it! She is 1 person who is still guilty of espionage, but she never served not one damn thing for her crime, and, son, you can't get any worse than espionage in my opinion! So, if you want to point fingers at TRUE AMERICANS like Bob, a.k.a. Kid Rock, not serving our TRUE AMERICAN SOLDIERS, then take a look
Fan_120's picture

With all due respect, the judge is right and deep down you know it. You are trying to get out of your community service by erasing it with your trip to entertain the troops. Don't get me wrong, I hold our troops in high regard. Good for you for doing it, and it is good for the troops. But...you word it like you can't go unless the judge tells you so. You can still go over there to entertain the troops, but when you get back you will have to perform community service. Pulling a stunt like posting the judges contact information is in my opinion a really juvenile move. What will that accomplish? You are going to punish him because he is not letting you out of your punishment? You are going to use your insanely rabid fan base as a way to attack someone who is doing their job...because you could not weasel out of community service. Besides all of that, attempting to take the trip to Iraq to entertain troops fighting for your freedom and turn it into your "community service" cheapens the whole trip. "I am here doing community service, hurrrrrrr!" You should be going over there out of the respect you have for our military. Getting out of a punishment is not turning a negative into a positive. I think you owe your fans and the judge an apology. You owe your fans an apology for attempting to use them as a tool to get back at the judge. You owe the judge an apology for being a real jackass to him. The judge is not trying to "make an example out of you" nor is he being a "hardass" or any of the other things I have read in the comments. He is simply trying to keep a rich rock star who did something wrong from worming his way out of a punishment. Just relax a minute, take a deep breath, and look at it from an outsiders perspective. Also, your comments which allude to your going in harms way to support the troops by being in the "middle of a warzone" are a bit too much. The U.S.O. shows in Iraq are never held in areas any more dangerous than th
Fan_136's picture

Suck it up princess... Singing is your passion and life's work... community service is meant to be about paying back... the fund raiser that you did on your own should have been considered as part of it, however the powers that be chose not to. Do what they want... get it behind you... Love your music... All Summer Long brings back so many memories! ;) Take care... Mary-Anne
Christine_69's picture

I guess fame is not helping in this court room. Everyone knows what you do for kids, troops, people, waffle house etc. That's what counts. Youll just have to bite it and do the community service. We all know what you do for others besides the music. Keep that in your heart! I do. Christine- We love ya here in Grand Blanc!
T_21's picture

Ahhh, the powers that be making decisions about what is and isn't. It is obvious his stance on the war as well as the support of our troops who have fought for rights that allow him to make those decisions. I believe you said, and I quote, "I'm a songwriter". I'm sure you can come up with lots of things that rhyme with Wong.
Serenity's picture

I think it's wonderful that you think about giving to one's that dedicate their lives to make the world a better place for all of us, but unfortunately their our alot of self absorbed people out their that dont care and in all reality only think about themselves. I get your point, but I wouldn't beat yourself up about it because at least you know in your heart what you wanted to do, and it's not your fault if someone else differs your opinion. That's why your a unique, genuwine person, at least no one can every take that away from you! Just stay positive and do what cha gotta do, in the end everyone surely gets what is owed to them. Have a wonderful XMAS & NEW YEARS (see ya in Vegas). XOXO STL
jeannie_13's picture

I live in anniston alabama had my heart set on going to the waffle house the day you chose to raise 20,000 for charity and I was called in to work didnt make it and ive been sick ever sense that day. I idolize you and think u are a very sincere person who cares about people and our country we live in not too many Artist really care about people like you do. And im so upset with stupid mutherfucking idiot wong I think im emailing his ass too. What can he do extradite me to GA and uh hook me on the chain gang team. NAH they dont extradite so im safe to say what ever i feel like saying. And that is this first of all you disciplined a stupid MFER that needed his ass whoop and really needed a few more punches so maybe next time when goes out in public he can uh act like a man and not a retarded idiot. GOODJOB BOB!!! NOW assaulting a person is against the law and to bad being ignorant isnt. But u went to jail and btw the mug shot oh my its hot. Anyways lol Most Rich and famous men would of paid his way through the system but u said no im gonna give what i took back and made a appearance at the greasy waffle king and im sure some of the ATLs finest were crammed up in that small building with you (bless you). You raised 20000.00 for the shelter there when u could of just wrong that damn idiot oriental judge wong a damn check with out having to take a chance of getting robbed or killed. IM scared of that area and it pisses me off that damn judge cant see that u put your well being on the line to help his crackheads on the street out. Why because you have a god scent heart thats why? And further more are u sure the shelter got the money or did uh Mr Wong get a cut off it. These judges here in the south are crooked greety sobs and i bet he wants you to come back and raise him so more easy money. And of course he isnt thinking about our soldiers over in iraq he isnt thinking about them loosing there lives over leaving kids with out parents he is thi
kidrockschic's picture

Dear Kid Rock: Wow! From the horse's mouth! I can't believe it! Not a press secretary or webmaster but live and in living color Kid Rock! Bet that shuts up some of the Nay sayers! First of all, I think it's ridiculous that Judge Wong (or as we like to call him, Judge Wrong) isn't giving you credit for the turning a not so positive moment into a positive one. I assure you that I will participating in my civic duty of ensuring the law makers stay true by writing a email to dear ol' Judge Wrong. The America judicial system is terribly flawed and any one who's had any experience it in knows that first hand. I am deeply sorry that it has sunk it's claws into you, especially when you're so far from home, so close to Christmas. Whether or not some Judge in Atlanta who just wants to prove he has the authority gives you credit or not....those who do matter believe you deserve the credit for spending your Christmas delivering a piece of home to our soliders. AND the homeless shelter will fed and keep warm a lot more people this year thanks to you. Don't let him get to you or he wins. Thanks for sharing with us and hats off to everything you do! Merry Christmas! Peace and blessings to you and yours. "Kid Rocks Chic"
Fan_360's picture

and thats a very bad quality sorry for you
Fan_360's picture

fm2000 are all you are is jealous
Connie Jo_2's picture

Added note about the length of my letter...judges are accustom to lengthy documents, lol. :)
Connie Jo_2's picture

Dear Kid & friends...I'm still editing, correcting punctuation, etc.. However, I'll just post my letter here to Judge Wong, rather than repeat my feelings on this situation of yours Mr. Ritchie. My letter will be emailed by noon tomorrow. Hope it helps is some small way. Apologize for the length...it's just who I am...detailed, haha. :) To The Honorable Judge Alvin T. Wong, As a strong supporter of our brave Troops, the case involving Mr. Robert Ritchie, aka Kid Rock...caught my attention. I understand your belief that Mr. Ritchie could possibly benefit publicly from a celebrity status point of view, and/or personally from his planned trip to Iraq, as many celebrities would take advantage of such for publicity purposes. However, judging from reading your words on the court order you issued denying Mr. Ritchies request, it is my assumption that you must not be fully aware of who Mr. Ritchie is in his heart, nor his true motives. I know, factually, that the intended purpose of Mr. Ritchies trips to Iraq have been solely to boost Troop morale at a time needed most...Christmas. This is the time a Soldiers spirit is at its lowest, missing home and loved ones with deeply aching hearts. Of course Kid Rock enjoys the smile he witness' on a Soldiers face shaking his hand with appreciation and wishing him and Merry Christmas. Only a person with a shallow heart would not enjoy bringing a warm hearted smile at Christmastime to those who desperately need such. Supporting our brave Troops in such a manner, putting ones own life in danger to some extent, is one of the greatest efforts of community service one could give...our Troops benefit all communities in America, including yours and mine, and many throughout the world. America herself is a community, is she not? No doubt there are many Soldiers fighting for your communities Freedom of which call the same home. All one has to do to realize the Soldiers benefit far greater than Mr. Ritchie does...i
AnnieBo's picture

Wow Kid looks like we pissed off the Judge. This might do more damage for you, because this Judge seems like a hard ass. I'm sure something will work out though...KEEP THE FAITH!!!!
Fan_73's picture

Hey there, You are caught in a catch 22 of the system. While doing something as awesome and self-less as visiting and entertaining the troops is - obviously the judge you encountered doesn't have much respect for you - and was prejudice when you walked into court. Don't let him turn you off from all the great things you can do and are able to do and are accomplishing!! I work in criminal defense law and see a lot of crappy sentences and BS Orders coming through all the time. Things could really have been a lot worse. Just look at it as a learning experience. And think about this: that judge is probably envious of who you are and what you have accomplished - so he let his envy and jealous side make his ruling. Oh well. Piss on him and do things better -cuz you are that much better than he can obviously see. Now, for me-- I have a 15 year old son who absolutely loves your music and begged me to buy him your last CD. When I told him that you're going over to see the troops he thought that was a great and honorable service! You are a roll model in many ways. Now then, while you are overseas - you'll be spending some time with a *special* LTC friend of mine at one of the bases you'll be at - well lets just say -- I'm envious of you! Keep up ALL the great things you do for supporting the Troops and for raising funds for special organizations and charities. You have the power to make a difference in many lives. Life isn't necessarily about the good, the bad, and the ugly - but instead - its about making the most of whats handed to you. Being able to be touch someone's life and enrich it is incredible. Having the opportunity to enhance many lives is an opportunity more people should take. Happy Holidays - and safe travels to you, the band, and the rest the people you will be touring with. God Bless, Salty
STAUTER007's picture

Well that is certainly alot of comments you have gotten for this. Going to Iraq and putting your self into harms way is a little unsettling. If I were the judge I would have deemed you certifiable! And had them commit your ass! Well it is what it is. Maybe you can not do the tour, Or rather do it via satilite...I mean the ARMY does have some pretty high tech shit. Since we are sharing and all. On the whole other community service. Stop thinking about and just do it. Next time some one runs their mouth let them. WHATEVER... Who really does care anyway you won't even see him or her again If your really really lucky. Hind sight is always 20/20 but you live you learn and that makes you even better. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year P.S. Stop being a pussy I am waiting for the "Denver" Show.
Fan_74's picture

First, cudo's to you for your visits to the troups. Great to know how much you care to bring some home to those that are away from home. However, a guy by the name of Bob Hope was well-known for doing the same thing. At the same time he gave quite a lot of his earnings to the Vets and families that lost someone and no income was available. Bob felt that all the press, etc. he got for his yearly visit had an added-value which he felt was really not his --so he gave away a lot to charities. Have you and your Manager-Agent figured out the value-add to your bank account and what will you be doing with it. I am from Detroit and know how the so-called player's play the game when it comes to generating the almighty greenback. That, my friend, is why community service is exactly what it is-- community service. I got nabbed for something and had to do it so what makes you better than me. (By the way, my giveback is weekly visits to Vet homes, etc. just to rap with those that no longer have anyone caring for them. To me this is not community service but my personal choice to make the visit.) Bottomline: No one is making you visit the troops --it's your choice. This my low IQ friend is why community service is regarded as a light punishment sentence for which no choice is given. Be a man and do the time. Hey, speaking of time..... the lyrics of your latest super hit sure sound familiar. However, I am sure you got some kind of permission from LS. A gumba in DTW :)

Pages