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Getting Something Off My Chest...

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  • 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)



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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

RitaPerry's picture

u know that guy had it coming he was mad he cant take strippers out to breakfast maybe the judge is jealous 2 but anyway you did so much service for me in the last 20 years and im part of the community
lbreland's picture

Just wanted to say as humans we are all capable of making bad choices and poor judgments. Personally, I feel that community service isn't the best way to help an individual refrain from misconduct . Although, I feel anger management classes might help to some degree, there again...no guarantees. I guess all thats left now for you is to figure out what you can do to help yourself. It seems to me all the Judge wants is a person to compensate their community as opposed to actually helping the individual figure out the best way to prevent that type of incident from happening again. If this happened to me...I'd never step foot inside DeKalb County again nor any Waffle House late at night!
Fan_67's picture

Dear Kid: Thanks for all that you do. You are the man. I think that I may have an excellent solution for you...on how to wipe out these 80 hours...SNAP!! And, in spite of the ridiculous judge. Please contact me using my registered info. (or have your peeps contact me) Lord bless and happy new year! xo deb
Fan_66's picture

I think you going over to Iraq is the MOST important thing you can do, especially at Christmas time. I commend you for going over there to entertain the troops, giving up time with your own family is a very selfless act and the fact that you've done it several times says a lot about you as a person. God Bless you!!
Fan_72's picture

Kid Rock!! you are awesome dude! I say fuck that judge!!! What does that asshole do for his community?? We sure as hell dont want him over here in Iraq so maybe its better that hes just a lame duck wanna be politician...Your show with Kellie and the USO Tour was great. This is my third time in Iraq and things have definatley gotten better for us but no words can really describe whats its still like to be here. Your show was perfect timing right before the holidays. It can be kind of numbing out here so its good to get some feeling back. Keep rocking and telling it how it is. I got your back. Your support is heartfelt man. Tim Devine Sgt USMC
Fan_64's picture

I, too, just wanted to say thanks for what you do. I had never seen you live before at RAF Lakenheath, and my family really enjoyed it. It was my daughter's 1st concert, but she was definitely rocking her 18 month old self while you played. Shockingly she was able to sleep through Lewis Black. So thank you for doing what you do, because nothing can go farther than a little taste of home when you are a few thousand miles from it. No matter what a judge says, you made a difference to our military community, and that is what the season is all about. Merry Christmas, and thanks again from the bottom of my family's heart. Nolan
Raymond_6's picture

Hey Rock, I just saw you at RAF Lakenheath with the USO...you MADE MY DAY, hell my week/month and YEAR. I've been in the USAF for over 6 years and you made all the crap we go through worth it. I can't thank you enough, I've been a fan of yours ever since I heard you on the radio back in UTICA, MI...Love all your music, love your spirit, can't wait to see you again thanks for everything you did today, and everything you've done for all of us service members...THANK YOU!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! -SSgt Ray "SOUP" Dezur
Fan_65's picture

Kid, I just saw your USO show here in Iraq! THANK YOU for what you do! I am one of the Biggest KidRock Fans alive and to see you come here for us has made this 13 month deployment worth it. This is THE Pinnacle of my deployment. You should get credit for doing a service for the MILITARY COMMUNITY....we are your community! Thank you for thinking of us since we can't be with our Families... you came to be with us.....that is why you are Kid Rock! -Chief
Fan_110's picture

Hi! I just wanted to let you know that my husband is currenty serving in Iraq, and he just called me to tell me how he just saw you a few mins ago. I think it is awesome that you go over and sing and entertain the troops, they so need it this time of year. He was so happy and made them all happy, even if just for an hour or so. So a big fat THANK YOU to you and one big YOUR AWESOME!!!
Fan_68's picture

Kid, I just wanted to thank you for all you do for the troops. I caught your USO show yesterday and you did not dissapoint. I have been a big fan for a long time, but I have never been able to see a show. I was front row and it made my day. All of the troops here understand that you do not have to come to our shity corner of the world. You could be having a "cold one" and enjoying life back home. You come here because you care. You come here to make everyone who is a little homesick this time of year feel better. Nobody makes you come to a war zone. You do it because you love this country and you love the troops. I can't think of a better service to your community than entertaining the troops. I am proud that people like you still care and I am proud to defend your freedom of speech. Thank all of the folks on tour with the USO. Thank Kelly, Lewis and everyone for a great show. God Bless you and God Bless America! Have a Blessed Holidays. Hope you got a good photo to send the judge. Show him what we think of his attitude. soldierbill
Little's picture

You know what Kid... No matter which you do sing or write... It really has healing power... So keep it up... I don't think the judge was right... Ain't it bad enough you are putting your ass on the line to go into a war zone? Gee... I wonder bro... WOULD HE ( THE JUDGE ) GO WHERE YOU ARE? Yea I bet not... BUT I DO KNOW ONE THING... YOU SHOULD KEEP ON DOING YOUR THING! GOD GAVE YOU THIS GIFT AND YOU SHOULD USE IT!!!! I KNOW EVERYONE KEEPS TELLING ME I NEED TO WRITE... I DID NOT GET IT AT FIRST BUT NOW I DO... WHILE YOU ARE LETTING SOMETHING OFF YOUR CHEST .... IT HELPS YOU AND IT MAY HELP SOMEBODY ELSE! I will keep you and your family and the band and their families in my prayers! STAY SAFE OVER THERE!!! I pray you have a Merry Christmas and that no matter what you will continue to do what it is you do... Use the gift God has given you!!!
Fan_119's picture

Hi, My name is Kristin Nd i live all the way in England with my family. My husband is in the military and we are soooo excited and thankful that Kid Rock is going to be here at our base =) i think what he does is great!!! it really make the troops and the family's feel so good that people care so much.... Well me and my kids and husband cant wait to see you this sat =) Much much love to you XOXOXOX Kristin
Deidra J.'s picture

Hi there from Vermont, It's your country girl here in the woods wanting to let you know this; that judge is an ass! Something I have learned in my journey is when someone does something to you, to try and show their power, all it does is show just the opposite. Smile in their damn face, walk away, (I will be the first one to stand for my family and friends), when you can. YOU ARE THE WINNER, any way the judge wants to call it. Be the proud, kind, man that I see every chance I can get to go to your concerts and don't let that SOB get you down. I know it is easier said then done sometimes, but you are better than him. I love you with all my heart and I am so very proud of you. Be safe and take care. I am wishing you the Merriest of Christmas. You ever need a quiet place to get away; head up here to Vermont. Forever, Deede
jeannie_13's picture

Im trying to get over this panic attack that some of you idiots naming one Mr.Spencer (aka the law abiding idiot ). Mr. Spencer Im speaking for myself and other true Kid rock fans umm KIDROCK doesnt owe his true Fans a apology for being upset over the Judges decision why? Because true kidrock fans understand him, his music, and what he stands for as a entertainer we understand his feelings...HOw do understand his feelings because of his music true kidrock fans relate to all of his lyrics and through his lyrics we understand his views on life and the world. If you read what he is saying in regards to Iraq and community service and if you understand him then you would have translated what he said into this, He loves the people of this country but he doesnt agree with the laws and morals of this country he wasnt tryin to get the judge to just let his Iraq trip count for his community service and just let it be because he is a famous musician he knows he was wrong for the huddle deal and he has done community service at the waffle house raised $20000.00 for charity (judges pocket). He feels that he does community service everyday of his life he helps more people through his music than the judge will ever help through picking up trash off the streets or sending a drug addict to prison for drugs. So yeah he felt a bit let down and angry inside because he knows in his heart is true. Why do i know he is true because of his music "BUT FAITH IN HUMAN NATURE, OUR CREATOR AND OUR SAVIOR, IM NO SAINT BUT I BELIEVE IN WHAT IS RIGHT, AMEN. And that damn judge was wrong and Im pissed off because you stupid arguing idoits that dont really listen to his music and dont understand him and then try to post your freaking opinion about something that you really dont know nuttin about in the first place. Spencer and all you other Law abiding government loving people are the reason why judges and the government gets by with fucking people everyday. Face it spen
Fan_339's picture

Went on line to look at pressale tickets for new years eve and all presale tickets are sold out:( When will more go on sale and We cant wait to see you again! We saw you at Live Bait in Orange Beach hanging out before concert at Wharf and then came back to mobile to see you at bayfest in October! My friend and I have become huge fans and listen to your music all the time! Its great therapy!!! Right now our fav is SO HOT!!!! You were so hot in mobile and chillin at the bait! We need you to head SOUTH again!!!! When will you be back in Paradise? Also, you are so right about the community service and its amazing what you do for our troops! We so appreciate your love of this great country we live in....others must not share our appreciation of it!
Mindy_27's picture

Kid Rock, I think it is a wonderful thing you do for our troops. People have lost sight of what these brave men and women are doing for us and the freedoms they have given us. They need to know they are supported by us and you going and giving your time is a great way to show that. Please know that even though that judge doesn't see this as community service, what you are doing is truly a blessing to the troops over there. Thanks for everything you do for them!!!!
elizabeth_42's picture

i know will do the right thing but if you need help let us know we will help take kird over there and next time dont stop til you get to alabama to eat . and you will write a song about this and in his face we love you and i know your mother would love to have you home to with your son us mthers are like that we will be here when you get back be sweet bobby but not to sweet
Fan_125's picture

Dude -- It's rather amazing to me how you, and just about everyone else here, seems to be missing the point entirely. Here's a news flash for you all: community service is NOT supposed to be fun! It's supposed to be the sort of thing that makes you never want to have to do it again! It's not about "turning a negative into a positive," anymore than a jail sentence is. That's why Snoop Dogg had to scrub toilets for his community service., instead of coaching Little League football like he wanted. That's why Boy George had to sweep streets, instead of counseling gay youth like he wanted. That's why Naomi Campbell had to mop floors. It isn't supposed to be something you want to do, or something glamorous that makes you look good.
msmkhott's picture

My thoughts regarding the post from Kid Rock are as follows, which may or may not make me very popular on this board. Some of the comments are from diehard KidRock fans, that will support Kid Rock no matter the issue at hand. Then I have seen comments that push back slightly on Kid Rock's argument. I have to say I agree a little bit with both. My opinion at first was, I was sadden by the judges decision and quickly reached for my pen and pad to email the judge regarding my dismay over his conclusion not to recognize Kid Rock's overses visits to US military troops as completion for his community service. However, the comment made by Sam was right on. I am thinking that the judge may have not been able to see it the same light knowing that Kid Rock has already and continues to vist troops. It may seem to be played off in the judges eyes as conveniently killing two birds with one stone. Please don't confuse this issue. Kid Rock is, unfortunately, one of very few celebrities that will take the time out to support our troops overseas. I, as a wife of a soldier currently headed to Iraq in 09, personally hold a very deep respect for his decision to support and physically visit our troops. To the wife who just wrote in explaining how deeply sadden and disappointed she was at Kid Rocks canceled performance on her husbands base, I can empathize with that as well. Soldiers take every opportunity they can to grasp a small piece of home, especially in the conditions they live under for months as a time. By the same token, Kid Rock is coming into a judicial system where fairness may be unbalanced because of his celebrity status. It would be wise for the judge to take another look as this case to ensure proper fairness, however, if the decision doesn't lean in Kid Rocks favor, then he should wash his hands of it and find another domestic alternative to complete his community service hours..lord knows there are a tremendous amount of Americans who need help in
Miranda_6's picture

First of all, PROPS FOR SHARING! I guess not everyone realizes that you are a real person with real emotions, that is BS and I appreciate how genuine you are even with the status you have achieved! Here is my take: Its simple. Hes doing it because he CAN. To set an example of a celebrity of your standing, to be able to say I said NO to Kid Rock. He is obviously overcompensating for a lack of purpose in his high powered position. Far as I am concerned, F@#$ him, I have done my fair share of community service in my day and was allowed to do it where and how I chose. I did have fun helping those less fortunate and I did grow from the experience, you should be able to do the same. Sounds like somebody may have a bit of resentment toward you for being so successful along with having a nothing bothers me attitude. He wants you to be as miserable as possible. Dont sweat it. Remember that we are all faced with things that at first seem ridiculously unfair only to find later that it has enlightened another area of our lives in which we had no idea we needed to work on. I dont know if this will be the case in this situation, but I know you will keep your eyes and ears open for any opportunity for growth this may present. Thanks for the insight of what your trips to Iraq are like, I would have never known until you showed me, I wonder often if there is something I could be doing And then I go chase my 4 year old down for whatever he just did. What could I do? (Someone hit me up if you read this and let me know.) You made this year a great one! Take care on your trip to visit our troops and please be very safe. I will keep you and the troops, and family members of the troops in my prayers. Bring back some more pic's please. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday (Kinda early I know)! Miranda XOXO
Fan_131's picture

Mr. Ritchie (Kid Rock), You had a USO concert scheduled for the troops in Djibouti, Africa which is located about 12 miles from the Somalia border that you just canceled as one of your stops on that concert. I just want you to be aware of the impact that has had on the men and women serving in that area. These troops have been working around the clock to prepare a suitable area for you and the others to perform in, including building an entire stage for those performances. These troops have their regular jobs to continue to perform as well as mandated watches to cover that is why they worked so hard and were so excited about the USO show. They worked around the clock with little to no complaints, just happy that the USO tour was coming their way. This was to be their Christmas, the only thing these men and women had to look forward to at the holidays and then just 6 days out from the show you cancel Djibouti as one of the stops. My husband is a Senior Chief currently serving a deployment there and was in charge of preparing the site and making the local arrangments for this show. Morale was at it's highest during these preperations, the troops actually felt as if someone remembered them especially at this difficult time of the year and now with this cancellation, morale is at one of it's lowest levels seen this deployment. I am sure you have your reasons for dropping them as a stop off on this tour and I certainly hope that they are good ones because I'd hate to see the men and women in our Armed Forces that are serving in Djibouti this low for no reason. I just wanted you and the others that were preforming in this show with you to be aware of the impact this last minute change has made to our soldiers and sailors. Thank you for hopefully taking the time out to read this. Merry Christmas.
GaryDelcourt's picture

I have been reading the posts and the ones that say that by going to Iraq, Bob is doing something he would have done anyways.. While true, it is the circumstances of going into a warzone and risking your life that merits the label of community service.. Bob doesn't have to do that...I know that he thought the judge would realize the greater good being done by Bob...but judges are on power trips who throw decency out the window..they give you exactly zero credit for anything while casting you as the next Manson for doing something stupid that everyone has done If Bob wasn't famous the whole fucking thing would have been over and done with...Judge Wang is trying to blow his own horn and seize his 15 minutes of fame.. What ever happen to looking out for the collective good...has apathy won over love?? In my life it hasn't and never will...I heard I had to be tougher and thick skinned but guess what maybe the rest of your motherf@ckers need some thinner skin and feel for your fellow man with a heart that really cares.. Think about that!
GaryDelcourt's picture

apparently Ken has yet to be screwed by the sytem....Ken bring some lube because they come big with it.. ken Says: December 8th, 2008 at 9:51 pm 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
GaryDelcourt's picture

I just posted ...when i said my wife shoplifted a notebook..I meant a noteback with paper in it...not a fucking laptop.. These judges who pontificate from their thrones are hypocrites...if they were judged as harshly as they judge they would all be locked up for jaywalking or something ridiculous I forgot to add we went to talk to the judge but he wouldn't even let my wife talk... contact Judge Drury in Troy Michigan..and tell him to figure out the meanings of consistancy and fairness...
GaryDelcourt's picture

hey Bobbie, I just wanted to say the courts are severly twisted. The reason being is they are made up of liars i mean lawyers. My wife was busted for shoplifting socks and a notebook in Troy Michigan. Judge Drury gave her 18 months probation and community service and a work release program. She has to call in everyday to see if she has to do a breathalyzer or a urine test that has to be done before 10 am that day.every fucking day for 18 months even though this wasnt a drug or alcohol related crime..my wife is a vegan..she doesn't even drink milk let alone booze .. on top of this she had to go for 4 days of work release. She has to do 48 hours community service... and a 3 day shoplifting class at $300 the grand total of this is around $2500...its a money grab this same a@@hole judge let a woman, who physically confronted a cop out, with nothing another guy (that was brought in a prison jumpsuit and leg and arm irons,who earlier was sentenced in a different court) was given a lighter sentence than my wife and he had physically abused his girlfriend.. it is totally fucked up...they let the real criminals go, in some sort of twisted respect factor, and the regular citizens take it up the @ss...
Ray_14's picture

Kid that Judge has his head up his ass! You going to spend time with the troops during x-mas shows that for being a younger guy,with money to go anywhere in the world to spend x-mas with your son you choose to leave your family,and go spend it with people you have no ties to other than the fact that they also are AMERICAN BAD ASSES for doing what they do. So do not let that Judge get to you what you do for those troops is more than a community serves. And I as a huge fan of yours have much respect for you. So have a great x-mas and return home from over there safe. You truly are an AMERICAN BAD ASS!!!!
jadeylynn's picture

Maybe he just doesn't like waffles... perhaps we all need to send him an IHOP t-shirt to get him to be less crabby! Happy holidays to you and yours!
Rosvita's picture

Hi!!! I am glad to see you sharing your emotions with all of us. I believe your intentions were good! I am with you!! Thanx for a great show in Vienna-Austria!!! Merry Christmas to you, your family and TBT Band!!! Love, Rosvita
Fan_69's picture

Merry Christmas to you and your family! I'm a transplant to Georgia from Warren (8 and Gratiot, baby!) and I remember hearing about the ridiculous situation at Waffle House. I'm sorry the judge was such an idiot about your community service, but I'm glad you're going over there anyway. My brother left for Iraq last week. He can't really tell us where exactly he is or what he's doing (all that top secret Navy stuff, hah) so I don't know if he'll be going to your show or not, but I know if he's able to, he'll love it. He's a huge fan! (We all are, lol) Again, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Fan_70's picture

I am currently in Iraq at COB Spicher and from what i hear you should be playing here before the end of the month. Let me tell you how excited I am that you are coming out here and how much i am looking foward to your show. I just started my second tour over here and will be missing my second Christmas, i was here from October 06 till December 07 at a small base so i missed you that year. To have you come out here makes things a lot easier on us and brings a little piece of home into our lives. My hats off to celebrites that take time out of their busy schedule to come vist us, it really means a lot to us over here. To know that we are over here because of our job and you are here because you want to be here shows what a great person you are. So if you don't have a meet and greet, let take the time to say thank you! But i hope you do, cause i would love to have a picture with Kid Rock to send back home. As far as your community service, you paid your debt at the Waffle House with the fundraiser. If I don't talk to you over here again THANK YOU and have a GREAT HOLIDAY!

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