It's sweet to celebrate with people who defend our rights
Sunday, June 01, 2008
I love people. Well, most people, that is.
I can't stand lawbreakers, or rude, inconsiderate folks who just don't seem to care about their fellow man or about being a caring, positive asset to America or humanity.
I seem to scare those kinds away anyhow. As a gung-ho lover of life, I am a rather gregarious chap, and though I have my extended private periods for reflection, or to just get away for solitude and peacefulness in my treestands all fall and winter, most always you will find me hanging out with a gaggle of buoyant, friendly, workin'-hard, playin'-hard Americans.
There is always laughter and a barbecue going on where the Nugent family gathers with friends.
So it was recently in Louisville, Ky., at what can best be described as the ultimate Ted Nugent party: about 50,000 of my closest friends gathered around the quintessential "we the people" grassroots American campfire of freedom at the 137th annual National Rifle Association family meetings.
What a sight: herds and herds of the world's best people as far as the eye could see — ongoing, unstoppable celebration of individual God-given rights.
God bless our founding fathers for having the vision to write down such self-evident truths for future reference, just in case some evil punk got the itch to pursue his despot inclinations.
Gift of life
We 4 million-plus members of the NRA know in our hearts and souls that God gave each of us a precious, equal, miraculous gift of life.
We also know that if not for the formation and growth of this fundamental grassroots organization, individual American citizens no longer would have that U.S. constitutionally guaranteed God-given right to keep and bear arms for the protection of this gift. Thank God for the NRA.
Radio and TV star Glenn Beck was the featured speaker. He truly is connected with the logic and reason of NRA members far and wide.
Experts from the hunting and outdoor sports world put on fascinating seminars covering everything from African and North American safaris, firearms competition, self-defense training, to youth training, safety and organized shooting events.
Heroes from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the ongoing War on Terror shared their soulful take on why they volunteered to serve this great nation, putting their lives on the line, and how critical they believe the Second Amendment to be to this amazing life of liberty in America.
A grand spirit of die-hard patriotism permeated the entire three-day event.
I am extremely proud that my charity fundraising autograph sessions and speaking presentations once again set attendance records at the event.
I am genuinely moved to meet and share stories with such a vast array of people.
What makes the most powerful impression is stories of people who express deep regret and anger that they live in countries where there is no "we the people," where no God-given rights are guaranteed, where self-defense is forbidden, and where evil goes unchecked. Such is the case in gun-free zones wherever you find them.
These people dream, and pray to God that someday they may be allowed to keep and bear arms and become truly free citizens.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television host. Contact him directy at tednugent.com.
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