Volunteers who steer youth toward success deserve our support
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sadly, they're everywhere — groups of young Americans hanging out, nothing to do, ripe for the devil's taking.
You see 'em like I see 'em: slovenly, sullen, directionless, distant, no smiles, leaning against the mall storefronts and benches, doing nothing worthwhile for themselves, families, communities or America.
Basically, they are negative, undisciplined lost lumps. And this is going on in a country and state where unlimited adventure, fun, excitement and personal challenge await anyone who has an ounce of spirit or passion.
Unfortunately, the failure to tap these pivotal quality-of-life resources is a direct result of failed parents and teachers who for some bizzarro reason do not intervene in a meaningful way. They do not prod, steer and discipline these otherwise blessed Americans in the land of ubiquitous opportunity to seek their American Dream and their God-given right to pursue happiness.
I bet there are a few million hopeless kids in foreign lands of oppression, slavery and corruption who would trade places with these spoiled brats for a shot at the freedom and liberty that allows them to be the best that they can be.
Choices. It's all about choices.
Enough of the bad and ugly, for the overwhelming good of American youth is alive and well, and some are charging triumphantly up their own San Juan Hill as we speak.
Everywhere I go in this great land I celebrate the American Way — where neighbors, small businesses, large corporations and individuals are chipping away at the bad and ugly, so that the good flourishes as God intended.
My own experiences give me great hope for this most valuable of human resources: America's youth.
I could write a million words of glowing thanks nonstop, there are so many examples everywhere I look.
Locally, I see kids on the basketball court with Kevin Henry and his Henry Hoops charity, giving some hard-core rebellious teens a good, loving drill-sergeant crowbar of love. He teaches self-esteem through personal excellence, a critical lesson in teamwork and the powerful discipline of professional athleticism that surely attracts legions of kids across America.
Waco's Methodist Home has dedicated itself for many years to steering kids in the right direction, as have Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers-Big Sisters and 4H.
Investment in America
These volunteers should be provided all the support we can possibly muster. Look at it as an investment for a better America. It is that crucial. Believe me.
I've always been a big fan of throwing grenades at the enemy, but I've discovered that a Love Grenade goes much further when lobbed at my friends.
So put on your hyper dancing shoes, Waco, because I've got a beautiful rock'n'roll cluster bomb about to go off in Waco next Thursday.
With the generous help of my friends at the Ice House on Highway 6, we are unleashing a fund-raising party for Ryan Lindsey's Waco AAU basketball team, which has done so much for our local kids for seven years.
This dedicated neighbor and his fellow volunteers have put their hearts and souls into coaching, guiding and loving our area's youth to their American basketball dreams.
We are putting on a Full Bluntal Nugity rock-out at the Ice House that night at 8 for the more brave souls among us to raise funds for these kids' travels, hotels, meals and equipment.
They travel all over Texas and participate in the famous Nike Main Event in Las Vegas where college coaches and NBA scouts discover tomorrow's star athletes.
This is a great cause that keeps these kids motivated, driven and disciplined to be the best that they can be, and we should all help.
The Nugent Band is cocked, locked and more than ready to rock, Doc. Proceeds will go to the Waco Sports Foundation to make America stronger and better. Let's rock for America.
For more information, contact the Hog Creek Ice House at 848-5335.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host.
Comments
By Philip
Jun 3, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
It is all about Ted...
By Raven
Jun 3, 2007 4:03 AM | Link to this
Phillip:
Are you saying Ted is a con-artist?
By Philip
Jun 2, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
The Waco Sport Foundation is like select soccer or asa softball. It is not getting kids off curve shooting hoops, it is not getting kids away from the street gangs and away from drugs.
The money is used to jet these kids around the country to college exposure torunaments. How does that help the youth of Waco?
By Raven
Jun 2, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this
Phillip:
You are a natural borne critic. You find fault at anyone's comments. No matter what the column reads, you unjustify opinions with a negative twist. The way you express your opinions to get attention is pathetic. You use this column to debate arguments from other readers, and hide behind your computer like a cockroach hides in a crack. Don't you think these games you play being the odd-ball with your comments is enough?
By Philip
May 31, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Ted has a son that plays on the above mentioned basketball team. He is not helping the youth of Waco, he is helping about 12 kids with includes his own son. He is just funneling the money through a foundation.
This is a way that Ted can help activities that his son is participating in and get a big tax break at the same time.
This is just another example his (Ted) self-centered lifestyle. It is all about Ted and his family.
By Montesano Conagra
May 31, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
This being America, and everyone having the right to their own opinion it also means that anyone speaking their opinion in a forum is subject to the opinion of that forum. Be it positive towards, or negative. The supporters of the opinion in this case, go against the American foundation by saying "if you don't like what I like, and what Ted likes, then leave". Stop being childish. You have a differing opinion. Listen to all the opinions, gather information and facts, and create your own. Ted's opinion here, can be broken down into a few categories of fears without any true basis in reality. Every older generation fears the corruption of the youth. Outside of his rant, he does offer positive action and I commend him for that. I am just not sure how much training I want some of these troubled youths to receive with firearms. Just kidding :)
By Reed
May 31, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this
Oh, now I understand...Nugie was drawn to Texas to enjoy your erudition and keen senses of logic.
By Jeff
May 30, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
Well I see this Reed had this to say and I must make a comment on it after i post what he said ... "By Reed
May 29, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
Ever wonder why Nugie-poo moved on from Michigan? "
WELL Reed I'll Tell Ya why Its called The United States Of America,,, And Its His Choice On where He wants to Live. If he moves to every State in This Great Nation, He has the right and its Folks Like Ya'll that gives Texas A bad reputation and Why our Motto is going down the hill. We are the Friendly State and If ya Dont like Him here Well you have the Choice to Move to another State. The More unfriendly People we see goes the Better the State will be... But my opinion I rather see More folks Like Ted in Texas than that Trouble Maker Cindy Sheenan. Im glad she got Her Land for sale..... I Might just Run over to Crawford and Buy it So she will hurry up and get out of My great State...
By Jeff
May 30, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
Well Spoken Jim I hear ya and agree with ya 100% on that.....
By jim2
May 29, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Ted could find the cure for cancer & AIDS, and stop world hunger but you pansies would still complain. If you don't like Ted stop reading what he has to say. If you don't believe in hunting, fishing, and/or the right to bear arms stop reading Ted's column. I don't read your favorite columns dealing with why America is so bad or why nothing is your fault. Ted is giving a benefit concert for kids, That is IT. How can you whine about that?
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