OK, so “talks” is a bit of a stretch… You may recall me making a previous blog entry about Ted Nugent. I am currently about 1/3 of the way through Nugent’s Book - Ted,White and Blue. I will be posting a full review in the future, but I have to tell you - so far, his book has exceeded my expectations. It has the “in your face” rhetoric that you would expect, but it also has a ton of common sense. More than once I have exclaimed “Yeah! That’s what I think too!” and hurried off to show my wife some particular passage, quip, or pontification. I would recommend this book to any of you, hands down!

Anyway, in my discussions with Emily the Publisher, I asked if she thought Ted Nugent could grant me an interview, and I offered to do it via e-mail. She replied “No problem”, and true to her word, I had answers in hand within a day or two. Is it an interview, when it is via e-mail? I dunno. Regardless, this little blogger can now claim to have had a personalized question-and-answer session, with The Nuge himself. Enjoy!

1) DR - What prompted you to write the Manifesto? Was there a straw that broke the camel’s back, or was it a project that has been simmering, and the time had finally come? TN - The intense energy and appreciation for my joy of life from 60 years clean and sober drive me to do all I can to give back and fight for upgrade as a participating American in this glorious experiment in self government. The desoulling of America has been metastasizing for at least 70 years since the misdirection of the suicidal New Deal and the so called Great Society debacle. Rewarding misbehavior is a surefire path to self destruction and I am compelled to raise as much hell as I possibly can to change America’s course. It is always the right time.

2) DR - With all these great ideas, is there a run for political office in your future? TN - My campaign manager, Mrs. Nugent, will make that determination. You never know.

3) DR - How did political correctness and pandering become so pervasive, that even “right-wing” politicians are afraid to address hard issues effectively and honestly? TN - A growing segment of the American society is on the receiving end of the American Dream and have deceitfully over pressured the corrupt bureaucrats to redistribute wealth while rewarding slovenly, gluttonous behavior with no accountability whatsoever. Too many Americans have conveniently forgotten the past and a cult of denial has taken over. We must end it now.

4) DR - For average hunters, what should they be doing, to preserve our way of life? Political activism? Public education? Conservation groups? TN - If just the licensed hunters in America actually voted their conscience, America would be on the fast track to recovery. But horrifically, apathy in our sporting community is pandemic and beyond embarrassing. We should all become extremely active, vocal, and communicative to the absolute best of our individual ability and join the NRA and SCI at the very least.

5) DR - How are you feeling about the upcoming election? TN - Sick to my stomach. I pray America wakes up ASAP and votes McCain/Palin and then turns up the activism heat to an all-time high.

6) DR - Have you been to Arizona to hunt Coues yet? If not, we really need to get you over here. It might make a good TV show, too! TN - I love my AZ hunting. I have hunted elk, mule deer, Coues and javelina and look forward to more in the future. An AZ adventure would surely make wonderful Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild TV. Come to tednugent.com and invite us ASAP!

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