TED NUGENT: 'Sometimes War Is The Only Answer'

Ted Nugent recently spoke to Hardrock Haven's Matthew Hoffman about his early musical influences, his strong political convicitons and his tour with country singer Toby Keith, among other topics. A couple of excerpts from the interview follow:

Hardrock Haven: What's it like to go on a show like [CNBC's] "Kudlow and Cramer" [now renamed "Kudlow and Company"] and see the hosts' reactions? The episode I saw they, were almost childlike when you were there?

Ted Nugent: "Well, you see there is a certain shock value that I actually am articulate. It's because there’s been no poisons in my system, so I like to say that my 'gifts from God functions' work properly. Many people have the pathetic image of Ozzy, who can barely speak. I am the polar opposite of that. I research all issues, kind of a self-government attitude based on very little opinion and mostly facts. I believe we have a 'husband-and-father' moral obligation to participate hands-on as an American. I'm a 'we the people' activist. They see that I seek awareness, from taxes to our court system, our constitutional rights and even social considerations. I like to intellectually probe. Hell, many of the facts are inescapable. The historical parallels are crystal clear. I also like to whistle blow on social issues that Americans struggle with today. Guys like those talk show hosts are taken back because they also see a barbecue, campfire kind of the guy, who would hang out on the weekend and cook for them. There's a comfort level and zero friction and a real easy-going element."

Hardrock Haven: Ted, as a combat veteran of the first Gulf War (I fought with the 7th Corps Artillery),I want to thank you and Toby for your trip to see our troops fighting the war on terror around the globe. What did you take from that experience?

Ted Nugent: "Well, first I want to say Toby Keith should be saluted as he brings the volatile American fighting spirit to his fans live in concert, through his songs. And he definitely brought that same spirit to the troops we visited. We went all around the globe, visiting troops in Iraq, Italy, Germany and Kandahar, Afghanistan. In Iraq, we went to see them in areas like Fallujah and Baghdad. I have such profound respect for their sacrifices. I remember sleeping in tents with them, holding hands with wounded soldiers, driving in convoys. We made some great friends. Matthew, right before we got there, there was a bomb that exploded in a convoy on the route we were taking. You know, if we were a little bit earlier… so you never know. I remember coffins draped with American flags and specifically one of the killed was a young man named Lt. Eric McCray. I'll never forget that name. That's what makes it so embarrassing to hear people like John Kerry, Courtney Love and Michael Moore just dismiss the necessity of war. They are intellectually bankrupt! Sometimes war is the only answer, like after Pearl Harbor or to save the Jews in Hitler's Europe. War is the answer. You wage war versus evil! It's amazing. Sometimes I think they are retarded. The George Clooneys and Michael Moores of the world are just soulless; they have no soul!"

Hardrock Haven: I wonder how you deal with hearing so much of their bullshit in the media?

Ted Nugent: "Their bullshit is pouring gasoline on the fire of my individualism."

Read the entire interview at HardrockHaven.net.