Ted Nugent wants critics to get over it

Ted Nugent says a recent performance that made the news was decidedly not controversial, and he wants his critics to get over it. Nugent caught some grief after appearing in Austin, Texas, at the inaugural festivities for Texas Governor Rick Perry, when the Associated Press reported that he had unkind words about people in America who don't speak English.

In a guest column for the Tribune-Herald newspaper in Waco, Texas, where he now lives, Nugent wrote, "My recent fire-breathing rock-out for the good Governor Rick Perry at his joyous inaugural bash was certainly yet another installment in primal scream musical upgrade, and hence, left-wing hysteria. The entire event was undeniably and overwhelmingly fun, positive, cheery, intense, and exciting... My inaugural crowd of uppity (black tie notwithstanding) was about to implode with frenzied laughter, smiling faces, clenched fists, and buoyancy off the charts... On this fine night of jubilation and revelry, I even censored myself accordingly to keep the attendant bluehairs from hurting themselves. I am so very kind. No political fires were started. None."

Nugent added, "In total defiance to the vicious lies and hateful allegations of 'racism' leveled at me by irresponsible, unprofessional, and downright goofy media punks, I never said a word about immigration or language, specifically not the alleged slam against 'illegal immigrants' or 'non-English-speaking' anyone. Those are pure, unadulterated lies created by a hyper-liberal media which have failed forever to take me on regarding any quality-of-life issues in America."

Nugent's comments about English-language speakers got him in trouble in Texas back in April 2000, when he opened for Kiss. Local groups in and around Houston spoke out against Nugent for saying "If you're not gonna speak English, get the fuck out of America." Nugent never denied the statement, and said it wasn't directed at a particular ethnic group. Instead, he thinks the language barrier keeps people separated and keeps America from being the best country it can be.
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