By JOE LAWLER
joe@dmJuice.com

Legendary rocker Ted Nugent is a busy guy. He has a new live CD and DVD, "Sweden Rocks," a new book coming out, "Ted, White & Blue: The Nugent Manifesto" and a movie coming out this fall, "Beer for My Horses." The Motor City Madman has a lot more on his plate than just meat he hunted himself, but he still took the time to answer questions via e-mail from Europe while on tour.

Q: Could you tell us a little bit about your involvement with the film "Beer for My Horses"? And what is your part?

A: Toby Keith and I bonded on the front lines of the war on terror with the hero warriors of the U.S. military in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq during our USO tour there. Genuinely moved by the amazing sacrifices of these brave men and women, we became good friends and shared a concert tour in the United States. When he and Rodney Carrington created the "Beer for My Horses script," they wrote a character based on my life as an over-gunned, uppity, defiant rock 'n' roll deputy sheriff who shoots flaming arrows at Mexican drug runners.

Q: The last time you were through Des Moines I hear that you were given a copy of the movie "The Truth About Beef Jerky" by former Des Moines resident Fritz Junker. Did you watch it?

A: I howled with laughter. Truly a fine piece of filmmaking. My sense of humor is the only thing that outperforms my sexy guitar playing and my highly proficient knack for reducing unsuspecting herbivores into family-sized portions.

Q: Do you get to do any hunting while on tour, or is it more when you're back home? Is there a place you haven't hunted that you want to?

A: I am often privileged to ride with law enforcement professionals while touring, and hunting lawbreakers is not unlike varmint hunting, except we cannot use their skins. I perfected a balanced life in the 1970s by identifying the natural summer season for rock 'n' roll and the natural fall/winter hunting season. I have not hunted New Zealand or Australia and may someday.

Q: You're very vocal about your political beliefs. What are your thoughts on this year's election, and is there a chance you might run for office?

A: As a responsible American I do indeed participate in this wonderful experiment in self-government. I believe it is the obligation we all have to actually earn this wonderful American Dream. My heart is heavy as I see the line drawn in the sand more pronounced than ever before. Clearly, Barack Obama and John McCain seem to be catering to a growing segment of soulless Americans who could care less what they can do for their country, but whine louder and louder about what their country must do for them. That is both un-American and pathetic. I was serious when I threatened to run for office in the past if I cannot find a candidate who respects the U.S. Constitution and our sacred Bill of Rights. America is on a suicide course and the hard working people of good will and decency have just about had enough.

Q: Besides your CD, DVD, book, movie, TV show, are there any other mediums you want to try to tackle?

A: I am very lucky in that I am bombarded with exciting, extremely fun offers to do things I get a kick out of. I shall continue to scrutinize such offers and be sure to prioritize my quality family time, musical adventures and always thrilling hunting opportunities. We shall see