Support Toby Keith and The Angry American Song

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ONE OF MANY REPORTS COMING IN:

KEITH MAY BE OFF JULY 4 ABC SPECIAL

Toby Keith says the words to his "Angry American" single -- full title "Courtesy of the Red White and Blue" -- seems to be a bit hotter than expected for ABC news anchor Peter Jennings. According to reports on CNN and in USA Today, Keith says he was invited to open ABC's 4th of July special May 16. "They said: 'We've gotta have you on the show. We want you opening it. This song's great, it's hot, America loves this song,'" Keith said.

But the singer said he was later told Jennings, the host of the special, had said the song had lyrics that didn't belong on the show.

Keith has performed the song twice on television, once on the Academy of Country Music Awards show aired by CBS May 22, and again on the Flameworthy Video Music Awards on CMT this week.

Keith also has played the song at the Naval Academy, at the Pentagon and on a USO tour of Kosovo and Bosnia. Keith said: "The response was so tremendous, I said, 'Hey, we're allowed to be angry.' ... I'm a musician-songwriter, so this is my way of trying to express my feelings."

Among the most confrontational lyrics: "This big dog will fight/When you rattle his cage/And you'll be sorry that you messed with/The U.S. of A./'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass/It's the American way."

Keith says he wrote the song about his father, Hubert "H.K." Covel, who served in the Army. Covel died March 24, 2001, in a car crash. "He taught me to be a flag-waving patriot long before it was cool to wave a flag like it is now," Keith said.

The song is at No. 12 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart after only five weeks, the fastest-rising single of Keith's career.

USA Today says an ABC spokeswoman said the show was still in its planning stages and no final invitations have been issued.
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This petition is to show your support for Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue(Angry American Song)and to let ABC know that we will not let them step on Ole' Glory and also to let them know that this will not go unfinished or forgotten.

Americans have fought and died for the right to see, listen and do what we want. It is called freedom. Canceling Toby's performance is not only a mistake for ABC but a cheap shot at all Americans everywhere. The Angry American does not lack on popularity this is the fasting moving song up the charts in Toby's career, as mentioned above. Ranking #15 on the R&R Chart as well as #8 now on the Billboard Charts in the first weeks of radio play. We as Americans in support of this song, which was written for Toby's War Veteran Father who served his country and who tragically lost his life in a car accident shortly before 9/11, have a right not only to hear this song but to give Toby back his orginal appearance on the ABC special which was so graciously given to him in the early plans for this special and to now turn around and say he is not welcome is not only unAmerican but truly not the right thing to do especially after all that Toby has done for the Patriotic Movement not only taking time from his tour to perform in other specials but offering his time to perform for troops overseas. In support for America, Toby and his wonderful Patriotic song please sign this petition and let ABC know This Big Dog Will Fight When You Rattle His Cage..............

17460 Signatures

  • Christy Dively
    • Your Comments....
    • Here's a boot in your ass..
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • You are unAmerican and I hope you have alot of friends because your gonna need them
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • You have my total and complete support I love this song and us Americans deserve to hear it.
  • Ellen Uhlig
    • Your Comments....
    • much worse is said on tv (NYPD?) this is appropriate and how we all feel!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • This song is helping the country, it hurts even after these months have passed. I saw him do this song in concert and everyone loved it and felt a connection. This July 4th is very important for the country!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, we are all behind you. Good for you for not changing the song for air play or anyone else. We love you because you are you and this song is supported by all your fans. I just wish the radio wouldn't blank out the "word". Can't wait to get the CD!!!
  • Tiffany Weston
    • Your Comments....
    • I support Toby 100%, and I am disgusted with ABC/Peter Jennings pulling him from the show.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • As far as I can tell, the only people who would find Toby's song offensive are the terrorists and anti-Americans, so tell me, which category to you fall into? I'll tell you the rest of America is fully supportive of this Patriotic song. Ask the victims families of the 9-11 attacks if it is okay to be angry and want to fight for our country.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • I have supported your career since 1991, and you have my support now and always. Thanks for standing for what you believe in! My husband served in the USAF, and we were Patriotic long before it was cool.
  • Janet Angell
    • Your Comments....
    • Been a fan of Tobys from the get go and am proud of the way he handles himself in all situations
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • peter jennings, you are the weakest link. so just go away
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • we are behind u all the way, toby, this is the peon from tennessee
  • Joyce Molter
  • robin thomas
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • i will never watch abc again if you don't have toby keith sing his song Angry American .Peter Jennings should go back to Canada if he doesn't appreciate what he has living in the USA
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • I support you 100%.You stand for everything right in America and Peter Jennings stands for everything wrong in America. He should go back to Canada if he doesn't realise how lucky he is to live in the USA.
  • Terri Rouse
    • Your Comments....
    • I am glad that there is finally someone (Toby Keith) with the gumption to express anger at the tragic events of Sept. 11
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Shame on you Peter Jennings for censoring anger but allowing deep sorrow.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Thanks man. Finally someone who has the gumption to express our anger. Also, mucho thanks to your Dad for his service to this country.
  • Mariea Gillespie
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Stick to your guns Toby!
  • Connie Prather
    • Your Comments....
    • This is a song that represents how a lot of Americans feel!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • What a BAD decision on your part to take Tk off the line up!!!!!!
  • Michelle Arnold
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Proud to be a Warrior!
  • Betty Mezeske
    • Your Comments....
    • I think that ABC has made a big mistake!! Toby Keith is a very talented country artist and writer. I personally don't think that this song has bad lyrics.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • You might want to reconsider and have Toby perform.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Good job Toby. I feel a great injustice has been done. The song is a great one, and I, as an American, don't find it offensive at all. In fact, when it is played on the radio, I crank the volume up!!!
  • Joe Gillespie
  • Tina Kovach
    • Your Comments....
    • LOVE THIS SONG!
  • Karen Kitchens
    • Your Comments....
    • Toby's song is a rallying song for Americans & it should be heard by all!!!!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • You & your network have no credibility with me anymore!!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Love ya, Toby!!! Love your song!!! Go, Man, GO!!!!!
  • Susan Bevington
    • Your Comments....
    • I think Toby Keith's song expresses the way many American's are feeling right now and is a great song for the 4th of July
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • I hope you will reconsider and invite Toby Keith to sing on the 4th of July special.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • we are all behind you 100 percent-don't change a thing!
  • Lois Blake
    • Your Comments....
    • The world wants to see Toby sing his song, Courtesy of the RED WHITE & BLUE.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • You have always been my favorite TV anchor, don't let America down by censoring Toby's appearance
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Go get em, big guy!!!
  • Deana Layton
    • Your Comments....
    • I won't watch the 4th of July special or anything else on ABC until Tk is asked to perform again or is publicly apologized to!
  • Lisa Baglin
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • I can not believe you nixed him from the show for the word ass
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, keep up the awesome job
  • Nanco Nieling
    • Your Comments....
    • Toby rocks!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Peter, what's wrong with you?
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, you're the man! GO FOR IT!
  • Tammy Brasier
  • Donna
    • Your Comments....
    • let Toby host the show and sendPeter Jennings home
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • we want Toby on!!!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • keep up the good work!!!!
  • Amanda Dickey
    • Your Comments....
    • ABC has informed me this ahow will be about the history of America. CotRWB is also about America's history.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Mr. Jennings, WE THE PEOPLE, want to see and hear Toby Keith perform his song on this show!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby all I have to say is baby you rock and have you got an extra boot?
  • Lin Weirup
    • Your Comments....
    • It is the Ameircan way to wan to stand up for what we beleive and stand up for Tobys song, We shall not be sucker punched again, it is the American Way!!I'm sorry that certain television execs feel this song is not appropiate enough for all of Ameirca to hear and see onJuly 4th our Nations birthday!They must doubt there duty as Americans!!God Bl;ess America and God Bless"Courtesy of the Red white and Blue:Angry American"! It rocks, and so does Toby!!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • I REALLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOU JUDGING AND MERICAN SONG LIKE TOBYS"COUTEST OF THE RED WHITE AND BLUE", ITS SAYS EXACTLY HOW ALL OF AMERIC FEELS RIGHT NOW.TOBY WORKED LONG AND HARD TO GET WHERE HE IS, AND H WORKED LONG AND HARD TO EXPRESS HIS ANGER ON ATTACK ON AMERCIA.I WOULD THINK A PERSON OF YOUR AUTHORITY ANDA FACE SEEN DAILY BY AMERICA WOULD WANT TO STAND BY A TRUE BLUE AMERICAN, WHOSE DAD WAS INJURED IN A AMERICAN WAR, THAT YOU COULD BE SYMPATHETIC TO THE MEANING BEHIND THE WORDS SO CAREFULLY CHOOSEN BY TOBY...YOU HAVE NI IDEA WHAT THIS SONG MEANS TO ALL OF US, AND YOU REALLY NEEED TO REVIEW YOUR DECISION!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • The song says it all Toby, your heart and soul standing up for what you believe in!! All of us true blue American Toby fans and every person I know who has heard "Courtesy of the Red White and Blue(Angry American)" loves it to pieces and belives in every word just like we believe in you!! I am so very proud of you everytime I hear this song, i want to cry, it gives me goosebumps and puts a ring in my heart!!!!Thask you for caring for all of us, and sharing your heartfelt lyrics and song so we may be inspired to the real meaning of being a Angry American!! God Bless you!!
  • Pat Hardin
    • Your Comments....
    • The 4th Of July is about being American. This song says it all.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • It's a shame that thousands of folks will no longer be watching ABC..myself included.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Keep on keepin' on Toby. I believe in you and what you have to say.
  • Jaye Morrell
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Mr. Jennings, you are sadly out of touch with the American public.
  • Samantha Spruill
    • Your Comments....
    • I personally think this song needs to become our new "National Anthem". Its time we stop playing around with other countries and stop telling them we are going to "put a boot in their ass" and actually do it.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • What ever happened to "support". Your station airs things a WHOLE lot more derogatory, arrogant and filthy than one line of probably the greatest song ever written by an american. This song only says what all other americans feel towards terrorism and those people that think they can "play" with America. This song just sends them the message that if they want to play, they had better play by the rules or suffer the consequences. Show everyone out there that you support not only our troops, but everyone who has ever done or said anything to back up American Pride, that you stand behind them too and let Toby Keith sing his song with all his heart on "your" show.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • You should be the proudest person on the face of this whole damn earth for writing that song. I get chills everytime I hear it and as soon as the CD comes out I will be right there to buy it. You are a bigger man than Peter Jennings will ever be just for saying what the rest of us AMERICANS have wanted to say for a long time.
  • Kayla G
    • Your Comments....
    • I have three grandfathers that served our country, one was a POW (WW2) and the other died in this same war........I feel very strong about this song....ABC is CRAZY!
  • Steve Weirup
    • Your Comments....
    • "Courtesy of the Red,White and Blue(Angry Ameircan" is exactly how I nad all of America feel!! July 4th is the birth of our Natuon and on 9/11 we were attacked, now if at isn't a good reason to be angry and write a good song I don't know what is!!he
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • If you really do read these messages I will be shocked!! A person in your position should have taken a few more minutes to really listen to Tobys song and really know what us True Americans feel now and felt on 9/11.Why would you not wnt all of American to hear Tobys song?? What is so bad about it?? Do you realize how many Americans love this song?? You may as well nix"God Bless American" while your at it...Hope you get some veiwers for that show because I know thousands of Oregonians who will not be watching, we shall be celebrating for America, in our own way!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • You are the man of the hour,Toby!! You had the guts & glory to sharing your song to a well receiving America here and overseas!!God Bless you!! Too bad some are blind to justice..I, for one ,am very proud of the song and proud of you!!
  • Anna Whitaker
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Love your music and this song is exceptionaly great!
  • Sherry Davis
    • Your Comments....
    • Toby Keith is only saying what President Bush said on 9/11 -- that the people responsible will pay the price for what they did
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Dear Toby, I just want to let you know that I am gushing with pride over how you have handled this controversy. You did not back down and let the whole thing go away and came out and told the truth about what happened. I love COTRWAB and what it stands for -- I know Mr. Covel is proud of you today. You always hear the phrase "it takes a big man to stand up for his convictions". I don't know Peter Jennings so I can't judge him personally but it does appear that either his convictions are misplaced or he is a little man. On the lighter side, I kinda want to thank him for bringing national attention to the song ;) God Bless America and God Bless you.
  • Emily Carl
    • Your Comments....
    • The Angry American is a song that I think almost every self-respecting American can understand. Sure we felt compassion & sadness for the lives lost but we are also angry at the terrorists and Toby Keith found a great way to release that anger!!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • get a clue!!!!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Don't let the people at ABC get you angry..they have no idea what they're talking about. American's love your song & we think you should be allowed to perform.
  • Randall Richardson
    • Your Comments....
    • Unbelieveable Decision !!!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • I will never watch your news show again
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Stand Tall - you've earned it !!
  • Jennifer Creighton
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Don't be a stuffed shirt, support your country
  • Jacqueline Dople
    • Your Comments....
    • I love the song. Its really hard for me to believe that this is even happening.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • You need to talk to Americans, this is how they feel.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • I LOVE THE SONG!
  • Elaine Creighton
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • I don't believe that you have the right censor what we hear. It's obvious that everyone loves this song.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, keep up the good work, I love this song. My father was in the Marines and did 3 tours of duty during Viet Nam. I'm proud of him and everyone who has fought for our country. I'm a Warrior and will continue to fight for you.
  • Rebecca Rickenbach
    • Your Comments....
    • It's a great song--at the heart of how American's are feeling!
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Pulling Toby Keith and Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue from the special is the ultimate un-american thing to do--oh, yea--your Canadian! Do you remember freedom of speech??
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Thanks for your song! The first time I heard it was at the US Naval Academy concert in November; barely 3 weeks after 9-11. What a wonderful tribute to all the men and women who serve our country, and risk their lives for our freedom. Keep up the great work and thanks for writing songs that get to the heart of the matter and not sacrificing your principles!
  • Jackie Fox
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Shame on you
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Good Job
  • Anna Belyeu
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • I love the angry american song. Just keep your faith and everything will come out ok for you.
  • Tommy Lent
    • Your Comments....
    • Peter, what will it take for you politically correct people in the media to realize that we are living in a different world since 9/11 and that we have to make certain sacrifices (maybe even risk offending some people) in order to maintain our status as the world's strongest, greatest democracy?
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Peter, what will it take for you politically correct people in the media to realize that we are living in a different world since 9/11 and that we have to make certain sacrifices (maybe even risk offending some people) in order to maintain our status as the world's strongest, greatest democracy?
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Peter, what will it take for you politically correct people in the media to realize that we are living in a different world since 9/11 and that we have to make certain sacrifices (maybe even risk offending some people) in order to maintain our status as the world's strongest, greatest democracy?
  • John Bellere
    • Your Comments....
    • Let Toby Sing
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Mr Jennings I thnk that Mr Keith should be able preform on the 4th of July special,and I be an American that was born on the 4th of july would love to hear Toby perform!!!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby I Know how you feel,my father was a veteran of ww2 and I was very angry about what happened on 9/11,and if anybody doesn't think we need to but a boot in his ass has a problem. I've been a fan of yours from the get go. So you keep makin the way you do, and I'll keep buying them!!!!
  • Lee Anne Short
    • Your Comments....
    • I want to see this song performed, it tells it like it is, many of us wavered between hurt, sorrow and anger on 9/11, we need a song that depicts the anger and supports our troops. They love it! Let's not let them down like we did Viet Nam.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Be a man and admit you were wrong
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Keep standing up for what you believe in, we're behind you!
  • Scott Edwards
  • Kristi Norris
    • Your Comments....
    • I think this whole mess is an outrage. Toby is a wonderful entertainer and this song is so patriotic and reflects how I feel about this country. Let him sing it..otherwise, no ABC for me.
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, hang in there and fight for what you believe is right. I stand behind you 100% no matter what...love you man!
  • Lorie
    • Your Comments....
    • The first time I heard that song, it absolutely got my blood flowing, (in a good way), because it speaks volumes of how so many Americans are feeling even 9 months later. Its like messin with baby bear Watch out for Mama Bear ! And this mama bear is pissed. Country listeners choose to listen to country music for many reasons but a main would be that the songs tell a story that most of us can relate to at some point in our lives. Tobys song is definitely one of those songs!! I love that song so much, I tell everyone I know about it. I played it for my kids and I really appreciate what it has done for them. My youngest son is 9 and when the towers went down, he had a hard time dealing with it and he was very scared for the longest time but after hearing that song, he felt better because I told him that we (USA) would not lay down and take it and this song says just that. He feels more secure because he sees that we are going to make things right. We need this song!
  • Kelly Weston
    • Your Comments....
    • It's no wonder why network TV ratings have been sliding since September. With all these self-hating apologists at the controls, it was only a matter of time. They picked the wrong guy to try to censor this time.
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • To ABC: You would be well advised to put a boot in Peter Jennings' ass. Why is this Canadian hosting a 4th of July show anyway? It really doesn't matter, because ABC doesn't air any shows that I watch anymore. My TV is tuned to CBS on the nights that I watch network TV because their shows are simply better. Personally, I think all of the networks are infested with liberal, politically correct nitwits; and I hope you all run them into the ground. To Peter Jennings: Go back to Canada you Socialist slug!
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, keep those hits coming. I've been a big fan of yours since 1992 and it's taken way too long for the Country Music community to recognize you as the superstar that you are. Thanks for supporting our military and writing this song.
  • Jennifer Miller
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Come on people, really! To find offense to such a great song? I think someone already has something up their ass!
  • Aimee Marcoux
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Alright, so the song may be controversial, but it sums up how all Americans felt in the aftermath of September 11th. Why not let Toby express his feelings ...afterall we have freedom speech, right?
    • Message for Toby Keith......
    • Toby, You absolutely Rock!! I have been a fan of yours for years and just love the fact that you wrote a song that expresses how most of us feel about the terrorist attacks. You should be able to sing this song on the 4th of July special so we can all rock with you!!!
  • Theresa
    • Your Comments....
    • I loved this song the first time I heard it. It's AWSOME and I am outraged by Peter Jennings. I think all of the other performers should boycott the show until Toby is re-invited. Or better yet a different network should host something similar and pull all of the performers to their show.
  • Tim Peoples
  • Gloria Ables
    • Message for Peter Jennings and ABC
    • Toby Keith is not a publicity-seeker. He wrote the song after his outrage of 9/11 and because it reminded him so much of his father. You do not ask someone to be on your TV special (not one that is honest and wouldn't hurt anybody) to be on your show and then yank them off. Toby just got back from a USO Tour and this is how he is treated. All because of the word a--!! What about all the rappers and Hank Williams Junior singing all over TV? This is a total injustice to Toby and his family.