Ok, this is ridiculous. I just read a Wired article about the fact that singer Jackson Browne is suing the Republican National Committee and John McCain.
The suit accuses the RNC of using Browne's 1977 hit, "Running on Empty," without permission in a McCain TV ad during the presidential campaign. A Los Angeles federal judge just ruled that, despite McCain's assertion that the RNC chose to use the song without his knowledge, McCain will remain as a defendant in the case.
Now, I fully believe in and support copyright protection for artists and musicians. And, I'm a big fan of Jackson Browne.
But, c'mon. Is this really about copyright issues? I suspect that Browne's motivation has little to do with protecting his intellectual property or any "damages" he may have suffered, and a everything to do with making a point. A political point. Clearly, an outspoken liberal like Browne does not want in any way to imply any affiliation with the Republican party. And maybe, just maybe, he wants to stick it to the Republicans and McCain one last time...
Who knows. But, my point is that this suit is silly and frivolous, and a big waste of time and money.
My suggestion to Browne: let it go, and go back to do what you do best -- making great music. And, let McCain get back to doing what he does best -- being mavricky.
Just my two cents.
Geo2
