mccain v. the DMCA
"Stifled
by Copyright, McCain Asks YouTube to Consider Fair Use"
The
McCain campaign's web video ads have been repeatedly either knocked
off YouTube or have had to be revamped for using excerpts of
television debate footage, and pop songs as soundtracks, without
negotiating for the rights first.
One of its highest profile hits on the web, "Obama Love," for
example, faced an embarrassing revamp in July when YouTube received
a DMCA take-down notice from The Warner Music Group. The campaign
had used Franki Valli's hit tune "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" as
the video's sarcastic soundtrack.
Hmm. How did McCain vote on the DMCA, again?
"U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 105th Congress - 2nd Session.
Question: On Passage of the Bill (S.2037 as amended )"
McCain
(R-AZ), Yea
So apparently the DMCA is great until it interferes with your
presidental bid, then
oh my gosh it's so strict! Fair use!
Fair use!
But we
believe it would consume few resources - and provide enormous
benefit - for YouTube to commit a full legal review of all
take-down notices on videos posted from accounts controlled by (at
least) political candidates and campaigns.
Because, hell,
screw everyone else, and copyright law in
general. We absolutely
have to be free to mock our
political opponents!