Tom Petty up in arms over Michele Bachmann's use of 'American Girl'

• "Like anybody would be, I was very skeptical about using a love spell or any spell for that matter but I was absolutely shocked when my ex called me after I had you a spell cast on me which "return my lover" back to me.  It wasn't 24 hours that I had my spell cast that he came back to me (practically on his knees).  He broke up with me over a month ago and now we are happier than ever.  Thank you all!"  gbocotemple@yahoo.com

• I meant the above post as a reply to Pam Irwin but I must have made a mistake because it seems to have posted independently. 

• You are so good at hurling insults and isolating petty (no pun intended) little comments to prove a "point," that you MUST be right!  The entire nation should agree with you! Who cares how hideous we become as a result. And if people try to steer me with substance, I'll just refer them to your convincing post.  Thanks!

• I'm not weighing in on the topic of the article or the debate in the comments, but it's pretty hilarious how "self-assured" you are on a topic you clearly don't understand. I just googled "ASCAP jukebox", and this was the first result that came up for me: "The lawsuit results from the failure of Scott’s Vending and Scott A.Wachkowski to obtain permission prior to the performance on their jukeboxes of copyrighted music belonging to ASCAP's members."..." The infringed compositions on which the lawsuit is based are: “Foreplay” and “Long Time” by Tom Scholz, “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel, “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne" SEE WHAT HAPPENED THERE? TOM PETTY, NO LESS. Cover bands and clubs might not pay royalties, but that's because they're either unaware or they determine that the risk of being caught is low enough to take.

• Yo, Pam, self-assured, know-it all liberal,  copyright only protects the commercial use of a song.  Cover bands and the clubs that host them don't pay royalties;  on the other hand, tribute bands that exploit the connection with the real band are liable.

• Just read another article about it. They said "no", at first.... but then called the reporter back to say they'd consider it if she found a running mate named "Turner". ;) See? Sense of humour!

• I like where this is going

• ...unless you vote for Ron Paul

• So hows being a boring, condescending 40 something workin out for ya?

• So are all American Girls retarded then?

• Possibly. Us Canadians are usually known for our senses of humo(u)r!

• Why shouldn't he have the right to protect his intellectual property? 

• What's funniest about all the comments from the righties (besides how obvious it is that they're all 13 & failing their classes) is that they'd be screaming to high heaven on the other side of the argument if Nancy Pelosi had used a Ted Nugent song.... LOL. Just more proof that you have to be a certifiable moron, unabashedly hypocritical, & really, really ignorant to be a republican.

• Man, if you're gonna call me an idiot, try being METICULOUS in your response. Just saying. Having to correct yourself like that? LOL!

• Dude - you should only comment on things you actually know something about. Clubs that have bands that play cover songs pay a licensing fee that covers the royalties due to the songwriters. Bachmann using Petty's song in a NATIONAL campaign to further ideas he is opposed to is something that only he, as the composer, has the right to grant. It's funny how you righties worry so much about your rights being infringed upon but don't hesitate to steal someone else's rights.

• If anyone knows how I can contact Petty I'll give him the names other women that play his songs. Some men too. He should go after everyone playing his music. Except me of course... I quit listening to his songs long ago.

• spelling and grammar correction. The sentence should read: You might think that most of us don't know the song, etc.

• IDIOT! You might thin that most of don't know the song, but we do and the lyrics were NOT written about her. You liberal snarks just can't accept any woman as being conservative can you.

• Petty does have a point, that the song is his intellectual property and she should have asked permission. I like them both, but the same desire to here from Tom about politics as I do hearing Michele sing "Free Falling". BTW Just because Petty's Politics are misguided doesn't mean he is not still on of our Great American Rockers. For the Bachman innaguration party I will gladly play his music in background.  

• Now I know why your name is Petty, shut up and sing

• Sorry Tom, you are a disgusting piece of liberal trash. I used to like some of your songs when I was a pot smoking teenager. Then I grew up. Time you should do the same.. 

• now  i know Petty is "Petty" Liberal, progressive, is the most important thing to petty, what a waste

• Michele, just use 'Send in the Clowns' and be done with it.

• What year did you suffer massive head trauma that made you incapable of appreciating amazing music?    Maybe its hard to hear Tom's amazing songs with your head stuck up your own ass?    I feel for you.   The emotion you are supposed to feel listening to Tom Petty is endless joy.  Are you sure you haven't confused him with Richard Petty?  Nascar Driver?   It's a common mistake, Lil Wayne made it too. "I'm the Cash Money Makaveli, y'all ain't ready, break fast like Tom Petty, y'all just petty."

• Does Petty have any legal right to demand this?  I'm sure he feels that way, but aside from his feelings?  If so, perhaps Bachmann should send a note to whatever conglomorate owns Tom Petty and demand that they cease playing soundbites of her on their news outlets for the duration.   Petty is a whiny little man-slut who hasn't had a decent song or performance in decades.  A friend who absolutely loves Petty asked me to sit and watch a video of them on Austin City Limits or some such,  and it was like watching grandfather mix a cocktail.   A bunch of old geezers playing without real emotion, at about 3/4 tempo of songs that you've heard so many times they are only irritating noise at this point.   What a loser.

• you really think the guess who would let her use their song anymore than petty wants his used ??

• Thanks for the inspiration! Here are some other songs Bachmann could use: http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2011/06/michele_bachmann_campaign_songs.php

• I think this song is totally appropriate for Michelle. "God it's so painful when something that's so closeIs still so far out of reach"

• Isn't this song about a woman who commits suicide?

• Thou shall not steal.  Thou shall not bear false witness. Michele should try reading that Bible thing more and applying it to her own life.  

• I think she should use "American Woman" - the original version. I think she really embodies the spirit of the song. I mean, it's like it was WRITTEN ABOUT HER.

• Senator Bachman? Did I miss an election?

TotalComments: 32