Midday Open Thread

• The ladies of Heart have contacted the McCain/Palin campaign and asked them to immediately cease and desist from using their song "Barracuda". A portion of the statement from Ann and Nancy Wilson:

  "Sarah Palin's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song 'Barracuda' no longer be used to promote her image. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."

  When will the Republicans and the McCain campaign begin respecting artists and copyright laws?  How many artists have to threaten and/or sue them before they stop ripping off their work?  I'd say it is time for them to "band" together and put a stop to it once and for all.

• Hurricane Ike remains a large, powerful Cape Verde type storm and may pose a serious threat to residents of Florida starting early next week. See Millwx's diary and the latest from Jeff Masters here. DS
• Meanwhile, residents in the Southeast are bracing for Tropical Storm Hanna, which could intensify to a hurricane before it hits land.
• Dana Milbank of The Washington Post examines the role of the "eastern media elite" at the RNCC.

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