One of the more disturbing aspects of the McCain campaign was the illegal use of music created by artists who had very essential differences with the Republican party.  Jackson Browne, a long-time liberal, went to law to correct unauthorized use of his 1978 hit, “Running On Empty.” The Federal courts have jurisdiction, and the issue is First Amendment rights.

The case is now cleared for trial, after a Federal judge denied motions by the Republican party to have the case dismissed. Jackson has passed the first hurdle.  The outcome will set a legal precedent for the rights of politicians to appropriate works of art without the permission of the creator of the work, as if somehow politicians are above the law.