While other liberal musicians have taken to publicly whining about the McCain campaign using their songs at rallies, the songwriter behind Martina McBride's "Independence Day" -- which conservative radio host Sean Hannity uses as his radio program's theme song -- has decided to take royalties from the song to donate fund abortion provider Planned Parenthood in the Arizona senator's name.
Singer/songwriter Gretchen Peters has donated royalties from Hannity's air play of the McBride hit to liberal activists groups such as MoveOn.org and Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
From her Web site:
When Sean Hannity began using Gretchen Peters' song "Independence Day" as the theme song for his Citadel Broadcasting radio talk show, Peters quietly stepped up her donations to causes including the ACLU, PFLAG, and Moveon.org.
But when the GOP used "Independence Day" to usher Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin to the stage after the debate in St. Louis, Peters realized the party was truly perverting the chorus of her composition to suit their agenda and it was high time for Peters to make her feelings known.
"Independence Day," written by Peters, was a hit for country singer Martina McBride in 1994. The lyrics tell the story of a woman's response to domestic abuse from the point of view of her daughter.
"The fact that the McCain/Palin campaign is using a song about an abused woman as a rallying cry for their Vice Presidential candidate, a woman who would ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest, is beyond irony," Peters says. "They are co-opting the song, completely overlooking the context and message, and using it to promote a candidate who would set women's rights back decades. I've decided to donate the royalties from 'Independence Day' during this election cycle to Planned Parenthood, in Sarah Palin's name. I hope with the additional income provided by the McCain/Palin campaign, Planned Parenthood will be able to help many more women in need."
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Another example of why we
October 9, 2008 - 11:46 ET by PeskyDaneAnother example of why we need to keep the children away from the dangerous toys. (Carrier groups, brigade bombat teams, the FBI, etc).
Sounds like Hannity needs
October 9, 2008 - 11:49 ET by dvdaughtrySounds like Hannity needs to call up Uncle Ted and change the theme song to "Cat Stratch Fever".
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
dvd,
October 9, 2008 - 13:48 ET by HillbillyKingI'd vote for Stranglehold. ;-}
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
Or Maybe
October 9, 2008 - 18:34 ET by JoelCTStormtroopin'.
The opening notes of that tune will make everyone sit up and take notice. Hmm... it might make my dad turn it off, though. Maybe not.
Hannity is indirectly financing Planned Parenthood?
October 9, 2008 - 11:49 ET by lotrSo, given these revelations, is Hannity going to discontinue use of this song?
And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Hmm
October 9, 2008 - 11:51 ET by ammo johnWhy does this not surprise me coming from the music industry?
Ms Peters wrote "Independance Day"
October 9, 2008 - 11:57 ET by IamTinmanThe royalties belong to her and she has every right to spend them wherever she wants. That's the whole idea of a democracy.
On the other hand as long as the McCain campaign pays the fees they can use the song however they want.
File this one under "that's the way the system is supposed to work". Either one may not like it but life is seldom the way we like it.
Gretchen must be so proud,
October 9, 2008 - 12:07 ET by USA4freedomGretchen must be so proud, so little money and time and so many babies to kill.
Has Gretchen made a hit in a while? Just wondering, its like: Hey, Hey over here!! Someone look! I matter!! I need someone to buy my CD’s!! Look, Look, Look I’m political!!!
Remember Barry Manilow and the view???
http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/09/18/barry-manilow-writes-the-songs-but-wont-sing-them-on-the-view/
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
hypocricy
October 9, 2008 - 12:18 ET by ArcherBAnd it is our right to point out the hypocricy of it all.
The song is about a mother in a small town burning down her house, killing her wife beater husband.
Democrats are going after Palin for wanting to fire a trooper, that among other things, was a wife beater. Democrats are siding with the wife-beater.
So, in conclusion:
This woman who wrote a song about killing a wife-beater is supporting groups that are defending a wife-beater!
"To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary."
--Ernesto "Che" Guevara
Hehehe
October 9, 2008 - 15:02 ET by mvfreemanExcept that those groups aren't defending his wife beating.
That's like saying Hannity supports abortion because he pays royalties to this woman. ( Although in a way he is.)
BTW it's hypocrisy.
;)
I think its time Hanny Pie and McCain found another tune.
October 9, 2008 - 12:04 ET by R D HelmThere are just too many great songs out their they could use for themes.
Why be indirectly supporting two America-hating organizations like Moron.org and Planned Murderhood, when it isn't necessary?
-Dave
TWENTY SIX DAYS TO GO...Before the government-educated voters engage
in the ultimate act of celebrity worship and turn the future of liberty
and freedom over to Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama. - Neal Boortz
Better song
October 9, 2008 - 12:07 ET by LionKingHow about this song?
good pick Lion, I dont think
October 9, 2008 - 12:11 ET by USA4freedomgood pick Lion,
I dont think I have ever heard that song and my eyes dont water up.
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Excellent idea, LionKing...
October 9, 2008 - 12:19 ET by PrairieSkyI have always loved that song. That would be a great choice!
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
LK, that would be perfect.
October 10, 2008 - 01:08 ET by R D Helm-Dave
If this nation is to be saved, it will be libertarian principles that save it.
people who don't share your views are america haters? haha
October 9, 2008 - 19:18 ET by abeautifulpersonsince the majority of people in creative fields are left leaning, it will continue to be the situation that conservatives depend on them.
some creative/left leaning folk completely whore themselves out to the highest bidder. most draw various lines in the sand (as this woman does) and some refuse to play the game altogether.
don't start scrutinizing every creative person's politics and motivations or conservatives might find themselves banging two rocks together for music (or possibly twanging a country gitter).
since the majority of
October 10, 2008 - 02:22 ET by Dan The Man 2since the majority of people in creative fields are left leaning - must be a defective gene in them, I'm sure that modern science can iron this out given time. You are really that ignorant?
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Dan the Man
October 10, 2008 - 08:07 ET by lotrI know -- it boggles the mind, does it not? Thanks for not letting this elitist dung go unanswered.
This arrogance personifies that of the so-called "artistes" in question, who are too self-absorbed to notice that their leftist political delusions are ironically financed by the "capitalist establishment. "
Yet another reason why Hannity (hope he's reading this) needs to take his business elsewhere...
And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Banging Two Rocks
October 10, 2008 - 08:40 ET by misterbee241Banging two rocks together is about what music is today. Consider rap and hip hop. And country music is no longer country or music.
I dont think Hannity understood the context of the song, he liked the lyrics.
And I dont depend on any of the no-talent "creative" artists out there today.They can do what they want with their money - it's still a free country for a little while yet. And I'll spend my money where I think best. That's MY right.
And I noticed Gretchen was ok getting money from Hannity to give to the abortion industry. Talk about a whore.
So much money floating around the entertainment industry
October 9, 2008 - 12:06 ET by Paul AtreidesI'm all for the entertainment industry, and it alone, being taxed to pay for the programs that liberals hold so dear.
Maybe they can do without a few overpriced novelties, yachts, limos, award-show parties, etc., for their favorite causes.
Sounds like Sean needs...
October 9, 2008 - 12:15 ET by PrairieSkyto go new theme song shopping...Fast...
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
I'd like to know how much the royalties are...
October 9, 2008 - 12:17 ET by bloolooThe royalty rates are greatly reduced when someone uses only a portion of a particular song. It also depends on the market... When DJ's/talk show hosts use someone's music as a bumper on radio, if they use less than 15 seconds, they can avoid almost ALL royalties... Hannity once had a problem with the song he uses on his radio show by Bruce Hornsby. Hornsby said he wished he would stop using it, but, the fact is, anything that's out in the public domain is fair to use if you pay the royalties. Radio stations keep daily logs of what is played and for how long to make their payments to ASCAP and BMI. While a performer or a songwriter may not get rich off of these royalties, they sure as hell are getting some incredible exposure! You can't put a price tag on that!
"Hey Sean, can I write you a song??"
"I might be movin' to Montana soon..." - FZ
"Whining?"
October 9, 2008 - 12:19 ET by j. frank wilsonYou state "...liberal musicians have taken to publicly whining about the McCain campaign using their songs at rallies..."
Why should artists have any say in how their work is being used? Since when is standing up for yourself "whining?"
We haven't heard about any conservative artists complaining about progressives utilizing their work - perhaps because they haven't produced any worthy of being used?
To my knowledge the McCain
October 9, 2008 - 12:35 ET by Ken ShepherdTo my knowledge the McCain campaign has always paid the appropriate fees to the music labels which own rights to the songs. So the issue of having "any say" is moot. Their music is owned by the label which is free to distribute it as it sees fit. And no one in their right mind thinks that just because a politician uses a song by a musician that that musician backs that politician.
j. frank wilson
October 9, 2008 - 12:46 ET by lotrWhy should lawful patrons have any say in how their money is being used? I strongly recommend that Mr. Hannity take his business elsewhere (else I may consider taking my business elsewhere). There are plenty of alternatives.
Regarding your last comment: The greatest masterpieces of music were written centuries before these narcissistic pop-folk mediocrities were born. And I can assure you, these works of music eternal were not pathetic diatribes about inane neoliberalism.
And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all. -- Edgar Allan Poe
see my comments above
October 9, 2008 - 19:21 ET by abeautifulpersoni totally agree.
liberals have tons of material to choose from.
conservatives seem to have to dig through the dollar bin at the CD shop and STILL they keep getting artists telling them to stop.
michael franti, you rawk.
Please Mr. Shepherd I'm begging all at Newsbusters please!!!
October 9, 2008 - 12:50 ET by Lame CherryPlease Mr. Shepherd, I'm begging all of the fine editors at Newsbusters to use the big X over these liberal women as their saggy old cleavage is making me almost puke.
Yesterday there was old boobs Joy Behar with them scrunched up looking like her second and third head down her shirt. I don't want to see old boobs ok and I'm pleading for a Paint Shop Pro big X over their cleavage.
It is just too much to take. You have on the site beautiful models selling t shirts, good looking Conservative women and then WHAM here comes that old liberal boob cleavage whacking people in the face.
The last thing I want to see are these trolling old nags who hate men and can't get one making intrusions into my play time. They are begging for Keith Olbermann's attention for some lewd comment and he doesn't want their old cleavage either.
X marks the spot, so please so readers do not have to sit her frowning and keeping from up chucking use it.
Thank you sincerely.
http://lamecherry.bl...
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
I agree LC
October 9, 2008 - 13:24 ET by FOXFANI too am not a fan of the "fried egg hanging on a nail" look.
Well that's not sexist at
October 9, 2008 - 16:42 ET by balboaWell that's not sexist at all...
Bigtimer?
It is just too much to
October 9, 2008 - 18:46 ET by general companyIt is just too much to take. You have on the site beautiful models
selling t shirts, good looking Conservative women and then WHAM here
comes that old liberal boob cleavage whacking people in the face.
Funniest thing I ever read hear. Sexist, maybe, but definetly funny.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
there is nothing uglier
October 9, 2008 - 19:26 ET by abeautifulpersonthan some stunned girl wearing a shirt that says I'D RATHER BE WATERBOARDING.
perhaps they should round these twits up and waterboard them. see if its true. while i consider controlled drowning someone a form of torture, with these bimbos. i'd make an exception.
don't get mad at me, THEY are the ones wearing the shirts.
Does that mean you would rather
October 9, 2008 - 19:41 ET by general companyBahr as your pin up girl? Not only that, but the shirt say's "I would rather be Waterboarding" not waterboarded? Their is a difference, in fact it maybe those young woman who are doing the rounding up, if you know what I mean.
edit http://www.thoseshir...
Get your self a cool shirt,
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
boa... Hypocrisy. Noel's
October 9, 2008 - 19:30 ET by bigtimerboa...
Hypocrisy.
Noel's blogpost...
You remember.
..this is not the same thing we were talking about last night.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
But it's sexist, no?
October 9, 2008 - 19:36 ET by balboaBut it's sexist, no?
um....
October 9, 2008 - 12:50 ET by candanceThe song isn't even about Independence Day - it's about a woman who murders her husband in the name of self defense. Hannity should have known it was written by a liberal.
Time for him to find a new song.
Actually the song is very
October 9, 2008 - 12:52 ET by Ken ShepherdActually the song is very ambiguous. The house is aflame but we don't know if the husband was murdered or if the house was just set ablaze or if the woman killed herself in the conflagration.
Time for a new theme song
October 9, 2008 - 12:56 ET by greenfairieHannity knows many singer/songwriters who support him. Get Ted Nugent or his old buddy Charlie Daniels to whip a new song.
Excellent idea gf...plus
October 9, 2008 - 13:00 ET by bigtimerExcellent idea gf...plus you can throw in Rich from Big&Rich...he can whip up a song in a minute, also Lee Greenwood...(I think I have that name right)
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
i'm glad that peters is
October 9, 2008 - 12:59 ET by right of wayi'm glad that peters is doing this. maybe this will force hannity to choose a different song for his show, because i am sick of that song! i even tune in at :08 after the hour, (his show starts at :06) at the beginning of the show so i don't have to listen to it. plus this song is about a bad relationship, not about independence day, but it gets played on every country radio station every 4th of july, go figure.
Something wrong about this thinking...
October 9, 2008 - 13:16 ET by c5thenComplaining that her song about a woman who escapes from an abusive relationship is used for political purposes and then donating the royalties to PP so that they can kill more babies???!!!!
Yeah, that shows real concern for women, not to mention babies.
What she says.
October 9, 2008 - 13:21 ET by KarmaLet freedom ring, let the white dove sing, let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning, let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong roll the stone away, let the guilty pay, it’s independence day.
What she believes.
Let Gretchen sing, let the white glove wring, let the whole world know that today is a day of butchering, let the weak be torn, let no dove be born, throw the bones away, let the guilty stray, there'll be no judgement day.
Re: What she says
October 9, 2008 - 18:36 ET by Vivaldi5Love it, Karma! :)
"Let abortion ring!"
October 9, 2008 - 15:55 ET by SickofLibs"Let abortion ring!"
Ditch it, Sean.
The charity of Sean's choice-----
October 9, 2008 - 15:57 ET by Roscoe MendagoOK, don't wait another second, change the theme song. Well, did you come up with one, now wasn't that easy. I bet there will be a bunch of donated songs from a boat load of singers and think of the props that can be thrown around, and royalties donated to a charity of Sean's choice.
OK, now that that is out of the way, back to the regular programing.
Time to
October 9, 2008 - 17:02 ET by jsteve2xput that song in the can. Hannity needs to drop it.
I think a better idea is for
October 9, 2008 - 18:13 ET by USA4freedomI think a better idea is for Sean, match her money to anti abortion, anti gay, etc.
Then still play her music to piss her off..
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Great idea USA, but also
October 9, 2008 - 18:48 ET by general companyGreat idea USA, but also have some one else "cover" it so we are not reminded of her at all.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Lost Me On This One
October 9, 2008 - 18:32 ET by JoelCT“Exposing & Combating Liberal Media Bias”
I'm sorry Ken, I usually enjoy your posts, but you lost me on this one. What does this have to do with the purpose of this blog? I mean it is kind of interesting in a "huh." kind of way, but can you explain the reason we find it here?
Sean time for a new theme song
October 9, 2008 - 20:06 ET by BlueCat57I regret buying the song off iTunes. The only good part is the part that Sean uses. I should have stolen it from a file sharing site like the liberals do.