LITTLE PINK HOUSES FOR (SOME OF YOU) AND (FOR SURE) ME

Ever since Ronald Reagan used Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." without asking permission (or, apparently, even reading the lyrics about how a vet got screwed over by his country after returning from the war), it's been kind of funny how politicians from both sides of the fence (mainly republicans though) try to co-opt songs without regard to the rights of the author, and without regard to the song's message beyond the chorus.

Another favorite of mine was george w. bush's usage of the Foo Fighters song "Times Like These," which offended Dave Grohl to the point that he went on tour with John Kerry.

Now, John McCain, seemingly one of the less vile republican candidates, has been using some of John Mellencamp's songs, including "Pink Houses." Mellencamp - who was a John Edwards supporter and a longtime Democrat - wasn't having that. And with lyrics like "'Cause the simple man baby pays the thrills, the bills, the pills that kill." Was McCain even listening? Anyway, good for you John (Mellencamp).