John McCain Uses Medal Of Honor Music For Campaign

Here in the US it is difficult to go anywhere public and not somehow get sucked into a conversation about the the candidates running for President. Well John McCain released this commercial as a part of his campaign. Soon after it was released composer Christopher Lennertz started receiving calls and emails, regarding the use of his music that he wrote for Medal of Honor: European Assault. You see, he didn't authorize the use of his music, nor was he notified. Nothing illegal happened, because the composer had no rights to his music. However, he is not happy about the use of it, especially since he is for Obama, not McCain. You can read his statement below that he sent to GamePolitics.

"I have been receiving many emails and calls for the past week regarding the use of my music in a national television ad for John McCain's presidential campaign. The ad is called "Safe" and prominently features a track entitled "Casualties of War" that I wrote for Medal of Honor: European Assault. While I do not control the ownership of this piece, I am extremely disappointed its placement in this commercial. I did not authorize the use and was not made aware of the situation. Regardless of party affiliation of support, I would like to think that someone who believes in the American ideals of business and creativity like Sen. McCain supposedly does, would not want to disgrace or inflict any hardship or ill-will on the artists who create in this country by using their works to promote products and agendas which with they disagree.

As an American, I have the utmost respect and admiration for our troops and all of their sacrifices. In fact, much of the inspiration for my music in this piece came from having a grandfather who served this country honorably as an officer in World War II. I respect John McCain for his service to this country, both in the military and in Washington, but I do not and have never supported his candidacy nor his agenda for this country. I am dismayed that my music has been used to promote his platform and even more disappointed that a candidate who claims to be the best voice for American entrepreneurs and business owners in this troubled economy so flagrantly ignored the most basic values and tenents of copyright and intellectual property...

As an artist, business owner, and patriot, I proudly support Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States of America..."

[via kotaku]