ASCAP and BMI should not be allowed to demand licensing fees from parodies of popular music, movies, ads or literature. The Supreme Court of the United States has previously ruled in favor of parody as Fair Use, a doctrine provide by the first amendment of the United States Constitution, and a right that if not upheld, threatens free speech and our right to criticize, comment and present artistic alternative opinions of pop culture, the government and other entities including ASCAP, BMI and the RIAA themselves. It is unreasonable to ask a parodist to pay to criticize, parody or satire pop work so long as it can not be seen as a substitute to the original, I propose that parody be more clearly defined as a protected use under the Fair Use Doctrine; under federal law in order to protect parodists and comedians who cannot afford to fight organizations such as ASCAP and BMI from strong arm tactics. The 2 Live Crew case must be adhered, ASCAP and BMI must stop crossing the line, and should have to abide by the constitution of the United States.

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