Derfner Whups Westboro

A few weeks ago, Joel Derfner, a NYC blogger, author, and composer exchanged a few emails with me about the Westboro Baptist Church's appropriation of USA For Africa's famine relief anthem, We Are The World, which the members of Fred Phelps' clan of crazies had performed on YouTube as "God Hates The World." Joel was incensed, naturally, and was curious about possible copyright violation.

Due to Joel's legwork, last week Warner/Chappel's legal department sent a cease-and-desist letter to Westboro and the video has been removed from YouTube, although many impassioned responses remain. Congratulations to Joel for winning this battle! Drop in on his blog and say thanks, y'all.

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