Cr-AP-py

Well, so much artistic freedom.

The Associated Press is suing Shepard Fairey, a street artist from Los Angles known for his Obama campaign poster and USA network’s “Character of the year”, for copyright infringement.

It was a double-take for anyone in the artistic community. The poster was based off an AP photo of Obama shot during the past election season. But looking at the photo, there are minor differences, which should free Fairey of any liability.

For one, the head is cocked differently. The photo had his head tilted lower than the “Hope” poster portrayed our President. Two other differences, which may not hold up in court, are different color ties and a background devoid of the American flag, placed prominently in the AP photo.

What’s this world coming to? The AP is only suing because they’re upset he’s making money off of this. Last time I checked, and it was in the original article, it was a campaign contribution with little stipend. If there is no profit, there is no problem.

The AP is making way to big of deal out of this. American’s top used news wire is acting like a petty child. Do you want your blankey too, as this all gets sorted out?

But what’s next? Will comics get sued from any major publication for basing their jokes off a story written by another author? If so, Leno, Letterman and Conan are all in for a big surprise after this suit is over.

Between the three of them, based off the amount of time they’ve been on the air and the networks profits from advertising during their programs, the national debt could be paid off and the country’s economic crisis could be over.

It’s a strike to any one who is, was or wants to be an artist. Shame on you AP.

But maybe, just maybe, Fairey will reap sweet poetic justice.