Canadian rock icons Rush have issued a cease and desist letter against notorious rich wing demagogue Rush Limbaugh. While radio programs are usually allowed to use music without seeking specific permission, the band argues that Limbaugh's use of the music is for "political purposes" which is not covered by the blanket license afforded to broadcasters. The band issued a letter including this:

The use of Rush's music in this way is an infringement of Rush's copyrights and trademarks. The public performance of Rush's music is not licensed for political purposes and any such use is in breach of public performance licenses and constitutes copyright infringement. In addition, the use of Rush's music in this manner implies an endorsement of the views expressed and products advertised on the show, and is in breach of not only copyright and trademark rights, but also, of section 51 of the New York Civil Rights Law. Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of Rush's music and confirm that you will do so.

Limbaugh has been hard to miss these past few days, after he called a college student a "slut" and "prostitute" for suggesting that birth control should be covered by private health insurance programs. Many musicians have objected to the use of music by right wing politicians and broadcasters, including Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Jackson Browne and more. Of course, they can always use Ted Nugent songs.