Take out the tiny violin for NOM, beaten back by heartland musician John Mellencamp, whose publicist sent Brian and Maggie a smackdown for using one of his songs at NOM’s hate rally. (Prop 8 Trial Tracker):

I heard NOM playing Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses” during their rally in Madison, WI.

A contact with John Mellencamp’s publicist confirmed my suspicion. Not only had NOM not received permission to use the recording, but John Mellencamp does not want his music associated with NOM. In fact, John Mellencamp stands solidly with us – on the side of equal rights. Thank you, Mr. Mellencamp, for your support!

…Of course, this is just more of the same from the National Organization for Marriage. They’ve repeatedly used the music of artists who are not interested in being associated with NOM’s discriminatory message. They consistently lie about being oppressed, trying to take the role of victim, blaming the very people they’re oppressing. They’ve even attempted to co-opt the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., claiming that their perverted idea of civil rights somehow makes them his “natural heirs.”

So Brian Brown, I have a few questions for you: What other music have you used without permission? How many people do we need to contact for public disclaimers before you realize that these artists whose music you exploit want no part of your bigoted message?

Surf over to read the publicist’s letter to NOM.