Outsports Discussion Board > 'USA Next' Misappropriated Couples' Image for Anti-Gay Ad Campaign

Full Version: 'USA Next' Misappropriated Couples' Image for Anti-Gay Ad Campaign

Outsports Discussion Board > Outsports > Politics & Religion

twin58

Feb 28 2005, 04:04 PM

Couple: Image Stolen for Campaign Against AARP

USANext is what the Swift Boat Liars have morphed into.

QUOTE

February 28, 2005 11:13 AM US Eastern Timezone

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2005--Conservative front organization USA Next was accused today of illegally using a gay couple's wedding photo in an anti-gay ad campaign supporting President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security.

The couple in the photo, Richard M. Raymen and Steven P. Hansen of Portland, Oregon, have come forward through an attorney to demand that USA Next stop using their image....

A copy of the ad can be viewed online here:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/2/21/164929/948
....

USA Next's ad campaign has generated heated debate about the organization. Raymen and Hansen have been the subject of hate-filled messages and ridicule as a result of the ad campaign, and have suffered a significant invasion of privacy.

\"We never signed up to be Harry and Louise for a hate-mongering group,\" Raymen said, referring to the fictional couple used in television commercials to scuttle then-First Lady Hillary Clinton's health care proposal. \"USA Next is illegally using our photo to portray us as a threat to American values. How would any citizen like having their image stolen and broadcast for the purpose of tarring our troops and suggesting that you're un-American?\"
....

Spokesman for Richard M. Raymen and Steven P. Hansen
John Aravosis, 202-232-5107
John@WiredStrategies.com

[ February 28, 2005, 03:10 PM: Message edited by: twin58 ]

wade n atlanta

Feb 28 2005, 07:12 PM

Even more right wing deviciveness from the Bush Supporters. All this hate built up in a groupp that is supposed to be Christian. USA Next is nothing more than a pack of liars and is bad news for anyone that believes that the doctrine they portray is good for this country now or at any time.

illini n milwaukee

Feb 28 2005, 09:14 PM

I didn't see them complaining about the AARP when they were on for Bush's prescription drug plan.

Funny they attack the AARP for gay marriage when the real issue is social security. To me that just says they have no argument against what AARP is saying about social security.

And I'd also like to hear from a republican on this board. Here a Republican group is using an anti-gay message to get support for their cause about a completely different subject. That's got to make you proud. And yeah, I know the AARP is not perfect, but attacking them for this is an absolute low-blow to gays and the issue at hand.

[ February 28, 2005, 08:17 PM: Message edited by: illini n milwaukee ]

MarcusF

Mar 2 2005, 12:12 PM

QUOTE

illini n milwaukee:
And I'd also like to hear from a republican on this board.

The silence is deafening, eh?

RazorbackTX

Mar 4 2005, 07:14 AM

QUOTE

illini n milwaukee:

And I'd also like to hear from a republican on this board.

They've been awful quiet lately, Im sure they all finally enlisted to help out in that war they so wanted.

gmginsfo

Mar 4 2005, 09:04 AM

Gee, when you guys want action, you want it NOW! Sorry, but I was occupied elsewhere - no, Monsieur LeRaze? - and didn't notice this thread. But as a GOPer, I disagree with both these tactics and would welcome the chance to represent the couple whose images were wrongfully misappropriated - that could bring in a nice big verdict!

I agree with Illini; even as an AARP member - we travel by steam engine, remember? - I have some differences with that group, but those differences are discrete. Would that EVERYONE separated not only the issues but fact from fiction as well!

jqueer

Mar 6 2005, 12:24 PM

QUOTE

gmginsfo:
but those differences are discrete.

Of course differences are discrete. That's what the "differnece" means. However, are they discreet?

Let's just call it a goose and gander thing.

twin58

Mar 10 2005, 06:18 PM

Whole bunch of legal stuff:

Judge grants Temporary Restraining Order against USA Next

QUOTE

Thursday, March 10, 2005

BREAKING NEWS: Judge grants Temporary Restraining Order against USA Next in anti-gay anti-AARP ad lawsuit
by John in DC - 3/10/2005 07:08:00 PM

UPDATE: You can find key legal documents in this case online here.

There was news today in the $25 million lawsuit of a gay couple whose image was stolen by USA Next and used in a high-profile ad campaign attacking the AARP’s position on social security legislation.

In Washington, DC today, US District Judge Reggie Walton (an appointee of President Bush (41)) granted the gay couple’s request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against USA Next. The TRO requires USA Next to cease and desist from further use of the couple's photos for any purpose. This is a big deal because it means the judge has found that the guys have reasonable likelihood of winning their case, and he also said he could see how they could get damages.
....

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