When in doubt, don't sing

This is quoted from Camp Site Director Leslie Shanders. Why? See The birds may sing, but campers can't unless they pay up.

Let's blame it on capitalism (or maybe it's just greed?) Scouts can't sing "God Bless America" in camp any more unless they pay ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers). That's sad sad sad... (BTW, we were wrong when we camped and sang "Happy Birthday" at Yosemite. That's copyrighted too.)

Hey, maybe ASCAP did a good thing by encouraging everyone to write their own songs! More motivations for creativity!

[Update]It turns out the story was from 1996 and there was a followup: ASCAP Changes Its Tune; Never Intended to Collect Fees for Scouts' Campfire Songs, Group Says. Please read the 2nd part of the above link.

I wonder that was a truly sincere intention or merely a reaction when ASCAP saw the outrage against them.