Fair use Fairey

I think that the iconic photo of Barack Obama created by Shepard Fairey, that virtually everyone in the United States knows, should be considered fair use. I think that he altered the photo to a significant enough effect. After all, the man who originally took the photo for AP did not recognize the photo. It is distinguished in it's self, and very unique. The parties have since reached what can be considered at least a timid agreement, and I am glad, because the hope image should be continually used. It appears that there is a good shot that the image, and other like it will begin to make a comeback in the 2012 elections. A creative commons type approach could of been helpful in alleviating some of the issues here, and I hope that AP and other organizations recognize the utility of art. It wouldn't of been possible for Fairey to create this image had it not been for his using the image. At the very least, monetary reinforcement could encourage AP to strike a deal with Fairey, and both parties will have come out on top.