Don Henley, watch out: Schlafly lays claim to the word `eagle'

That's the message from the iconic conservative activist, whose Alton-based Eagle Forum organization has been the vehicle for much of her activism, in a YouTube video Tuesday.

It essentially lays claim to the name of the bird that symbolizes, among myriad other things, a Boy Scout rank, a 1970s easy-listening rock band and, oh yeah, a certain sovereign nation-state.

“I am asking each one of you to contact me now, if you’ve been using my name, my image, my writings — of course, all of that is my personal property," Schlafly, who turned 92 this week, says in the video.

“And if you’ve been using my eagle as your logo, or if you’re using the word Eagle as part of the name of your organization — if you wish to continue to collaborate with me, by using my name, image, writings, or the eagle — I’m asking you to request my permission for your activities and your organization.”

Schlafly addresses her message to "those who consider yourself Eagles, who have been associated with me, or with any of our Eagle organizations." So that would appear to mean that Eagle Bank and Trust Co. of Missouri doesn't have to order new stationery after all. 

Even that narrower reading, of course, is likely to raise some objections, given how ubiquitous the eagle is in American symbolism.

"People recently have claimed the right to use her name and likeness and her intellectual property so she thought it best to clarify," Schafly spokesman Ed Martin explained in an email.

Okay, but the word "eagle"?

We're awaiting a response.

Schlafly and Martin have been on the same side of a fight for control of Eagle Forum against the organization's board, a conflict based in part on Schlafly's support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Schlafly recently published a book entitled, "The Conservative Case for Trump," with Martin listed as a co-author.