We tried to warn screenwriter/producer Charles Casillo -- who recently told the press that his Dogs in Pocketbooks character is “a role obviously based on Lindsay Lohan” -- that Dina Lohan wasn't going to go easy on him, but we never expected him to fold so quickly.

The comedic movie features a “a bratty movie goddess in and out of rehab, in trouble with the law, and hounded by greedy agents, predatory paparazzi, off-the-wall stalkers and crazed media.” The role will be played by Lydia Hearst. But now, Casillo says that the reports about his character are “totally blown out of proportion.”

The Lohan family lawyer was quick to make veiled threats through the media following Casillo's comments about his character, saying that “they are again using [Lindsay’s] likeness without her being compensated.” Hints that legal action might be taken have been reported by TMZ.

Casillo has quickly backed down, saying that other starlets, including Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, also inspired his Lindsay Lohan-like character.

And we wish he wouldn’t. Casillo, nor anyone else, is at all obligated to pay Miss Lohan for the right to publicly spoof, satire or otherwise poke fun of her. Should compensation also be offered by every single cartoonist, songstress, artist and writer who has mocked - or extolled - figures like Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and Marilyn Monroe? Should every Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas pay a monthly stipend to Graceland? Should everyone who dressed up like Sue Sylvester last Halloween offer Jane Lynch money from their own pocket?

Unequivocally, no. Freedom of speech is a founding principle of the United States of America and one of the rights which the nation guards most closely. Have we not gone to war, many times over, in defense of that freedom around the world?

If the art of satire is illegal, then NBC is guilty -- a thousand times over -- of breaking the law. Saturday Night Live would long since be bankrupt (not to mention, off the air) if the show was forced to pay every single celebrity it has ever made fun of. Of the legendary figures and famous personalities who have been the subject of their own (rather unflattering) satirical movie, the list includes Agatha Christie’s famed detective Poirot (The Pink Panther), Kim Jong-Il the leader of North Korea (Team America), George W. Bush (American Dreamz) … and Jesus Christ, the savior of millions (Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter).

If Jesus Christ may be openly mocked in satire of all types, then we think any screenwriter is well within their rights to mock Miss Lohan -- and anyone else in her entourage who might make a good comedic target. We conclude with a video from Lil’ Bush, an animated comedy series that used the full names and likenesses of three United States Presidents - not to mention several of D.C.’s biggest political heavy-hitters - to create one heck of a great show. And, we maintain that Lindsay Lohan owes the estate of Marilyn Monroe monetary compensation for her own portrayals, satirical and otherwise, of the legendary actress -- if any court in the land even considers giving a lawsuit of this nature any amount of serious attention.