Tim Robbins’ chill wind
: Tim Robbins spoke to the National Press Club yesterday and said:
In the 19 months since 9-11, we have seen our democracy compromised by fear and hatred. Basic inalienable rights, due process, the sanctity of the home have been quickly compromised in a climate of fear. A unified American public has grown bitterly divided, and a world population that had profound sympathy and support for us has grown contemptuous and distrustful, viewing us as we once viewed the Soviet Union, as a rogue state….
A chill wind is blowing in this nation. A message is being sent through the White House and its allies in talk radio and Clear Channel and Cooperstown. If you oppose this administration, there can and will be ramifications.
Well, Robbins’ appearance at a Bull Durham event in Cooperstown was canceled and I say that was stupid. I hate it whenever anyone tries to muzzle anyone else; it’s not democratic; it’s not American; it’s chicken. So, fine, one wimp did something stupid.
Robbins takes this and other fights and slights and argues that America is falling apart. He, too, goes too far. Free speech and our Constitution are hardly at peril.
It’s an argument, Tim. It’s a loud, spirited, and sometimes stupid argument. When you’re public and you’re choosing to be controversial you should expect people to argue. That’s just what makes us great.
Oddly, the only place I can find the transcript is at the right-wing WorldNetDaily (because they love making fun of Robbins). In it, Robbins also lamented:
: Where have all the Democrats gone? Long time passing, long time ago. (Applause.) With apologies to Robert Byrd, I have to say it is pretty embarrassing to live in a country where a five-foot-one comedian has more guts than most politicians.
Janeane? Guts? Not from what I’ve seen. She gets opposition and ends up whining just like you, Tim. And by doing so, you try to make yourselves the issue — rather than keeping your real issue front-and-center. You act just like what you are: self-centered celebrities.
It’s not about you, Tim.
