"In the 19 months since 9/11, we have seen our democracy compromised by fear and hatred," he claimed. "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," Robbins continued, "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."
"Our ability to disagree and our inherent right to question our leaders and criticize their actions define who we are," Robbins argued. "To allow those rights to be taken away out of fear, to punish people for their beliefs, to limit access in the news media to differing opinions is to acknowledge our democracy's defeat."
Robbins called on those who agree or disagree with his anti-war stance to rise up against what he deems false patriotism.
"In this time when a citizenry applauds the liberation of a country as it lives in fear of its own freedom...when people all over the country fear reprisal if they use their right to free speech, it is time to get angry. It is time to get fierce," he continued. "Any instance of intimidation to free speech should be battled against. Any acquiescence to intimidation at this point will only lead to more intimidation."
What they call totalitarianism is the defeat of totalitarianism.
Robbins is really a good film director. His Bob Roberts and Cradle will Rock are very interesting stories of political corruptibility. But he is about the most boring actor in movies. He underplays everything to a mumble in drama and a mumble and half-smile in comedy. I saw about 30 seconds of this delivered on TV, and from an acting standpoint he got it all wrong. He was dis-invited by the Baseball Hall of Fame, and he'd have you believe he just left the dungeon.
No one is keeping these people from speaking, but they don’t like the lesson that words mean things. They are free to hate Bush and the war, but are surprised that someone might hate them for it. They want to live in the world where they are showered with praise for comparing Bush to the Soviet Premiere.
Robbins was joined by the head of the anti-war group, called WIN WITHOUT WAR. Utopianism! I'm waiting for: COOK WITHOUT FOOD, BREATHE WITHOUT AIR and WALK WITHOUT FEET.
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