Anti-war activist Tim Robbins says his freedom violated by baseball snub

AFP ^ | Apr 11, 2003 | AFP

[jern]

Anti-war activist Tim Robbins says his freedom violated by baseball snub Fri Apr 11, 8:40 PM ET Add Entertainment - AFP to My Yahoo!

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - US actor Tim Robbins (news) said that Baseball's Hall of Fame had violated his freedom of expression by scrapping a screening of one of his movies because he publicly criticized the US-led war in Iraq (news - web sites).

The actor and his Oscar-winning partner Susan Sarandon (news) had been invited to attend the 15th anniversary screening of their 1988 baseball movie "Bull Durham" at the New York-based Hall of Fame later this month.

"I was dismayed that the Baseball Hall of Fame decided to use this event to make a political statement," Robbins, 44, said in a statement in which was supported by his pal and "Bull Durham" co-star Kevin Costner (news).

"It is using what power it has to infringe upon my rights of free speech with the hope to intimidate millions of others who disagree with our president," Robbins said in a stinging riposte.

The Hall of Fame's move "dishonors the words 'patriotism' and 'freedom' and disrespects the men and women who have fought wars to keep this nation a place where one can freely express their opinion without fear of reprisal or punishment," he said.

Robbins and Sarandon are among the most visible Hollywood stars to vocally oppose US President George W. Bush (news - web sites)'s attack on Iraq at a time when media speculation is rife over whether high-profile anti-war activists will be punished by Hollywood for views that some Americans feel are unpatriotic.

The pair have led a clutch of US anti-war demonstrations and at last month's Oscar, both war peace badges and flashed peace signs when arriving at the war-muted ceremony.

Robbins received a letter from the Hall of Fame's president, Dale Petroskey, who was on the White House staff during the presidency of Ronald Reagan (news), stating that his public views on the war represented a danger.

"Public figures have platforms much larger than the average American's, which provides you an extraordinary opportunity to have your views heard -- and an equally large obligation to speak and act responsibly," he wrote.

"We believe your very public criticism of President Bush at this important -- and sensitive -- time in our nation's history helps undermine the US position, which could put our troops in even more danger."

Kevin Costner came to the couple's defence saying that freedom of speech was one of the key democratic rights that America battled to ensure.

"I think Tim and Susan's courage is the type of courage that makes our democracy work," he said. "Pulling back this invite is against the whole principle about what we fight for and profess to be about."

The Baseball Hall of Fame tribute to "Bull Durham" had been scheduled for April 26 and 27 in Cooperstown, New York, and Robbins, Sarandon and the movie's director Ron Shelton (news) were scheduled to speak at the event.

Shelton rallied to support arch-liberal Robbins, branding the Hall of Fame's move "ridiculous."

"Baseball is the great American game of language and dissent -- and 'Bull

Durham' is merely a story that tries to connect us," he said in a statement.

[COURAGE]

"These cowards have no morals. They have no shame about lying"

[Support Free Republic]

Attention!

Our troops give so much of themselves, and we all benefit from their efforts.

The next time you look at your bank balance, why not find some way to take some money and put it towards supporting the members of our armed services in some way? Maybe find a family who has someone serving, and buy them dinner, or some groceries, or a gift for their children? Maybe find a way to contribute to a fund for the memory of any of those who have fallen? Our armed forces deserve our support in tangible ways.

[MinuteGal]

Hmmmm, do I smell a law suit coming on?

Defamation of character or something like that?

Leni

[corkoman]

wanna little cheese with that WHINE?!?!?

[3AngelaD]

No one's impeding their freedom of speech. It's clear to all involved that they haven't shut up for weeks. We are just exercising our Consitutional right to scorn their half-baked ideas.

[spodefly]

"It is using what power it has to infringe upon my rights of free speech with the hope to intimidate millions of others who disagree with our president," Robbins said in a stinging riposte.

Somehow, despite an excellent performance in Shawshank Redemption, he just doesn't seem to be able to pull off the victim role in real life. He's better when someone else is writing the lines.

[McGavin999]

So, the Hollywood left finally understand that misuse of a public forum isn't right. Hmmmmmm, do you think they might get the connection? They've been using EVERY public forum for months and they scream bloody murder just because the rest of us are sick to death of hearing about it.

Who gave them the right to demand they be invited to a private place?

[TxBec]

"I was dismayed that the Baseball Hall of Fame decided to use this event to make a political statement," Robbins, 44, said in a statement in which was supported by his pal and "Bull Durham" co-star Kevin Costner (news).

hey..don't THEY have free speech too, Tim?

[Reaganwuzthebest]

US actor Tim Robbins (news) said that Baseball's Hall of Fame had violated his freedom of expression by scrapping a screening of one of his movies because he publicly criticized the US-led war in Iraq

Why does Robbins have a right to his free speech but the Baseball Hall of Fame doesn't? Not showing the movie is their way of disagreeing with him.

Sounds like a typical liberal to me.

[AnonGuy]

Tim,

Explain this to me: Your statements get worldwide
circulation; millions more hear about them because
they are so offensive. And your rights of free speech
are being infringed -- how??

Face it, Tim. Your ideas have gotten massive
circulation around the marketplace of ideas.
And people just aren't buying.

[Let's Roll]

Isn't there something in the Constitution about freedom of association? Isn't Robbins saying we - in this case the Baseball HoF - have to associate with him whether we want to or not?

[Paladin2]

He's free to stand on any street corner and let those who want to listen hear what he has to say.

[TxBec]

I said it first :)

[Mr. Mulliner]

"I think Tim and Susan's courage is the type of courage that makes our democracy work,"

How can it be construed as courage if the only consequence of exercising your free speech is a drop in popularity -- and then you try to protest even that? What whiners!

[IronJack]

media speculation is rife over whether high-profile anti-war activists will be punished by Hollywood for views that some Americans feel are unpatriotic.

I don't think Hollywood should punish them. I think that pleasure should be reserved for the people they've offended. Any gesture Hollywood makes would be done for strictly business reasons. Who needs 'em?

[TopQuark]

"I was dismayed that the Baseball Hall of Fame decided to use this event to make a political statement," Robbins, 44, said in a statement

Was he equally dismayed when Moore used the Oscar ceremony?

[maxwell]

violated his freedom of expression

[snicker] I am [snortle] deeply [guffaw] saddeneBWAAHAHAAAAAAA...

[jd777]

keep this nation a place where one can freely express their opinion without fear of reprisal or punishment,"

Unreal. Sure, it's okay for dr. laura to get thrown off the air, but when Robbins gets disinvited from the Baseball hall of fame, all of a sudden he thinks the KGB is knocking at his door...

[The Westerner]

In Hollywood, how many Republicans are DAILY silent for fear of never working again?? Only the top, top tier of actors can reveal that they do not agree with Tim Robbins. Maybe he needs to take a look in his own messy yard.

[Scothia]

Haven't liked Robbins or Costner and never could stand Sarandon. She's the only actress I know who could make Marmee March smug.

I think TR & SS are using this to shore up their sagging careers. When the box office drops next time, they'll say it was because we persecuted them. Despicable.

[smith288]

Tim tim tim...

Freedom of speech has no quarentees of being accepted. No govt involvement Timmy... Its all private orgs and people voicing their displeasure with your harboring views of Saddam.

[Ol' Sparky]

Where was Robbins and his cronies when Major League Baseball punished John Rocker for expressing himself?

[judgeandjury]

The Hall of Fame's move "dishonors the words 'patriotism' and 'freedom' and disrespects the men and women who have fought wars to keep this nation a place where one can freely express their opinion without fear of reprisal or punishment," he (Robbins) said.

Yes, without fear of reprisal or punishment from our government, not from your fellow citizens, you lame-brained Liberal.

[nothingnew]

"It is using what power it has to infringe upon my rights of free speech with the hope to intimidate millions of others who disagree with our president," Robbins said...

SOS by the same SOSH...don't they just love the sound of their whiny voices? Guess they can't handle the fact that most everybody is GD tired of their crap...oh well.

FMCDH

[fightinJAG]

And just where did this pinhead complain that he had been denied his freedom of speech? From behind a podium at the National Press Club. Oh, yes, you and I get our turns at the podium and massive press coverage all the time.

[Windcatcher]

Or Dr. Laura...remember how hard they tried to drive her off the air?

Shoe's on the other foot, Tim. How's it feel?

[WorkingClassFilth]

"He's better when someone else is writing the lines."

Don't forget that in Hollywood, it is odds-on likely that somebody also has a fist and forearm up his nether regions routinely as well. Like the puppet he is, his essence belongs to someone else.

Harvey Fierstein: "Say good night to all of the nice people, Timmy..."

Timmy: "Good night to all of the nice people, Timmy."

[F.J. Mitchell]

THese Communist SOB's can rant until hell freezes over, that is their right. Everyone else has the right to ignore them and quit buying the product they sell. No entity can be forced to provide a platform for them to orate their BS from.

Go to hell! Hollywood. The least essential commodity that American's have been wasting money on, is Movie tickets and the purchase of DVD's and Tapes. You clowns don't own the circus or the circus fans-There is nothing on earth less marketable than clowns who start taking themselves seriously. Except for Clowns who use us as the stooges in their skits, designed to amuse and abet our enemies.

[Lorianne]

Don't worry Tim, the beauty and the sublime symmetry of our beloved First Ammendment is beyond the ken of many people. You are not alone.

Hint: The word "free" in free speech doesn't NOT denote freedom from any and all consequences.

[cinFLA]

Jump to MSNBC RIGHT NOW. DC Freeper on Scarborough Country.

[Windcatcher]

You should send that comment to O'Reilly. That's one of the best rebuttals I've seen yet.

[gueroloco]

Message to liberals:Fork You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cinFLA]

Jump to MSNBC RIGHT NOW. DC Freeper on Scarborough Country.

Christian? Morris

[Jon Geb]

I saw it.

[gueroloco]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lady Eileen]

bump

[The Wizard]

You see Timmy, the door swings both ways......ask the dixie chicks, they're toast.

[cinFLA]

Joe was my congressman till he "retired". :-) or :-(

I am not sure ... But he has a great show now.

[optimistically_conservative]

Can someone explain to me how a populist rebuke of someone by exercising our right to expression and association (by individuals and/or private organizations) is against the principles that makes our democracy work?

Can someone explain to me why there is no outrage when a U.S. Senator attempts to infringe on the free speech rights of private citizens (i.e., Nov. 2002 Daschle v. Limbaugh, et. al., and 1995 Clinton v. Limbaugh), but when private citizens and organizations speak and act constitutionally against other private citizens in the marketplace of ideas - that's McCarthy-ism?

Can someone please explain to the Op/Ed idiots that "actors" for whom fame and popularity are economic factors in their careers stand up on stage to express protected "unpopular" political speech, their fame and popularity is not protected and they act (or should) with full knowledge of the risk they take.

I'm tired of this collective whining by the Hollywierd/Media/Sports elitists - but if it is going to be written about, perhaps someone could do a decent job of pointing out the triviality of Robbins complaint and the fact he brought it upon himself.

[mdittmar]

Must be a bitch being an agent trying to babysit these bozo's and watching them throwing money down the toilet.lol, I love it.

[cinFLA]

Can someone explain to me how a populist rebuke of someone by exercising our right to expression and association (by individuals and/or private organizations) is against the principles that makes our democracy work?

It's just the leftist ploy that has worked for decades because we should feel "guilty" for McCarthy and blacklisting. Just a way to get us to shut up. Work once but not now.

[drjack]

"Bull Durham" is make-believe. How about we make-believe that they were never invited and call it a day?

The past-time of America is baseball. It's not bad-mouthing the President and the nation's war and then standing behind the 1st Ammendment and crying that you were not allowed to voice your opinion at an athletic function.

If TR & SS want others to hear it, then stand on the corner, cry a river, carry a sign, give the peace sign at the Oscar's - but don't bring the Hollywood agenda to the Hall of Fame that was created to honor baseball players, not actors.

[Windcatcher]

Yup, they're playing the victim, playing for sympathy.

Fool me once...

[Fraulein]

As I wrote on another thread:

Robbins speaks openly on television before the National Press Club to complain about his loss of free speech.

The irony!!!

[doug from upland]

"I think Tim and Susan's courage is the type of courage that makes our democracy work," he said

=========================================

Pay attention, Kevin --- "and to the Republic for which it stands."

[cinFLA]

Can someone please explain to the Op/Ed idiots that "actors" for whom fame and popularity are economic factors in their careers stand up on stage to express protected "unpopular" political speech, their fame and popularity is not protected and they act (or should) with full knowledge of the risk they take.

Waste of time - most op-ed idiots agree with the ultra-left.

(I know these were rhetorical but my way of bumping ..)

[fat city]

Hey Tim--RELAX-- that "Tapeheads" anniversary ought to be coming up pretty soon!

[TheGrimReaper]

I recommend highly that Timmy, Susan, and all their fellow-travelers take their little act on the road.... starting with China, then maybe N. Korea, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, etc. Let them exercise their "rights" in those places, then come back and tell us all about it.
Tell us how horribly repressive it is here in the U.S., Timmy....you whimpering, simpering, whining bag of festering goat turds.

Many brave men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice so you can have your pathetic public tantrums, Timmy. Tell us how bad you've got it here.

[timydnuc]

Tim Robbin's right to speak freely was washed in the blood of millions of brave Americans and it will be forever defended by the brave men and women that love this country. His arrogance will be the byproduct of the freedom given to him by the Constitution, that he hides behind, and the brave soul of some boy from Alabama that died defending his right to exist in this great land.

They will bury that boy, in Alabama, and they will mourn while this arrogant bastard is trying to be more relivant than that boy, in that grave, in Alabama. While that boy's family shakes and shutters at every round fired in a "gun salute" to this fallen hero. Timmy will stand a bitch about how he is being treated. When they hand the flag to that boy's parents and say, "from a greatful nation", Timmy and Susie will be having cocktails and spewing shame and filth against all that that boy in Alabama stood for.

Then the family of that boy will go to their home, with their friends and family and they will mourn the loss of a good and honerable man. Timmy and Susie will get drunk at a Hollwood party and proclaim their heroic causes to save the country from the evil of patriotism. While the blood of the real patriots isn't even dried on the sands of a land, half way around the world. Blood spent for them to spew the ilk that they kneel and prey to.

God will sort this out. Note to Timmy and Susie: don't expect to meet that boy from Alabama in the "Here After" he got a better place than you'll ever dream of. Your "Prince" has a very special place for y'all, it's very warm, so bring your sun screen.