"Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself.It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime . . ." Supreme CourtJustice Potter Stewart, dissenting Ginzberg v. United States(1966)
I think America is the home of our brave soldiers, home of applepie and peach cobbler, home of the greatest football team (OaklandRaiders) and supposedly home of free speech. Or is it?
Actress Susan Sarandon and her partner actor Tim Robbinsprobably beg to differ, just like they are begging to express theirviewpoints.
How ironic is it that our country initiated a war in hopes ofbringing freedom to another country? America has prided itself onbeing a country of choice, the great American Dream and traditions.Lately, I feel like I am a character in George Orwell's "1984."
How unfortunate it is that Susan Sarandon has an opinion aboutthe war that differs from many citizens, and as a result she hasbeen blacklisted.
It is like we are stepping back decades and decades. Allsuspected as Communist sympathizers are labeled un-American.
What is this craziness?
It is foolish to isolate people for their beliefs. I do not haveto share a person's opinion, but that person sure has a right tovoice it. That is what freedom of speech is about.
A Baseball Hall of Fame event scheduled for April 26 wascanceled because of Sarandon and Robbins' opinions. The event wasgoing to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Bull Durham in whichSarandon and Robbins starred.
Robbins learned of the event cancellation before receiving aletter from the Hall of Fame president, Dale Petroskey. Petroskeyis a former White House press secretary for the Reaganadministration. The letter basically admonished Robbins for voicinghis opinion. The United Way of Tampa Bay canceled an April 11 eventbecause of Sarandon's anti-war views.
During a live interview with Robbins on the April 14 GoodMorning America, just as Robbins began to voice his anti-war views. . . Wouldn't you know it? The network seemed to have extendedtechnical difficulties. Right, right.
Sarandon and Robbins are not the only people to be punished forspeaking out.
A Lipton tea ad featuring the Dixie Chicks may be injeopardy.
At the recent Country Music Television awards show, Brett Butlersuggested "forgiving" the Dixie Chicks for the anti-war comments,and the audience booed.
I do not get it. Aren't we free? Isn't my mouth mine? Can't Ihave an opinion that differs from you? Is there really a FirstAmendment of the Bill of Rights?
Do we need to "free" other countries or get our own businessstraight?
I think we need to sweep around the front door first.
"Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself.It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime . . ." Supreme CourtJustice Potter Stewart, dissenting Ginzberg v. United States(1966)
