More stuff about the Criticism during War topic:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=600&e=1&cid=598&u=/nm/20030410/film_nm/iraq_robbins_dc

I agree with Robbins here.

..... "WE STAND BEHIND OUR PRESIDENT"

But on Wednesday, Petroskey told Robbins in a letter that he had canceled the event because "as an institution, we stand behind our President and our troops in this conflict."

"We believe your very public criticism of President Bush (news - web sites) at this important -- and sensitive -- time in our nation's history helps undermine the U.S. position, which ultimately could put our troops in more danger," Petroskey wrote.

At the Academy Awards, the couple flashed peace signs as they walked the red carpet to the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. Both Robbins and Sarandon are vocal opponents of the war.

In a letter to Petroskey, Robbins said he was dismayed. "As an American who believes that vigorous debate is necessary for the survival of a democracy I reject your suggestion that one must be silent in times of war.

"I wish you had ... saved me the rhetoric and talked honestly about your ties to the Bush and Reagan administrations. You are using what power you have to infringe upon my rights to free speech..."

Robbins, 44, said Petroskey apparently faxed his letter to the media at the same time he mailed it to Robbins "to make it a story, the message of which is, if you oppose this administration, you can be punished." .....