G.I. Jane Gets Spat On In Kansas City

Okay, so it wasn't eggs (see my last article, below). In case you hadn't heard the story, on Tuesday while at a book signing for her work of fiction "My Life So Far," a Vietnam veteran who had waited in line for 90 minutes, spat tobacco juice into the face of Ms. Fonda.

Let me just say that, my aforementioned egg-tossing fantasy notwithstanding, I would not have allowed myself the luxury of acting upon it. But, since honesty is my absolute policy regarding my writings in this blog, I really must confess that my first reaction to this news could be accurately described as "mirthful."

Michael Smith was arrested for disorderly conduct after the infamous celebrity refused to file other charges. In fairness, Ms. Fonda handled the incident with restraint - but I have to ask myself "If I were in her position, would I not expect something like this to happen?"

"She's a traitor and she cost the lives of a lot of good men," Smith, who was 19 when he got shipped over to fight in Vietnam, told Kansas City's KMBC-TV. "She didn't do anything to the government, she slapped US in the face."

"I expressed my opinion of her...TO her," stated Smith. "I had the opportunity; a lot of guys won't have it and I did it for them."

Contrary to the disillusioned activist, many still hold Fonda responsible for her actions during the unpopular war (myself included). An online survey that I came across reflected that - showing that 69% of those surveyed (over 12,000 people) still feel that she "betrayed U.S. Troops."

Two articles on Jane in a row - never to be a third, I promise. But let me close with this thought: As the tobacco-laced spittle trickled down her surprised face, did Ms. Fonda so much as question, if only for a fleeting moment, her ill-conceived actions and statements - and their subsequently acute damage to our frightened, beaten and all but abandoned young military men in Vietnamese mud prisons? I hope so...I hope so.