Fonda’s Hanoi Trip

* The feelings of anger and resentment still harbored against Jane Fonda are not as easily pigeon-holed as Al Martinez would have us believe (July 30). While it is true that several years have passed since she was seen “smiling prettily” at a photo op, the stark reality of what she did during that “climate of protest” has in no way diminished. She was there as a private citizen and not in the capacity of peace negotiator (a la Kissinger).

During a time that our country was at war, Fonda chose to consort with the enemy, denounce the U.S. and pose for photographs on weapons of death, all while our men and women were fighting, dying, being tortured and living in inhumane prison (forced labor) camps. Only some 20 years later did she decide to “recant” and apologize for her actions. Instead of the “Pavlovian” analogy, I suggest we consider the plight of Jacob Marley’s ghost from “A Christmas Carol.” Fonda, like Jacob Marley, has forged her chains in life. They are the consequences of her own actions. They are for her alone to bear.

MIKE BORNMAN

La Crescenta