« Happy Easter from Sempertoons | Main | The Five Most Dangerous Things in the US Marine Corps »

April 17, 2006

Jane Fonda hands her baggage to Cindy Sheehan

This morning on Good Morning America, Jane Fonda mentioned that she'd like to tour the country to protest U.S. involvement in Iraq, but has concluded that it's a bad idea.

"I wanted to do a tour like I did during the Vietnam War, a tour of the country, but then Cindy Sheehan filled in the gap, and she is better at this than I am. I carry too much baggage."

Baggage doesn't even begin describe the damage done by a clueless twit who toured North Vietnam as a guest of their government while our troops fought against them. That would be like Sean Penn visiting Saddam Hussein (oh wait).

Fonda posed for pictures on a tank used to shoot down American aircraft. She met American POWs who had been provided scripts assuring her that they were well fed and treated - and bought it hook, line, and sinker.

She gave radio broadcasts which castigated American troops as war criminals even as she praised the North Vietnamese military. When American POWs returned to the United States, she called them criminals not heroes. Why she wasn't arrested and tried for treason is a mystery to me.

And now, she'd protest against the liberation of millions of Iraqi and Afghanistan citizens from tyrannic rule. Except that she's resumed her film career and has a book to sell - personal profit trumps political passion after all. However, ceding her torch to Cindy Sheehan shows that she is, at least consistent. Cindy, the grieving mother of a fallen soldier, has posed for pictures with Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chavez (who has built his political career on suppression of free speech, fiery rhetoric, and human rights violations) and demands that Israel withdraw from Palestine. If Sheehan is picked to carry on the legacy of Fonda, she'll do that well.

To the folks who will send outraged e-mails, here's a thought. Cindy does have moral authority to speak on the war. Her son is a hero who gave his life for a free Iraq. But she does not have absolute moral authority. There are other gold star parents who have their own story. I know this - I've sat in their living rooms and cried with them, laughed with them, and most of all remembered their sons.

Read some of those stories here and consider signing the petition which has 50,000 signatures but is looking for more. Families United For Our Troops And Their Mission has this to say:

Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission is a grassroots coalition of more than 150 ally organizations and over 2,500 members, including hundreds of families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our mission is to honor our fallen heroes and ensure that the American people know about our troops' accomplishments in the War on Terror. We encourage you to learn more about us at our website: www.FamiliesUnitedMission.com

As you may know, April 9th is Iraqi Liberation Day - the three-year anniversary of the end of Saddam Hussein's torturous regime and the day that launched the people of Iraq down the challenging road toward freedom, democracy, and self-sufficiency. We are keenly aware that the national media is drawn towards covering milestones and we respectfully request that you not ignore this historic date.

Although many of our families have made the ultimate sacrifice in the War on Terror, we remain steadfast in our commitment to defeating terrorists throughout the world and completing the mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. We cannot forget that America was attacked on September 11, 2001 - an unprovoked attack by Al Qaeda - and we remain vigilant knowing that our own security is at risk until the terrorists are defeated.

While many of us await the return of loved ones abroad, we are reminded that our military is comprised of compassionate, volunteer warriors dedicated to finishing the job. As democracy takes root, we have witnessed more Middle Eastern men and women vote in free and fair elections in the last twelve months, than in the last 6,000 years. Our troops understand this tenuous democracy abroad is paramount to our security at home.

Freedom is not just an American right, it's not just an Iraqi hope . . . it's a human longing. Along with rights, however, come responsibilities and when a protester poses on a North Vietnam tank or with a South American dictator, they should not be surprised when other folks speak up and out.

Posted by Deb at April 17, 2006 09:08 AM