Great Expectorations

(Kansas City, Missouri) During a book-signing event last night, Michael A. Smith handed a book to Jane Fonda and then spit on her. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

There are two schools of thought on this incident. Some people are likely to think it's quite appropriate to spit a nice ugly wad on Jane Fonda. Others think she doesn't deserve it.

My take is simple. By thrusting herself into the public spotlight, Jane Fonda is opening deep and abiding wounds from which many lives were unavoidably destroyed. Hanoi Jane helped in the destruction. So, she should have expected an adverse reaction. Whether she deserves being spat on would be a value judgment. I wouldn't do it but I'm not unhappy that someone did.