As you can tell from my blog comments not to mention all the other internet activity circulating about the Toronto International Film festival protest letter that I signed along with 1500 or more friends and colleagues—there’s a lot of hatred spewing out there. I have not censored most of the hostile blog comments because I want to give space for the full range of voices. One of the hostile comments suggests that I wrote a follow up statement (released on the Huffington Post as well as on my last blog) because of pressure from Rabbi Marvin Hier with whom I met after I had begun composing my statement. What I said in my statement is true and I am not proud of it: I neglected to read the protest letter carefully enough. It was the outcry that ensued that caused me to study it very carefully. It was then that I saw that there were parts of it that I did not agree with. That is why I wrote my statement, not because I was pressured by anyone. It was a case of having to sit down, take a deep breath, go into a meditative state to clear away all the noise and zero in on my real feelings. I asked to meet with Rabbi Marvin Hier and others in the Jewish community to explain myself—why I was not taking my name off the protest letter but was issuing my own statement to clarify the things I didn’t agree with. I have learned a tremendous amount these last days and for that I am grateful. I’m also grateful for the outpouring of love and support..some from people I know, some from strangers. The statement of support from a group of Jews from Atlanta whom I don’t know made me cry. Then there’s the poem that Raeann McDonald wrote (it’s on this blog). She is the director of the retirement community in Oregon that Richard Perry’s mother, Sylvia, is a resident of. I got to know Raeann when she came to Los Angeles with Ms Perry. Such generosity and thoughtfulness!
One blog commenter asks how I maintain in the face of the hostility. It’s quite simply knowing who I am. That allows me to understand that what the attackers see is their problem and has nothing to do with me. I know my faults and try to own up to them but I also know I’m not what the venom-spouters think. It takes experience and age to stay confident in one’s reality—and to be free to admit when one has strayed from that reality, which was the case with some of the words in the TIFF protest letter.
Now I am back at my ranch, writing my book. There was a tremendous storm last night and the river is at least up a foot and very muddy. And—wonder of wonders at this early date—there’s a lot of snow on the mountains where the Santa Fe ski basin is. IT is soothing to be here and yesterday I took the most arduous hike since my knee was replaced. It was up the rocky slopes and through the fields that we cleared of trees 2 years ago. Lovely and diverse grasses and wildflowers now cover the ground that looked so barren after the trees were cut. I so adore the grasses here when the sunlight shines through them—so many varieties, most of them I know by name. The tree-cutting program is to conserve water, increase the grasses for the deer and reduce fire hazard. In this way, we restore the land to what it was before white Europeans arrived and began putting out forest fires. This high Chihuahuan desert used to be mainly savannah, not forest, and New Mexico simply doesn’t have the water to support an overgrowth of trees, much as I love them.
On that note, I’ll sign off. See you next time.
Kris
<<>>
I wish there were more allowances for humans being human. I can’t tell if there’s more judgment and nastiness than there used to be, or if it’s just that, as I get comfy in the thick of my thirties, I’m just more aware of it.
Daniel
Glad you are feeling great enough for a hike, because when I win you over and you have heart enough and you are willing to be in my movie. there will be some stunts you will need to do. Nothing too hard other than climbing a prison wall with Jennifer Aniston as your daughter! LOL (just my litle dream or wish)
all jokes aside it is awesome you are hiking again. Congrats on that!
Robin Gibson
Hi Jane, just wanted to drop by and say i know you’ve done a lot of movies, but I still watch China Syndrom atleast 3 times a month! I love that movie. While I was visiting you’re site I realise you know Clive Davis. You might as a good will gesture forward my website too him. http://www.myspace.com/robingibsonmusic. Thanks for the years of entertainment.
Harriette knight
Oh, Jane. I just love you. I hope you are enjoying the turquoise necklace I made for you (delivered by Jerry Silverman a few years ago while you were shooting in LA). The healing jewelry line continues to expand, and with the publication of my book CHAKRA POWER! How to Fire Up Your Energy Centers to Live a Fuller Life, I am able to offer some great information including the meanings of the stones you wear. I didn’t mean to turn this into a commercial, I just wanted to let you know that you continue to inspire me.
Nirmala Heriza
It takes a lot of courage for a person like yourself, with such global legend and celebrity, to so openly reassess and modulate your personal opinions. To actually apologize and admit you might have been in some way wrong. Particularily in the face of such a closely scrutinized, controversial & explosive situation and issue. And one with so much light on it. I thought you were being incredibly compassionate to both sides, in your original comments. Which I honestly viewed as more of a fair and balanced observation than a protest. And which is why, in my previous post, I saluted you again for your bravery and valour in using your stature and seasoned vantage point to facilitate and bring into focus such a passionate polarized debate. Like the blogger you mentioned, I also don’t know how you do it. I once thought I did, But it turns out I don’t. After reading through the responses, both venemous and supportive, but equally intense, I began seeing double. I had to lie down for quite a while to recover. Even before I could Meditate.
However, your current narrative is one of the reasons I have so admired you through the years. Even with the unrelenting spotlight on you, you’ve never been stuck or afraid to publically re-examine yourself and your POV. And, with the world watching, to change. It’s an extraordinary, almost breathtaking attribute. An example to learn from and assimilate into one’s life. Both in the macrocosim and the microcosim.
Again, with respect and enduring gratitude.
Nirmala
roland Applegate
Always follow the heart! you have never been wrong yet!!!
Carol Chamberlain
I am so looking forward to your next book. MY LIFE SO FAR is truly one of my favorites. I’ve now read it twice. You are and continue to be an amazing talent and I respect the way you handle things so honestly in your blogs. Keep on keepin’ on. Peace, Carol
Lynne, Olney Maryland
Heck, I’m Jewish myself, I don’t think in a million years you have an anti zionist bone in your body! LOL! Besides, The Israelis and Palestinians will be AT this forever. No one can stop this but THEM. They BOTH have to be sick enough of it to WANT to stop. That’s the long and short of it. No amount of help or support one way or another will do any good.
We all inherently know that. Anyone who’s been through an acrimonious divorce knows that! It’s really no different. Whether we with-hold or boycott, accept, reject, go there, not go there, it makes no difference whatsoever. They will continue whatever it is they need to continue until they are “finished”. It is very sad. Yes. There should be no other outsiders involved either, we, as Americans should ensure that as well.
Meanwhile, when are you going to get serious about getting involved in public office? Someone decent has to get involved. Our politicians are all corrupt. Something stinks in Washington. It smells very bad, indeed. It stinks of greed..really…and it is bi-partisan greed, related to campaign fund raising. Take a look, Banks are involved, Chase Bank, Bank of America, and others..oh my, this is not good for our country…
Laura
Hang in there Jane. So many of us think you are the best!!!
Trish
You’re my she-ro, Jane!
Andrea
I do not understand how someone can leave you thinking that you can press to say something. If something to show for so many years is your ability to stand firm in your convictions and acknowledge mistakes. Missing a lot of tolerance in this world. Your ranch seems to be delicious. Enjoy! xx from Uruguay
Lynda
I do not know what you did…but either way, I still think you’re fabulous 🙂 Everyone makes mistakes.
Sue Fawcett
Hang in there and don’t let the nutcases get you down, Jane. It’s time to move on. How is Tulea? I haven’t seen her mentioned in your blogs in quite some time. Speaking of blogs, I miss your thoughtful reflections and hope you’ll have a chance and the inspiration to write more frequently in coming months! I’m glad you have Richard for love and support. All the best, always.
WWm Hohn
I am in awe of your ability to proceed mindfully in this world be it in the Middle East or a New Mexico Savanah.
Dianre
It is funny to me in this day and age that we can be so accepting of some things and so judgemental of other things, It takes all of us to make this world work and to spend our precious time working together to better our world. .
Jason
Hi Jane,
It’s so wonderful to hear your comments about everyday life being back in New Mexico. I’ve missed that in the past few days.
I’m sorry that I’m so superficial that I didn’t get involved in the whole Israel affair.
The whole episode did upset me, however. Not because of what you did or did not do, or because of the fact that I have no idea about what’s happening in that part of the world, but because of the reaction and the comments and the realisation that whatever side you take, someone will always hate. Whoever you are. I unfortunately missed the comment by the person who asked you how you are maintaining, but in the days since your first blog on the matter, I also kept thinking about how you’re feeling, how you’re coping and how does such a high profile celebrity try to calm things down for fear of the matter getting out of hand? I’m sorry that I didn’t openly ask how you’re feeling.
I’m a Flight attendant (don’t know if you know that by now!) but have never been to Israel. I landed there once and flew right back. While landing, I honestly looked down at Tel Aviv, which looked from the air like any other country bordering on the mediterranean, and thought “why does the world hold it’s breath because of what’s beneath me?” I still don’t have the answer.
All I do know is that because I work for a German airline, Lufthansa, most of the passengers spit at us because of the holocaust. I’m Welsh and not German, but I’m a human being and I would rather say I was German and lie and stand up to being spat at and called a Nazi than deny anything. (you don’t have to publish this, of course!) I am a part of the human race. Germany now has nothing to do with Germany then.
Because of what has happened in the last few days, I’m really interested in visiting Israel in order to see what’s happening there and what is the general consensus. Working for an airline gets you cheap tickets and I have a few days off and have always wanted to see the country.
About 20 years ago a fortune teller told me Israel would be my future. I thought it would be because of the cute catering guy who caters our first class !!! LOL! But maybe it’s because of you!!!
Anyway, cheap jokes aside. I send you my best regards from Hamburg.
Jason
ps Aren’t you coming in November for the UNICEF or UNESCO benefit?
pps Have you seen Wolke 9 (Cloud 9) yet? I’m so afraid of your opinion. I hope you won’t hate it.
Mary Joan McConnell
Hello Jane Fonda, this is Mary McC again. I hope I am not offending you in any way. I enjoy reading about you and your life, and what you think, and I can relate to a lot that you say. I am a Christian, and there were many “Christians” that thought I was a phony, and they would tell me so, and I considered it kind of arrogant on their part, but there was nothing I could do. So, I do really believe that God is pleased with your seeking His face, and I know He loves you very much for caring for His nation, Israel, our ally and friend in the middle east. I have read parts of your life and you have really had a terrible time of suffering when you were younger, at least that is the way it seemed to me. And yet you never come across as feeling sorry for yourself — you come across as very human and real, and reaching out in the most touching way. I do love to see your blogs and my goodness you have written so many, so it will take some time to read them all. Anyway, look to Jesus, the true Author of your faith, and pray without ceasing, cause that will guarantee your victory, love, Mary McConnell
Daniel Garrett
Jane-
Hang tight! You are such an evolved person – you owned your part here…the rest need to move on…
You are loved by many – most importantly, you love yourself, flaws and all – most people will live their entire lives not able to honestly say that they love themselves (not narcissistically).
Cheers to you!
DG
Kim
Jane,
I appreciate your integrity and honesty through these tough days. Everything can be resolved through communication and you worked very hard to do that.
Thank you.
Kim
jill
A recent Newsweek article discussed Americans inability to change our minds anymore, that is seen now as a sign of weakness and the this dire state of our society means one would just as soon stand in a false ideology then change ones mind. Thank God- literally- Thank God for you Jane. In the midst of a crazy, often times hate filled storm of duality right vs. wrong you take the time to see and hear BOTH sides out and clarify your stance even risking being seen as caving to pressure when really we know it’s just because you generally care about the true purpose and truth being this protest letter as you do with ALL your activism. And then to be able to step way to work that needs to be done- your writing- and even forget about it for awhile in the beauty surrounding the ranch shows how very beautifully comfortable you are with WHO you are. Bravo! Bravo! This is why we love you so.
jill
A recent Newsweek article discussed Americans inability to change our minds anymore, Psychologists studying it see this as an irreversible state of mind that comes from being so entrenched in our ideologies- perpetuated further by our 24/7 news media that to change our mind would be the ultimate sign of weakness. Psychologists say this dire state of our society means one would just as soon stand in a false ideology then change ones mind. Thank God- literally- Thank God for you Jane. In the midst of a crazy, often times hate filled storm of duality (right vs. wrong, Israel vs. Palestine) of course YOU take the time to see and hear BOTH sides out AND even correct or clarify your stance!Risking being seen as caving to pressure when really we know it’s just because you generally care about the true purpose and truth beind this protest letter as you do with ALL your activism. So impressive. Gives me hope for us all to have such a Beacon of Light. And then to be able to step away to essentially “no mands land”- the ranch- to work that awaits you – your writing- and even forget about it for awhile in the beauty surrounding the ranch shows how very beautifully comfortable you are with WHO you are. Bravo! Bravo! This is why we love you so.
Philip Cairns
Well, Jane, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all this mess, the last few days. For what it’s worth: I’m behind you 100%. I’ve been your fan and supporter since “Cat Ballou”. I’ve learned so much from you, over the years, especially during the Vietnam War era. I wish you all the best.
Lots of love, too.
Marsha Kelly
The fact that we have this constant level of hatred and controversy, no matter what the issue, is very frightening. I really fear for our country watching the course of the debate on health care policy. The reaction to your involvement in the Middle East issues is another example. When did it become OK to bully, browbeat, vilify and otherwise denigrate those who have a different point of view? There were profound disagreements between the Founding Fathers who wrote our Constitution, yet they managed to work through them to come up with a document that still, today, promises us the freedom to disagree without reprisals. Express your views, for sure–no problem. But can we not do this with some degree of civility and respect for alternate perspectives? I truly despair.
bonnie
Wow Jane — you’re handling this with as much grace as I’d have expected. I’m glad you’ve gone back to New Mexico. I sure envy you your ranch there. What a peaceful, tranquil place to do some thinking (and writing). — My husband and I go there for a week every summer (he flyfishes the Pecos, and other rivers); and we’d love to retire there someday. Anyway, I digress — you should feel proud, as I’m sure you do, that you have strong convictions, and try to live by them — even if on occasion, you have to step back and clarify your stand on something. I think it does take some years to acquire the confidence to be able to take a stand and maybe even expand on your particular view of it, as opposed to some people who try to put everything in only black or white — the older I get, the more I see the grey, (and not just in my hair!!). This is a complicated issue and there must be giving as well as taking on all sides before it can ever begin to be resolved.
Take some time for yourself and know that you have very clearly explained your reasons for signing as well as your views. — Hopefully everyone will open their eyes, ears, and hearts and take a moment to contemplate.
— oh and if you ever need a couple of old, but very robust caretakers for your NM place, please get in touch!!
blessings to you
Kelsey
I agree, we all have faults! It doesn’t make us bad, it makes us human. Unfortunately when someone makes a mistake in the public eye, it gets made out to be worse than it actually is. If more than one mistake is made then you never live it down. I think it just makes someone look even MORE human when they make mistakes. As long as you’re not hurting anyone intentionally, its normal! Its a remarkable thing that you say its about knowing who you are. You are Jane the person. Forget about Jane the actress. Sometimes, thats hard for people to do. Jane the person was before Jane the actress. So I hope everything is all cleared up now and you can forget about all the drama! Glad to hear the book and the knee are doing well!
Judi
Jane,
Thank you for the clarification on all the stuff flying around. I have not had time to read it all, but I am so trusting in your innate goodness and wisdom that I don’t get too excited when other people write bad things about you. Keep on keeping on and people need you to help them clarify their own thoughts on these matters. It’s a good thing.
Warmly,
Judi
Nirmala Heriza
I saw Jerry and Janet Zucker this evening. According to them, Jane Fonda can do no wrong. Jerry said, you’re definitely one of the “Greats”.
With love
Nirmala
Jamilka
Dear Ms. Fonda,
I take my hat off to you! You are one strong woman, after all the comments some people have made here you still show a person can keep cool!
My respects!
much love,
Jamilka
Linda Monks
Wow…you sure are right – it has been intense ! It may sound very simplistic but I will opt for respect and kindness toward all my fellow men and continue to hope that one day we will all leave our gods out of politics and live in harmony. The older I get the more I am beginning to think that religion concept is the worst fad ever !
carla
So enjoy reading your blog and how “settled” you are in yourself. I just entered my 40’s with kids not needing as much so I look forward to being able to take some of the time to look inward and upward for direction on the next phase of my life. Any suggestions? I live in NM and have been checking into some retreat centers to facilitate this. Hope to hear back from you. 🙂
frederique dhenein
really fine, Jane!! always keeping the balance, I saw horribles coms being written here, and you had not cancelled them, a proof of your conscienciousness, showing us the ugly face of the world to oppose them, your great honesty, and the nice face of the world, you’re courageous and an example for everyone!! thank you so much being you!Frederique dhenein
Marta
Jane , you are the best !
Shauna
Jane —
Thank you for your thoughtfulness,kindness, bravery, courage and for being who you are. You inspire me every time I read your blog to be the same.
Shauna a.k.a ThinkLady
Judi
According to the Toronto Declaration:
“Although TIFF co-director Cameron Bailey vehemently denied any links between the spotlight and Brand Israel, the Canadian Jewish News reported (Sept 16/09) that the Mayor of Tel Aviv confirmed the involvement of the Israeli government in TIFF’s City-to-City Spotlight. According to the report, Mayor Ron Huldai “said that while the City to City program was initiated by the festival, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs was involved as part of its Brand Israel media and advertising campaign, which was launched last year.” We are glad to see that the connections between the Spotlight and the Brand Israel campaign have been clarified; we had hoped these answers would come from TIFF directly.
A reminder: we are protesting because we could not stand idly by as Tel Aviv, the heart of Israel’s economic and military power, was being celebrated as if this was an apolitical decision. Palestinians in Gaza continue to live under a brutal Israeli siege that has turned Gaza into what countless observers have described as an open-air prison, with access even to food and medicine greatly restricted. We protested the spotlight to call attention to a humanitarian emergency and an ongoing crime. The UN fact finding mission on the Gaza conflict led by the renowned South African constitutional court judge Richard Goldstone has just concluded that Israel indeed committed war crimes in Gaza earlier this year, and further that there is evidence that Israel may have committed crimes against humanity. This was why we said “no celebration of Occupation,” facts deliberately ignored in most press reports.”
Gary
Judi: Isreal should not be made to suffer for the ignorance of others. Israel is not in Gaza and does not have one soldier or citizen in Gaza. I think that you know this fact but choose to ignore it for political reasons. Gaza has two borders, one with Egypt and one with Israel. Israel has been supplying Gaza with everything it needs except for weapons.
Egypt has been allowing tunnels to be dug along its border to transport arms and bombs used against Israel. This is still taking place. Egypt does not allow Gazans to be citizens of Egypt nor allow the flow of Gazans into Egypt just as Jordan does not allow refugees on the West Bank citizenship in Jordan.
It is the constant repetition of lies such as you are telling that amount to real destructive propoganda that people such as Naomi Klein, one leader of the anti-Israel project at TIFF, uses to vilify and demonize Israel. See this about Ms. Klein, it is very revealing:
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/story.html?id=1993995
It is fine to research and tell the truth, it is another to justify hate with lies and platitudes taken out of context. The Nazis used this technique to vilify and justify the annihilation its Jewish citizens, but, thankfully, Israel is able to defend its citizens and soldiers against these abusive lies that are coming from the Kleins, Rebicks, Goldstones of the world who want to build their careers on the ashes of Israel and get their incomes and support from the jihad terror organizations and Saudi oil money.
These people pretend to care about human rights and justice but they really have more devious and destructive plans.
Judi
Gary,
Out of respect for Ms. Fonda, I will not abuse her blog in a similar manner as you by name calling.
Suffice it to say that the current and historical state of affairs in the US-UN backed Jewish state are causing more problems for the world than it is worth. Therefore the Jewish state should be dissolved immediately in favor of restoration of the land to its rightful owners.
In my opinion, the two state solution will never be accepted by the indigenous people who were robbed of their land in 1947. The sooner the United States and other countries who enable the Jewish state understand that FACT, the sooner a permanent solution will be had.
The implementation of the Jewish state was a crime against humanity in 1947 and it continues to be a crime against humanity today. The United States has the blood of hundreds of thousands of middle eastern indigenous people on its hands. Americans should demand a stop to taxpayer funds going to support the Jewish state. Cut them loose and let them stand or fall on their own.
Rain
Wonderful to hear you are back at your ranch and the reasoning you go through to resolve the conflicts of others who would find fault with you. I think it’s the kind of reasoning more in our country would benefit from being able to do. It will be exciting when your book comes out
Ellen Johnson
I have been reading your Blog since back during the play in NYC. I have followed your life since the 60’s and I have to say I think your an amazing woman. You are a mentor to those of us who don’t even know you and I am blessed to be able to read your Blog. Thank you for sharing all aspects of your life and your thoughts. Please continue to write because I can hardly wait to read this next book. I am a widow of almost a year and have recently moved on with my life. I am enjoying dating and meeting new friends again. We have to look for the good in life and you really do! Thank you!!!
Patty
Sorry you had to deal with all that Jane. Don’t let the a$$holes get you down. Please know you have my support! Hugs to you. 🙂
Morgan Paige
You are an outstanding person. I admire your strength and ability to overlook what people say about you. You have been overlooking them for years and I don’t even think I could do that. Keep standing up for what you believe in.
I do wish that all of your bloggers would comment respectively though. I read your blogs because I am a fan. I don’t read them so I can argue or disagree with you. You are entitled to your own opinion and maybe someday everyone will respect that like I do.
Morgan Fisher
Timothy Dougherty
nice post Jane,
I see your back on the path to a writers view and on the high path to a real understanding. The ranch still sounds like a interesting place to paint, as other artist must have found in New Mexico.”It takes experience and age to stay confident in one’s reality—and to be free to admit when one has strayed from that reality” I like what Samuel Johnson said about reality “The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” Travelling can give people a clear view of things as they are.We all see some truth in the world and that truth is not The Truth,but sometime if we are lucky we can have a kind of a Truth that gives a understanding to the world. What is the subject of this part of the book of which your working on?
judy traugott
The world is not a very nice place…I am glad to hear that you are back to writing your book.Hang in there Jane. Enjoy your ranch and the beautiful landscape and your friend Richard. Take care
Stephanie Davis
Jane,
You are a warrior and I am proud to know you and to have signed the letter with other Atlanta Jews. Israel is a complicated country but the wounds of the past should not prevent justice from taking root there and flowing like milk and honey.
Stephanie
Sean Keyes
Thank you Jane….it’s refreshing to read an interesting, articulate and thought provoking blog from a “celebrity” (and I use that word discounting the current round of wannabies) who cares and stands up for their principles.
Keep on twittering and don’t let any of the criticism put you off, please.
Dennis Kite
I am unable to determine exactly what your position is on Israel and its “occupation” as you like to call it. My true feelings are expressed in a comment published on NYTimes.com on 9-16-09under an article written by Eric Etheridge titled The Latest on Bombing or Talking to Iran. I will attempt to email those comments to you now:
Iran has become an existential threat to Israel. Israel as a sovereign nation does not have to sit there and take an Iranian attack. Iran’s leadership denies the holocaust of the 1940s while it repeatedly threatens the existance of the children of the holocaust, many of whom live in Israel now.
Israel’s square mile size is microscopic compared to the vast square mile size of Iran as well as most Arab countries. I believe that the lack of a knowledge of middle east geography is why so many people think of Israel as an aggressor. The overcoverage in the mass media is another reason as is the liberal bias of such publications as the NY Times in favor of the Palestinians. The UN has about 56 Islamic member states and only 1 Jewish state so its natural tendency is to be prejudiced in favor of the causes of Arab/Islamic states as well.
The US under this administration is not going to get tough with any nation. It seeks the favor of the majority of nations so it is committed to avoiding wars at all costs, even if it means abandoning causes previously deemed in America’s national security interests to pursue. So there will always be a natural conflict point because Israel’s present government is more attuned to confrontation while the US administration is more attuned to appeasement.
The Jewish people have a 3000 year relationship with the land of Israel, and archeologists are even this month discovering further physical eveidence of that connection.
The Torah(Jewish Bible) makes several hundred references to Jerusalem and other parts of the land of Israel as being holy and sacred to the Jewish people. It is no mystery why hundreds and thousands have returned to the land of their forefathers. It is not “stolen” land by any means, it has been bought and paid for by Jewish blood, hard work, sweat, tears, and repeated conquests by outside powers for multi millenia. By contrast, nowhere in the Koran(Muslim Bible) is any reference made to Jerusalem. It should never be a crime for Jews to build a home in Jerusalem or in other parts of Israel.
The rest of the world should leave the land of Israel alone and worry about other lands where much more serious human rights abuses are going on right now. For instance, Darfur (Sudan), Somalia, Rawanda, Tibet(China), Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Korea, etc.
There was no world war started in 1981 when Israel destroyed Iraq’s nuclear complex, or in 2007 when it destroyed the Syrian nuclear complex. There will be no world war if and when it takes out the Iranian nuclear complex either, if that should become necessary.
Dennis Kite, CA
Mary Jane Stone
Your’re getting through this, Jane. You’ve been through so much in your life, you’ve admitted mistakes and bounced back. You are one of the favoite targets of a nasty faction of American society that I don’t get on with either. If I were the celeb they’d likely be after me. I was unpleasantly surpised when oen of my ESL students who is from South America told me that she had been in DC last Saturday ‘to support her husband’ (a rabid Glen Beck fan). I asked if she had seen evidence of the anti immigrant attitudes that I could clearly see were there. She didn ‘t realize that she was among hateriots (HuffPost word) and that she and Mr. Glen Beck Fan were two of their chosen targets. They haven’t gotten you yet, Jane, or me either–and they won’t.
Gary
It is very nice, Jane, that you can retreat to the finest lifestyle money can buy after a long ten days of defending and then re-thinking your position.
Unfortunately, the Israelis cannot rest after 60 years of being targeted by war, terrorism, missile attacks, and now propaganda from academics, writers, film stars, unions, the UN (who are really at war with Israel), and many others too numerous to list.
Unfortunately, the Palestinians could also be having better lives but have nowhere to retreat as their own Arab brothers will not take then in on any basis into their own countries (Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon). They have been brainwashed to hate Israel and hate Jews but the million who live in Israel proper would not trade their lives in Israel for any Arab country because they know better than ignorant Westerners that living in Israel is vastly better than living in any Arab or Iranian dictatorship hell.
Normal Palestinian relations with Jews, Christians and everyone else is not possible because they are governed by extremists, dictators, Hamas, Hezzbollah, and Islamic mullahs who believe in the violent past and want their own to suffer for the sake of the Ummah – “the Islamists love death as much as the Jews love life.”
Condoning this kind of Palestinian hell while condemning Israel, the antithesis of Islamic rule, is foolish and does a disservice to human rights and truth.
earthkeeper
Jane,
Oh how I love to hear you speak about the natural
world. Our hearts are in the same place.
And what better way to get grounded and feel the
earths great love for you and you for her.
You paint a beautiful picture with your words.
The squall of angry voices is over and blue skies ahead……..
Stay strong dear Jane you are a positive and loving force in our confused and reaching world.
To know ones self is a great gift! It really pays off. But oh what hard work! Ah Jane?
Its a work in process everyday. Or should I say every breath in and out?
Namaste,
earthkeeper
P.S. Sounds like this squall even put some snow on your mountain. Very cool. So many gifts and so little time.
Silvia
Inevitably, sooner or latter the “venom spouters” are going to poinson themselves.
You owned up to your responsibility now you can turn the page and go on with your life.
God Bless you and keep you safe.
Don’t worry, just let it go.
Roseann Haggerty
Dear Jane,
I am glad to hear you are back at your ranch (sanctuary) writing.
Once again, you have kept the right perspective in the midst of opposition. I admire how you alway seek out truth,and allow others no matter how absurd or distasteful, to have their voice. Not everyone is so gracious. I believe that despite opinions we should always look at the persons heart in every situation. Now you can get back to work without distraction, enjoy the tranquility . Sorry you had to deal with all that.
So happy your new knee has surpassed all your expectations. Sounds like your hikes are mini adventures. Maybe you’ll give us some new pictures of the mountains.
Stay Blessed
Ira
Dear Ms Fonda,
I have always respected you as a good actor and hope for your continued success.
It is sad that the people of Gaza are controlled by HAMAS. Palestinians live in more fear from their own people then the Israelis.
I lived with a Palestinian family and worked in their shops in the “Old City” I rode the bus and enjoyed their hospitality. I was told that prior to Israel the Palestinian people were being systematically killed by Jordanian forces and that although they had no love for Israel they were better off.
Not all are Jews – This is not a holy war
The population of Israel is nearly 7 million. only 4.5 million are Jews. Over 1.5 Million are Arab. it is a democratic country and they can vote and are citizens and hold positions of respect in the government and army. There is rule by civil law not by religious court or terror.
The movies of HAMAS
Now if you take the time to look up You Tube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_OGhj43GAE you will see film makers from HAMAS showing children learning how to be martyrs. This is a crime that should be brought to the attention of the world.
See the film makers of Gaza before you are so quick to support the destruction of Israel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi-c6lbFGC4
Say where you stand.
Remember when HAMAS says Jews are in Palestinian lands they are talking about Tel Aviv. If you think that Israel should not exist just say so. If you think Israel should exist then say that too.
If you support the people of Gaza then support peace efforts by their moderate leaders that look to form joint relations with Israel. Attacking the people of Tel Aviv and films made by Israeli film makers will not aid the People of Gaza.
Please think before you sign –
I know that you are a famous person and people think that as you have played smart, educated people that you are smart and educated and therefore know what you are talking about. Using your position carries power – Please use that power carefully. People’s lives are affected and can be injured by the causes you support.
Remember Vietnam
I too protested US involvement in the war. I wanted US soldiers brought home. I did not vilify the soldiers like some people. I prayed for peace and to this day I work for organisations that support life.
Be proactive and positive not reactive and negative
Groups like the Magen David Adom (MDA)Israel’s ambulance emergency service supplies blood and first aid to the people of Gaza and Israel. They need your help. People are being shelled and rocket attacked every day in Israel. Unarmed MDA people go in and save lives. You would be more helpful assiting the life savers then the life takers. Well what are you going to do?
suzanne weidie
Always good to rethink issues, small to complex. Do what you do, Jane! peace