How do we define the word traitor?

I served in 1945 for three months with the Navy in the waters of Okinawa. On a daily basis the pleasant voice of Tokyo Rose, a Japanese American, provided us with familiar tunes by the best of the ’40s bands. She then interspersed a scripted attempt to demoralize those of us in the military. Frankly, we found her an amusing diversion.

Then came the Vietnam War and in North Vietnam the enemy had its own Tokyo Rose. Jane Fonda, a.k.a. “Hanoi Jane,” was this lady and, if you’ll pardon the expression, consorted with and aided the enemy in a time of war. She delivered medical supplies to the enemy camp and made 10 or more broadcasts to demoralize our military. She also proudly sat in an anti-aircraft gun, one which conceivably could have shot down one or more of the many pilots imprisoned in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” On one of her other visits one of the Hilton prisoners handed her a note attesting to the torture to which they were subjected. Dear Jane promptly turned over the note to the enemy, thus escalating the degree of torture. What a lady!

Jane Fonda’s exploits far exceeded those of Tokyo Rose, yet she was given a free ride. To this day most of us vets feel confused and betrayed. Pray tell, what is the definition of a traitor?

RAY DORBOLO

Everett