Adam Smith's Invisible Hand

Barbara Walters once wrote that many Americans have forgotten — and many others were never taught — how Jane Fonda’s actions during the Vietnam War were viewed by countless POWs and veterans. One of the most widely repeated accounts comes from Air Force pilot Jerry Driscoll, a POW held in the “Hanoi Hilton.” According to the story, he was cleaned up and forced to appear before Jane Fonda during her visit to North Vietnam. When ordered to praise his captors’ “humane treatment,” he instead spat at her. He was reportedly beaten severely afterward, suffering injuries that permanently affected his vision and ended his flying career. Another former POW, Colonel Larry Carrigan, described how prisoners secretly passed Jane Fonda slips of paper containing their Social Security numbers in hopes of proving to the world they were alive. The story claims she later handed those papers over to North Vietnamese officers, resulting in brutal beatings for the men involved. Carrigan survived. Others allegedly did not. Former civilian adviser Michael Benge, who was imprisoned for more than five years, also spoke publicly about his experience. He said he agreed to meet with Fonda because he wanted to tell her the truth about the treatment POWs endured — not the “humane and lenient” image being presented for propaganda purposes. According to Benge, he was severely punished before any meeting could happen. For many veterans and military families, Jane Fonda’s 1972 trip to Hanoi became a symbol of betrayal during a painful chapter in American history. While supporters viewed her as an antiwar activist protesting U.S. policy, critics believed her actions crossed the line into giving aid and comfort to America’s enemy during wartime. Decades later, the anger and controversy surrounding “Hanoi Jane” still remain powerful for many who served, suffered, or lost loved ones during the Vietnam War. Whatever one’s political views may be, the experiences of POWs and veterans deserve to be remembered and treated with respect.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announces free universal healthcare for 130 million citizens starting next year.

One of the great group shots of "The Late Show" staff posing on stage:

The people telling you to povertymaxx and eat bread sandwiches so you can afford a used car are just plain wrong. Even as far back as the 1800's people were averaging 3,000 to 5,000 calories a day.

Yesterday we started running this ad during the Red Sox game. Midway through the game the ad was taken down by the station (which is owned by Red Sox ownership). And then the Sox blew a 4-0 lead.