Cashiering Helen Thomas by Ralph Nader

[Karmadillo]

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/06/15-6

Published on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by CommonDreams.org
Cashiering Helen Thomas
by Ralph Nader

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Then, belatedly, something remarkable occurred. People reacted against this grossly disproportionate punishment. Ellen Ratner, a Fox News contributor, wrote - "I'm Jewish and a supporter of Israel. Let's face it: we all have said things-or thought things-about ‘other' groups of people, things that we wouldn't want to see in print or on video. Anyone who denies it is a liar. Giver her a break."

Apparently, many people agree. In an internet poll by the Washington Post, 92% of respondents said she should not be removed from the White House press room. As an NPR listener, R. Carey, e-mailed: "D.C. would be void of journalists if they all were to quit, get fired or retire after making potentially offensive comments."

Listen to Michael Freedman, former managing editor for United Press International: "After seven decades of setting standards for quality journalism and demolishing barriers for women in the workplace, Helen Thomas has now shown that most dreaded of vulnerabilities-she is human.... Who among us does not have strong feelings about the endless warfare in the Middle East? Who among us has said something we have come to regret?.... Let's not destroy Ms. Thomas now."

Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nation, wrote: "Thomas was the only accredited White House correspondent with the guts to ask Bush the tough questions that define a free press.... Her remarks were offensive, but considering her journalistic moxie and courage over many decades-a sharp contrast to the despicable deeds committed by so many littering the Washington political scene - isn't there room for someone who made a mistake, apologized for it and wants to continue speaking truth to power and asking tough questions?"

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[Sebastian Doyle]

1. Generic Mindless Rant about Florida 2000 !1!!!11!

Just thought I'd get that out of the way and save the DLC'ers the trouble.

Ralph is right about this, as he is about many things. Helen made a dumb comment but she got a raw deal. :evilfrown:

[elocs]

2. Yes, she learned that life is unfair. Such is life.

I am willing to bet that she knows she made a stupid comment and would take it back unsaid if she could, but she can't. I'm also sure that she understands the consequences of her words and even if she thinks they are unfair, she accepts them.

Eventually it happens to all of us to a lesser or greater degree.

[Shireling]

3. She is a true Journalist.

We need her and others like her. Democracy is slowly dying.

:hippie: