Comments on: Honoring Helen Thomas, the First Lady of American Journalism

By: Russ Wellen

Russ Wellen — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:25:42 +0000

Long may she annoy!

By: Darrell

Darrell — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:17:58 +0000

I understand her importance in American journalism history, especially with regards to woman in that field. However I have to agree with Jeff on the point where she lectures. Not that many journalists in the press corp deliver hard nosed questions (for the fear of losing access), but she does have a history of softball questions with Presidents that she likes.

By: Erik77

Erik77 — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:45:18 +0000

I think Jeff has a good point (to a point). She does lecture before she asks her question which is so annoying. In no way did she give Clinton a pass (nor did the press) but I will concede she did not lecture him. Let’s also remember, she has nothing to lose. She is not concerned about advancement or her career. Not defending the inadequate press, just making a point that has not been raised in the article. Even the article said she kept her opinions to herself for her UPI career.

Dawn, yes, every issue has at least 2 sides but that does not automatically make both opinions valid.

By: bayside

bayside — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:56:48 +0000

Jeff . clinton a pass. baloney..When she asks the tough questions, she is doing her job but listen to the conservative whine if she does..For 8 long years our media were steno people, they didnt do investive reporting they did what bush administration said . This lady doesnt as she is a real reporter. Bush would not have been albe to get away with all these falsehoods if our reporters had done their jobs..We would not have been in this mess if they had done their jobs.

By: jeff watson

jeff watson — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:02:33 +0000

Dawn,

I think the press corps has asked both sides since LBJ was president and we were embroiled in Viet Nam. The press corps gave Reagan fits. However, Helen tends to lecture the president(if he’s a Republican….she gave Clinton a pass), and that’s not part of the job description of White House press reporter. That’s my problem, not the fact that she asks tough questions.

Jeff

By: Grace

Grace — Thu, 21 May 2009 01:47:03 +0000

I thank God for Helen Thomas, for being one of the very few in our modern day media, who dares to ask the “hard” questions to those in “authority.” Americans want truths, not half-truths nor “political spin.” Ms. Thomas cuts right through the b-lls**t and gets right to the core of issues. Long may the “Queen of Investigative Journalism” reign.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:10:10 +0000

Jeff – Indeed all stories have two sides – but we have had a press corps in the White House that for too long has not asked the questions that draw out both sides. If having to start a war in Iraq was necessary than all sides should have been aired, not hidden under the cover of being feared “unpatriotic.”

There is plenty of space for the question “Why” no matter where your particular viewpoint originates.

By: jeff watson

jeff watson — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:23:38 +0000

One must remember that Helen is a wee bit biased, sometimes substituting editorial for reporting. While y”all might like her, there is a whole other side that disagrees.

Jeff

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:05:01 +0000

‘She received 50 bouquets of flowers and cards from her colleagues saying, in effect: we’re here, we’re here.’ – Uh, yeah, no you wern’t. Helen was there, the rest of you are nothings.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:02:39 +0000

Dr. Denny, that’s kind of you to say – Ms. Thomas is an inspiring subject!

By: Dr. Denny

Dr. Denny — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:02:53 +0000

Well done, Dawn. You use a pen as well as you use a camera.

By: bayside

bayside — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:36:03 +0000

Helen is how our media used to be..She took her job to protect american citizens to heart and she does..This is one fine spunky lady..This is how a ethical reporter works,wish we had more like her.

By: larkohio

larkohio — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:17:53 +0000

I love Helen Thomas. She is wonderful.

By: norman scott

norman scott — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:10:12 +0000

Helen Thomas is an American treasure.