Helen Thomas was right to apologize for her remarks and right to retire in the wake of them, but it saddens me to see her long and distinguished career end in infamy.
Helen Thomas, the legendary White House reporter who broke down barriers against female journalists covering politics, will retire after controversial remarks criticized by many as anti-Israel.
Hearst, her latest employer and owner of numerous media properties, including The Chronicle, on Monday announced the immediate retirement of Thomas, who will be 90 on Aug. 4.
Thomas told a rabbi at a White House event last week that Jews should "get the hell out of Palestine" and go back to Germany and Poland or the United States. Her comments were caught on videotape and widely distributed.
The remarks caused a furor even though she immediately apologized. Her invitation to speak at a local graduation was rescinded. Jewish groups called her remarks ignorant and insensitive and said her apology did not go far enough.
"I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians," Thomas said in a statement. "They do not reflect my heartfelt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon."
A daughter of Lebanese immigrants, Thomas did little to hide her pro-Arab views. During George W. Bush’s presidency, her questions to both the president and his press secretaries were almost exclusively about the war in Iraq.
At his daily briefing, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs on Monday condemned the comments, calling them "offensive and reprehensible." Thomas, who has had a front-row seat in the briefing room for many years, was not present.
The White House Correspondents Association also issued a rare admonishment, calling her comments "indefensible."
"Many in our profession who have known Helen for years were saddened by the comments, which were especially unfortunate in light of her role as a trail blazer on the White House beat," said the statement.
The national director of the Anti-Defamation League, Abraham Foxman, said in a statement that Thomas’ apology was insufficient… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <San Francisco Chronicle>
Offensive, reprehensible and indefensible are all good descriptions of what she said. Had she not retired, I would be calling for her to do so. Her apology, in the context of her retirement is completely adequate.
You may ask why I am opposing one of our own. I have often condemned the statements of Glen Beck, Ann Coulter, Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin, Bill O’Reilly, Sarah Palin, and at east a couple dozen GOP Governors, Representatives, Senators, appointees, and candidates for office, many of which were equally or more offensive, reprehensible and indefensible. Where I not to hold our own to the same standard, I would be a hypocrite, just like the Republican leaders, who excuse and often echo such behavior by their associates and pundits.
12 Responses to “Helen Thomas: What a Way to Go”
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It is a sad day, indeed, Tom, and I grieve for Helen Thomas. After such a noble a career to end on a sour note must be devastating. Yet I hope someone has the nerve to speak up, not so much in her defense–as there is none–but to point out her impatience with the situation reflects much of the world’s. Israel has taken the mangle our sympathy and support into carte blanche to do whatever it likes. There is no excuse for its constant aggression toward Palestine.
If America invaded the Baja peninsula on the grounds that Mexico endangers our well-being by not stopping the drug and arms trades (which it does), the entire world would be in an uproar. We would be vilified for ignoring state sovereignty. No yet has explained to anyone’s satisfaction how Israel expects to do the same thing to Palestine without reproach.
SF, I completely agree. While there was no justification for her comments, her ire over the situation was fully correct.
I agree that her comments were well out of line. But I hate to see her retire – I really loved her spunk.
I will miss that too, Lisa.
I guess she had to retire sometime, but she sure has had a long wild ride. She’s been a thorn in the side of every president since Eisenhower. R.I.P. (Figuratively of course.)
Of course, Tom. May she remain with us a long time,
I don’t necessarily see her comments as retire-worthy. I don’t agree with her statements but I think it was a short statement of a complex situation, and would have benefited from some additional context, but considering the recent flotilla raid which has become the newest polarizing Israeli issue to hit American shores, Thomas had to own up and go.
It will be unfortunate to lose her voice in the press room, but hopefully somebody will fill that void…
Kevin, I agree. I think she just let her frustrationb get the better of her. I share your hope.
Oh piffle!
Piffle?
I almost always agree with ya Tomcat but I think Helen was set up.
We are going to blame a 90 yr old woman for that statement out of context. Not me. And on the heels of the flotilla raid? She probably was horrified by it. Americans were killed but she shouldn’t be outraged?
To me, that the Jewish community would condemn Helen for this is just horrible. They say they are always looking for dialogue or peace but to take down 90 yr old Helen, who has been the only WH journalist to challenge Bush and others on imperialism is just wrong.
Keep up the great work Tomcat.
Jason, I expected disagreement on this one. She may well have been set up, but given her years of experience, she should have known how to side-step a setup. I understand that her retirement was her own idea. I think she did so, because she felt ashamed rather that being forced out. The only reasons I support her resignation are that resigning validates the sincerity of her apology and that we progressives need to hold ourselves to a higher standard of behavior. Once we justify our behavior by equating it to their behavior, we become them. I will miss her.