I know, it's a dog-bites-man story, but I thought I'd pass along that longtime White House correspondent and left-wing columnist Helen Thomas addressed the College Democrats at the University of Maryland on Wednesday evening.
I live close to the campus, but unfortunately found out about the event after the fact and hence was unable to drop in and take in my own observations. Fortunately Maryland's student paper The Diamondback covered the event. Unfortunately the reporter covering the assignment failed to press Thomas on her commanding respect as a journalist while forsaking any attempt to objectively report news from her perch at the White House. In fact reporter Chidima Okaparanta labeled Thomas's abrasive technique as a "straight-shooting reporting style, especially regarding the war in Iraq."
Below are some excerpts with portions in bold reflecting my emphasis:
Veteran reporter Helen Thomas, often called "the First Lady of the press," criticized the Iraq War in a speech to students yesterday at Stamp Student Union, and said that the press had not challenged the administration's decisions enough.
"We have no right to be in Iraq," Thomas said. "You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
Thomas was asked to speak at the university by the College Democrats, who requested her to come because she is known for scrutinizing the Bush administration and seeking the truth, said College Democrats President Jonathan Sachs.
"She asks the tough questions," Sachs said, "and it's important for college students to understand the importance of doing the same."
[...]
Shortly afterwards, she was quoted in The Hill, a newsletter covering Congress, as saying, "The day I say Dick Cheney is going to run for president, I'll kill myself. All we need is one more liar."
[...]
Thomas now frequently speaks at universities, mainly to encourage students to be more critical of those in power, she said in an interview with The Diamondback.
Of her student audience, she said, "This is their world. They are leaders of the 21st century."
But young people are too apathetic, Thomas added.
"The whole country is apathetic," she said, adding that citizens' lack of involvement comes from more than just a failure to stay informed. "They are afraid of being called unpatriotic and un-American," she said.
Even while working as a wire service reporter, she never lost sight of her own beliefs, she said. "I allowed myself to care," she said. "I never bought out of the human race."
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Helen Thomas
September 6, 2007 - 09:52 ET by BourbeauShe's pathetic. Only in Washington is someone alllowed to stay in the public eye regardless of their ability to make any further contribution to progress. Whether it be Congress, or the press corp, or the MSM, none of them ever feel it's time to go. Helen Thomas is no longer constructive or funny with her stupid questions at press briefings. And to think that anyone believes she adds value speacking to students is beyond comprehension. Better she write a book and let them read it.
I whole heartedly agree.
September 6, 2007 - 09:54 ET by BinxlyI whole heartedly agree. Her failed attempts at coy humor in her anti-Bush questions and musings are about as stale as that long expired diaper under her old wrinkled bottom. Seriously, if Tony Snow had ever just laid her out with a swift kick to her dome, I wouldn't have minded one bit. She's seriously just another mindless cog in the Bush hate machine.
To me she's a waste of space
September 6, 2007 - 09:59 ET by Ken ShepherdTo me she's a waste of space in a seat that could go to a reporter for a paper that is actually REPORTING the news.
Why should a White House tolerate a COLUMNIST occupying space that could go to a reporter for a paper with a decent-sized circulation?
It cuts both ways for me. I wouldn't expect a President Hillary Clinton to let Rich Lowry or Tony Blankley to sit in and consistently pepper her press secretary with right-wing talking points.
I don't think a columnist with no intention of soliciting information should take up space that could go to a reporter. Even if the reporter has some biases of his/her own, at least they are ostensibly trying to report the news, not just serve as a thorn in the press secretary's side on his/her pet issue(s).
We called them: Oxygen
September 6, 2007 - 10:21 ET by Sua SponteWe called them:
Oxygen thieves, slugs, or REMF
Helen, one of our long
September 6, 2007 - 09:55 ET by bassndudeHelen, one of our long standing, non partisan reporters. I might add, a very loong standing reporter. Dident she cover Washington crossing the Delaware? From the other side?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Washington crossing the Deleware??
September 6, 2007 - 10:24 ET by neighbDude....good guess....and quite close really.
Actually, Helen was standing on Plymouth Rock, covering the arrival of those, "Far-Right-wing-Christian-homophobic Pilgrims for the BBC.
neighb
Remember the great battle
September 6, 2007 - 13:00 ET by Tom1969caRemember the great battle between David and Goliath?
Helen Thomas had tickets to that...
~~~
If you don't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!
Crooked Shooter
September 6, 2007 - 10:09 ET by mattmIt's funny how partisan hacks like Thomas are described as "straight shooters" while anyone who voices factually based legitimate criticisms of a Democrat is considered a partisan hack.
Straight shooter, my foot...
arn't Liberals againt guns
September 6, 2007 - 12:41 ET by Conservative in the Artsarn't Liberals againt guns in any circumstance? how come they can use terms like "straight shooter" and be against guns?
Thomas said. "You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
Nope, but you protect it with the barrel of a gun!
"Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb disputing the vote."
Yeah I caught that too.
September 6, 2007 - 16:48 ET by pbanks7"You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
Tell that to France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Greece, all of N. Africa, Micronesia, The Philippines, The Solomon Islands, The Marshall Islands, New Guinea, S. Korea, etc.
What an ignorant slu(g). ;-)
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
Shortly afterwards, she was
September 6, 2007 - 10:09 ET by bigtimerShortly afterwards, she was quoted in The Hill, a newsletter covering Congress, as saying, "The day I say Dick Cheney is going to run for president, I'll kill myself. All we need is one more liar."
Run Dick Run!
Puhleeeeeze!
Run Dick Run
September 6, 2007 - 10:25 ET by philhoeyI am still waiting for all the Hollywood hacks to move to Canada since Bush was elected.
Hypocricy
September 6, 2007 - 10:25 ET by cvgbuckeyeBut the msm thinks it's consistent that the dems won't debate on Fox. When you look up the word "hypocrite" in the dictionary, there is a group picture of all the dems and msm standing there.
The Diamondback
September 6, 2007 - 10:27 ET by philhoeyHaving earned a B.S. in the 1960's at the University of Maryland at College Park all I can say is that my friends and I called it The Diamondrag because what was printed as news was worth less than the paper it was printed on. These fledging journalists (?) of the 1960’s are the ones now reporting the propaganda that passes for news on the major networks.
Philhoey: Go Terps! I wrote
September 6, 2007 - 10:41 ET by Ken ShepherdPhilhoey:
Go Terps!
I wrote a column for the DBK when I was a student there. Can't attest much to the newsroom culture because I wasn't on the news staff. Although one reporter did heavily bias and skew his coverage of one of my campus groups once. Really frosted me since I took the effort to be cordial, polite, give him a press kit, sit down for a full interview, etc. He totally cherry-picked what I said to lay out a biased storyline.
Global Sliming
September 6, 2007 - 10:39 ET by Captain RepusThis methane producing lump so reflects todays democrat party. It is hard to believe so much hatred and uglyness can be packaged into a space-wasting human body.
With todays incredibly complex problems it is a tragic waste of time to allow partisan hacks like her and others like NBC's David Gregory to spew their egotistical venom. Farm them both of to obscurity on MSDNC or TASS.
Don't worry, Cheney
September 6, 2007 - 10:43 ET by The FugitiveDon't worry, Cheney doesn't have to run, although I would love it if he did. Thomas actually dropped dead quite a few decades ago, she's just too damn ignorant,self-absorbed,and stupid to realize it. Helen, PLEASE, for the love of God, get in the damn box and STAY THERE!!
Why is it that EVERYTIME a liberal opens their mouth, I feel a sudden urge to hand them a roll of toilet paper?
"We have no right to be in
September 6, 2007 - 10:51 ET by midnight cowboy"We have no right to be in Iraq," Thomas said. "You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
But young people are too apathetic, Thomas added.
These 2 quotes say alot. One reason the young may be apathetic is that the beast is probably too stupid to realize is that young people expect journalists to be objective, not spewing opinionated diatribe.
The quote "You don't spread liberty with the barrel of a gun" is one of those cutesy liberal feel good quotes. Her socialist hero's Stalin, Castro, Chavez etc. all spread their dictorial power with the barrel of a gun.
Thomas is wrong
September 6, 2007 - 10:51 ET by dvdaughtry"We have no right to be in Iraq," Thomas said. "You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
It worked in 1776.
But young people are too apathetic, Thomas added.
Not sure where to draw the line at "young", but most realize that politicians are politicians.
I am not for diversity. I am for what works.
But young people are too
September 6, 2007 - 15:36 ET by Tom1969caIf it's relative to Helen Thomas, then that would be "everyone".
Remember the Last Supper? Helen Thomas was one of the waitresses...
(ba-doom-boom)
Thank you. I'll be here all week. Try the veal!
~~~
If you don't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!
The quote "You don't
September 6, 2007 - 11:04 ET by motherbeltThe quote "You don't spread liberty with the barrel of a gun" is one of those cutesy liberal feel good quotes. -midnight cowboy
Right, mc. It's one of those liberal sayings that doesn't mean a damn thing....like "a new kind of politics" or a "poverty awareness tour." Doesn't say anything, but makes you sound like you "care" and that's what's important to liberals.
I wish someone had asked Helen "So, how DO you spread liberty?"
Ghandi's nonviolent revolution only worked because they were protesting against a ruler with a conscience and principles. Against a more vicious government, they would not have had a chance.
Ghandi's nonviolent
September 6, 2007 - 22:01 ET by Tom1969caIf your opponent has a conscience, then follow Ghandi and non-violence.
But if your enemy has no conscience, like Hitler, then follow Bonhoeffer.
-- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
~~~
If you don't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!
"We have no right to be in
September 6, 2007 - 10:54 ET by MidAmerica"We have no right to be in Iraq," Thomas said. "You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
uuhh.... note to Helen. All liberty is achieved and retained with the barrel of a gun. Liberty is never free.
Liberty is never free.
September 6, 2007 - 11:15 ET by Sergeant ROCKAnd neither is freedom.. it costs folks like you and me..
<i>"You do not spread
September 6, 2007 - 10:57 ET by Smartypants"You do not spread liberty with the barrel of a gun."
On the contrary Ms. Thomas, that is exactly how you spread liberty, or have you never read a history book?
I would love it if Dick
September 6, 2007 - 11:00 ET by fitzfongI would love it if Dick Cheney ran for President...if only for Helen Thomas to do the right thing. By the way, do you have to post her frightening mug every time she's quoted? I just had breakfast!
Her photo
September 6, 2007 - 11:25 ET by FOXFANI agree fitzfong, it is frightning when you scroll down and see her. I think this is needed before her photo.
****WARNING-GRAPHIC PHOTO AHEAD****
Cheney '08
September 6, 2007 - 11:02 ET by slayerwatcherI have never wanted Dick Cheney to run for president more than I do right now. He doesn't even have to win. Just announce it...pleeeeeeease.
slayer... I feel the
September 6, 2007 - 11:10 ET by bigtimerslayer...
I feel the same...lol...
I posted almost the same above here now...
GMTA!
Btw...I will throw in a double pretty puhleeeeeze!
Aggggghhhhhh
September 6, 2007 - 11:21 ET by WoodyMLook. Just use her name. Don't use her picture and make us look at her, too.
Yecch!
September 6, 2007 - 11:23 ET by Sergeant ROCKNo kidding! Why can't they use that shadow effect like they use for the snitch or whistleblower?
A blue dot!
September 6, 2007 - 16:55 ET by pbanks7A blue dot would cover much more effectively! It might even be soothing.
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
I thought Ben Franklin had
September 6, 2007 - 11:22 ET by BinxlyI thought Ben Franklin had said liberty is a well armed lamb. Apparently, according to Helen, by well armed she thinks he meant a sign that told the wolves "Don't eat me, I'm full of trans fat."
Horrible
September 6, 2007 - 11:52 ET by cvgbuckeyeThis horrible looking woman lends new meaning to the term "BUTT UGLY". But (no pun intended), we all remember Golda Maier (don't think thats the right spelling), whom was no Michelle Malkin but, inside, she was one of the most wonderful world leaders in history.
On the contrary, this vile woman, (Thomas) is as ugly inside as she is outside.
Bilbo Thomas
September 6, 2007 - 11:57 ET by Sergeant ROCKActually, more like the Golem character.
My... my precious!
butt ugly?
September 6, 2007 - 12:00 ET by LionKingCalling HT butt ugly is an affront to all butts...especially this one.
Emergency Surgery
September 6, 2007 - 12:02 ET by Sergeant ROCKIf my butt was as ugly as HT, I would have it surgically removed!
Surgically? I would tie it
September 6, 2007 - 12:06 ET by bassndudeSurgically? I would tie it to an suv and hold onto a tree to rip it off. I sure am glad mine is cute :-)
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Yeah, her and her twin
September 6, 2007 - 12:03 ET by LeonYeah, her and her twin sister, Harriet Miers are BUSTED!
Not enough Botox in the world ...
September 6, 2007 - 12:12 ET by drillanwrEven Nancy Pelosi's doctor couldn't do anything with Helen ...
When you look into an elderly person's face it tells a story about their life was spent.
Helen's face is a bloated and scowling mass of a person who spent her adult life in complete disappointment and disdain.
If the dems win the
September 6, 2007 - 12:13 ET by MidAmericaIf the dems win the Whitehouse in '08 then to be fair Ms Thomas should give up her seat to Ann Coulter.
No freedom?
September 6, 2007 - 12:52 ET by compguytracyMaybe Helen should go ask the French, when we stopped the Germans from invading with more than harsh words, if we should have negotiated with them? Or if stopping Japan with the A-Bomb was ok, instead of more deaths on our side? You know a statistic i do not hear much of s the death toll in Iraq? When D-Day happened, we lost more people on the first day then we have in 5 years in Iraq, but yet hacks lie Darth Sidous here thinks We should just roll over, grab our ankles, and let the world dictate what they want us to do to protect our peace. Maybe when one of the detractor nations (France) wants to kick us in our time of need, and wants to abandon us, then maybe we should not help them again ever. Im sure the Eiffel tower and the Louvre would look great today with the german architechture design that hitler wanted for the whole world.
Yeah,
September 6, 2007 - 16:59 ET by pbanks7No wonder they hate us. <sarc off>
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
First Lady of the Jurassic Era
September 6, 2007 - 15:46 ET by Galvanic"Even while working as a wire service reporter, she never lost sight of her own beliefs, she said. "I allowed myself to care," she said. "I never bought out of the human race."
What a self-engrandizing old fossil!
I guess "allowed myself to care" is her spin on "losing the objectivity in my reporting."
YAHHHHHHHHHHHHH...!
September 6, 2007 - 19:39 ET by m4ster chiefThanks a lot for the photo...haven't had my dinner yet, now lost my appetite.
Sunrise at sea; a breeze across the deck, salty spray tickles the face, the aroma of fresh coffee, stack gas, and haze-gray paint is in the air. Another Navy day aboard ship as a Navy Chief...the perfect life!
m4
September 6, 2007 - 19:47 ET by BlondeYou know, inherently, that this is good for your waistline.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
The NEW Helen Thomas Diet!
September 6, 2007 - 22:24 ET by Tom1969caThe NEW Helen Thomas Diet!
Yes, you too can lose 60, 75, even 100 pounds or more in just 10 days! For just 95 cents, we'll send you a 8 x 10 photo of Hearst Columnista Helen Thomas in a thong bikini; simply look at it once a day when you get up in the morning and watch the pounds fall off as you both lose your appetite and vomit away anything you did manage to keep down yesterday!
Call 1-800-LIB-TROLL today, and watch the pounds come off tomorrow!
~~~
If you don't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!
oh my Tom, I dont think I
September 7, 2007 - 10:10 ET by Binxlyoh my Tom, I dont think I could come up with a worse mental image. I'm pretty sure the diet would fail since anyone who joined, upon opening the letter with the photo would die on the spot of sheer terror. That or they'd need to call off work, that much vomit would take YEARS to clean out of carpet :-P
Damn, Helen Thomas is ugly.
September 6, 2007 - 22:44 ET by RESTLESS 1Damn, Helen Thomas is ugly. Can you use this picture in place of helen's from now on?
helen thomas is soooooooo hot
September 7, 2007 - 09:03 ET by lunaticcringeradioshe makes me want to have sex with the garbage disposal
sorry i just had to drop the obvious crude joke in considering in reality she is such a crude joke