Helen Thomas has announced that she will retire. in the wake of her comments about Jews needing to get back to Germany.
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 - Helen Thomas announced Monday that she is retiring, effective immediately.(Hat tip: Hot Air.)Her decision came after her controversial comments about Israel and the Palestinians were captured on videotape and widely disseminated on the Internet.
Thomas later issued a statement: ``I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt 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.''
Thomas will mark her 90th birthday on Aug. 4.
Good riddance.
Permalink | Linking Blogs | Sphere: Related Content | Digg this! | FARK It!
Filed under:
Breaking News
Comments (46)
Buh-Bye.... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Clay | June 7, 2010 12:41 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Buh-Bye.
1. Posted by Clay | June 7, 2010 12:41 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 12:41
2. Posted by Rick | June 7, 2010 12:42 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
You beat me to it Dan... I added a post at my place and ended with an appropriate thought... appropriate in my mind anyway...
2. Posted by Rick | June 7, 2010 12:42 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 12:42
3. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 12:57 PM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
"Obviously those remarks are -- do not reflect certainly the opinion of most people in here, and certainly not of the administration." ...
Want to bet some money on that Baghdad Bob?
Most of the MSM treated her comments with SILENCE! Her only 'sin' was speaking in 'mixed company'.
3. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 12:57 PM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 12:57
4. Posted by SShiell | June 7, 2010 12:59 PM | Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
Finally!!!!
4. Posted by SShiell | June 7, 2010 12:59 PM |
Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 12:59
5. Posted by 914 | June 7, 2010 1:01 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
The ugly troll is way to old to "retire".
5. Posted by 914 | June 7, 2010 1:01 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:01
6. Posted by SShiell | June 7, 2010 1:02 PM | Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
"Her only 'sin' was speaking in 'mixed company'."
By "mixed company" I take that to mean liberals and conservatives.
6. Posted by SShiell | June 7, 2010 1:02 PM |
Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:02
7. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 1:06 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Obama must have had a talk with her and said retire or be moved out of the WH press corps.
Another one under the bus.
At least we will see less of her butt ugly face.
You would think with her money she would get plastic surgery and all the botox you can get.
7. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 1:06 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:06
8. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 1:08 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
"They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance"
Here let me complete that sentence about your feelings Helen
"They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance after destroying Israel and all the Jews."
8. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 1:08 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:08
9. Posted by 914 | June 7, 2010 1:12 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Well maybe now Helen will have time to join the next flotilla of peace activist's and challenge Israels "Polish/ German blockade? They could place medusa right up front and watch the blockade melt before her beauty.
9. Posted by 914 | June 7, 2010 1:12 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:12
10. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 1:12 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
I'm waiting for the claim that poor, dear Helen was:
1. set up
2. confused
3. drugged
4. mis-quoted
10. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 1:12 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:12
11. Posted by cathymv | June 7, 2010 1:14 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
am I being cynical? shes not retiring.. she is throwing herself on her sword so her master,Obama will not have to make a decision.
Imagine this now.. obama supporters are now throwing themselves under his bus....
see ya
cathy :)
11. Posted by cathymv | June 7, 2010 1:14 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:14
12. Posted by GianiD | June 7, 2010 1:19 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Any truth to the rumor Wendy's has her fugly arse in mind to re-enact those 'Where's the Beef' ads?
12. Posted by GianiD | June 7, 2010 1:19 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:19
13. Posted by Sheik Yur Bouty | June 7, 2010 1:22 PM | Score: 14 (14 votes cast)
Her apology is BS.
Her 'heart-felt belief' is what was recorded on that video.
13. Posted by Sheik Yur Bouty | June 7, 2010 1:22 PM |
Score: 14 (14 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:22
14. Posted by Roy | June 7, 2010 1:31 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
I hear Hamas may be looking for a new spokesperson.
14. Posted by Roy | June 7, 2010 1:31 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:31
15. Posted by LeBron Steinman | June 7, 2010 1:35 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
As I recall, last week's theme in the MSM was that Thomas comments were the subject of criticism by "conservative blogs".
So I presume that means the left blogosphere/media hive initially had no problem with her comments and gave them no second thoughts.
That must mean that only conservatives had a problem with a media figure desiring cleansing of Jews from the Middle East and that she resigned under pressure from right wing meanies.
The fact that the media felt criticism of her by those darned wingnuts could be dismissed was telling moment revealing their simpatico with her sentiments.
15. Posted by LeBron Steinman | June 7, 2010 1:35 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:35
16. Posted by 914 | June 7, 2010 1:43 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Maybe Eva Braun never died with Adolph? Helen?
16. Posted by 914 | June 7, 2010 1:43 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 13:43
17. Posted by Roy | June 7, 2010 2:21 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
I think she went to interview with "The View". They may be worried about her playful banter with Joy Behar, but it'll work if they limit her to just Bush/Cheney-bashing.
17. Posted by Roy | June 7, 2010 2:21 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:21
18. Posted by kevino | June 7, 2010 2:32 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Helen Thomas said, "I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians." She didn't really apologize: she just regrets that she has to face the consequences for her comments.
RE: Her retirement
Long overdue, but better late than never. Most of her brain cells died decades ago, and now her career is dead, too. The sad part is that the average IQ of the White House press corps hasn't changed.
Good bye.
Good luck.
Good riddance.
18. Posted by kevino | June 7, 2010 2:32 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:32
19. Posted by irongrampa | June 7, 2010 2:39 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Good riddance.
Seems she's as ugly on the inside as she is out.
19. Posted by irongrampa | June 7, 2010 2:39 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:39
20. Posted by Upset Old Guy | June 7, 2010 2:40 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
I could say something really crude, but I don't want to risk anyone thinking I'm speaking literally. So, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Helen.
20. Posted by Upset Old Guy | June 7, 2010 2:40 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:40
21. Posted by P. Bunyan | June 7, 2010 2:45 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Now if only more "journalists" would be caught on tape speaking their true feelings...
I can dream can't I?
21. Posted by P. Bunyan | June 7, 2010 2:45 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:45
22. Posted by Peter F. | June 7, 2010 2:46 PM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
What a See You Next Tuesday.
22. Posted by Peter F. | June 7, 2010 2:46 PM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:46
23. Posted by Pretzel Logic | June 7, 2010 2:49 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
The coalmine canary into liberalism is being put back in her cage.
23. Posted by Pretzel Logic | June 7, 2010 2:49 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:49
24. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 2:59 PM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Hey Lee
Helen now has plenty of time on her hands. Go make your move guy.
24. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 2:59 PM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 14:59
25. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 3:06 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
"I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. "
Becauas she got fired. Notice she didnt say that what she said wasnt what was in that ice chest she calls a heart.
T"hey do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance."
For arab terrorists.
" May that day come soon."
That day being the day that Israel is destroyed.
----------------
I mean who can believe that she didnt mean what she said on the video last week? She showed her true colors and found out that Obama wasnt going to cover for her.
She wouldnt have given up her post willingly. She got an ultimatum, Quit or suffer the indignity of losing her position by force. Does anyone believe any differently?
In short, under the bus you go Helen, Willingly and with some modicum of dignity (Barf) or unwillingly and in disgrace.
I personally would have liked to have seen the latter.
25. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 3:06 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 15:06
26. Posted by SpideyTerry | June 7, 2010 3:26 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
UPDATE - Word has it that Thomas has moved into a cabin fruit cellar and is threatening to swallow Bruce Campbell's soul.
26. Posted by SpideyTerry | June 7, 2010 3:26 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 15:26
27. Posted by Jim Addison | June 7, 2010 3:37 PM | Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Thomas' tenure illustrates the folly of strict "seniority" systems. She was first hired as a gimmick - by the old UPI, I think - to be the only woman in the White House pool, relying on the Presidents and Press Secretaries to give the only woman a disproportionate share of the questions, which they did over the years. She kept moving up in seniority - even after quitting her job with UPI and being hired as a mere columnist for Hearst.
But I do agree that the main difference between her batspit crazy views and those of many others in the press and Democrats in DC generally is that she, as old women often do, speaks them aloud and didn't care who heard them.
I mean, the Left and the press insists on referring to the known terrorists and terror affiliates/auxiliary members on board the blockade running ship as "activists" - how is that any different than old Helen saying "Joos get the hell out of Palestine"? It's all in the identical spirit, isn't it?
27. Posted by Jim Addison | June 7, 2010 3:37 PM |
Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 15:37
28. Posted by James H | June 7, 2010 3:39 PM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Didn't really hear about Thomas's comments until this morning, but they disturb the hell out of me.
It's one thing to protest Israel's policies toward Gaza and the West Bank or to state the Israel should withdraw troops, cease settlements, end the blockade, etc., etc. I disagree with those positions, but they remain valid comments on the way Israel conducts its relations with the Palestinian Authority.
But when Thomas said "Palestine" and "go back to Germany," it occurred to me that she was talking about British Mandate Palestine, which included all modern Israeli territory and then some. That's not commentary. That's rank anti-Semitism.
I've known some extended family members who grew crusty and, quite frankly, bigoted in their later years. I and other family members sort of maneuvered around their opinions, although I wonder sometiems whether those opinions were their own long-held beliefs or if aging had done something to them.
In this case, Helen Thomas should have been ushered out of her position in the press about 15 or 20 years ago. I also wonder if she's been spouting this sort of thing for a while, but colleagues kept quiet about it because they didn't want to beat up on a women who is, for better or worse, a living legend.
28. Posted by James H | June 7, 2010 3:39 PM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 15:39
29. Posted by John | June 7, 2010 3:47 PM | Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Lee, this is what a real racist looks like.
29. Posted by John | June 7, 2010 3:47 PM |
Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 15:47
30. Posted by John | June 7, 2010 4:15 PM | Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Where the hell is Lee? Isn't this right up his alley, I thought he was the racist police. Hey Lee, since you believe 20% of the tea party are racist what's the percent in the MSM 40 or 50?
30. Posted by John | June 7, 2010 4:15 PM |
Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 16:15
31. Posted by Upset Old Guy | June 7, 2010 4:34 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
James H,
As we age we continue to "refine" ourselves in terms of our personality. So, for those of us who actually get to be old, some features of our "adult" personality become quite pronounced when compared to their expression in our adult personality. Still other parts of the "adult" personality seem to virtually disappear.
Hey, ya' think that's what happened to Al and Tipper?
31. Posted by Upset Old Guy | June 7, 2010 4:34 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 16:34
32. Posted by Justrand | June 7, 2010 5:34 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
somehow I just KNOW this is Bush's fault...but I haven't quite got it figured out yet! :(
32. Posted by Justrand | June 7, 2010 5:34 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 17:34
33. Posted by James H | June 7, 2010 5:43 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
UOG:
This potentiality disturbs me. If a family member goes off the rails in a racist way, does that mean that family member always harbored those sentiments? Or is it dementia?
33. Posted by James H | June 7, 2010 5:43 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 17:43
34. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 6:06 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
John
"Where the hell is Lee? Isn't this right up his alley, I thought he was the racist police. Hey Lee, since you believe 20% of the tea party are racist what's the percent in the MSM 40 or 50"
He is out CONSOLING Helen so he is way too busy to come post here.
34. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 6:06 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 18:06
35. Posted by Upset Old Guy | June 7, 2010 6:26 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Oh boy, can I get away with, "I'm not a doctor" here? But, failing the existance of an organic basis, it seems likely that it's something that was always there and is now being amplified. Speak with a large enough group of friends, co-workers and relatives and you often find a portion that will give an, "S/He was always a little bit of a...." response. You might even find such responses within yourself with do consideration.
But, everyone needs to resist the temptation to diagnose others (and being self-diagnostic). If there's an organic basis there is often also some form of treatment available. Everything starts with the medical professional.
I hope that's enough of an answer.
UOG
35. Posted by Upset Old Guy | June 7, 2010 6:26 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 18:26
36. Posted by MF | June 7, 2010 6:50 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
I too wondered if she really is this way or if old age had caused her mind, personality and body (we start shutting down as we get older) to change for the worse.
36. Posted by MF | June 7, 2010 6:50 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 18:50
37. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 6:53 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
When you run into liberals defending her (and you will) by saying "She is old" then ask what if Reagan had said all blacks should go back to africa when he was 89. Or just ask if she had said All blacks should go back to Africa if she should be excused for that as well.
Of course than you would be accused of racism.
37. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 6:53 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 18:53
38. Posted by Caesar Augustus | June 7, 2010 7:03 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Jews to remain in Israel. Liberal reporter, on the other hand, goes back to the sewer hole from which she was vomited into existence. All's well that ends well.
38. Posted by Caesar Augustus | June 7, 2010 7:03 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 19:03
39. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 7:26 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
bryanD
If Reagan had said ...
[Ed: Who is this bryanD you are referring to? He certainly doesn't post here at Wizbang. :) ]
39. Posted by retired military | June 7, 2010 7:26 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 19:26
40. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 7:29 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
LET THE EXCUSES BEGIN!!!
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/scott-whitlock/2010/06/07/joe-scarborough-lobbies-elderly-helen-thomas-not-responsible-shouldn
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/06/isnt_there_some_room_for_helen.html
40. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 7:29 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 19:29
41. Posted by SCSIwuzzy | June 7, 2010 7:34 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
RM,
BD would probably have agreed. Hate and ignorance are his MO, after all.
41. Posted by SCSIwuzzy | June 7, 2010 7:34 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 19:34
42. Posted by epador | June 7, 2010 8:12 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
re: 26:
Evil Dead references get my vote every time.
42. Posted by epador | June 7, 2010 8:12 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 20:12
43. Posted by RScott | June 7, 2010 9:08 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
and she never got those ruby slippers...
43. Posted by RScott | June 7, 2010 9:08 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 21:08
44. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 9:09 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
"I too wondered if she really is this way or if old age had caused her mind, personality and body (we start shutting down as we get older) to change for the worse."
Given that she's not displayed any other aberrant behavior, I think it a safe bet that she meant exactly what she said.
44. Posted by GarandFan | June 7, 2010 9:09 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 7, 2010 21:09
45. Posted by just bob | June 8, 2010 11:15 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Some people are ignorant of history because they do not study it, she lived it and is still ignorant.
45. Posted by just bob | June 8, 2010 11:15 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on June 8, 2010 11:15
46. Posted by 914 | June 8, 2010 4:30 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
RETIRE??
You mean someone actually had the guts to "Release the KRAKEN"?
46. Posted by 914 | June 8, 2010 4:30 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 8, 2010 16:30