Helen Thomas interview from yesterday! She's BAAAAAACK!!!

[elehhhhna]

...she answered some questions via e-mail from Newsweek's Jesse Ellison shortly before her release from the hospital on Thursday, August 14. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: How has journalism changed in the years you've been covering the White House?
Thomas: The whole transformation into electronic journalism in terms of instantaneousness and brevity, and too little faith in reporting on the scene, makes me fear the corporate heads have reduced the possibility of seeking the truth. I have always known that journalism is a business, but has a greater mantra, a higher ideal of keeping the American people informed. You can't have a democracy without an informed people.

Has access to presidents changed in that time?
Access has diminished greatly. Access on the part of the press—or loss of access—sometimes has legitimacy in terms of the security of the powers that be. But sometimes limitation of access to the horse's mouth can lead to distortion. It's best to hear what the president says, instead of a spokesperson—but these days are gone forever. Years ago, we walked down the street throwing questions at Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and that was true access.

What is the role of the press today? Or at least, what should it be?
To let the American people know what is being done in their name. To undercover unnecessary and unfair secrecy aimed at protecting the manipulators of the truth. The role of the press is to seek the truth—and that's what should be done.

What do you think about opinion-driven journalism, and the rise of Fox News and people like Bill O'Reilly...?
They should be clearly identified as personal opinions of talking heads or reporters. If they reveal their personal opinions, they should say so, and not dogmatically slant the facts for their own ends.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/153374?from=rss

[Dinger]

1. K & RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

[ColbertWatcher]

2. Great to see her back! k+r, n/t

[gateley]

3. I'm so grateful she's okay. There's a DUer who is a long-time family

friend of hers -- so I'm very pleased for him, too.

We love you, Helen! :loveya:

[malaise]

4. Welcome back Helen

We love you. :grouphug:

[madmax]

5. The Grand Dame of the Washington Press Corp.

And one of the few TRUE Jornalists left in that cesspool called Washington, D.C.

God Bless Helen Thomas and welcome back girl!

[LuckyLib]

6. She is smart, feisty, committed to her work and in her 80's to boot.

(I want to have that much energy when I'm in my 80's.) A salute to you Helen Thomas, for all you do! You are a true patriot!

:patriot: :yourock:

[tbyg52]

7. Helen, Helen, Rah, Rah, RAH!!!!!! :-) nt

[MissDeeds]

8. Thank goodness she's doing better

I've been so concerned about her health. Helen Thomas is an icon, a kind of journalist that we don't often see today. When things look bleak, she gives me hope. Bless her dear heart...still there, still fighting the good fight. Godspeed, Helen.

[awoke_in_2003]

20. "a kind of journalist that we don't often see today"

Sadly, true journalists can be counted on one hand. This industry could use 50 more of her, plus a few Conkrites and Murrows in the mix

[Lugnut]

9. K&R for Ms Thomas!

Welcome back and good health to you!

[Gregorian]

10. Helen. A glimpse of wisdom that is so rare.

You can't have a democracy without an informed people.

That sums it up in a sentence.

But for the few like Helen Thomas, I feel trapped. It's nostalgic to think of her and Kennedy.

[Wheezy]

11. If you have a kid in your life, pick up Helen's most recent book:

The Great White House Breakout (ages 4-8)

http://www.amazon.com/Great-White-House-Breakout/dp/0803733003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218913678&sr=8-3

[Nikki Stone1]

12. "Access has diminished greatly" (and with it democracy)

The government is further and further from the people.

[orleans]

13. welcome back!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=130X7_mHD40

[pleah]

14. K&R Great news! Go get'em Helen!

:yourock:

[DeeDeeNY]

15. Let's not forget her great performance

In the video at the end of this speech:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869183917758574879


Bravo Helen!

[mod mom]

16. Great because this country needs this feisty woman!!!!

[fortyfeetunder]

17. Glad to know Helen's back in the game!

You go, grande dame!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Frisbee]

18. You gotta love Helen! n/t

[awoke_in_2003]

19. Hot diggity damn...

give 'em hell, Helen.

[DFW]

21. I just talked to her at home 15 minutes ago.

She has live-in help for the time being, and starts her PT Monday.

She sounded great (except for her assessment of the current state of
affairs in DC and the American press), and can't wait to be back full time.
She is using a walker for now, but hopes to be free of it soon.

[Plucketeer]

22. Kay & Arrrgggghhh!

Tell it like it is, Helen!

[horseshoecrab]

23. That's right -- Tell it Helen!!!

So glad to read this interview with Helen.

"The role of the press is to seek the truth."
INDEED!

Love and strength in recovery to you dear Helen!

horseshoecrab