Tuesday, Jun. 15, 2010
The dumb things we all say
John Beaudoin, Journal Publisher
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If you think you are not in this category, think again. We’ve all said something that we immediately wished we could rewind and take back.
Now, generally, those dumb things are just that – dumb. These slips are not usually racist, sexist or in other ways offensive.
Journalists have to be particularly attentive to this. Not only should we keep an open mind about things, but if we do have certain opinions, it’s best, usually, to keep those to ourselves.
That’s one of the many reasons I was so disappointed in Helen Thomas’s remarks that came to light last week.
Thomas has been covering the White House since the waning years of Dwight D. Eisenhower – more than 57 years in all.
But recently at an event at the White House, Thomas was asked about the most current strife in the Middle East.
The 89-year-old has always been the staple of good journalism, tough questioning and solid reporting. But on this day, she fell completely apart, telling the guy with the running camera that Israel “should get the hell out of Palestine” and go back to Germany, Poland and other areas.
I cannot gasp enough here.
I met Helen Thomas 15 or so years ago at a college journalism conference in Washington, D.C.
A bunch of us were zipping around a hotel conference room when a friend of mine poked me and said, “Hey, that’s Helen Thomas over there.”
Once I figured out who it was, we couldn’t move over to her fast enough. No one else was talking to her, but then again we were the journalism geeks in the room.
She signed a few of the programs for us and I think we discussed who her favorite president to cover was, although I honestly don’t remember her answer now.
Melding celebrity and journalist is always a dicey topic, but unfortunately, it does happen. Most celebrities who fancy themselves journalists are nothing more than entertainers or talking heads, but occasionally – Helen Thomas among them – a true journalist will reach that superstar status.
Thomas did, and for many years she was the image of a professional, female journalist breaking down barriers as the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents and first female officer of the National Press Club.
Then, she went and said something dumb.
I’m sure history will smile upon Helen Thomas. I want to believe she isn’t anti-Jewish, but her comments are pretty stunning, nonetheless.
Much bigger stars have recovered from much dumber things. I mean, look at the stuff all those presidents have done over the years.
Still, forced or otherwise, Thomas retired this week and will likely have that asterisk next to her name. Even after all those years of grilling presidents and great questions, she is going out in a bad way.
It’s a good lesson for all of us journalists – less of our opinion, more relevant questions.
John Beaudoin is publisher of the Blue Springs Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call 816-282-7001 or e-mail jbeaudoin@bluespringsjournal.com.
