Talk:Helen Thomas

Surely we can find a better photo of the lady referred to in the article? Have some respect for our fellow human beings? Human 22:52, 9 September 2008 (EDT)

Did she smile for the photo? I don't see anything wrong with it. I am sure the photo isn't a surprise to anyone.-- jp 23:06, 9 September 2008 (EDT)

Helen Thomas and Juan Williams

How is Helen Thomas any different from Juan Williams? Both are covered under the same first amendment right to free speech, or aren't they? JaneX 17:42, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

One resigned, one was fired, one showed hate, the other showed fear. Thomas and Williams are both liberals who are free to say what they want (1st Am) but Williams was given the short end of the stick on his 1st Amendment rights. Thomas buckled under pressure. --Jpatt 18:06, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

But Williams was in direct violation of the NPR employee handbook, so his dismissal is not censorship. He was not prevented from saying what he said, but he was disciplined for going against the rules and procedures of his employer, which any employee in any employment situation should expect.JaneX 18:28, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

That violation was? The rules were don't speak about fear of Muslims on planes after what happened 9/11? --Jpatt 18:48, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

It's not that simple. Here is the NPR ethics code, specifically number 10 under outside speaking engagements: http://www.npr.org/about/aboutnpr/ethics/ethics_code.html#outside. Williams can feel anyway he wants, but what if someone said the same thing and replaced Muslim with "black", "Jewish", "white," how would people feel then? JaneX 19:13, 21 October 2010 (EDT)