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)

We can agree to disagree. I don't think the blacks jewish or whites is a good argument. The whole premise is fear of flying because the Muslim religion advocates martyrdom. Their garb may as well be a military uniform in the eyes of fellow passengers.--Jpatt 19:36, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

Why is that not a good argument? It's not that long ago that people would cross the street rather than walk on the same sidewalk as a black man because blacks were viewed as lesser individuals and prone to violence. Are all black people prone to violence? Absolutely not, just as not all Muslims are. And Islam is not the only religion that "advocates" martyrdom.JaneX 20:04, 21 October 2010 (EDT)