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)

I don't know JaneX, if blacks were hunted down by whites and one said he feared whites- I don't see it as offensive. I understand there are a billion Muslims who are peaceful but the ones that aren't don't wear a military uniform to identify themselves. I don't see no.10 in the NPR rulebook as applying. I believe after watching and reading the feedback of Juan that this had to do with liberal politics, George Soros cash infusion to NPR, their disdain for FOX News and what Juan said. It's likely an excuse to fire him. I am unaware of other religions advocating martyrdom.--Jpatt 20:39, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

I don't think that's a productive counterargument. Collective fear of group X, whomever it may be, will get us nowhere. We were not attacked by Muslims, we were attacked by Muslim extremists. There's a distinct difference between the two. Extremists exist within every political, religious or ethic identity, and rarely do they have distinguishing features. I wasn't trying to start an argument, I just feel that this is a double standard. I enjoy Conservapedia because it elevates the conversation and such a double standard would belong at a place like Wikipedia, not here. JaneX 21:22, 21 October 2010 (EDT)

Jane, you seem to spend a lot of time arguing, and not much time contributing. And if you're confused about the difference between Muslim and Christian values, may I suggest enrolling in the Bible course? Actually, perhaps we should have a "Koran course" so that people can learn what's really behind the "religion of peace"... I'll see what research I can do for that. --TeacherEd 00:33, 22 October 2010 (EDT)

Well, I'm going to disagree with you there, Ed, especially since I stated that I wasn't trying to start an argument, but rather have a discussion, and I very much appreciate Jpatt for engaging in such a discussion with me even though we didn't meet eye to eye. And to be honest, this discussion, from my standpoint, is over and I'm not sure why you felt the need to jump in. I don't understand why you think I'm so "confused" about the difference between Muslim and Christian values. Is it because you actually believe that you have some idea of what I know in the first place? My heart belongs to my Christian faith, but I was also raised in a household of tolerance for those of different beliefs and I studied my own faith as well as others in my primary, secondary and collegiate education. I am very well aware of the 90/10 rule (which I assume is something you're accusing me of violating), but I also know that I've made contributions (however small) and do my best to contribute when my unorthodox work schedule permits. My only point was that extremists can exist anywhere, not just within Islam.JaneX 11:07, 22 October 2010 (EDT)