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Asma Chaudhary | B.F.A. in AVT + COMM

COMM 361 Online Journalism

Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas, who improved international conflict resolutions as a senior adviser in the International Security Program, said that cultural studies provide experts with assistance in countries like Nigeria and Pakistan.

Helen Thomas, a well-known correspondent for the White House currently covering President George W. Bush, addressed faculty and students at George Mason University about the importance of following ethics and claiming responsibility both by the media as well as politicians.

“It is necessary to fasten seatbelts on a quiet day because half of the world is making trouble with revolutions and coup d’etats,” said Thomas.

Over her years providing coverage of presidents, Thomas has been associated as a reputable wire service journalist with the ability to portray all sides of the story as well as contribute her own opinions later as a columnist. She has covered every president since John F. Kennedy and is still working as a columnist for the White House covering President George W. Bush.

As a columnist, Thomas is able to write about her strong Democratic opinions – and sometimes receives hate mail as a result.

“I get asked, “Who the hell are you? Who elected you that you should ask questions like that?” I always reply in a polite manner for them to get a life,” said Thomas.

She addressed current issues such as the drug prescription plan for senior citizens in the United States and the loss of human lives with the war in Iraq. Thomas contended that both issues contained improper plans that could be revised.

“I think President Bush has never read the Bill of Rights and the Constitution because he has no regard for human life and civil liberty because he has broken every international law since World War II. He wanted a war since day one,” said Thomas.

Thomas, who is most famous for repeating the phrase, “Thank you, Mr. President” worked as a correspondent for United Press International for 57 years. Due to her work as a writer and straightforward journalist, Thomas said that readership in newspapers should increase rather than relying on broadcast reports because it is the best way to receive a better understanding of issues.

“One should always read newspapers, I don’t care about what you hear on TV, because all you hear is sound bites and headlines. A newspaper is much more in depth and it engulfs you and demands your attention. But you also need to read the comics first, they tell the truth that other news are not allowed to say,” said Thomas.

Her most recent book, written last year entitled, “Watchdogs of Democracy?: The Waning Washington Press Corps and How It Has Failed the Public,” summarizes the failure of journalists to support one another and ask tough questions for government officials. Students were able to ask questions about her opinions on President Bush and how she views the future.

“I see the bright side always. Better days will always come, and we will learn from our mistakes, we have hit rock bottom for the credibility of the news media. People will demand the truth,” said Thomas.

Terry Reardon, an environmental journalism major, discussed the impact of Thomas’ comments about former presidents Carter and Reagan.

“Carter underrated--yes, if it hadn't been for the Iran hostage situation, he'd have a better image. But I guess all presidents have their Iran hostage/Vietnam/Iraq crisis. Reagan overrated--definitely. His deregulation of everything he could get his hands on ushered in the "greed is good" mentality and we're still suffering from the consequences,” said Reardon.

Reardon also commented on Thomas’ audacity as a truth-seeking journalist.

”Her refusal to stop asking Bush "Why?" is courageous and should be a beacon for all journalists. I also thought her comment about Bush wanting to run out the clock on Iraq and hand the war to his successor was interesting,” said Reardon.

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