Journalism group won't give out award named for Helen Thomas

[cali]

By Bridget Johnson - 01/15/11 10:42 AM ET

The Society of Professional Journalists is retiring a lifetime achievement award named for former White House correspondent Helen Thomas.

Thomas stepped down from Hearst Newspapers last year after saying outside White House Jewish heritage celebrations in May that Jews in Israel should "get the hell out of Palestine" and "go back home to Poland, Germany, America and everywhere else."

"Her comments were offensive," President Obama said after the resignation. "It is a shame, because Helen's someone who has been a correspondent through I don't know how many presidents — was a real institution in Washington. But I think she made the right decision."

The Detroit News reported Friday evening that Thomas, who grew up in the area, caused further controversy by telling a crowd in Dearborn in December that "Zionists" control Congress, Wall Street and Hollywood.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/138117-journalism-group-wont-give-out-award-named-for-helen-thomas

[bbinacan]

1. Good! n/t

[n2doc]

2. Haters win again.

I hope the zionists understand this sort of eternal vendetta isn't garnering them any new friends.

[cali]

4. the zionists did this?

so you know this group is controlled by "zionists"?

I have a lot of fondness for Thomas, but sadly, she did this to herself.

[Ozymanithrax]

7. So what other things to Zionists control? n/t

[pnorman]

3. As one who had long admired her (and still do),

she had (perhaps unconsciously) crossed the line between being anti-AIPAC, and anti-Semitic

[DCKit]

12. If she did, in fact, say it.

I'd want to see the tape. That sounds way over the top for someone with Helen's vast experience.

Then again, maybe there is a vast Zionist conspiracy. At the very least, they do have entirely too much influence in DC.

[pnorman]

14. I would dearly love to learn that it was a misquote.

But I have a strong feeling that it wasn't. In any event, I stand by my original statement.

[asjr]

5. I remember when we sent roses to her for

her birthday and other occasions. Nothing has ever been said about the Republicans who call Pres. Obama a liar and say that their main reason is to make a one-term president out of Obama. They never retaliate against Republicans. I am not saying Helen was not wrong to say what she did--it just seems a shame to single her out when so much other crap is said and the so-called journalists get their panties in a wad. "Society of Professional Journalists" should be shame-faced by their two-faced attitude. Just my two cents.

[Raine]

8. TOTALLY agree. nt

[uppityperson]

10. I agree. Singling her our is wrong and hypocritical. eom

[Hardrada]

6. This is wrong.

[robcon]

9. I wouldn't give out an award in her name.

She represents hate... antisemitism.

[uppityperson]

11. Out of all the good she did, out of all the challenging of asshole presidents she did, this is what

it comes down to? One stupid statement and "she represents hate"?

I find the dichotomous thinking prevalent even on DU rather saddening.

[Cid_B]

13. Technically its two stupid statements...

She seemed to think she was untouchable even after she got burned for the first one...