We went to see Helen Thomas Tues night in Kansas

[proud2BlibKansan]

She appeared at KU as part of a Women's Leadership Lecture series. She was inspiring, to say the least. She has worked as a reporter covering every president since Kennedy, 9 in all.



She began by saying that every morning she goes to Starbucks with a Wash Post and a NY Times under her arm and carries a box of kleenex, because "everything is tragic".

Much of her speech was about the presidents she has covered. She said Kennedy was her favorite president and our most inspired leader. He gave us hope. She quoted him as saying "We want a world where the weak are secure and the strong are just."

About Nixon, she said he always had two roads to choose from and always took the wrong one. She said she didn't know Mark Felt was Deep Throat; if she had known, she would have written it. She quoted Ford as saying "If God created the world in 6 days, on the 7th he could not have rested, he would have had to explain it to Helen Thomas." She said Reagan believed government was the problem, not the solution. For Bush, Sr, there was "no middle ground".



She had lots to say about our current president. She called his administration "The Imperial Presidency". She said 9/11 was a transforming event but no reason for us to lose our soul. She accused Bush of spreading democracy with the barrel of a gun and said this war is illegal under international law and immoral for mankind. She asked who are we and why is there no outrage. She also admitted the press blew it in the run up to war, but she thinks they are gradually coming out of their coma.

She said that in 2008, the Republicans could nominate Condi Rice "who did so much to take us into war".

When discussing the religious right, she said "Atheists pay taxes too".

She quoted Fidel Castro, when asked to explain the difference between his democracy and ours: "I don't have to answer questions from Helen Thomas".

[Karenca]

1. Lucky you!

I love her!

[Bobbieo]

2. Helen Thomas - First Lady of the Press Corps

She is a wondeful person and has been my idol for many, many years.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. She cracked a few jokes about being moved from the front row

in the WH press room when dubya was elected.

[wicket]

17. He was such a petty asshole for doing that to Helen

:grr:

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. She was awesome

Her book sounds good too.

[Karenca]

9. I'm hoping one day she does

a speaking tour here in NY.
I think she's the best!

[converted_democrat]

4. She is so cool.. I love Helen.. She was fantastic in the press conference

today.. She straight up asked Scotty if the President knew he was committing war crimes..

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I saw that!

Go Helen!!

[Burried News]

7. God bless and keep you Helen. You sure are special.

[boobooday]

8. What a beautiful Kennedy quote

"We want a world where the weak are secure and the strong are just."

That gave me chills.

And the Castro quote: :rofl:

What a treat it must have been to hear her speak. Someday there should be a statue of Helen in Washington D.C. With a notebook in her hand.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Yes that is a wonderful Kennedy quote

[Lena inRI]

12. Better yet, a golden chair PERMANENTLY in front row. . .

of the WH press room with her name on it in memoriam.

Give those timid types some backbone every time they see the chair.

Luv ya, Helen!
:yourock:

[Synnical]

11. Thanks for this

Did you record it? Is that how you were able to get the pics and direct quotes?

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. Took notes and pictures

[Mabus]

18. Wasn't she great?

I've been to many speeches courtesy of KU but this one was really special. Thanks to you for bringing a camera and to #1 Son for capturing some of it.

Her speech was wonderful. I have to admit that a few times I was laughing so hard at something she had just said that I missed what came out of her mouth next. She's on top of things. I'm just sorry they stopped taking questions before I could ask her mine.

In case anyone is curious, the woman with her is Democratic Representative Barbara Ballard (District 44), a member of our state legislature.

[fed-up]

13. She's a true HERO, I just picked up her book today at a local thrift store

and next week Joseph Wilson is coming to speak at Chico State.

What a treat to see/hear her in person!

[mod mom]

14. Thanks for posting this. nt

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. You're welcome