History was never that important in high school - it just couldn’t match the football game or the last dance the school held. Now being older, I find myself becoming interested in things I was never drawn when younger - history included. The best example that I found as of late comes from Watchdogs of Democracy? by Helen Thomas.
A reporter for the White House Press Corps, Thomas gives her take on how each of the administrations handled journalists and the information they sought. It’s a fascinating read, filled with many points of history highlighted. I caught myself wanting to jot down a lot of the names and incidents mentioned, more than how they related to her overall job. I do think that was the other purpose of her book — the fact that she was paying attention to not only the reporting part of her job, but the consequences and results of everything she did out of it.
For those who consider her a Bush basher, she’s not actually. Thomas acts as an impartial guide in her tour of the history of White House press conferences. She could give props to even the more damned names in presidential history - even Richard Nixon, of whom she gives a few positive highlights. Perhaps even more interesting are her recollections of the many faces that had to translate often difficult situations to hungry journalists. Some of them didn’t take to kindly to Thomas. Others after a time took a fancy to her because she wasn’t afraid of them. That’s a respect that is rarely given to anyone who asks the questions no one would ask of an administration in the White House.
A constant concern that she voices is the ever-going control that the White House seems to have on the media. It would be easy to discount her opinion as being liberal, but given her history, I’d say it comes with meat. I don’t see many people doing much to fight against the control she sees, but it’s good to acknowledge that it exists - especially if you are like Thomas, and have seen it repeated in the past.
I would recommend to teachers, to non-history lovers, and to those who want a quick read to go through Watchdogs of Democracy? Helen Thomas has a lot to say that just about everyone will agree with. It also is a great reference book for young people who perhaps get bored with the rather professor-like dialect of history books.
Article comments
1 - sr
Please dont put her picture on the cover. Hell, that would scare me.
2 - Nicholas Stix
For those who consider her a Bush basher, she’s not actually. Thomas acts as an impartial guide in her tour of the history of White House press conferences.
If she's not a Bush-basher, then Leonard Jeffries loves white people.
It would be easy to discount her opinion as being liberal, but given her history, I’d say it comes with meat.
I don't discount her opinion because she's a "liberal," I discount it because she's a communist. (Or is there some position to the left of communism that better describes her politics?)
3 - sr
The poor women was just endowed ugly. So am I. God created us this way.
4 - jps
#2 says: "I don't discount her opinion because she's a "liberal," I discount it because she's a communist. (Or is there some position to the left of communism that better describes her politics?)"
I've always liked her because she is very stubborn in her question asking and does not kowtow to any administration. She'll happily tear into any party that deserves it.
I quote #2 because I am now curious as to what her political leanings are. Has she ever said anything about her political beliefs? I would hate to think that #2 is slandering her simply because she is now angry at his choice for president.
regards
5 - sr
Jet propulsion system. This village idiot cant respond. Capt Morgan has taken over and Helen is looking more like Britney Spears each second. rs
6 - jps
Sonic Reducer, i've been taken over by Arrogant Bastard Ale and you've made me spit beer over my keyboard. But to me it looks like Britney Spears is approaching her Helen Thomas days.
cheers
7 - Justin Beck
FYI: Helen Thomas does a regular podcast for the San Francisco Chronicle.