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Why hasn’t Hearst Corp. helped Helen Thomas apologize?
By Lauren | June 10, 2010
Helen Thomas used to be one of the most powerful people in Washington. The grande dame of the White House press corps played a starring role in five decades of Presidential press conferences. She was smart, tough, and articulate, and a worthy challenger to ten different Administrations - until she made some appalling remarks a few days ago. When asked about Israel’s existence in the Middle East, she replied that the Israeli’s should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to Germany, Poland or America.
Ouch.
It breaks my heart to see a journalist of Ms. Thomas’ stature forced to retire after decades of superlative reporting over one unfortunate outburst. What makes me even sadder is the feeble little statement on her website that (sort of) apologizes for what she said. On June 4th, Ms. Thomas wrote, “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.” I’m reminded of the statement Tiger Woods’ posted in January shortly after the car accident that led to his public disgrace - that statement, too, was too little and delivered from too great a distance.
Ms. Thomas was once one of Washington’s finest reporters. Surely, with all of its media outlets, Hearst Corp. (her former employer) could find a way to get her in front of an interviewer and a camera so she could apologize more gracefully. Ms. Thomas shouldn’t have said what she did, but she shouldn’t be abandoned to deal with the fallout alone, either. Come on, folks! Give a great lady an opportunity to fix her final performance.
Topics: Apologies, Business Ethics, Personal Ethics, Professional Ethics, corporate responsibility |
June 11th, 2010 at 12:27 am
The “ethics” of Helen Thomas are intriguing. I have no sympathy for her as she was someone who was an ethical basket case. She obviously felt that a different set of rules applied in her case and that she was entitled to: (1) be rude,(2)show her biases while purporting to be a fairminded jounalist,and (3) be paid special deference, including preferential seating and the first question–all beyond her waning stature and readership. This is no different than the aging CEO or Chair who hangs on for personal gratification and ego reasons, well beyond the point where they add value commensurate with what they take. The same holds true for the 20 term Congressman who is out of touch, out of ideas and out of energy, but won’t make way for anyone else. If she cared about the profession and fairness, she would have long ago asked to be treated like everyone else–maybe some kind of rotation of seating?…and judged on her current status and contribution. Instead, she took advantage of the good nature of those who simply didn’t want to confront her over an undeserved special status.
June 11th, 2010 at 1:03 am
Two things, first I find myself in total agreement with your latest post. I cannot imagine a public figure who has not at one time or another totally botched some statement. An apology should be enough, not to mention the circumstances she was commenting on do provoke a strong emotional reaction.
The second thing: I write a business ethics blog. I made the delightful discovery of your web site and have had the pleasure of recommending one of your posts. Considering the quality of your writing, I expect I will be linking to your site regularly. My best wishes!
James Pilant
June 12th, 2010 at 7:43 am
[...] Bloom takes on the question of Helen Thomas and what should have happened in the light of her remarks. She wants to know why Hearst Corporation [...]
June 13th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Hello Dan and James,
And welcome to my blog! I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I’ve got a real soft spot for little old ladies, especially those who broke ground in the professional world and made life a little easier for those of us who came behind them. That undoubtedly comes through here. Dan, you’re probably right that Ms. Thomas should have stepped down some time ago. I’m just sorry to see her go out on quite such a sour note. She was so good for so long - I wish she’d made a more graceful exit.
James, thanks for the kind words, and I look forward to reading your blog. Always great to meet a colleague!
Lauren
June 14th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Lauren,
I came across your blog when I was putting together my syllabus for the first ever Governance, Ethics and Social Responsibilty course at the University of Maine School of Law. With approriate attribution, many of your columns provided valuable insights to the class.
I still don’t come out the same place as you on Helen Thomas. I may have a basis against those who hang on too long because I have seen what, and who, can suffer. My teaching career follows retirement as CAO of an NYSE company which we LBO’d, grew and took public during the pre and post Enron, SarBox, NYSE/SEC governance reforms etc. Turbulent times and many observations into executive behavior informed a lot of how I look at issues. I saw Helen as very much like the CEO or Chair who just won’t go away.
I look forward to continued reading of your column, use in my class and more responses from me.
June 22nd, 2010 at 2:23 am
I believe she’s been given multiple breaks for comments in the past. Free speech guarantees the right to say it - but doesn’t guarantee you won’t suffer the consequences.