To The Class of 2010 (and Helen Thomas)

I was recently surprised to learn that Helen Thomas was still alive.  The great irony here is that I learned this as she was killing her career.  No, I’m not making crass zombie jokes.  When I think of a trailblazing woman who became White House Press Corps royalty and covered over 10 presidents, the name that comes to mind is Sarah McClendon (read her book Mr. President, Mr. President! ).

But alas, we’ve been stuck with Helen Thomas, front and center on the seating chart but oh-so-left otherwise, in recent years at presidential press conferences.  Until now.  Thomas went too far last week.

In case you didn’t know or care, Thomas–the so-called “dean” of reporters–destroyed her career by providing a succinct, anti-Semitic soundbite in front of a recording camera.  She feels that Israelis should “get the hell out of Palestine” and go back to Germany or Poland or America.  You know, places where they should be.  Matter of fact, why did the Jews even leave in the first place?  Ooh…

Robert Byrd: Available but call soon

But this article is about students not Thomas who was dumped from giving a commencement address at Walt Whitman High in Maryland this month.  I have been working with teenagers for years and have no clue what 18-year-old would want to hear a speech from the curmudgeony 89-year-old Thomas.  Those graduating seniors can let out a big sigh because the replacement has been chosen and it’s, ooh…, Bob Schieffer of CBS who comes in at a spry 73 years of age and was five years into AARP membership when these kids were born.  Good Lord!  Was Robert Byrd unavailable?  Sorry gang.

Here’s what I can do for you.  It’s not much but how about a few words of encouragement right here?  It’s short notice, but at least I come within 9 generations of you, and my face and cheeks actually move when I smile.  Right then, here goes.  Ahem…

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Dear Attention Behold! Yo Seniors of the class of 2010:

Today, as you reflect on days gone by we look to the future.  Congratulations on your achievements.  You have survived clueless parents, spotty cell phone service, and the American public education system, even at a school that actually wanted Helen Thomas to be here speaking to you tonight.