How great will it be to once again see Helen Thomas ask the first question

[Cyrano]

from the front row at a White House news conferences?

My guess is that this will happen no later than January 21st, 2009.

I certainly hope that the white House press corps in the briefing room give her a standing ovation. Most of them have spent the last eight years ignoring the principles of journalism and practicing cowardice, silence and betrayal.

Nonetheless, I certainly would like to see that standing ovation for Helen Thomas. It would at least be a gigantic symbol of the return of custom, civility, reason and democracy.