An evening with Helen Thomas - Democratic Underground

DFW

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Fri May-28-10 08:19 AM
Original message

An evening with Helen Thomas

Edited on Fri May-28-10 08:21 AM by DFW

As many on DU already know, Helen Thomas has been a family friend of ours for over 40 years. My father was
a respected member of the Washington print press, and a colleague of Helen's. Both were past presidents of
the Gridiron Club. Although I am now mostly posted in Europe, I still get together with Helen when I am in
Washington, which includes now. We meet either at her home in NW or at one of her favorite restaurants Last
night, it was again at Mama Ayesha's on Calvert Street, off of Connecticut Avenue. Mama Ayesha's is a fabulous
little Lebanese Restaurant with outstanding food. Helen is of Christian Lebanese descent, and is sort of a
special guest there. She is VERY well taken care of, as are her guests.

Last night I had Shish Taouk, which is sort of a shish kabob with marinated chicken instead of lamb, which I
am not supposed to eat (cholesterol issues). Helen had some sort of ground beef wrapped in oversized endives.
The appetizers of garlic and lemon hummus and eggplant purée would have done just fine, they were that good.

Helen will be 90 years old this August, but she is still sharp as a tack, and a full time working journalist.
Although her opinions on many subjects are not difficult to figure out, as she is still working as a journalist,
I will not be posting what was discussed, no matter how predictable it might be (and it was!). However, there were
two things I liked so much, I asked to be able to share them here on DU, and got specific permission to do so.

First: Al Neuwirth of USA Today was down in Cuba several years ago interviewing Fidel Castro. He asked Castro what
he thought were some of the fundamental differences in our two governments. Castro said that for one thing, HE didn't
have to answer questions from Helen Thomas (!!!!!). Apparently even Castro had watched decades of press conferences
where Helen had been making our presidents squirm with unease.

Second, a great line. Helen said (as have many on DU) that it is time for Obama to realize that despite his extending
the had of cooperation to the Republicans, it is clear that they have no intention of ever offering the least bit of
cooperation. None. Their blatant tactic is to obstruct, obstruct, obstruct, until the elections come around,, and then
get on Obama's case for not doing anything. Helen said Obama cannot take the 5th amendment anymore--he cannot refuse
to answer. On the contrary, he MUST answer, clearly, quickly, and forcefully. He extended his hand. They bit it off.
It is time to realize this and move on. Time is running out. No more "5th amendment." He cannot refuse to answer
them. Call them on their BS--clearly and frequently. Helen makes no bones about her status. She can speak out if
she wants to (see her recent press conference, plus recent and upcoming column) because at age 90, what does she
have to fear at this point? (hint: not a whole hell of a lot)

We talked for 3 hours, so you can imagine how much more there was, although some of it was family stuff that has no
place here. In 40 years, there have been people lost, children born, things to reminisce over, catch up on. Incidents
with other presidents (starting with JFK!) and so on are also of great interest to me anyway. But most of what we talk
about is the current state of affairs.

I have posted this before, but will again for anyone who missed it: if anyone from DU is in DC and happens to try out
Mama Ayesha's (1967 Calvert Street NW) and sees Helen, don't be shy about coming up to say hi and talk. She is not
some standoffish icon. She is a warm people person, and the reason she is so tough on all presidents is because she
actually GIVES A DAMN.

I hope she lives to be 150.

Mama Ayesha's, Washington, D.C. May 27, 2010: