Helen Thomas Back: Returns To Journalism With Column In Virginia Paper

Helen Thomas is back at work--this time, with a column in a weekly Virginia newspaper.

Thomas was forced to resign last summer from her job as a columnist for Hearst after the controversy over her comments about Israel. But she has now secured a home for her weekly column in the Falls Church News-Press, which is located in Falls Church, Virginia.

In a statement, Nicholas Benton, owner and editor of the News-Press, said he had spoken with Thomas for over eight hours before deciding to take her on. He called her "progressive" and said that he is "firmly convinced that she is neither bigoted, nor racist, nor anti-Semitic."

Benton called Thomas' comments about Israel "intemperate and inappropriate," but said that they were "in response to a question about Israel, not Jews, and were intended to mean that in these times, Jewish people are free to live wherever they wish, because the era of anti-Jewish persecution is ended. That was not adequately expressed because of the impromptu nature of the incident."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/06/helen-thomas-back-column-virginia-paper_n_805239.html

Benton called Thomas' comments about Israel "intemperate and inappropriate," but said that they were "in response to a question about Israel, not Jews, and were intended to mean that in these times, Jewish people are free to live wherever they wish, because the era of anti-Jewish persecution is ended. That was not adequately expressed because of the impromptu nature of the incident."

This is how I have always interpreted them, but doubt this will appease many. Thomas has lived a life of dignity, purpose, and integrity. I have been tremendously saddened that her inappropriate, yet "off the cuff" remarks to someone clearly baiting her, had been the devastating end to her lauded career. That's my opinion. Firmly held.

Bigger cojones than the entire MSM combined.

I'm glad she's back.