The Bush Administration's treatment of Helen Thomas is emblematic of their treatment, and contempt, for all press that is not firmly aligned with their plans and goals. As a statement of cleansing the nation of this belligerence toward a free and vigorously questioning press the Obama Administration should honor Ms. Helen Thomas by placing her back in the front row, where she sat and firmly questioned presidents from John F. Kennedy to the present. Furthermore, as a lasting tribute and sign of public transparency, the chair should be re-colored in Ms. Thomas' signature red for all time.
We the undersigned, respectfully request your consideration of the following suggestion:
Because you have publicly stated your goal of public transparency in governing;
Because you have demonstrated an appreciation of historical traditions;
Because you have stated an obligation for setting the tone in Washington, DC;
We request that you consider returning Ms. Helen Thomas to the front row in the White House Press Room and restoring her the honor of first question and the sign-off, for as long as she remains with a news organization.
Furthermore, as a lasting sign of your strong appreciate of a free and vigorous press, that you direct Ms. Thomas' chair to be re-covered in red fabric. Helen's Red Chair should stand as a reminder to all in that room that a challenging and probing press is vital to the strength of the Union.
- Given that as a reporter for over 50 years Ms. Thomas has covered the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and the White House.
- Given that during Ms. Thomas' decades of service to the public her traditional role, while sitting in the front row, was to ask the first question during presidential press conferences and to sign off the events -- something she had done since JFK -- with her signature, "Thank you, Mr. President."
- Given Ms. Thomas' accomplishments as UPI's White House Bureau Chief for 25 years, the first female officer of the National Press Club, the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents Association, and the first female member of the Gridiron Club.
We believe this action will reward a tireless public servant who has asked smart, tough questions of the powerful, Republicans and Democrats, throughout her historic and storied career. Equally as important is that this action will be demonstrative that you hold yourself and those who represent your administration accountable to the public through its most immediate advocate, the free press.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration, Mr. President-elect.
