DAILY DOZEN: HELEN THOMAS

Was Helen Thomas out of line with her recent comments concerning Palestine? That is not the question that should be asked. We all can draw our own conclusions regarding right or wrong. My concerns are focused on two other areas.

1. Why was an opinion columnist allowed in the White House press room? I think access to the room should be limited to actual reporters. The fact that she was a "fixture" should not have made a difference. If you want opinion columnists, why not talk radio hosts? Which leads me to my second point...

2. If Helen Thomas was compelled to resign, why are Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow still on the air? Because we are a country that values the right to free speech.

So, although I disagree with the opinions of many opinion journalists, I fully support their right to express it. Therefore, I ask, why doesn't Helen Thomas have the same right?

1. Helen Thomas RETIRING Effective Immediately. (The Huffington Post)
2. A sad ending for Helen Thomas' career. (The Dallas Morning News)
3. Helen Thomas dropped by speaking agency, under fire for remarks on Middle East. (The Huffington Post)
4. Helen Thomas retires, students rally for and against her. (Babble)
5. Thomas's views unsettled White House press. (Politico)
6. Give Helen Thomas a break. (FOX News)

7. Isn't there some room for Helen Thomas? (The Washington Post)
8. Helen Thomas is out, but what about others? (FOX News)
9. Helen Thomas and the Jews. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
10. It was time for Helen Thomas to go. (News Chief)
11. If Helen Thomas, then why not Pat Buchanan? (The Huffington Post)
12. Society of Professional Journalists could rename its 'Helen Thomas Award'. (The Washington Post)