biLL: "we currently live in a very complex and delicate time in history were we are becoming extremely polarized on political, philosophical, racial, religious views. Paranoia, fear, hatred, revenge is at an all time high. Such remarks from a person of her position, or by anyone does not ease the tension. What she said just adds more fuel to the fire of hatred, ignorance and injustice. Both sides of the equation are hurt from such remarks."

That is so true!...However, the same can be said for over re-actions, and people making issues bigger than they are by immature, hysterical 'politically correct' theatrics of appall!

To give an example, even on here, the accusations of hatred and bigotry, the blowing up of non-issues, is staggering! Whether or not people actually think(?) that or not, or are just posturing themselves, as to align themselves with whatever 'political polarization' du'jour they banter, causes them to be barely believable...unless they are trying to impress, that one could be so superficial, stupid, and shallow!!! ......Keep in mind, that musicians have been thought to be more open minded, and liberal(not in the 'political' sense) in their thinking.

Helen Thomas, has been stellar at times, and then on the other hand, rather polarized, herself. It may be hard to tell whether her 'retirement' was 'safe', because of her age, or politically convenient or diplomatically expeditious. Had she written that, as part of her reporting, would have been one thing, but saying it, offhandedly, in a private conversation, may be another. In any event, it was a dumb remark. What to look for now, will be the backlash, as per aforementioned, in my first paragraph, (after biLL's quote), and if it gives impetus to new, and absurd mid-east policies opinion.

I'm sure if a Native American said the same thing about us, going back to Europe, Africa or Central America, he would be minimalized, and thought to be harmlessly discontented!

I once saw an article, from an interview of me, and I was really pissed off, at what was reported, in what I thought was a confidential thing, I said to the reporter...and told her, not to print that, because of contractual agreements, and as to the issue of publicizing, the fact, that a particular film company and myself, were into negotiations for some submitted material. She printed it, and the name off the company! When I read the article, I went through the roof! Later, a friend, and someone who had been down that road, told me, "If you don't want it reported, never tell a reporter, even in friendship an think it will remain "..off the record"

Since the Obama Administration's policies toward the mid-east, and in regards to Israel, have been 'less pro-Israel', apparently this may be more of an issue, and forcing Thomas to leave, MAY have just been an appeasement, rather than forcing the administrations hand, at fully revealing their own agenda, as to their feelings, in regards to Israel.

GfS