She should have retired

Veteran journalist Helen Thomas should have retired May 26.

On May 27, Thomas was attending a Jewish American Heritage Month celebration at the White House. A rabbi asked her, "Any comments on Israel?"

Thomas, reportedly a longtime critic of Israeli policy, is reported to have said: "Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine." She further added the Jews should "Go home" — to Germany, Poland, America and "everywhere else."

On June 4, Thomas issued this statement: “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.”

There's no denying Thomas' reply to the rabbi was insensitive at best. No one can defend her comment.

Thomas was previously defined as one who, over the years, asked the first and toughest questions at White House press conferences.

At least for the present time, her career will now be defined based on one thoughtless remark. For most of us, people would have let the remark slip by with a shake of the head and a whispered comment, "She IS almost 90, you know."

Love her or hate her, Thomas - who covered U.S. presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to Barak Obama - is leaving a long and distinguished career under a cloud of disgrace.

If only Thomas had retired May 26th, what a different tune everyone would be singing.