People will never know how hard it is to get information, especially if it's locked up behind official doors where, if politicians had their way, they'd stamp 'top secret' on the color of the walls.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the challenges of accessing information in a secretive or bureaucratic environment.
Helen Thomas emphasizes the difficulty individuals face when trying to obtain information that is often hidden behind official restrictions and secrecy. The metaphor of politicians stamping 'top secret' on mundane things underscores a culture of information control that can hinder transparency and public understanding.
In practice
During a debate about government transparency, one might use this quote to highlight the struggles in accessing important information.
President Bush has asserted the right to wiretap and eavesdrop on any American without a warrant in the name of fighting terrorism. He has asserted presidential power beyond stated constitutional rights, and there is no Republican gutsy enough to call his hand.
Everyone with a cell phone thinks they're a photographer. Everyone with a laptop thinks they're a journalist. But they have no training, and they have no idea of what we keep to in terms of standards, as in what's far out and what's reality. And they have no dedication to truth.
The White House used to belong to the American people. At least that's what I learned from history books and from covering every president starting with John F. Kennedy.
I'm decrepit but I don't want to give up, and I love my work.
I covered two presidents, LBJ and Nixon, who could no longer convince, persuade, or govern, once people had decided they had no credibility, but we seem to be more tolerant now of what I think we should not tolerate.
We don't go into journalism to be popular. It is our job to seek the truth and put constant pressure on our leaders until we get answers.
Pundits are no better at forecasting election outcomes than they would be at predicting the final path of a hurricane. Smart pundits should consider either abandoning this activity or consulting with the geeks before rendering their guesses.
There are but very few men clever enough to know all the mischief they do.
I think I've got my business notions and my sense for that sort of thing from my dad. My dad never had a chance to go to school. He couldn't read and write. But he was so smart. He was just one of those people that could just make the most of anything and everything that he had to work with.
Even a correct decision is wrong when it was taken too late.
Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.
Is detachment the answer to freedom? No, because detachment is negative - it is to be without. The answer must be positive - I must replace what I have with something better.
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