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.
To be great, be whole; Exclude nothing. Be whole in everything.
Who does his task from day to day and meets whatever comes his way, Believing God has willed it so, has found real greatness here below. Who guards his post, no matter where, believing God must need him there, Although but lowly toil it be, has risen to nobility. For great and low there's just one test, 'tis that each man shall do his best, Who works with all the strength he can, shall never die in debt to man.
When I say 'Crush your enemy', I don't literally mean it.
Upon the progress of knowledge the whole progress of the human race is immediately dependent: he who retards that, hinders this also.
Allow God to be as creative with you as He is with each of us.
People are best convinced by things they themselves discover.
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