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Cal Thomas

Cal Thomas

tcaeditors@tribune.com

Cal Thomas is one of the most widely syndicated political columnists in America. Based in Washington, he is a wide-ranging social commentator, not a "beltway insider," who supports traditional conservative values and the American "can-do spirit." He'll take on virtually any topic, from the decline of the family to growing terrorism worldwide.
A syndicated columnist since 1984, he is the author of “America’s Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires, Superpowers and the United States” (HarperCollins/Zondervan, January 2020). His latest book is “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen in 50 Years Reporting on America” (Humanix Books, May 2023). Readers may email Mr. Thomas at tcaeditors@tribune.com.

Columns by Cal Thomas

FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2013 file photo, shows a close up detail of a Boy Scout uniform worn during a news conference in front of the Boy Scouts of America headquarters in Irving, Texas. The Boy Scouts of America says it is exploring "all options" to address serious financial challenges, but is declining to confirm or deny a report that it may seek bankruptcy protection in the face of declining membership and sex-abuse litigation. "I want to assure you that our daily mission will continue and that there are no imminent actions or immediate decisions expected," Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh said in a statement issued Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

The erosion of what many Americans hold dear continues apace

The erosion of what many Americans once believed were the foundations of our country continues apace. They include, but are not limited to, overspending and debt (personal and national), never-ending wars, uncontrolled borders leading to massive immigration with no time for or expectation of assimilation and political divisions that grow wider by the day.

December 17, 2018
Wanted by the Washington Establishment Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

The fury of the establishment

Hell may have no fury like a woman scorned, but scorning the Washington Establishment produces even greater anger.

December 12, 2018
Media Flip-Flop Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

The mean-spirited media do a 180 on George H.W. Bush

Before George H.W. Bush fades from memory into the darkness of history books, one more point needs to be made. It is about the contrast between how most of the major media treated him when he was president and how they mostly (but not completely) did a 180 during their coverage and commentary of his funeral.

December 10, 2018
Illustration on the meaning of true fulfillment in life by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

A powerful lesson as we remember President Bush

The scene at the U.S. Capitol on Monday as former President George H.W. Bush lay in state presented a tableau and a lesson for those who seek earthly power and believe it can change things.

December 5, 2018
G13542-07 Portrait of Vice President George H. W. Bush, 23 Jul 86. Photo Credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

George H.W. Bush: Man of character

I first met the man who would become America's 41st president in 1968. He was a Houston congressman and I was a young reporter for a local TV and radio station. My first impression was how kind he was to this "kid," who had just moved to Texas from the Washington, D.C., area and was just starting to learn the "language," like "fixing to go" and "y'all."

December 3, 2018
Illustration on the recent government report on climate change by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Apocalypse when?

Each time an end-of-the-world prophecy is delivered — whether by a self-deluded preacher, a group of politicians or scientists — we are told that we must believe. Never mind how many of their prophecies have been wrong in the past, this time they mean it.

November 28, 2018
Illustration on the existence of biased judges by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Trump versus Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts has been drawn into President Trump's web.

November 26, 2018
In this Sept. 8, 2015 photo, Tribune building, left, and the Wrigley Building are viewed from the Trump Tower in Chicago. Tribune Media said, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, that it's hired a real estate investment banker to explore the sale of its Tribune Tower, its headquarters that sits on three acres along Chicago's Michigan Avenue. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Wayne Stayskal, cartoonist extraordinaire

Google "Great American Political Cartoonists" and you will undoubtedly find the late Herbert Block (aka "Herblock") of The Washington Post, (Paul) Conrad of the Los Angeles Times, Michael Ramirez of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and several other cartoonists whose work, if not their names, are familiar to newspaper readers.

November 21, 2018
Recounting the Vote in Florida Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

The Florida fiasco ends

After two recounts — one by machine, the other by hand — after a concession speech by Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for governor, which was withdrawn and then re-delivered; after hordes of lawyers descended on the state to argue that "every vote should be counted," including mail-in ballots with faulty signatures that were rejected the first time around, it's finally over.

November 19, 2018
The dome of St. Peter's Basilica is partially engulfed in the fog behind statues of saints adorning the colonnade designed by 16th century Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

The shame of the Catholic Church

One doesn't have to be Roman Catholic or even Christian to recognize the great good the Catholic Church has done. America would be worse off were it not its pro-life stance and numerous acts of charity.

November 14, 2018
Illustration on vote fraud in Florida by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

‘What’s wrong with Florida elections?’

Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, had the best line when it comes to the latest Florida election in which contests for governor and the U.S. Senate are still undecided.

November 12, 2018
In this June 27, 2018, file photo House Financial Services Committee ranking member Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., asks a question during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

‘Will the moment seize Democrats?’

We are about to find out whether Democrats meant it when they lamented the loss of civility in Washington. Having won the majority in the House of Representatives in Tuesday's elections, will they cooperate with Republicans and "reach across the aisle," or will they pander to their base, which wants President Trump's blood? Guess which scenario I'm betting on?

November 7, 2018
Illustration on ending birthright citizenship by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Ending birthright citizenship

In 2004, nearly 80 percent of Irish voters decided to end birthright citizenship. In its coverage the BBC said, "The government said change was needed because foreign women were travelling to Ireland to give birth in order to get an EU passport for their babies."

November 5, 2018
Illustration on anti-Semitism by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

America seems to have storehouses of homegrown hate

"Some of my best friends are Jews." That familiar, yet offensive, phrase has been used by some people as a defense against an accusation of anti-Semitism. It's time, however, to rebrand it as a positive affirmation of love and concern for the Jewish people.

October 31, 2018
Sending Bombs Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

The sickness spreads

Just in time for Halloween comes a former male stripper, who drove a van with Trump stickers plastered all over it, being charged with sending pipe bombs to top Democratic leaders, a journalist and at least one celebrity, all of whom have been vocal critics of President Trump.

October 29, 2018
In this Oct. 21, 2018, photo, Central American migrants walking to the U.S. start their day departing Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

No country can maintain its character, purpose if it has open borders

Is it more than coincidence that thousands of migrants from Central America are seeking to enter the United States illegally just two weeks before the midterm election? Who are these people? Who's paying for their transportation, food and expenses? Why doesn't the media find out? Is this migrant caravan a ploy by Democrats to win sympathy from Hispanic voters so they'll reverse their growing approval of Trump administration policies and vote against their interests?

October 24, 2018
FILE - In this Sept. 6, 2017 file photo, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., accompanied by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., left, and others members of the House and Senate Democrats, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. It’s beginning to look like Congress’ election-year battle over immigration could end up in stalemate or a narrowly focused bill. The kind of broader measure that President Donald Trump has proposed is running into trouble. The reasons: Deep gaps between the two parties, internal divisions particularly among Republicans and political incentives that might leave each side content with a minimal compromise or even nothing at all. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

‘Why vote for Democrats?’

Given what the Trump administration is saying are record achievements for a president at this stage in office, why would anyone consider voting for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections?

October 15, 2018