Cal Thomas
Columns by Cal Thomas
A bipartisan measure significantly reforms the criminal justice system
Republicans and conservatives dating back at least to Richard Nixon have used the slogan "tough on crime" and its corollary "lock 'em up and throw away the key" as electoral red meat. The problem is what to do when inmates are released with few skills, fewer job prospects and a bleak future that leads some to commit new crimes that land them in prison again at taxpayers' expense. Published December 19, 2018
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. Published December 17, 2018
The fury of the establishment
Hell may have no fury like a woman scorned, but scorning the Washington Establishment produces even greater anger. Published December 12, 2018
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. Published December 10, 2018
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. Published December 5, 2018
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." Published December 3, 2018
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. Published November 28, 2018
Trump versus Roberts
Chief Justice John Roberts has been drawn into President Trump's web. Published November 26, 2018
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. Published November 21, 2018
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. Published November 19, 2018
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. Published November 14, 2018
‘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. Published November 12, 2018
‘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? Published November 7, 2018
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." Published November 5, 2018
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. Published October 31, 2018
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. Published October 29, 2018
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? Published October 24, 2018
Republicans, Democrats must leave their comfort zones, compromise for debt relief plan
As difficult as it may be to believe, there was a time when Republicans were known as the anti-debt and balanced budget party. Now, the GOP prefers to tout low unemployment as the debt soars and they are co-conspirators in its rise. Published October 22, 2018
Jamal Khashoggi murder must be denounced, but the West must not be naive about his Islamist beliefs
Major media are now reporting that the Saudis are "preparing" to admit that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, died in their consulate in Istanbul, as the result of an interrogation gone wrong. Odds are good that admittance will never come. Published October 17, 2018
‘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? Published October 15, 2018
