The important issues

This Old Republican was both amused and amazed at Cal Thomas’ recent column. After slinging mud at the whistle-blower who hasn’t even had his say, Cal T. concludes that “there is no there there.” But the amusement turned to amazement when writer Thomas listed “deeper issues for 2020,” naming the usual litany of the wealthy and well-placed: capitalism as a religion, employment even as income disparities rise, strict interpretation of the Constitution, good health care for those who can get it, and, apparently, the economic safety-net programs that have given several generations of working Americans a reason to work and hope for a small but ensured piece of the American pie.

Mr. Thomas’ thoughtless piece, seemingly endorsed by the Tribune Content Agency, seems ignorant of other issues that Americans list as much more important: a deficit that is running amok, a world suffering climate change that can and must be turned around if we hope to avoid global doom, constant and continuous attacks on settled abortion law. I would add the necessity of moral behavior and honest discourse in public and political affairs, but I don’t believe Mr. Thomas is capable of such. It would require careful listening, honest weighing of contradicting opinions, and even the probability that he might not get paid by the Tribune Content Agency.

I could add that Cal Thomas comes across as snarky, but that would make this an opinion piece …

CLIFF HARRISON Hot Springs Village