National Columns

The Washington Post, beginning Nov. 1, 2019, will allow its syndicated columns to appear only in print. The columns will still be available as part of our e-edition newspaper online, but they will not be available as separate pieces on our website, ljworld.com. These columnists include George Will, David Ignatius, Michael Gerson and others. This does not affect other columnists like Leonard Pitts, Mona Charen, Connie Schultz and Mark Shields, who are not affiliated with the Washington Post.

Opinion: Gun country needs gun laws, too

Rep. Jared Golden’s about-face on gun laws is not surprising. He is a Democrat representing Lewiston, Maine, still convulsed by a mass shooting that took 18 lives. Formerly against tightening the laws, Golden now wants a ban on semiautomatic weapons. One can understand why elected ...

Opinion: This war is a catastrophe, and Hamas bears the blame

Hamas is banking on short memories, lazy journalism and short fuses. The lies it told about the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital event illustrate the war on truth that it conducts simultaneously with sadistic attacks on civilians. Hamas’ attack on Israel constituted an encyclopedia of war crimes: ...

Opinion: A preview of a Palestinian state

On “60 Minutes” last Sunday, President Joe Biden said he thinks it would be a “mistake ... for Israel to occupy ... Gaza again.” He also conceded that eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon “is a necessary requirement.” At the same time, the president said, “There needs to ...

Opinion: ‘The Golden Bachelor’: mostly fantasy

“The Golden Bachelor” is a popular reality TV show. It opens with a handsome, impeccably groomed 72-year-old adjusting a bow tie. In the background we hear Cat Stevens singing “The Wind,” a sharp hook into the boomer soul. The bachelor finally says: “I’m Gerry. Tonight is the ...

Opinion: Real leaders don’t promote hate; they fight against it

I’m trying not to despair, but the world seems awash in hate right now. In the Middle East. In Ukraine and Russia. In rabid anti-immigrant movements in Europe. Among some Donald Trump followers, including Trump Republicans in Congress. Threats are mounting against Muslim Americans and ...

Opinion: Government can’t stop deadly fentanyl

Fentanyl has killed more Americans than the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan combined. And lined up behind it are still more vicious street drugs. The Justice Department can indict Chinese companies producing fentanyl and the precursor chemicals used to make it. The Biden ...