Cal Thomas’ latest screed, “Nation’s enemies exploit freedoms to gain foothold” (Oct. 30) is yet another example of why he is a poor choice for a Sun Journal syndicated columnist. In 2003 he proposed that the United States convene a “cultural war crimes tribunal,” a show trial at which members of the clergy, academia and the media who were “wrong” about communism be held to public account.

In other words, he would have Americans prosecuted for having political and historical disagreements with him. A few months ago, he railed against some of the Democratic presidential candidates because their particular sects of Christianity have theological differences with his own, which he apparently thinks should disqualify them for office.

And today he wants to curtail America’s religious freedom and have a “do over” of a trial by jury because the government, despite its very best efforts, couldn’t win what was apparently a thin case against some Muslims whom he finds guilty by association with some other Muslims.

His use of the term “fifth column” harks back to the darkest days of xenophobic, intolerant McCarthyism. His totalitarian impulses are fundamentally anti-American.

It is a shame that the Sun Journal continues to pay for such drivel.

Bill Matthews, Dresden