Paul Thornton is the Los Angeles Times’ letters editor. He joined the editorial pages in 2005 as a researcher and occasional editorial writer and also served as a Web producer. A UC Berkeley graduate, he lives in Alhambra with his wife, two sons and two cats.
Latest From This Author
If you care about democracy or vulnerable Americans, there’s no other way to say it: Trump’s victory is unmitigated bad news for us.
Nov. 9, 2024
In 2016, a researcher on authoritarianism told us to write down our values before the Trump presidency began. Is it time to start defining our limits again?
Nov. 2, 2024
Trump’s total ignorance of history informs his fascist tendencies. Thankfully, knowing actual history can be an antidote.
Oct. 26, 2024
In the 1940s in Norway, as in the U.S. now, politicians tried to replace state curricula with warped fascist-approved histories. Principled educators were sent to concentration camps.
Oct. 26, 2024
Members of The Times’ editorial board spent weeks interviewing candidates and researching ballot initiatives. These are the endorsements based on that work.
Oct. 19, 2024
Local newspapers and government agencies try not to lie to you during a hurricane or an election. Follow them when your life and democracy depend on it.
Oct. 12, 2024
Hurricane Helene has destroyed parts of inland cities in the eastern U.S. Now will climate change be an issue in the presidential campaign?
Oct. 2, 2024
What might happen in the VP debate? JD Vance is a capable policy debater who can go on attack, while Tim Walz comes off as the guy everyone likes.
Sept. 28, 2024
Forty-five days before a very important election, we’re stuck on anti-Taylor Swift rage and cat memes. Let’s get this over with.
Sept. 21, 2024
Commentary: Southern California forests are burning. Protect them from their biggest threat — people
The fires burning around L.A. were sadly predictable. As the next mega heat wave arrives, close government-managed forests.
Sept. 21, 2024