The Most Controversial Political Columns of All Time

Political columns have the power to shape public opinion and perceptions on sensitive topics. Some columns have been hailed for bringing light to important issues, while others have ignited firestorms of controversy. Here are our picks for the top 10 most controversial political columns of all time:

1. William Lloyd Garrison’s “No Union with Slaveholders”

Published in 1838, Garrison’s editorial called for immediate abolition and an end to all ties with slave owning politicians. This column caused a national uproar, as it threatened the stability of the newly formed United States.

2. H.L. Mencken’s “The Iron Age”

Mencken’s column attacked American culture and politics, causing a rift among traditional values and progressive ideals. He was criticized for undermining the country’s faith in its institutions – an accusation he fully embraced.

3. Walter Lippmann’s “The Phantom Public”

First published in 1925, Lippmann’s scathing takedown of the American public’s ignorance on politics was seen as arrogant and arrogant in its own right.

4. Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”

Carson’s column exposed the dangers of pesticide use and their effects on the environment. This led to a nationwide ban on DDT, but also sparked cries of government overreach and stunted agricultural growth.

5. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

Paine’s column became one of the most influential pieces of writing during the American Revolution. It called for independence from England and galvanized the colonists against oppression. To some, Paine was a patriot; to others, he was a traitor.

6. Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail”

Thompson’s gonzo style of journalism mixed with a lack of concern for journalistic ethics drew criticism from other reporters, but his unflinching coverage of the 1972 presidential election was a refreshing break from traditional, watered down journalism.

7. Edward R. Murrow’s “See It Now”

Murrow’s column launched a full frontal attack on Senator Joseph McCarthy’s accusations of communist infiltration in the U.S. government. His coverage exposed McCarthy for the fear-monger he was and put the national spotlight on the need for journalistic integrity.

8. Langston Hughes’ “Communism in America”

Hughes’ column taking a favorable view of communism during the Cold War era caused outrage from conservatives, who saw it as a betrayal of American values.

9. Ann Coulter’s “Blacks for Responsible Government”

Coulter’s column arguing that African Americans supported more conservative policies was heavily criticized for its racist implications.

10. Rush Limbaugh’s “The Feminazis”

Limbaugh’s use of a Nazi analogy to describe feminists in one of his columns created an uproar and led to charges of misogyny leveled against him.

While some of these columns have stood the test of time, showcasing the writers’ talent and courage, others have been consistently criticized for their controversial content. Nonetheless, they continue to inform political discourse, decades and centuries after their original publication.