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When I first started writing newspaper editorials and columns for the Los Angeles Daily News in November 1992, I learned that “-30-” (pronounced “dash thirty dash”) was the journalist’s code for letting an editor know where your copy ended. Most media historians believe the typesetting mark originated when news was filed by telegraph. Western Union’s famous mid-19th-century 92 Code of numerical shorthand signals lists the meaning of “-30-” as:
“No more — the end.”
I prefer the definition in Webster’s Dictionary:
“A sign of completion.”
From 1992-1999, I wrote an estimated 300 bylined newspaper columns and nearly 1,000 unsigned editorials combined for the Los Angeles Daily News and Seattle Times. Since Creators Syndicate started carrying my column nationally in 1999, I’ve penned nearly 2,000 weekly or bi-weekly columns over 1,177 weeks, for hundreds of print and website clients, totaling more than 1.1 million words. It has been a blessing to work in a career that I have loved, getting paid by the line to opine, as a proud “ink-stained wretch” whose first high-school job was as a press inserter for my hometown newspaper, the Atlantic City Press, back in the late 1980s.
The sentimental English major in me finds it altogether fitting to bring my column-writing to close after “dash thirty dash” years.
Why now? The professional and personal reasons are myriad. In this modern age of oversharing, I’m not going to get into every last one. Suffice to say, the American media landscape has changed dramatically since I entered this industry as a 22-year-old idealist who truly believed the “pen is mightier than the sword.” (Side note: Eagle-eyed readers who followed my blog writing in the early 2000s might recall that my original website logo was a pen/knife with the phrase “the pen became a clarion” from a Longfellow poem.)
It’s not just “fake news” that plagues us. It’s sold-out, skewed “news” that serves corporate and global special interests, not the truth. It’s lazy, soulless, dumbed-down opinion writing from hacks who care nothing about the craft. It’s shady influence operations masquerading as “journalism.” It’s information-suppression disguised as “misinformation” monitoring.
The homogenization of American journalism on both sides of the ideological spectrum has led to its collective deterioration. My colleagues at the Daily News were an eclectic bunch — including a Korean War Navy vet in his 60s, a former college math professor in her 50s who had taught English in Shanghai, and a hotshot New England politico in his 30s who had worked in D.C. as a press secretary.
Now the liberal media is dominated by endless supplies of smug, usually very pale-faced millennial J-school grads spouting about “diversity” while parroting the same worn set of views on whites as evil, America as oppressor, nuclear families as abnormal, and liberal democracy as sacrosanct.
“Conservative” media is not much better. It’s dominated by snot-nosed D.C. libertarian elites from overpriced universities who slavishly promote “free-market capitalism” and cast “big government” as our greatest enemy, while private Silicon Valley corporations and their nonprofit allies crush nationalist dissent, handcuff free speech and deplatform free thinkers through censorship (hard and soft) and lawfare (systematic abuse of the courts to harm political critics).
Because of my peacefully expressed reporting, opinions and speeches, my family has been punished and stigmatized, my reputation tarnished and my voice squelched. It’s not “big government” that waged this war on my career. It’s a constellation of vindictive wrongthink police in the private sector, from the Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-Defamation League, to foreign newspapers and moneyed interests that have no business influencing American politics, to “conservative” swamp creatures and profiteers such as Bill Kristol, Jonah Goldberg, Mona Charen and Ben Shapiro, and even to former colleagues at the Fox News Channel, which blacklisted me several years ago and told a friend of mine who was a guest on Tucker Carlson’s show not to say my name after antifa rioters had attacked me and others on stage at a Back the Blue rally in Denver a few years ago. (My friend ignored the warning. God bless him.)
I have no regrets. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” I remain thankful to every single reader over the last three decades, and I will be eternally inspired by all the patriots I’ve profiled over the years — especially the ordinary parents, whistleblowers, citizen journalists and activists who have sacrificed far more than I for their truth-seeking and truth-telling.
I am indebted to my early writing mentors, the late Father Edward Lyons and Debbie Collins at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, New Jersey; my late Oberlin College English professor Dewey Ganzel; my husband and co-conspirator in all things, Jesse; my first newspaper boss, Tom Gray; Creators Syndicate founder Rick Newcombe and his staff; and stalwart supporters JewishWorldReview.com founder Binyamin Jolkovsky, VDARE founder Peter Brimelow, Wendy McCaw of the Santa Barbara News-Press, WRKO radio host extraordinaire Jeff Kuhner, and the late KFAQ host Pat Campbell.
Most of all, I wish to thank my teacher Mom (who taught me to express myself with passion and flair) and my doctor Dad (who gave me a bedrock foundation in science, logic and facts). From both of them, I inherited the zeal to speak up for what is right and true without fear — but always with humility — which I will continue to do in new ways for myself, my family and my country.
This is an ending, but not the end. The next chapter awaits to be written.
-30-
Michelle Malkin’s email address is [email�protected].
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I don’t even agree with all of your last column, but I’m truly sorry to see you leave the scene, Mrs. Malkin. You’ve been courageous in your writing and in your steadfast support of the alt-right, a force for good, and a great example for those who think “I can’t do anything about all this.”
Who remains to carry the torch now but Peak Stupidity? (You know I had to stick in a plug.)
You came onto this Unz Review at a very good time, back when you, I, and not enough others, were fighting against the Totalitarian Flu Manchu PanicFest. (You were right on that score too.) Now, what? Probably Ron Unz will replace your column with that of another Communist against all things American.
Good luck in your future endeavors, Michelle Malkin.
Sorry to hear this-I always enjoyed your stuff.
I remember writing a note to you sometime, probably in the early ‘90s, when you were at the Seattle Times and I was living in western WA, expressing appreciation for a column. I can’t for the life of me recall the subject but I seem to remember getting an response from you or perhaps an reference to my note in another column which I appreciated.
At the time I remember thinking you could get away with being an unapologetic conservative b/c you weren’t European and couldn’t be labeled a Nazi. Little did I know such details would never stop your enemies. But it took me way too long to realize the true nature of the enemy that took you out, an enemy who only became crystal clear to me after reading Solzhenitsyn’s 200 Years Together, Paul Gottfried’s take down of Jonah Goldberg, Antony Sutton’s Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution, Edgar Lee Masters’ Lincoln the Man, the real history of Reconstruction and last, but definitely not least, St George Tucker’s legal treatise on the nature of the US Constitution (the only legal treatment of the constitution contemporaneous to ratification) which, because of Lincoln’s later heresies and the concentration of publishing power post New Deal, explains its comparative disappearance from the public consciousness.
The enemy is, and has always been, those who would replace states with a national government and then nations with an international government, always dodging the essential truth that Leviathan’s evil is first and foremost an product of its size.
Best of luck in the future and thank you for fighting the fight.
It was painful enough when Faith Goldy withdrew from public life. Now this. Ms. Malkin has been a hero of mine for many years.
Well, then…QUIT!!!
Women were never cut out for this fight anyway!
A sad day…
You will be missed, Michelle.
I have read you nearly from your beginning and have always admired your clear thinking and firm stand for what is good and right. Thank you for your many years of fighting the good fight.
I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do. You have so many who support you and thank you for your efforts. May God bless you and your family!
You used to sort of piss me off. But lately I have become a fan. Go in peace Michelle Malkin.
Writing is a great profession. But writing about politics is playing with fire, because most people on the left view politics as the solution to their personal problems. No conservative writer can reach them, much less solve their problems.
I -30-‘d from my 33 year career, more than 10 years ago. I helped engineer some quite amazing systems, over those years, but 95% of them are no longer around. That ratio will grow to 100%, of course. That’s the sad reality of most careers. For 99% of us, almost everything we produced during our careers will end up in the dust bin even before we retire. But, careers do give you financial independence, if you plan it right. That gives you an opportunity to finally focus on what’s important to you.
Congratulations, Michelle.
Best of luck on your new endeavors! I know you’re a runner so you won’t quit!
You’re the reason I made the transition from confused democrat to red-pilled conservative. Your site HotAir really opened my eyes.
Sad to see you go. Your column was at the top of my RSS feeds. A bright and intelligent voice in a sea of fodder.
All that is true, but why give up the fight?
Thank you for never Quitting!!Michelle Malkin.
Too bad your government god lost, Michelle. That’s what happens with man worship, it always is a loser. Repent.
Thank you for 30 years of columns and viewpoints.
Brave Michelle,
You have had a great run in this world of words and ideas.
Thank you for straight shooting and standing tall for principles and truth that you hold dear.
You have often encouraged me and been a friend and hero to those who you have defended.
I believe we will be hearing more about you in the next chapter of your life.
You’ve done a darned good job. I’ve read your stuff for many, many years, and you have been consistently good, overall, for all that time. And, as I remember it, you were one of the few people at that time who were on the right side of things, pretty much, literally and figuratively. It’s still important to have courage and tenacity, but it’s a lot easier now that many more people have come on board. It wasn’t that way years ago, but you fought the good fight even then, when it was a lot harder– and lonelier. I was there to, and I appreciated it–then and now.
On top of that, you’re a very good writer, technically. Your mentors taught you well, although I’m sure your own talent and hard work plays a part, too.
Best of luck. Hope that we hear from you in the future. We can always use your voice.
Very sorry to hear this, but I understand and pray the Lord Blesses Protects and Sustains you and yours!
The difficulty in situation of mass media is limits can make full communicating difficult. On whatever difference otherwise I may not have agreed with some of Michelle’s opinions here or there, however it’s on people to sort, and to strike the root of what affects us, ourselves, in any event.
In that, Michelle, between serious tone and subjects few writers take on, a strong finish the last few years. As your last line is open ended, I know you’ll keep striking the root one way or another, local or otherwise.
The first book of yours I read was In Defense of Internment. That really opened my eyes to the fact that “received” history is, as somebody once said, the lies the present tells about the past.
Thanks so much for that and all else you have done.
The difficulty in situation of mass media is limits can make full communicating difficult. On media persons generally one may not agree with all of someone else’s opinions, however it’s on people to sort, and to strike the root of what affects us, ourselves, in any event.
In that, Michelle, between serious tone and subjects few writers take on, a strong finish the last few years. As your last line is open ended, I know you’ll keep striking the root one way or another, local or otherwise.
When you were at the Seattle Times, I remember and your last editorial there, “A Few Parting Questions; Thanks For The Memories”, Tuesday, July 27, 1999:
“Opinion writers should be apart from the political establishment and prevailing opinion, not a part of those institutions.”
That was your writing style your entire career. Good luck on your next endavours.
Best wishes for the elegant, compassionate Michelle Malkin as she winds up this phase
Hope to see more of her once again soon
Is there a specific takedown by Paul Gottfried on Jonah Goldberg, or is it his collective writings about him? Gottfried has written a few articles on Goldberg’s political shifts.
I have read your work ever since AFPAC. I love your love of English and literary wit, your impact on us young groypers and thinkers on the right has been priceless and cherished. I will always remember your advice to admire and enjoy beautiful things. I read shakespeare and C.S lewis after you told us that. Thankyou Michelle. God Bless you.
I have not read In Defense of Internment yet. However, along the same lines,, you and others who seek the truth may want to take the time* to read M. Stanton Evens’ Blacklisted by History about Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy’s late-1940s – early-50s struggle against Communist inflitrators in the US State Department and other parts of the Feral Gov’t (this went back as far back as the 1930’s). It was not Mrs. Malkin but Ann Coulter who turned me on to this one.
Almost everything that’s common knowledge about McCarthy and his efforts during that time is bullshit. In this book, Mr. Evans is very thorough, and he shows that even the Lyin’ Press takes on McCarthy’s personality and manner are opposite of the truth, not to mention the real threat the he tried to eliminate. I will have a review of this book on my blog soon.
As for Michelle Malkin, I think it was her ’19 book on the immigration invasion, Open Borders, Inc., that was her best service to her country.
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* Quite a bit of time, as it’s a long book, but well worth it.
Miss Malkin, I’ve been reading your work and enjoying your electronic media appearances for most of your thirty years. What I remember clearly from your investigations and observations is a painful little pinprick of shame for my not then doing something in response. I guess that comes from the Catholic background we apparently share. Our teachers and preachers always manage to make any human problem a little bit of our own. They and you have managed to exhort with such clarity that a thorn is stuck in our side until we decide to take some action, even if it’s only to learn more.
I suspect you’re being called to some other important work. Good luck.
Best wishes and Godspeed. Winter is coming.
Ms. Malkin,
Thanks for all of the years of work. Your work is filled with insight and much more.
Intelligence combined with bravery combined with virtue is a rare thing. Because of this, many many people look forward to your “next chapter”.
God bless you.
Dear Michelle,
Don’t go! I grew up with you, first watching you on Fox News. I thought that you were the prettiest, bravest and smartest woman I had ever seen— a rare combination of beauty and brains. Of course, I still do.
After Fox and you parted ways I followed you on the internet, although it wasn’t the same. Still, I had your insightful and intelligent articles to rely on, which I read devotedly.
Well, I suppose all things must come to an end, even the special ones. But know that you will be deeply missed. I can only hope that you discover a way to somehow come back to us on your terms. Until then, love and admiration always.
Your Secret Admirer,
Zal Flowers
“to “conservative” swamp creatures and profiteers such as Bill Kristol, Jonah Goldberg, Mona Charen and Ben Shapiro, and even to former colleagues at the Fox News Channel, which blacklisted me several years ago and told a friend of mine who was a guest on Tucker Carlson’s show not to say my name“
Lol. She used these individuals on her way to social climbing up the conservative media food chain, then throws them under the bus with a pious arrogance.
Have admired your strength and heart for many years, Michelle. I’ll be looking for you in whatever new endeavor you decide to jump into. Best to you and God bless!
You have made a difference with your brilliant, courageous writing and commentary! You are a heroine to me and my very intelligent, common sense wife. Loved your no holds barred honesty! Missed you big time on personal TV appearances!
Malkin was so often right… but not in justifying the ‘internment’ of Japanese in US, a people wrongfully canceled and dispossessed en masse.
Still, one of the bravest voices with more cojones than 80% of the cucked white male population.
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It is very sad to read your statement.
You will be missed like so many of your fellow warriors who have bowed to the pressure.
You have an amazing presence and you are very quick witted.
I ran into you once in New York and always regretted that I had not spoken to you and told you how much I admire you.
Enjoy your retirement. You deserve a break. You are very heroic for all of your contributions.
You’re not alone here — Mrs. Malkin apparently had several secret admirers.
Really/seriously?
Malkin was, is, and will remain a fearless lion and a mama bear.
You write nonsense.
Malkin remained true to the conservative cause.
The others did not.
NICK FUENTES || PASSING THE BATON: MICHELLE MALKIN RETIRES FROM POLITICS
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How so?
And who threw whom under the bus? And Malkin was around before I’d ever heard of Goldberg or Shapiro. Shapiro was 8 years old when Malkin started writing for the LA Daily News.
“Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.” — N.B.
Thank you for your courage and fortitude to keep writing as you have and may God bless you and your family…you have done enough again I thank you
Thank you for your boundless wisdom and energy Michelle! You encouraged me to fight before I had realized it was time.
Thank you, Michelle, for your intelligent commentary over many years. I enjoyed reading your original blog site every day alongside powerlineblog and instapundit. I have been impressed by your film efforts, including, Rocky Mountain Heist and your investigative reporting on LevinTV. I wish more people would see Rocky Mountain Heist and understand the big money is not backing Republicans and Democrats are not friendly to minorities they can’t use and abuse. I wish the Republican party were as feisty as you are. I was a delegate to our county convention some years ago and I saw our district’s popular Republican State House representative – because he opposed Obamacare – undermined by the party regulars who primaried him despite a 119-1 vote of delegates to support his re-election. Instead, we got someone who votes with Democrats forty percent of the time and whose primary funding came from Real Estate interests. It’s so discouraging that the party who promised to undo Obamacare reneged on their promises and stabbed its voters in the back once they gained control of House, Senate, and Presidency in 2016. You have consistently noted not only the flaws of Democrat policy, but also Republican complicity and I have always appreciated that about you. And you have always been right about the media clique. May GOD bless you with fruitful new endeavors.
MM,
Rush Limbaugh goes down in the Alamo. He goes down swinging at blue haired crazy moonbats and Commie libs, fighting till his last breath. Meanwhile, the marathoner gets thrown out of a B and B and some Unhinged Amazon with a baton takes your shoe. Now, your taking your lego’s and going home to go play pickle-ball?
DLTDHYOTWO
Over the years your writing has meant so much to me. The pen is mightier than the sword. You made us laugh and you made us cry and you kept us informed with your no nonsense straightforward way of telling like it is. You research everything and remember everything. The moonbats go after you personally because they can’t dispute what you have written because it’s based on logic and fact. You take no prisoners and you stand on your principals no matter what. Admiration.
Journalism did not change, they took it over. They also took over other cultural institutions. They took over the schools, colleges the military, the DOJ, hollyweird, churches, art and now social media. They did it because we let them.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Semper Fidelis
Jose
Who’s behind all these first time comments written like online obituary condolences?
Iraq.
Love you and your honesty and passion and will miss you very much. Thank you so much ❤️
She’s “quitting” after twenty-plus years taking hits.
You’re a giant pussy who won’t even put his own name on the child-like whinges you leave here like little rat-turds.
Cowards were never cut out for this anyway. Remain anonymous.
Isn’t it time to move Mrs. Malkin’s down to the Archived? There’s a space there recently vacated by someone who called himself Freedom Watcher.