• Cal Thomas’ book “America’s Expiration Date” argues that the United States may be approaching a critical turning point in its history, potentially facing a dramatic decline by 2026, the 250th anniversary of its founding.
• Thomas bases his argument on historical patterns identified by British scholar Sir John Glubb, who noted that great nations typically have a 250-year lifespan, progressing through six stages: pioneers, conquests, commerce, affluence, intellect and decadence. He argues that the U.S. is currently in the decadence stage, marked by traits like defensiveness, materialism and a weakening of religion.
• The book highlights specific societal issues such as political polarization, consumerism and the erosion of traditional values, linking these to broader problems like family breakdown, rising crime rates and declining educational outcomes.
• Thomas emphasizes the historical role of religion in shaping American social movements and warns of the dangers of its diminishing influence in public life. He advocates for a return to faith as a way to bring “moral clarity” into public discourse.
• The author’s message is ultimately one of hope but calls for active participation from citizens, encouraging them to engage in the political process, support local organizations and take responsibility for shaping the nation’s future. He believes change requires addressing the root causes of societal decline and resisting complacency.

In a provocative book, veteran columnist and author Cal Thomas warns that the United States may be approaching a critical turning point in its history.

Drawing on historical patterns and the work of British scholar Sir John Glubb, Thomas argues in “America’s Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers… and the Future of the United States” that the nation could face a dramatic decline by July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of its founding. The book, which blends historical analysis with a call to action, challenges readers to confront what Thomas describes as the moral and spiritual decay undermining the country’s foundations.

Thomas’ central thesis is rooted in Glubb’s study of empires, which identified a recurring 250-year lifespan for great nations. According to Glubb, empires progress through six stages: The age of pioneers, conquests, commerce, affluence, intellect and, finally, decadence

Decadence, marked by defensiveness, materialism, frivolity and a weakening of religion, often precedes collapse. Thomas argues that the U.S. is exhibiting many of these traits today, pointing to political polarization, consumerism and the erosion of traditional values as evidence.

The book arrives at a time of heightened uncertainty in American society. Political divisions, economic inequality and cultural fragmentation have fueled debates about the nation’s future. Thomas’ warning is not merely academic; it is a call to action. He contends that addressing the nation’s challenges requires a return to the moral and spiritual principles that once defined its identity.

One of the most striking sections of the book examines the decline of the traditional family. Thomas notes that in 1960, 73 percent of children lived in two-parent households, a figure that has dropped to 46 percent today. He links this shift to broader societal issues, including rising crime rates and declining educational outcome, and to rebuild the nation, Thomas believes the traditional family needs to be strengthened.

Religion also plays a central role in Thomas’ analysis. He highlights the historical influence of faith in shaping American social movements, from abolition to civil rights, and warns that its diminishing role in public life has left a moral vacuum. By bringing faith back into the public sphere, Thomas argues it can be a way to bring back “moral clarity” into public discourse regarding pressing issues.

Thomas’ message is ultimately one of hope, but it comes with a caveat: change requires active participation. This means participating in the political process through voting, but also by engaging communities, supporting local organizations and being vocal and standing up for what you believe in. He urges readers to resist complacency and take responsibility for shaping the nation’s future.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, Thomas’ book serves as both a warning and a roadmap. By examining the patterns of history and addressing the root causes of societal decline, he believes America can avoid the fate of past empires.

Watch this video going into detail regarding Cal Thomas’ book “America’s Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers… and the Future of the United States.”

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

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