Since the beginning of this year, there have been a spate of books such as Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury; David Cay Johnston’s It’s Even Worse than You Think; and James Comey’s A Higher Loyalty that “spill the beans” on Donald Trump. While entertaining reads, they do not provide much insight into the future of this democracy. Three new books released within the past few months do so — because they provide perspectives on the ongoing struggle for America’s head, heart … [Read more...]
Articles
Frank blogs regularly for the Huffington Post and writes occasional columns and articles for publications such as the International Business Times and The Economic Times of India.
Frank writes on a wide variety of topics that are critical to shaping the future of America and the American dream and to making the United States and the world a better place. These include: Business; education; poverty and inequality; politics and public policy; immigration; manufacturing; innovation; leadership; citizenship; and social commentary.
Frank’s most recent blogs are highlighted on this page. To read other blogs or articles by Frank, click on the categories or publications links on the left.
The Trump Divert-Autocracy
For some time now, we have been mulling over how best to describe Donald Trump’s approach to governing. Others have labeled it an autocracy, an oligarchy, and even a theocracy. Recently it dawned on us that because of Trump’s unique style and persona no existing term could depict it completely or accurately. So, we have coined divert-autocracy as a new compound word to capture the essence of Trump-ness. This divert-autocracy is a full frontal assault on the United States … [Read more...]
Why the Indian diaspora in the US matters
Over 31 million people of Indian birth or descent are part of the Indian diaspora spread around the world. Of them, 3.1 million, or 10 per cent, are Indian-Americans living in the US. The Indian-American diaspora has proven to be a vital resource contributing to the economic, political and social development of India. Devesh Kapur highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in his classic 2010 book, "Diaspora, Democracy and Development: The … [Read more...]
The Trump Divert-Autocracy
For some time now, we have been mulling over how best to describe Donald Trump’s approach to governing. Others have labeled it an autocracy, an oligarchy, and even a theocracy. Recently it dawned on us that because of Trump’s unique style and persona no existing term could depict it completely or accurately. So, we have coined divert-autocracy as a new compound word to capture the essence of Trump-ness. This divert-autocracy is a full frontal assault on the … [Read more...]
The vital lack in Modi’s plan that could be Make in India’s undoing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set out an ambitious agenda when he announced his administration's Make in India programme in September 2014. The centerpiece of that programme is the National Manufacturing Policy, the purpose of which is to make India a global manufacturing hub. Its intent is to increase manufacturing's share of the country's GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022 and to create 100 million additional jobs by that year. The policy sets out 11 areas … [Read more...]
Upton Sinclair & the Sinclair Broadcasting Group
Two Contrasting Journalistic Tales In the early part of the 20th century, Upton Sinclair spoke out with a singular voice. In the early part of this 21st century, the Sinclair Broadcast Group (Sinclair Group or Group) is speaking out with a singular voice as well. While the names and the singular voices may be the same, their manner of speaking out is quite different. Upton Sinclair, a muckraking novelist and journalist, first raised his voice in 1906 to gain national attention with … [Read more...]
Second Amendment Rights. Second Amendment Wrongs
On March 24, students and citizens from across this great nation will gather in Washington DC for the March for Our Lives. They are not saying it this way, but they will be exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and assembly; protecting valid Second Amendment rights; and protesting what have become Second Amendment wrongs. If one were to believe the rhetoric of the NRA and gun activists, the Second Amendment to the Constitution grants virtually unrestricted gun rights to … [Read more...]
The NRA, Mind Control, and Mental Health
Stick ’em up! That’s what the NRA continues to say as it holds the United States of America hostage with the Second Amendment as its gun. The NRA is embracing the one right that it recognizes as sacrosanct and elevating it above all others. By doing so, it is perfectly willing and committed to limiting the American citizens’ “unalienable rights” to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The most recent example of the NRA’s assault-style behavior using the Second came on March 9 when … [Read more...]
The Smoke and Mirrors Infrastructure Plan
It was less than one month ago on February 12, that President Trump introduced his American Infrastructure Initiative. Since then, the President has had very little to say about infrastructure as his attention has turned to other matters such as gun control, tariffs, and immigration. Congress has not paid much attention to Trump’s infrastructure recommendations either as it has been consumed by a myriad of other issues. Indeed, in late February when Senator John … [Read more...]
Why are Parkland Students So Articulate? Because They Were Taught Civics in Middle School
Students in Florida have benefitted from the country’s most successful effort to teach civic knowledge and engagement. The slaughter of 17 students and adults at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14 was, as we all know, only the latest in a seemingly endless string of recent mass shootings in America. But as many have noted, there is something different about this one. After past shootings, it was primarily adults—parents of slain … [Read more...]