A republic, if you can keep it. This is reported to be Benjamin Franklin’s answer to a lady who asked him as he departed from Independence Hall at the end of the Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor, what have we got — a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin’s response has been used occasionally during Donald Trump’s tenure as President. It is being invoked more frequently now, as Trump’s recent monarchial-type mutterings and meanderings surrounding his invitation to Ukraine to … [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.
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Our Not So United Nations
In the period between September 17 and September 30, most of the 193 U.N. member state countries convened in a General Assembly of the United Nations. At the Assembly, they engaged in discussion, dialogue and debate on a wide range of topics such as development, peace and security, and international law. Since it was established, the U.N. has achieved major success on a number of fronts but the results in peace-keeping and conflict resolution have been mixed. Given this, it is … [Read more...]
Modi’s US visit: But is it Mission Accomplished?
Modi''s US visit: But is it Mission Accomplished? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned home to India from his six-day visit to the US to reach out to the Indian American community, buttress US-India trade relations, speak in a number of forums, hold meetings with country and business leaders to reassure to encourage and promote investment in India. And do all of this while avoiding or minimizing speaking about Kashmir. Based upon the results, it must be concluded that the … [Read more...]
India needs a unifying nationalism
In his Independence Day speech on August 15 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed, "One nation, one constitution -- this spirit has become a reality and India is proud of it." Prime Minister Modi is correct when he says that "one nation, one constitution" should be the goal for the Indian democracy. He may not be so correct, however, when he states "this spirit has become a reality." Achieving the goal of "one nation" requires a unifying … [Read more...]
Remarks by Frank F. Islam at the concluding ceremony of DCSAFF : September 22, 2019
Thank you, Sanjay for that great introduction! Thank you, Manoj and Geeta, for your leadership. Both of you provide the example and set the standard. Both of you are difference makers. You have done a terrific job in founding and sustaining it. Let us give them a big round of applause. This is the fifth DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) closing ceremony in which I have participated. Thank you Manoj and Geeta for inviting me to deliver the closing remarks again. It’s wonderful to be … [Read more...]
Analysis| PM Narendra Modi in the US: What are the stakes?
He will seek new economic alliances and reassure stakeholders that the slowdown in India is temporary. Later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States (US) to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During the trip, Modi will also visit Houston to engage the Indian diaspora and boost India’s economic ties with the US. The significance of the Houston visit has been heightened by the fact the White House has announced that US President Donald … [Read more...]
Reflections on Imran Khan’s 1st Year in Office
Two of the key points that Imran Khan stressed on August 19, 2018 in his first speech as Prime Minister were an emphasis on peace in the region and progress for the people of Pakistan. As an Indian American, I was heartened by these expressed priorities – recognizing that achieving improved relations with India and an economically stronger Pakistan would bring much more stability to this critical area of the world. I have monitored the performance of the Khan administration and here … [Read more...]
A NEW RALLYING CRY
On August 19, the Business Roundtable (Roundtable), an organization comprised of America’s largest corporations redefined its statement of purpose. The statement was revised from placing primacy on shareholders to promoting “an economy that serves all Americans.” This new focus expanded the Roundtable’s scope of stakeholders from a universe of one to include: customers, suppliers, communities, and employees. For the employee stakeholder, the statement called for “Investing in our … [Read more...]
India needs unifying nationalism, not religious nationalism, says eminent Indian-American Frank Islam
New Delhi/Washington: Eminent Indian American Frank F Islam says Indian needs a unifying nationalism, not the religious nationalism espoused by the BJP, for surviving and thriving as a vibrant democracy and a peaceful developed nation. ”Unfortunately, there are some people whose voices of intolerance, prejudice, hostility and bigotry are dividing India along the lines of faith. I firmly believe India has long succeeded because of democracy, diversity, inclusiveness and … [Read more...]
Frank View: Advancing Interdependence plea on Independence Day of India
In his first speech after winning the election for his second term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed that "...we have to win Sabka Wishwas (everyone's trust)." What will be required to win that trust is establishing a true state of interdependence that can be achieved by creating a country in which there is a shared understanding of the value of each citizen and a reliance on one another to eliminate discrimination, hostility, and prejudice and to provide equality … [Read more...]