Our American democracy is at risk. It is being threatened from without by interventions such as the “sweeping and systematic interference” by Russia in the 2016 presidential election. It is being threatened from within by the pseudo form of “nationalism” being promoted by President Donald Trump. Trump first proudly pronounced himself a nationalist in October of 2018 at a rally for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (D-TX). Trump’s proclamation at that time evoked a … [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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Kashmir: Time to give peace a chance
U.S. President Donald Trump created astir when he told reporters in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan during his recent visit to Washington, D.C. that Prime Minister Modi had asked him to mediate the decades long Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Upon learning of Trump’s assertion India immediately issued an official denial that Modi had made such a request. As is often the case, President Trump claims were questionable. Even more questionable is Trump’s competency … [Read more...]
India and the US must approach the bilateral ties cautiously
Both sides must now look past Trump’s unfortunate statement and focus on addressing contentious issues. The India-United States (US) relations were thrown off course last week when President Donald Trump offered to mediate between New Delhi and Islamabad on Kashmir. Much to the bewilderment of Indian officials and South Asia watchers in Washington, the president said, at a joint White House press conference with the visiting Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan, that Prime Minister Narendra … [Read more...]
Reform the Supreme Court to Help Preserve the American Democracy
On June 27, the Supreme Court handed down a 5–4 ruling in Rucho v. Common Cause that harmed the American democracy by permitting virtually unrestricted gerrymandering at the state level. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts justified this action by explaining, “Partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal court.” Justice Roberts did admit, however, that “Excessive partisanship in districting leads to … [Read more...]
The Elephant in the Room in Growing Indo-US Ties
US President Donald Trumps trip to the DMZ to meet with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and his conciliatory get together with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Osaka Japan got most of the headlines in the US and world press at the end of June and beginning of July. The most consequential conversations during that time period, though, may have been those held by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit to India before the Osaka summit and by … [Read more...]
Our American Song: Music Moving America Forward
America is a song. It is a song that has been sung and one yet to be written. It is a song of harmony and one of discord. It is a song that reveals and one that conceals. It is a song of patriotism and one of protest. More than anything, however, it is a song of passion. Of love for this nation with all its flaws and a desire to celebrate or to summon up our better angels. The foregoing thoughts were evoked by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw’s excellent new book, Songs of America: … [Read more...]
US-India relations are at a pivot point after Modi’s reelection
What does Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reelection to a second term mean for India’s evolving relationship with the United States? If he continues the path charted in his first term, Modi will work to strengthen that relationship and to evolve the current U.S. strategic partnership, which is still very much in its formative stages. There are numerous factors that indicate that evolution can be accomplished successfully. They include Modi’s leadership style, India’s need … [Read more...]
Top Secret Election Letter To Donald Trump
President Trump: This is Norway. We have information on your opponent in this election. We would like to meet with your son Donald in Trump Tower and share it. We are certain that you would be happy to set up that meeting, as you generously invited us to make this contact in your exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos. Some might question you arranging such a meeting. Here’s an idea. If they do, don’t tell them it’s to discuss election dirt but to address the possibility of … [Read more...]
Reframing the Abortion Debate: Pro-Birth vs. Pro-Life
The restrictive and punitive abortion legislation recently passed and signed into law in states such as Georgia, Alabama and Missouri has brought abortion into the national spotlight again. The debate around abortion is usually cast as pro-life vs. pro-choice. The pro-life side is anti-abortion and focused on the fetus in the womb. The pro-choice side is pro-abortion and focused on the woman and her bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. As we reflected on it and considered the context … [Read more...]
Modi’s second term: Need to replace FEAR with HOPE (Comment)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election by such large margins in a sweeping victory is testimony to his popularity across India. Many media articles during the seven-week long election process, however, expressed fear that a Modi victory would disenfranchise tens of millions and threaten Indian democracy itself. This perspective is attributable to what I call the FEAR (False Events Appearing Real) syndrome. This syndrome is caused by thinking that the past is a prologue and believing that … [Read more...]