As an Indian American, I have had the privilege of living in the two largest democracies in the world. One of those democracies — the United States — came into being in part because of the free press. The other — India — was born essentially without a free press. I came to the United States at the age of 15 to study computer science at the University of Colorado in Boulder. I was awestruck by many things upon my arrival. One of the most striking was the potency and power of the free press … [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 Continuing Eclipse Of The Organized Labor Movement
On Monday, August 21, there was a total eclipse of the sun. Americans across the nation from Oregon to South Carolina responded with awe and euphoria at the wonder of this spectacular event. Just two weeks later on this upcoming Monday, September 4, Americans across this nation will celebrate Labor Day. There will be little to no celebration in the organized labor movement, however, as the eclipse of its power and influence continues. That eclipse is not total. But, it is … [Read more...]
Remembering Our Immigrant Roots To Revitalize Our Immigrant Nation
There is no question that our current immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. It’s been that way for some time. During 2013, Congress spent a considerable amount of talent and energy trying to find an approach to immigration reform that was workable. The Senate managed to pass a bi-partisan bill but things ground to a halt in the House. Since then, there has been a lot of talk but no real action on immigration reform. Deportations of illegal immigrants … [Read more...]
Education as Strategic Investment: An Interview with Frank Islam
Frank F. Islam is an Indian-born American entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist dedicated to supporting education across the world. Islam came to the United States aged just 15 and, in 1994, started his very first business with just $500 dollars available to invest in it. After a decade, the firm, QSS Group, was turning over $300 million annual revenue, and it was this success that moved Islam to establish the Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Foundation with his wife. … [Read more...]
Narendra Modi’s inclusive call: Need for religious leaders to build bridges.
As India celebrates its 71st Independence Day, it must remember the sacrifices made by leaders of the freedom movement. It was their vision, idealism, commitment to democracy, secularism and pluralism that made India an exceptional nation in the world. India's commitment to secularism and rule of law is unmatched and unparalleled. But, unfortunately, over the past several months, violent acts carried out by some members of right-wing groups posing themselves as cow vigilantes have … [Read more...]
Trump’s BS Before The Boy Scouts
President Trump’s campaign-rally type remarks were totally inappropriate for this audience. Donald Trump is a BSA and that does not stand for Boy Scouts of America. He proved that in spades when he spoke before the National Scout Jamboree in Glen Jean, West Virginia on Monday, July 25. Early in his speech, the President proclaimed, “I said, ‘Who the hell wants to speak about politics when I’m in front of the Boy Scouts.’ Right?” He then proceeded to spend the bulk of his … [Read more...]
Making Indian democracy a world leader – through civic engagement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House did not receive a large amount of press coverage in the United States. The most notable quote came during a press conference in the White House Rose Garden when President Trump proclaimed: "I am proud to announce to the media, to the American people, that Prime Minister Modi and I are world leaders in social media." Trump's comment missed the real significance of his … [Read more...]
The Island States of America: American Democracy at Risk?
For more than a decade now, much has been written about the increasing polarization and the tremendous philosophical and political differences among those in various states and regions of this country. There are: The red states and the blue states. The coastal states and the heartland states. The big states and the little states. The question becomes is the American democracy at risk because of this balkanization? The answer is it all depends. Truth be told – and it … [Read more...]
Time To Repeal And Replace The Not-So-Great Health Care Debate
Getting to 50 votes should be a means not an end. The end should be an improved health care bill that benefits all Americans. Donald J. Trump, after watching Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) make a similar recommendation on Fox News Friday morning, June 30, tweeted , “If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date.” While President Trump didn’t put it this way, the real intent behind this proposal … [Read more...]
A Different Perspective on Artificial Intelligence: It’s Fake News, False Knowledge, and Faulty Logic
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on American workers and our economy have been front and center in the media for the past few years. An article by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson that ran on Linkedin recently declared “Why ‘How many jobs will be killed by AI?’ is the wrong question.” That title got us thinking. What is the right question? In our opinion, the right question is: What is more dangerous to the future of the American democracy and economy, the … [Read more...]