The U.S. Justice system was established under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, as the third independent branch of government. 1. There are 94 U.S. District Courts at which Federal cases are first adjudicated. 2. There are 13 Courts of Appeal which hear and rule on cases brought before it from the District Courts. 3.Continue reading “On U.S. Justice”
Author Archives: oliverakel
On Waste and Other Things
Ever since the late 1800s our United States has been the foremost, most powerful and the dominant country in the world. We enjoy vast lakes, mountains, plains, forests, long navigable rivers and the protection of giant bodies of water. Our diverse population has been innovative and industrious making major contributions in virtually every technical, scientificContinue reading “On Waste and Other Things”
On Middle East Turmoil
For the last 78 years, the Middle East has been in an uneasy state of continual turmoil, instability, confusion and violence. BUT WHY? Actions and reactions so far have attempted to deal with symptoms (violence and resistance), never root causes (deprivation, freedoms, oppression) Israel was established in 1948 following UN Resolution 181 that partitioned PalestineContinue reading “On Middle East Turmoil”
On 250 Years
Happy Birthday America! With all our warts we are still the greatest country in the world. Our short and simple constitution is still a model for civilized nations. Yes, there were a few important shortcomings which our forefathers left unresolved because of the need to proceed with haste. This most serious of these were correctedContinue reading “On 250 Years”
On Gas Prices
Crude oil is an international commodity. Its value is a function of the worldwide supply-demand balance. There are two main accepted benchmarks which reflect crude’s value at any point in time. One is “Brent” crude, a high quality North sea crude, mainly used as a reference for international markets. The second is a quality “WestContinue reading “On Gas Prices”
On a U.S., Iranian, Israeli Peace Agreement
Here is what seems to be a reasonable proposal for a peace pact with Iran – – from an observer far away. Strait of Hormuz Nuclear Program Military Matters Regional Undertakings Financial Matters When Iran has demonstrated its compliance to the above terms Future Trade & Investment arrangements – The US, Israel and Iran willContinue reading “On a U.S., Iranian, Israeli Peace Agreement”
On War
Sun Tzi, the Chinese warrior and philosopher of the 5th century BC once wrote; “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” Now, 3000 years later. we can learn a lot from that ancient wisdom – – but regrettably we seem to learn little from history, neither ancient history nor ourContinue reading “On War”
On ICE
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, established in 2003. Its mission: to protect America through enforcing immigration laws, conducting criminal investigations, and preserving national security and public safety, focusing on those who threaten security or undermine immigration integrity by identifying, arresting, andContinue reading “On ICE”
On the Future of the Middle East
Everybody, everything has a future. It’s either good, bad or unknown. Middle East future hovers between bad and unknown. Iran: Sanctions, mismanagement and wars have devastated Iran economically and severely weakened it politically. The recent widespread protests demonstrate the mood of its citizens but the people have no power to wrest control from the Ayatollahs.Continue reading “On the Future of the Middle East”
On Anti-Semitism
Anti Semitism is an awful allegation and a terrible label. In fact, being “Anti” anything simply because of differences in religion, ethnicity, physical attributes, etc. has no place among freedom loving people in a civil society. Anti Semitism seems to be defined these days as “hostility towards or prejudice against Jewish people”. Interestingly, Semites areContinue reading “On Anti-Semitism”
Views of a Common Man 