Author Archives: oliverakel

The Black Lives Matter movement was probably overdue in bringing attention to the slow progress being made in addressing legitimate concerns that have been brewing for much too long. Typically, addressing a grievance begins with a search for the culprit. People tend to feel better about a bad thing if they can find someone, otherContinue reading “On BLM”

Originally posted on Views of a Common Man:
When Barak Obama was elected president in 2008, most of us knew little of him except that he was Black. He was elected with wide support of the White community and America was justly proud of itself. It had thrown off the yoke of Black denial and…

When Barak Obama was elected president in 2008, most of us knew little of him except that he was Black. He was elected with wide support of the White community and America was justly proud of itself. It had thrown off the yoke of Black denial and exclusion. Maybe we were a bit naïve. AlthoughContinue reading “On Blacks”

Since its founding in 1776., America has advanced at a rapid pace, transitioning in short order from 13 disjointed colonies into the world’s foremost superpower. This was made possible by the bold efforts and relentless sacrifices of all those who called this place home. It was a journey often harrowing, frequently hazardous and repeatedly heartbreaking.Continue reading “On History”

The right to protest in enshrined in our constitution. It confirms the right of all citizens to express their views, their frustrations and their demands for change. But as with every right we enjoy as Americans, it must be exercised in a responsible manner. The first amendment of the constitution says: “Congress shall make noContinue reading “On Protests”

Following the recent protests and rioting, there has been a renewed demand from some quarters to bring down monuments of confederate personalities, in the belief that they are a reminder, maybe even a celebration of that terrible chapter in American history when slavery was rife in many states. Certainly that era was a major embarrassmentContinue reading “On Statues and Monuments”

We don’t want a military state in America. We don’t want the police, nor the military to get beyond control. Neither do we want chaos or anarchy. When services get overwhelmed with fires, disturbances, pandemics, etc, outside help is called in from other areas. The primary source is often the National Guard. Our armed services,Continue reading “On the Use of the Military Domestically”

If I have a beef on kneeling, it is certainly not with the right to protest per se. My concern is simply with the venue of the protest. I understand that the intention is mainly to take advantage of the large captive audience and perhaps not to show disloyalty to the country. But on theContinue reading “On Kneeling”

What is you opinion on the following statements?           We are a country of immigrants. We are indeed able to absorb more immigrants. We greatly benefit from immigration.              We are a compassionate and humane people who value all human life and the well-being of everyone.             We expect all immigrants intent on residing in America to respectContinue reading “On Immigration”