Below is a message I have sent to our senator, our congressman and our Secretary of State. Is anybody listening? Does anybody care? You are elected by the people to represent the people. But it’s pretty hard to do that if the people don’t confide in you. So this is one attempt to convey whatContinue reading “On Representation”
Author Archives: oliverakel
On the Department of Education
The Department of Education (DOEd) was established as a cabinet level department by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, on the heels of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Elementary and Secondary Education Act” and “Higher Education Act” in 1965. These latter two acts primarily focused on providing funds for state programs, including scholarships and student loans and improvingContinue reading “On the Department of Education”
On AntiSemitism
Anti Semitism is raising it’s ugly head again. Universities seem at a loss on how to manage student protests that are drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. Some protests are labeled pro-Palestinian, some pro Hamas, some anti Israel and anti semitic, and some other groups are pushing back on all this. AndContinue reading “On AntiSemitism”
On Political Correctness
It seems we have moved into a new era where we must walk on eggs lest we offend or exclude someone, somewhere or for something. For example, titles that distinguish between male and female is now taboo, old school, insulting and inflammatory. I supposed it is all part of the new-age extremely important movementContinue reading “On Political Correctness”
On the Syrian Aftermath
This week the brutal 53 year old Syrian regime of the Assad family came to an end. Hezbollah severely weakened, Russia, preoccupied in Ukraine, and Iran, suffering major economic and defensive challenges, were unable this time to come to the aid of the regime which for the last 13 years has presided over a dividedContinue reading “On the Syrian Aftermath”
On Trump and the Middle East
It is good for a leader to have a cordial working relationship with every world leader. Such relationships can lead to predictability, a more harmonious atmosphere and, hopefully, civil discourse; maybe even winning an ally. Since the six day war in 1967, Israel has been our only strategic ally in the Middle East and ourContinue reading “On Trump and the Middle East”
On Gender Issues
When God created this world (or, if you prefer, when things evolved), there was a clear difference in the physical makeup of man and woman. This was not an accident; it was deliberate and purposeful. Men for the most part are bigger and stronger. They were intended to do the heavy lifting for the family. WomenContinue reading “On Gender Issues”
On the Day After in the Middle East
The war in Gaza that has raged now for over a year has broad regional implications far beyond Gaza. After the tragedies of October 7th, no one can argue that the defeat of Hamas was not justified. However its defeat does not in itself resolve the long standing issues in the region. As should beContinue reading “On the Day After in the Middle East”
On Israeli/Palestinian Peace
So what could be the elements of a workable, durable Israeli-Palestinian peace plan? Achievement of that objective has bedeviled the world for way too long. It’s high time that world leaders bite the bullet and, if necessary, impose a solution, just as the UN imposed the partition of Palestine in 1947 that created this wholeContinue reading “On Israeli/Palestinian Peace”
On the West Bank
While the world is focussed on the Gaza war, too little attention is afforded events unfolding in the West Bank. There is a very clear and determined movement to further intimidate Palestinians “to find other more accommodating countries to live in.” Settlers, with Israeli government tacit approval, are widening their illegal settlement footprints, encroaching furtherContinue reading “On the West Bank”
Views of a Common Man 