Author Archives: oliverakel

When the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was agreed in 2015, I was originally quite supportive. I naively believed two things: Iran would use the released funds for the good of their own people. Iran would see the value of inclusion in the world community of nations and forswear its nuclearContinue reading “On Iran”

Probably the most important and consequential act we perform in this country is casting our votes in our elections. Americans seem to agree as over 155 million, a new record, voted in 2020. Voting is our right, our obligation and a privilege that must be seriously contemplated and responsibly exercised. It is not something weContinue reading “On Voting”

I hesitate to read newspapers anymore. It is getting really depressing. We seem to go out of our way to convince ourselves that we have morphed into a country that is fundamentally rotten. For too many our history is saturated with evil deeds that must be erased from our collective memories – – – andContinue reading “On America”

I have long been in favor of capitalism, free enterprise, and the right to keep as much of your earnings as legally possible. Honest efforts and real contributions should always be recognized and tangibly compensated. America has grown strong and accomplished on the backs of those who have worked long and hard and have comeContinue reading “On Corporate America”

There used to be a United States of America.  It was at a time when the American people worked together, sacrificed together, achieved together and rejoiced together. That august body, in a short two hundred years, had developed into the premier political, social and economic miracle, a powerhouse for good, honored and respected the world over.Continue reading “On Where is America”

It is no surprise to anyone that America faces many challenges today: from Pandemic recovery, to economic revival, to border control, to exterior challenges from the likes of China and Iran. One would hope that these are the things on which our government is laser-focused. It bothers me that our Federal and some of ourContinue reading “On Bathrooms”

America has had many heroes in its history, there are many still today. Countless ordinary individuals from every walk of life voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way for others; a soldier jumps on a grenade to save his buddies; a passerby dives into a river to rescue a stranger. These are the selfless heroes. TheyContinue reading “On Heroes”

It is no great revelation that protests in America have gotten way out of hand, leaving many with a pretty dim view of protests in general. That’s a pity. The first amendment of the constitution clearly states “Congress shall make no law respecting – – – – abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;Continue reading “On Protests”

I read that our government is planning to make the Covid vaccine available to several developing countries and to illegal aliens, er sorry, to ‘non-citizens.’ That is who we are as Americans and I am proud that we are willing to come to the aid of others in need. There is just one thing thatContinue reading “On America’s Big Heart”

Inhabitants of any place or the owner of any thing sorta has the implicit responsibility for keeping it in decent working order. Not only because it’s the ‘right’ thing to do but also for the selfish reason of ensuring it remains serviceable for the inhabitant or owner. We all enjoy or languish in the sameContinue reading “On Oil and the Environment”