James Akmakjian, D.M.D.’s Post

Listen what should be our main national goals, in 2024...in addition to the change of government in Armenia.

https://lnkd.in/gUQQY3gs JFK's ADDRESS BEFORE THE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION, APRIL 27, 1961 "The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings. For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence--on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free choice, on guerrillas by night instead of armies by day. It is a system which has conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific and political operations. Its preparations are concealed, not published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined. Its dissenters are silenced, not praised. No expenditure is questioned, no rumor is printed, no secret is revealed. It conducts the Cold War, in short, with a war-time discipline no democracy would ever hope or wish to match." Ever wonder why he was assassinated?

Armenians for Kennedy - now on X at https://lnkd.in/gyQcyysk - are billing him as "a third option, a new chance, a better choice." To RFK Jr.'s credit, he has staked out pro-Armenian positions - including the safe return of Armenians to Artsakh. By way of comparison, his opponents - Joe Biden and Donald Trump - both armed genocidal Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. I have yet to see/read a compelling case by supporters of either Biden or Trump that their policies align with our views on issues of special concern to us as Americans of Armenian heritage. Both have an awful lot to answer for - including active, intentional abetting of genocide. The most I've seen is something like: "the other guy is worse" - a weak lesser of two evils argument. To be sure, Armenians - like all voters - will bring a broad array of policy priorities (taxes, education, environment, immigration, etc.) into the voting booth, including concern for our at-risk homeland and heritage. What's your take?

Why Gaza does not matter While the situation in Gaza is of significant concern to many individuals (Intellectuals & from Islamic blocks) , governments (Islamists & Liberals), and organizations (NGOs) around the world, it is also true that, for various reasons, some may perceive the issue as having less prominence or immediacy compared to other global challenges like climate challenges, energy crisis, inflation, Debts, Growth, Unemployment & Technology. Here are a few reasons 1.      Media Coverage Disparities: Some critics argue that media coverage is not always proportionate to the severity of the situation. They contend that certain conflicts or crises may receive more attention than others based on geopolitical interests, cultural biases, or other factors. 2.      Complexity and Overwhelming Nature of Global Issues: The world faces a multitude of complex issues, ranging from economic crises and public health emergencies to environmental concerns and geopolitical tensions. In this context, individuals or governments may prioritize other issues that they perceive as having more direct relevance or urgency. 3.      Conflict Fatigue: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the situation in Gaza, has been ongoing for decades. There may be a sense of "conflict fatigue" among some individuals or policymakers, where the prolonged nature of the issue has led to a diminished sense of urgency or attention. 4.      Geopolitical Considerations: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply rooted in geopolitical complexities, involving multiple regional and international actors. Some countries may choose not to prioritize the Gaza situation due to their geopolitical alliances, interests, or concerns about diplomatic repercussions. 5.      Perceived Intractability of the Conflict: The longstanding and seemingly intractable nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may lead some to believe that efforts to address the situation are futile. This perception can contribute to a lack of sustained attention or engagement. In fact, public opinion and international attention can fluctuate based on evolving circumstances, crises, and diplomatic initiatives.

In the image, a chair stands alone, under fire, representing the ongoing human crisis and war. It symbolizes authority, power, and the absence of leadership. The chair serves as a space for negotiation and resolution, but also signifies emptiness, loss, and the memorialization of deep struggles. It can be seen as a tool of control in oppressive regimes, used for interrogation and punishment. The chair embodies dominance, diplomacy, and suppression, while also serving as a site for war strategies and talks. Ultimately, it stands as a silent witness, an emblem of the ongoing struggles faced by humanity in times of crisis and conflict.

What do you do when the enemy is vanquished? Who do you do fight when the fight is won? Where do you go when all roads open up to you? This was the dilemma that faced Bill Clinton as he stepped up to the podium as President of the United States. Throughout living memory, the USA had been fighting the Soviets. It had provided them with a shadow to identify themselves against, a benchmark to compare themselves with, and a resolve to strive for better. Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush had all been able to position themselves against this spectre of evil. But with a stroke of a pen, poof, the USSR was signed out of existence on the 26th of December 1991. The USA had won, or at least avoided losing, but what did victory mean? Clinton was the first US President faced with the task of defining what the United States looked like in a post Cold War world, on the eve of a new century and millennium. How would he do it? I've analysed Clinton's 1993 Inauguration Speech to determine what new course he saw for America, and how well he signposted it. Watch this video to find out what happens once the war is over. #publicspeaking #leadership #speeches

What's wrong with this picture? We need a President who honors the Constitution and promises to be the leader for all Americans regardless of their skin color, heritage, race, faith, economic status, and political affiliation. A President who is able to help the world free of borders, wars, and violence. A Commander In-Chief who prioritizes soldiers needs first in order to build the strongest force to defend freedom and unite the world through diplomacy and friendship.

In light of recent events and the troubling news about former President Trump, it's clear that our nation stands at a critical crossroads. The divisions we face today echo the time when our country was on the brink of civil war. The intense polarization, the breakdown of civil discourse, and the growing distrust among fellow Americans are all reminiscent of the pre-Civil War era. We must seek common ground, and work towards our more perfect union.

90 retired US generals and admirals openly emphasize the crucial role of a robust U.S.-Israel relationship. 90! These are not 24 year old digital influencers virtue-signaling to their followers, these are not 21 year old kids on campus trying to be part of a group and thinking this is their Vietnam moment. This open letter signed by 90 people of authority because they used to be in authority, will have little effect on those influencers and kids. But it can and should have an effect on YOU, if you're looking from the sidelines and wondering what's going on in your country and how it's gotten so out of hand. These 90 military leaders have seen war first-hand; they know the cost, they know the rules. They are saying, in no uncertain terms, that in this war - this painful, heartbreaking war - the U.S. should be fully committed to supporting Israel in its tireless efforts to free hostages and topple a terrorist regime. It's not that complicated, but when you have military leaders who know better than any of us what it's all about tell you that what's obvious is also true, it's hard to ignore. Please share.