Some time ago a smart person corrected me when I identified America as a Democracy. He said USA is a Republic – or Democratic Republic. I did not understand the difference so looked it up and he was right. You could also call us Representative Democracy but I do not think that is true today with < 50% voter turnout...

2017 has been interesting for us Americans in many ways; especially with resurgence of the extreme far right. In most democratic countries hate speech and extreme fringe organization that promote violence are deemed unlawful. In our America, it is called freedom of speech. Whether we agree or disagree that is what it is.

There has been much reflection regarding President Obama's legacy in the final days of his presidency.  While the biased media celebrates his legacy and anoints him as the progressive savior of hope and change, the reality is that Mr. Obama was at best an under-achieving president, and possibly one of the worst ever.

In about 24 hours, Donald Trump will be Barack Obama's president, and his legacy will begin to vanish before his very eyes.

Business Leaders having amnesia, feeling despair, being seduced or just plain embracing hope…?

During the 2016 election cycle no major business organization (e.g. Business round table, National Association of Manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce) supported Donald Trump. Trump economic doctrine is likely to crash and burn... then why are business leaders who disdained him because of his toxic social values now are embracing him?

Could it be that they see reality and it is so dark that they embrace HOPE?!

Trump is good for Putin. Really, really good! While there is not much Putin can do for Trump, there is a lot Trump can do for Putin. Most of Putin likely asks are easy gives and have no obvious near term costs or consequences for Trump. And none of them require pesky congressional approval.

It isn't The Founders' fault that Hillary's campaign failed to turn out voters in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Many of the people upset with the election results have been calling the electoral college outdated. Here is my defense of the process.

Hillary Clinton has been in public service (her choice) most of her professional life. Unless she viewed this year’s election for President as a gift from electorate there is still plenty to do...

While the Republican programs will create significant long term issues with the deficit, income inequality and social order, in the near term we are likely to see the continued economic success based on the Foundation that President Obama developed.

That is the ultimate irony that President-elect may succeed economically (whether foreign affairs or social issues sink him is a separate set of issues) because of what President Obama bequeathed him. 

Trump and the Republican party did not win. I have said many times before “The Democrats and Hilary gave the election to Trump”. Trump tried his best to lose as he had much more to gain financially from losing than winning. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party and Hilary refused to oblige.

It seems that the 2016 Presidential Election results have generated much happiness and excitement for some, and much anger and angst for others.  I think this is a good moment to take a step back and ask ourselves why this need to be the case. 

For the big picture, I think the extreme outpouring of emotion on both sides reveals the problems of centralization of power and majoritarianism.  When so much power is in the hands of a central government, everything in life is up for grabs by majority vote.