The Concept of “Considerate Accountability”

Posted by JoeAm on June 30, 2014 · 21 Comments 

A few blogs ago, I pointed out that legislators and regulators are in bed with lawmakers and so ordinary Philippine consumers get a runaround (“Regulatory incest in the Philippines“). Consumers have no power other than a vote every few years. Therefore, the Philippine economy is held back because consumers are not empowered to demand change, or to … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics

The Philippines is now an English speaking nation; deal with it

Posted by JoeAm on June 27, 2014 · 60 Comments 

The term “deal with it” is an American idiomatic expression. It is normally used in a confrontational manner, as a final exclamation point. A translation would be, “tough luck, nothing’s going to change, so you have to accept it. Nyaah nyaah nyaah!” But I don’t mean it as confrontational. I mean it as polite advice. I … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government

Maybe America should stop worrying about Muslim extremists and worry more about her own

Posted by JoeAm on June 26, 2014 · 62 Comments 

I confess that my confidence in America was shaken to the bone the other day when, innocently responding to a news article comment thread, I was besieged with insults the kind of which I never receive in the Philippines. My initial remark was eventually deleted by the editors even though it was not obscene or even … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, USA/Americans

Nora Aunor and the Filipino Machete Machine

Posted by JoeAm on June 24, 2014 · 58 Comments 

“The Filipino Machete Machine” is an artistic expression that for purposes of this blog replaces “The Philippines: A Culture of Criticism”. We are dealing with the arts, so we should strive for more passion in our word work, or if not that, at least the deeper meanings that come with the incomprehensible. Artists hereabouts apparently don’t … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Philippine Government

How President Aquino can assure a win for his pick in 2016

Posted by JoeAm on June 23, 2014 · 41 Comments 

Thanks to reader chit navarro for inciting this blog. The Philippines is comprised of two distinct voting populations: (1) the middle class, and (2) the poor: The middle class votes based on security and opportunity. That is, they want non-corrupt leaders who can get things done and who give them promise of a better, richer day … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Politics