On the blacklisting of 9 Hong Kong protesters

Posted by JoeAm on November 27, 2014 · 18 Comments 

The Aquino Administration has dropped its ban on visits to the Philippines by nine Hong Kong protesters due to complaintsĀ from journalism groups and Hong Kong. Well, I’m writing this blog anyway because, from where I sit, those critics seem to be missing great chunks from the entire picture. The topic is most interesting because it … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics

The connected Filipino; running naked in the forest

Posted by JoeAm on November 25, 2014 · 64 Comments 

I wonder what it is like to be born into the world of computers and instant communication around the globe where dramatic photos can be uploaded to the world in the middle of a disaster or insults registered around the globe in 141 characters. Where relentless tapping of text messages is very likely evolving theĀ shape … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Technology/Internet

The left: why its political parties fail

Posted by JoeAm on November 23, 2014 · 66 Comments 

Thanks to reader Pinoyputi who directed me down this track when he wrote: ā€œI wish that the leftists would grow up, use their brains and start a real Social Democratic Party of importance here.ā€ A LITTLE MATTER OF PRESENTATION The first thing you notice about leftist parties is that they like exclamation points. It is … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics, Uncategorized

In defense of OFWs against nationalists

Posted by JoeAm on November 20, 2014 · 141 Comments 

Here is a comment that someone at Raissa Robles‘ top blog threw at me the other day during a rather laborious debate over the Laude murder and other matters: “I donā€™t consider myself a leader of CPM for we are pure democracy here. No kings, no elected leader, but we are lead (sic) by our … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

The Philippines: anger rising

Posted by JoeAm on November 18, 2014 · 103 Comments 

I prowl the articles, commentaries and discussion threads of the Inquirer,Ā Rappler and a host of blogs to keep an ear to the Ā . . . well, not ground . . . but to the social patter. The dialogue threads. One thing I’ve observed is that one can often learn more from the discussion threads, especially … Continue reading →

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