Philippine global leadership: re-defining sovereignty

Posted by JoeAm on June 18, 2015 · 124 Comments 

Without question, one of the most provocative thinkers among the Society’s well-stocked shelves of bright people is josephivo. And he does it in peace. He challenges us to be better . . . to think better . . . without calling us idiots for thinking in . . . well, our normal provincial terms. His last … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Ecology/Global Warming, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

On being smart and capable, but no character

Posted by JoeAm on June 17, 2015 · 71 Comments 

by Andrew Lim Browsing online through the day’s news, two seemingly unconnected articles caught my eye: Greece , already on serious economic lifeline five years ago seems headed for default on its massive loans from the EU and IMF (“Greece debt talks collapse; default dangerously closer“)  and the other one is a  column by Rigoberto … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics

Evaluating presidential candidates: “The office magnifies the man”

Posted by JoeAm on June 16, 2015 · 100 Comments 

Or woman. You have perhaps heard the expression “the office makes the man”. It means that the demands of the job shape the person doing the work. The Philippine office of the President transformed a quiet and unassuming senator who liked fast cars and . . . well . . . smart women into a firm, composed executive and statesman … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Politics, USA/Americans

“Managing America” to assure Philippine sovereignty

Posted by JoeAm on June 14, 2015 · 95 Comments 

It appears, subject to all the normal court challenges and few more whacko leftist marches down Roxas Boulevard, that the United States will operate on eight bases in the Philippines. The bases will house or anchor US military equipment, including warships at Subic and aircraft at Clark and elsewhere. They will also house intelligence assets … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Would the Senate kindly stop interfering with Executive and write some needed laws?

Posted by JoeAm on June 13, 2015 · 54 Comments 

The Senate reminds me of a nagging mother-in-law, always feeling a need to insert herself into other people’s affairs. She justifies this nosy interference by citing the phrase “in aid of legislation” or various inane legalisms, and then proceeds to interfere. Here’s the deal. Executive leads by providing government services and defending the nation. Legislative writes the laws and … Continue reading →

Filed under Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government