Mindanao . . . An Opinion

Posted by JoeAm on February 2, 2015 · 255 Comments 

  by Taga Bundok This is the opinion of one person who has spent some time in Mindanao, and has been paying attention for a while. It is not meant to be presented as “truth” or as the only possible valid opinion. There is a great deal that could be said and most perspectives deserve … Continue reading →

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

The Pope brought love. It lasted two weeks.

Posted by JoeAm on February 1, 2015 · 112 Comments 

I am ignorant in my ways, of that I am convinced. People here and elsewhere have told me so. I agree, because my emotional and intellectual capacities do not comprehend. The topic today is grief and compassion. grief, ɡrēf/, noun, deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death. Synonyms: sorrow, misery, sadness, anguish, pain, distress, heartache, heartbreak,agony, torment, affliction, … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government, Religion

Way too many Filipinos are looking for culprits; grief is personal

Posted by JoeAm on January 30, 2015 · 159 Comments 

I got into a twitter argument with popular columnist Boo Chanco over President Aquino’s decision to welcome Japanese investors to the Philippines rather than welcome war casualties for burial. Boo was livid about it. I like Boo. He did a story about one of my blogs long ago. He thinks earnestly. Blogger Cocoy Dayao explained that this … Continue reading →

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

BBL, MILF, BIFF, PNP, AFP, CIA and ISIS

Posted by JoeAm on January 28, 2015 · 103 Comments 

As with many topics, I don’t have full knowledge or complete conviction in my opinions. I put one version out here, as close as I can get to what I think is right, and leave it to the discussion to correct or re-aim the matter. This one I will break into two components: (1) the … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Education, kids and the culture of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on January 27, 2015 · 51 Comments 

I ask this as follow-up to questions that Society member Juana Pilipinas fired up about how to end submission as a way of life that feeds into the culture of impunity here in the Philippines. How do we get to candid expression focused on reason, not emotions? In the Philippines, emotions seem bi-polar, swinging widely between: (a)  insecurity, fear or … Continue reading →

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