Idealism versus pragmatics

Posted by JoeAm on October 29, 2018 · 73 Comments 

By JoeAm I’ve long held the view that there is some idealized form of a more perfect Philippines. A lot of the articles and much of the discussion here has oriented around understanding “the way it is”, and then proposing the actions that are needed to get to a richer, healthier, more secure, and more … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Philippine Politics

The ethics of being a relative

Posted by JoeAm on October 17, 2018 · 119 Comments 

By JoeAm The recent post here that criticized three entertainers for aiding and abetting the incivility, killings, and destruction of democracy in the Philippines generated a lot of good discussion both here and especially on Facebook. Most agreed with the point of the article but a lot of people came to the defense of the … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Laws and Ethics

The rise of sense and civility in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on October 12, 2018 · 101 Comments 

By JoeAm We have talked a lot about institutions in the Philippines, and the erosion of independence among the branches of government. We have examined the weakness of journalism as an institution and the Catholic Church as a moral force and justice as an ideal. But it strikes me that a new institution has arisen, … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

People don’t trust the yellows because of Kris, Sharon, and Korina

Posted by JoeAm on October 10, 2018 · 180 Comments 

By JoeAm The Liberal Party (LP) forms the core of what many people term the ‘yellows’, or advocates of democracy, the Constitution, civility, and human rights. The class has been broadened by the trolls to include anyone who criticizes the Duterte Administration. One reason the yellows have trouble at the polls and in surveys is … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics

Rappler vs Roxas, Round 2: What is truth?

Posted by JoeAm on September 6, 2018 · 100 Comments 

By JoeAm Last week’s article “How Rappler helped defeat Mar Roxas” generated a lot of discussion here, on Facebook, and on Twitter. Maria Ressa, Rappler’s Executive Editor, responded to the article on Twitter. People contacted me by e-mail and DM to share their thoughts. It ended up being like I had overturned a rock, and … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Laws and Ethics