Why an American’s blog is popular in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on July 5, 2015 · 128 Comments 

It sometimes amazes, sometimes amuses, and sometimes confounds me that The Society of Honor by Joe America has become a well-read blog in the Philippines. Let me suggest why, because I think there are some important lessons here. Why the blog is popular The Blog is straightforward. JoeAm listens as much as he speaks, and so do other … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, USA/Americans

The Binays and the shame of the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on May 19, 2015 · 184 Comments 

When surfers sit on their boards peering seaward, they are looking for a wave that works, that crests big and in the right place and at the right time. A wave is now rising in the Philippines and we must watch to see if it is the one so many of us have been looking … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

How daily newspapers promote nonsense in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on April 23, 2015 · 204 Comments 

We live in an era where our surroundings are defined by social media and the mainstream press. Even when we get information from our friends, it is usually filtered through the press or undisciplined social media. Our minds are made up through an accumulation of shallow readings and loose information, or we follow a handful of columnists, … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy

The ethics of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on April 7, 2015 · 273 Comments 

Often I overlay my observations about the Philippines with personal history, that being American, corporate, and socially liberal, touched with military, sports, travels and family. Often, I am met with the pointed point that “we do it differently here, Joe”, or its obverse, “the US is the same way.” Well, if I am here to learn … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics

The case for a State-owned newspaper in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on March 22, 2015 · 224 Comments 

“In 1841, Thomas Carlyle wrote, ‘Burke said there were Three Estates in Parliament; but, in the Reporters’ Gallery yonder, there sat a Fourth Estate more important far than they all’. . .  Carlyle saw the press as instrumental to the birth and growth of democracy, spreading facts and opinions and sparking revolution against tyranny.” (Stanford University, … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government