China’s 9 Dash Lines and the demise of the $ (Part I)

Posted by chemrock on January 23, 2017 · 108 Comments 

By Chemrock I had wanted to do a follow up on my November 2016 blog on the Rube Goldberg US$ printing machine, but following Distant Observer’s article on “Scarborough Shoal, it’s not about fishes or oil, it’s about power”, I decided to tie 2 issues together. Due to its length, I’ll publish in 2 parts. … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

Three elephants in MalacaƱang Palace

Posted by JoeAm on January 19, 2017 · 68 Comments 

By Joe America “The Elephant in the room” is an English metaphorical idiom for an obvious truth that is going unaddressed. The idiomatic expression also applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss,Ā or a condition of groupthink no one wants to challenge. [Wikipedia] People keep pointing out the good things being … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government

Scarborough Shoal. Itā€™s not about fishes or oil. Itā€™s about power.

Posted by JoeAm on January 16, 2017 · 170 Comments 

  By A Distant Observer Some time ago, I offered to contribute here with an article about Scarborough Shoal, its political and legal aspects. While TheĀ Society of Honor was discussing matters of various kinds, the country with the most powerful military in the world just elected a demagogue Hitler himself would be proud of. Hence, … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Enter the New Year, on hope, superstition and maybe a prayer

Posted by JoeAm on January 1, 2017 · 80 Comments 

By Joe America Best wishes to all for the New Year. Resolutions are important, I think. I hopeĀ that you will strive for high values based on knowledge, and will have the discipline to align your acts with your values. If you do that, it will be hard for anyone to expect any more from you, … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Philippine Government, Religion, USA/Americans

“Let’s see if I have this right . . .”

Posted by JoeAm on November 2, 2016 · 162 Comments 

By Joe America I’d like to confirm that my thinking is properly aligned with, and supportive of, the Duterte Administration. You know, to abide by the terms of my resident visa. As I understand it, that hokey ā€œrising star of Asiaā€ slogan was propaganda promoted by the failed Aquino Administration, a bunch of losers who … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Humor/Satire, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, USA/Americans