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

“Get out, Manny! Get out!”

Posted by JoeAm on July 3, 2015 · 96 Comments 

No, no, Manny. Not boxing. Stay in boxing as long as your body can meet your high expectations. Get out of UNA! Now. Right now. You are a sportsman. You deal fair, you fight fair. There is nothing personal against other boxers when you enter the ring. You are a professional, something that cannot be … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Politics

The Philippine Constitution: is it set in cement or is it a living, growing document?

Posted by JoeAm on July 2, 2015 · 44 Comments 

The Supreme Court of the United States last week ruled on two ground-breaking cases, one preserving President Obama’s national health care program, the other permitting same-sex marriages. The rulings were groundbreaking because they were “liberal” findings among a court stacked by former presidents to be conservative. What happened? Why? What does it mean to the … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Re-inventing the Senate in 2016 and 2019

Posted by JoeAm on June 30, 2015 · 67 Comments 

Let’s look at the senators who are up for re-election in 2016 and 2019 and see if there is a strategy that can be articulated that points to achievement-oriented law-writing in support of a fast-rising Philippines. It seems to this observer that a part of the drag on Philippine success is weak law-making. The Senate … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

How to break the Binay lock on the CDE class: “speak at an angle”

Posted by JoeAm on June 28, 2015 · 204 Comments 

One of the subjects that comes up often, usually with no small amount of frustration, is how rigidly members of the CDE laboring class and poor are unbending on their political views: “Binay can do for the Philippines what he has done for Makati.” “Binay is one of us.” “All politicians are corrupt.” “President Aquino is … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Philippine Politics