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

Philippine congressmen choose tyranny over democracy

Posted by JoeAm on October 24, 2018 · 66 Comments 

By JoeAm One thing you will notice about Philippine politics is that the President is very good at creating enemies. Think of the enemies he battles every day: drug addicts, terrorists, human rights advocates, NPA, the Catholic Church, leaders of other nations who criticize him, students at universities and other citizens who criticize him, and … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Seeing the yellow agenda as a reform movement

Posted by JoeAm on October 15, 2018 · 160 Comments 

By JoeAm Thanks to reader Francis for the insights that provoked this blog. The Philippines needs its own reformation. A reformation is not a revolt or a destabilization. It is a change. An enlightenment acted upon. Martin Luther inadvertently provoked an entire restructuring of European society when he proclaimed that the Pope was not infallible, … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

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