The Philippines leads the world into post-truth modernism. It’s ugly.

Posted by JoeAm on November 19, 2016 · 125 Comments 

By Joe America In the post-truth world we live in, we define our values according to utility, and so we paint the factual world around us as we need to in order to get what we want to get. Okay, okay, I know that is vague, a lot of words chasing an idea but not … Continue reading →

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

Are you a social media bigot?

Posted by JoeAm on November 10, 2016 · 243 Comments 

By Joe America Often, we are the problem, not someone else. Have you ever been driving the car down the expressway taking your mother-in-law to the doctor’s office when some twit in a big black SUV zooms past and cuts you off? What do you say? (1) Nothing? (2) Mutter quietly, “What an idiot!”? (3) … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Culture and Arts, Technology/Internet

President Duterte: a matter of faith

Posted by JoeAm on October 27, 2016 · 159 Comments 

By Joe America Faith is not truth. It is confidence and commitment. If ever there were a case study to prove the point, it would be the 75% satisfaction level for President Duterte. What are the components of faith? An emotional need for community, purpose and hope. Organized faiths promote a set of rules, often … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Government, Religion

“Dear God, please spare my land these indignities . . .”

Posted by JoeAm on October 23, 2016 · 248 Comments 

By Joe America This article is a gift to Sir Tomas “Buddy” Gomez III, a man not of modest age, but still of great energy, wisdom and enterprise, just like other Filipinos who have served the Philippines with earnest work and hopes for a modern, well-respected nation. He visited with my family in Tacloban a few weeks ago. What a gracious, … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government

Democracy on the brink in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on October 4, 2016 · 131 Comments 

By Joe America Democratic principles and institutions have always been an awkward fit in the Philippines. The nation remains tribal in the sense that people are fulfilled by being a part of a power bloc rather than a part of a system of freedoms and responsibilities. Loyalty to personalities trumps loyalty to principles because people … Continue reading →

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