What’s a President supposed to read around here, anyway?

Posted by JoeAm on July 16, 2015 · 242 Comments 

It struck me that the President does not have much good reading material around here. I mean, sure, he has lots of paper in front of him or on screen, if we are talking about bills to sign or briefings from his Cabinet secretaries. But how much fun is that? What does he read to … Continue reading →

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

Why Torre de Manila should be built all the way to the sky

Posted by JoeAm on July 14, 2015 · 353 Comments 

I’m sorry, I don’t grasp this emotional outrage about a condo high rise. I fail to see the sacrilege. Of course, I also defended President Aquino not attending the arriving of the coffins, so it is for sure me who is out of step with the rallying masses. Beyond the outrage, I also don’t understand the Supreme … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

“Dear Sec Luistro: We have a disconnect here”

Posted by JoeAm on July 7, 2015 · 104 Comments 

Some statements cause me to sit up straight in my chair and pay attention. They clash with what I think or do. One of these clashes came from Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro during his recent speech to graduating students at the University of the Philippines. The speech was headlined in an Inquirer article … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children

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 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