Education, kids and the culture of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on January 27, 2015 · 51 Comments 

I ask this as follow-up to questions that Society member Juana Pilipinas fired up about how to end submission as a way of life that feeds into the culture of impunity here in the Philippines. How do we get to candid expression focused on reason, not emotions? In the Philippines, emotions seem bi-polar, swinging widely between: (a)  insecurity, fear or … Continue reading →

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

Silence, the dark shadow of impunity in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on January 22, 2015 · 140 Comments 

I so very much appreciate the comments people make in the discussion threads to the articles posted here. They inspire my thinking. The points made in different comments at different times often come together to spark an idea. It is a form of mental combustion. Alas, I can’t always recall where the ideas came from and can’t … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government

The Pope and the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on January 19, 2015 · 64 Comments 

A few reflections on Pope Francis and the Philippines. Summation: A triumph! The big question: Will it have legs? That is, was it a showtime event, or an event with lasting significance? The Pope is controversial in Rome on theological grounds (“Italian writer stirs a hornet’s nest . . .“). Theology means little in the Philippines. … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Politics, Religion

A touch of compassion for Philippine atheists . . .

Posted by JoeAm on January 16, 2015 · 140 Comments 

It struck me that atheists must be going nuts right now. And maybe Muslims, too. Or how about INC members whose new arena can’t come close to matching the grab power of Pope Francis on wheels? Face it, this is a celebration by the super-majority of 83 percent, and it is totally of the Philippine … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Humor/Satire, Religion

A little change of plans

Posted by JoeAm on January 5, 2015 · 63 Comments 

You know, I probably write smack better than most in the Philippines. “Smack: a disrespectful comment made to or about someone.” (One of 42 definitions cited in the Urban Dictionary. Don’t check out the others unless you have great tolerance for American street language.) But I have become increasingly uncomfortable doing smack. I’ve reached the … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics