Of perverts and sovereign states

Posted by JoeAm on October 24, 2014 · 86 Comments 

Let me drop off this blog before hitting the road for one of my family’s annual explorations of Philippine tourist delights. I may not be able to tend to comments diligently, but I trust you can deal with this unusual topic with the normal wise maturity of Society members. It is a serious topic. Stipulations As we … Continue reading →

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

A secular moral code to take the place of The Philippine Golden Rule

Posted by JoeAm on October 16, 2014 · 103 Comments 

It is a mind-bender for those of us who subscribe to The Golden Rule to recognize that self-dealing in the Philippines is an accepted moral value. The Golden Rule says: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is a fundamental value statement that advocates for kindness and consideration among any group … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Religion

Get old geezers out of government

Posted by JoeAm on September 30, 2014 · 18 Comments 

One of the aspects of Filipino culture that I find most endearing is the respect granted to people senior of age. The giving of blessings is most touching. The dedication is so serious that Philippine family law mandates that children take care of their parents. This is different than in America, which is a place where, as we … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Audiences . . . and building middle class clout. . .

Posted by JoeAm on September 25, 2014 · 63 Comments 

Every newspaper, every television or radio show, every blog has its audience. All publishers and producers want that audience to be bigger, generally for commercial profit. But most accept that their audience will have certain characteristics and write or broadcast to that audience. In the U.S., Fox reaches conservative whites, CNBC MSNBC reaches liberals, Brietbart News reaches extremist tea-party reactionaries, … Continue reading →

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

Why Filipinos should convert to Lutheranism

Posted by JoeAm on September 9, 2014 · 122 Comments 

Now religion is a tricky topic to take on, but I’m sure we can do it without too much apoplexy. Just keep in mind that this is an intellectual blog, a discussion forum, where ideas are open, denigration of others is rejected, and spiritual matters are left to the individual. Martin Luther was rather like Carlos … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Religion