Ruby, Ruby, calm thy raging winds

Posted by JoeAm on December 3, 2014 · 50 Comments 

Ruby, Ruby, calm thy raging winds, thy torrents of water flying flat. Do not Yolanda be, God’s rage upon the poor. In tents they live still, and food they have not any. Be firm if you must, but be kind, for we are learning our lessons well. Natural reaction: “Well, here we go again!” The good news: the beast is … Continue reading →

Category Ecology/Global Warming, Foreign Affairs and Defense

On the blacklisting of 9 Hong Kong protesters

Posted by JoeAm on November 27, 2014 · 18 Comments 

The Aquino Administration has dropped its ban on visits to the Philippines by nine Hong Kong protesters due to complaints from journalism groups and Hong Kong. Well, I’m writing this blog anyway because, from where I sit, those critics seem to be missing great chunks from the entire picture. The topic is most interesting because it … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics

In defense of OFWs against nationalists

Posted by JoeAm on November 20, 2014 · 141 Comments 

Here is a comment that someone at Raissa Robles‘ top blog threw at me the other day during a rather laborious debate over the Laude murder and other matters: “I don’t consider myself a leader of CPM for we are pure democracy here. No kings, no elected leader, but we are lead (sic) by our … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

Senator Santiago shoots carabao, farm fails

Posted by JoeAm on November 7, 2014 · 32 Comments 

Senator Santiago perplexes me. Her outspoken way is so refreshing and yet sometimes tiresome when I want serious solutions. She is one of few legislators with the courage to address the Binay matter. Her jokes are often quite funny. But I can not yet grasp that she is either a visionary or a manager. A … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Of division, diversity and an admiral

Posted by JoeAm on October 28, 2014 · 83 Comments 

One of the discoveries I have made in blogging is that it is extraordinarily difficult to find successful ways to bring people of different backgrounds and thinking into a common community that nurtures itself. Rather, the division caused by our diversity inherently wins out. And thus we find hostility in the blog threads, protests and violent complaints across the … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans