“One small step for Filipinos”

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Recent discussions here at the blog cite the reality that the Philippine governmental process, and citizen reactions to it, range from dysfunctional to toxic. It is such a mess that it cannot be “cured” by simple masterstrokes. It is also true that things work better here than in the … Continue reading

Some Robredo fans are thinking small

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America This is Rappler’s headline April 25: “Dismay over Leni’s endorsements: yes to Pacquiao, Abalos; none for CamSur bets” This headline was generated by Pinks, Leni Robredo’s alleged support base. How do you think the masses read the headline? Do Pinks want to pick nits or win elections? Big thinking … Continue reading

Are you a lover, a hater, or a teacher?

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Social media are undermining civility and sense. We are there, so we are parties to the creation of the data dirtstreams that give us nonsense instead of solutions. My interactions with people on X, Facebook, Blue Sky, and this blog make clear that there are three types of people … Continue reading

The Philippines is healthy, not hopeless and not helpless

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America The Philippines is a power-based democracy, by which I mean it is fundamentally democratic but with a strong layer of entitlement and impunity the higher one gets in its various dynastic bubbles. The top dynasts these days are the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. Interestingly, Duterte used his presidency to … Continue reading

Proposed: The Maria Ressa Social Media Ethics Board of the Philippines

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Bloggers and individuals on social media have no ethical standards by which to operate, and no monitoring agency other than the Legislature and a Cybercrime Law that was concocted by thin-skinned politicians to suppress criticism that demeaned them. The House has recently done fine work to reveal and rein … Continue reading