The pork protest: the insane try to take over the asylum

Posted by JoeAm on August 26, 2014 · 47 Comments 

It is always important to start with definitions so that we eliminate misunderstandings to the extent possible. Pork (noun) discretionary spending by elected officials. Protest (noun) a public gathering advocating for a position, usually a change from that which now exists, or against an act, usually perceived as bad. Insane (noun) people who do not … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Have Filipinos sold their souls to family bloodlines? And Mr. Aquino?

Posted by JoeAm on August 22, 2014 · 46 Comments 

“The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. It’s the age-old struggle: the roar of the crowd on the one side, and the voice of your conscience on the other.” [General Douglas MacArthur] An Aquino family endorsement of Jejomar Binay for president, along with the Aquino sisters’ recent off hand remark that they could … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Why President Aquino is right to push back against the Supreme Court

Posted by JoeAm on August 20, 2014 · 55 Comments 

Context is everything. When we want to judge something accurately, we need to get the context right or we are likely to end up with the wrong judgment. I think that is broadly what has happened regarding President Aquino’s “push-back” against the Supreme Court on the Court’s DAP ruling. And his comments about a second … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Why tying in with America makes sense

Posted by JoeAm on August 19, 2014 · 39 Comments 

Why did the Philippines eject American bases from the Philippines in 1991? First and foremost, to preserve Philippine sovereignty. Here’s what happened as reported by the New York Times on December 28, 1991: American and Philippine officials reached tentative agreement last summer on a treaty that would have extended the lease on the naval base for at … Continue reading →

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

Of second terms and judicial overreach

Posted by JoeAm on August 14, 2014 · 66 Comments 

One would think that a constitution ought to be a stabilizing document, a force for clarity and reason and good behavior. But the Philippine Constitution is not. It is a tool vested interests manipulate to get their way. You see, that is the problem with adopting American style democratic constitutional processes in a nation has … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics