Filipino ethics: inside out

Posted by JoeAm on August 12, 2014 · 38 Comments 

It struck me that I am a ship out of water when I argue for ethics in journalism, here, in the Philippines. Like other cultural constructs, the matter of “ethics” has a different shading in the Philippines. It is not comprehended in the same way that westerners grasp it. The definition is more along the … Continue reading →

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

The striking evolution of the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on August 10, 2014 · 36 Comments 

Researchers have been studying the evolution of dinosaurs into birds. The transition took about 50 million years. The dinosaurs became smaller and more lithe to better evade preditors. Eventually they started climbing trees, either to escape predators or find food. Next they started gliding from tree to tree, then added feathers for warmth or aerodynamics. … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Philippine Government

Economic war with China (rev)

Posted by JoeAm on August 7, 2014 · 18 Comments 

I have greatly simplified this blog from its original version. It seemed to me upon re-reading what I had originally done to be a rather presumptuous engagement by a foreigner in affairs that are not really his business. So what is left are a few facts I gathered to try to understand what the impacts would … Continue reading →

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

In the style of Nancy Binay

Posted by JoeAm on August 1, 2014 · 35 Comments 

It seems to me that men aspire toward “attitude” and women aspire toward “style”. That’s why advertisements aimed at men feature strong, handsome, athletic types slinging bottles of beer across the room and giving some gorgeous babe a lascivious look, that, of course – in the commercial – she falls for. And as for that … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Why discretionary authority is a good thing

Posted by JoeAm on July 30, 2014 · 48 Comments 

I am struck by how different and isolated my view about DAP seems to be. I view DAP as a GOOD tool, and have argued consistently to that point since it became a popular issue. I favor significant executive authority and discretionary power. I don’t know how to get a troubled nation going and growing without it. … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Philippine Government