Enemies of the Philippine State: China, Leftists and the Corrupt

Posted by JoeAm on July 27, 2014 · 45 Comments 

I actively roam the discussion threads attached to blogs and news articles, popping in and popping off now and then as the mood strikes. It is easy to get agitated there, and I often have to punch the little red X on the browser tab when I find myself getting overly worked up. You see, my … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Impressions of a Senate hearing

Posted by JoeAm on July 24, 2014 · 36 Comments 

Fine television drama. Government is a complex set of interrelationships, and Executive has huge responsibilities. The cabinet people who appeared are capable and forthright, and they have great respect for the President, and for other members of the cabinet. Do you realize how rare and precious that quality is? Senator Ejercito asked a few questions … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

A New Philippine Economic Plan: “Get out of the way!”

Posted by JoeAm on July 23, 2014 · 21 Comments 

Let me offer up a negative characterization of the Philippines because it helps make some sense of the proposed economic solution that follows. Outsiders observe that Filipinos are always fighting among themselves. The battles are merciless, from bickering over national artists to bitter personal arguments on the Senate floor to coups and impeachments galore. The fighting has a … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Philippine Government, Uncategorized

The working class: breaking out, moving up, or stuck?

Posted by JoeAm on July 15, 2014 · 35 Comments 

A few blogs ago, I said that there are two voting classes in the Philippines, (1) those with opportunity to educate and enrich themselves and (2) those without. In the former are rich people and the middle class. People with the means to get educated, get a decent job and grow. Or people with connections, usually family … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Education, Philippine Government

A matter of trust: the rest of the Abad story

Posted by JoeAm on July 13, 2014 · 69 Comments 

A Society reader kindly sent me a report, recently made public. I read it and was suddenly struck with a new awareness. What if the shrill cry for Secretary Abad’s  resignation has been wrong all along, built on an emotional bubble provoked by enemies of the straight path, fueled by sensationalist headlines and leftist rants? … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government