Way too many Filipinos are looking for culprits; grief is personal

Posted by JoeAm on January 30, 2015 · 159 Comments 

I got into a twitter argument with popular columnist Boo Chanco over President Aquino’s decision to welcome Japanese investors to the Philippines rather than welcome war casualties for burial. Boo was livid about it. I like Boo. He did a story about one of my blogs long ago. He thinks earnestly. Blogger Cocoy Dayao explained that this … Continue reading →

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

BBL, MILF, BIFF, PNP, AFP, CIA and ISIS

Posted by JoeAm on January 28, 2015 · 103 Comments 

As with many topics, I don’t have full knowledge or complete conviction in my opinions. I put one version out here, as close as I can get to what I think is right, and leave it to the discussion to correct or re-aim the matter. This one I will break into two components: (1) the … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

American military culture, or why Pemberton is in US custody

Posted by JoeAm on January 1, 2015 · 124 Comments 

The following blog is my personal view, not the official position of the United States. JoeAm * * * * * This blog will turn the tables. Normally it is I, the American, who is trying to grasp Filipino customs that I don’t understand, like fighting chickens and a major religion that does not study … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans

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