Is America a Malignant State?

Posted by JoeAm on September 25, 2013 · 22 Comments 

You probably have noticed that I consistently refer to North Korea, Iran and China as “malignant states”. The aim is to recognize them as operating in a way that destroys harmony between nations. North Korea is plain lunatic, totally apart from rational or kind behavior, even toward her own peoples. A leader who will execute … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans

America: Thug or Conscience in a World Gone Mad?

Posted by JoeAm on September 4, 2013 · 87 Comments 

One of the more jarring transitions that an American makes in coming to the Philippines is understanding the deep-seated resentment that some Filipinos carry toward America. The foundations for a lot of the angers and distrust are understandable: a racist America brutalizing its way across the Philippines in the Philippine American War, a brutal American … Continue reading →

Category Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans

Racial Discrimination by the U.S. Embassy in Manila

Posted by JoeAm on July 29, 2013 · 96 Comments 

The American Embassy in the Philippines has a huge problem. It is overwhelmed with applications for tourist and other temporary visas. It is a processing nightmare, something like 1,000 to 1,500 applications a day. This is complicated by the fact that, historically, a large number of Filipinos granted a visa to visit the U.S. have … Continue reading →

Category USA/Americans

Hearts of Darkness: Revelations of Zimmerman & Nicole

Posted by JoeAm on July 24, 2013 · 47 Comments 

Heart of Darkness  is a short novel written by British author Joseph Conrad in 1899. It is hard reading, but it is one of those artistic gems that lasts a lifetime. In this story, we are forced to confront the potential for evil that is deeply bred within our souls. OUR souls, not just those … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, USA/Americans

A Troublesome Photo

Posted by JoeAm on July 15, 2013 · 75 Comments 

The above photograph raised a point of debate in a recent blog. It makes for a good cross-cultural discussion. So please make note of your initial reaction to the photo. Maybe jot your thoughts down, rather like it were a Rorschach Test, an ink blot with elegant pixelation. I would welcome knowing your initial reaction. … Continue reading →

Category Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans