The Pacific Coast at Ruby Beach
Not on lockdown.
Busy shipping lanes.
Clicking twice on the image above reveals the name of the ship. We can find the ship’s current location, destination of the ship and additional details here.
Ferry House
Signs of Spring
Whidbey Agriculture.
Just north of Hill Road:
Federal, civilian workers must take an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution:
Oct 24, 2019 Federal News Network
The oath of office and what it means
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
2:30
In 8 conflict areas.
Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:
1:14
Both major parties are good with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Think of a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?
Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.
Mainstream vs. Alternative Media
Related:
Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq
Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Proud Tradition – The People of WA Need Services In The Middle East
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”
School teachers taught us about:
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Image source:
Sun Gold
A big election season has ended. A major cultural shift in politics has taken hold.
As the weeks go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?
Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.
Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press
Mainstream – Wars for Freedom
The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
Local press:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Altenative
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Mainstream
September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy
“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”
Alternative
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
Special Category
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
Congressman Derek Kilmer:
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Glorification of military service / total nonsense:
WA Secretary of State
“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Mainstream
Feb 22, 2021 Military.com
Navy Will Make All Sailors Reaffirm Oath to the Constitution in Extremism Stand-Down
Alternative
Newspeople avoid asking questions, so we’ll ask a few here.
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.
Do public schools still teach about Armistice Day?
Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars
Mainstream – The Health of Local Waters
Jan 22, 2021 Whidbey News-Times
Town mayor updates residents with annual address
“This coming year is all about stormwater,” Hughes said.
“A big rainstorm in February 2020 sent “hundreds of gallons” of water rushing through the sewer plant.”
“The mayor shared that the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance.”
“We always want to do as much as we can to protect the Cove,” Hughes said.
Alternative
If the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance, why do some local beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?
Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Mainstream
Feb 16, 2021 Whidbey News-Times
Small fish, big barriers: A county confronts climate change
“…workers are putting the finishing touches on Oak Harbor’s most expensive investment ever, a $150 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. Mayor Robert Severns takes pride in the purity of the water that the plant releases into Puget Sound.”
“Our citizens are paying higher rates as a result of that. It saves shellfish and salmon,” he said.
November 6, 2020 Whidbey News-Times
Sound Off | Negotiations with Navy over connecting to sewer have ceased
“This facility is built to last the next 50 years while putting high-quality water back into the Puget Sound.”
“The high cost of this facility comes from the Washington State Department of Ecology and its requirement regarding the removal of nutrients to stringent levels in order to protect endangered marine life in our Puget Sound.”
Alternative
If the purity of the water the plant releases into Puget Sound saves shellfish and salmon, why are local beaches closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?
Oak Harbor City Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
More here: Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press
That list of things the government is not too good at:
Staying out of, winning, or shutting down undeclared wars in distant lands.
If The Troops were an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
The mainstream press will tell us this is somehow linked to defending American rights and freedoms?
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
Mainstream
One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:
Alternative
Veterans give rights?
It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.
US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.
It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.
Mainstream Media And The Drug War
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
What We Have Now
A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.
Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Feb 22, 2021 KRGV
Wife of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ arrested on US drug charges
Alternative
Has arresting top celebrities in the drug war ever resulted in any shortage of cartel product, anywhere in the US?
Newspeople remain silent.
Federal Agents Swing Into Action – Zero Questions From Newspeople
Special Category
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.
Away from any border crossing or port of entry:
Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?
Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product in Hometown, USA?
Newspeople remain silent.
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Mainstream
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.
Seattle media: Heroin busts could finance police construction in Snohomish
Possibly of interest:
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Proud Tradition – The People of WA Need Services In The Middle East
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”
Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check:
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Anacortes
Port Townsend
Fort Worden
West of Port Angeles
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Looking north towards Fort Ebey from the beach near Perego’s Lagoon.
Local info:
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
The people of WA need services in the Middle East:
Feb 16, 2021 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Washington Guard Aviation continues tradition with latest deployment
“The Washington Army National Guard aviation community has a long tradition of mobilizations in support of on-going operations around the world. In the last 20 years aviators from Washington have supported every major operation in the Middle East, including Operations Freedom Sentinel, Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and New Dawn among others. Last year nearly 250 members of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation deployed to Afghanistan in support of on-going operations.”
“I am so proud of this unit,” said Brig. Gen. Dan Dent, Commanding General of the Washington Army National Guard. “I am proud of the way they have been trained, proud to again deliver them to a mob site, trained to the highest possible standard, proud of them for upholding that tradition.”
Your hometown troops have been sent to support undeclared/unwon wars for the last 20 years. You might be General material if you can make this sound like a good thing.
Remember, unlike the active duty military, these guys must maintain a place to live and a regular job back in their hometown area.
Questions for newspeople:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
Newspeople remain silent.
Any members of the free and independent press available to show up and ask:
Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of WA National Guard troops?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Related:
Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Another nice winter day out there.
Image above: Off Point Partridge
Plenty of beach south of Point Partridge.
We’re back to that time of year where the tide can be low enough during the day to allow for a nice beach walk.
Looking south to Perego’s Lagoon
Camp Casey barracks in the distance.
Some wave action out there.
Today’s images were taken at Fort Ebey.
Local info:
Image above: 2/17/2021
Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map
Click image to enlarge.
Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.
Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.
View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.
In the news:
Feb 16, 2021 Whidbey News-Times
Small fish, big barriers: A county confronts climate change
“…workers are putting the finishing touches on Oak Harbor’s most expensive investment ever, a $150 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. Mayor Robert Severns takes pride in the purity of the water that the plant releases into Puget Sound.”
“Our citizens are paying higher rates as a result of that. It saves shellfish and salmon,” he said.
Jan 22, 2021 Whidbey News-Times
Town mayor updates residents with annual address
“This coming year is all about stormwater,” Hughes said.
“A big rainstorm in February 2020 sent “hundreds of gallons” of water rushing through the sewer plant.”
“The mayor shared that the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance.”
“We always want to do as much as we can to protect the Cove,” Hughes said.
Oak Harbor
November 6, 2020 Whidbey News-Times
Sound Off | Negotiations with Navy over connecting to sewer have ceased
“This facility is built to last the next 50 years while putting high-quality water back into the Puget Sound.”
“The high cost of this facility comes from the Washington State Department of Ecology and its requirement regarding the removal of nutrients to stringent levels in order to protect endangered marine life in our Puget Sound.”
Oak Harbor City Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Penn Cove
Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Questions for newspeople:
Mayor Hughes,
Can you help us to understand how/why stormwater is routed to the facility that treats water from toilet flushing?
In both Anacortes and Oak Harbor, we are told that stormwater is separate from what is treated at the plant.
City of Anacortes:
City of Oak Harbor:
Storm Drain
Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.
Maybe the press should be better about asking questions if they are going to line up for federal bailout cash.
Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?
Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?
A photo tour of Penn Cove here:
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance
Distance learning idea:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern
March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times
4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea
“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”
School teachers,
Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?
Related:
Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound
Anacortes – Stormwater is Rainwater
Various Versions of Hometown Pride
High Quality Water For Puget Sound? – Recreational Shellfish Harvesting CLOSED Year-Round
Whidbey Island Toilet Flush or Rain Water?
“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”
Whidbey Signs of Water Quality
When Things Get Back To Normal
The Press
Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality
I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island
Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections
Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Forget about the pet store.
A crumpled paper bag on a cardboard box is just the ticket for a spot to rest for our rescued/adopted/spayed/neutered/indoor only kitty.
Plenty of other more comfy spots are available at all times.
What are your favorite Presidents Day traditions?
Some federal holidays have little meaning. Some are quite meaningful. People may have different feelings about each one. How you felt in the third grade may be different from how you feel now.
New Year’s Day
May be a fun time based on your personal traditions. May be a good time to grasp a feeling of starting over or making plans for the new year.
Any meaning in connection with the US federal government or US history?
Martin Luther King Day
One of the very most meaningful to me, based on US history and his teachings of non-violent civil disobedience.
Presidents Day
Meaningful if you are in the third grade. Much less meaningful as time goes on. When I was in the third grade, this history had not been established:
Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq
February 5, 2021 KARE 11
St. Cloud-based National Guard aviators deploying to Kuwait and Iraq
Memorial Day
Very meaningful. Could be more meaningful if the observance included an Armistice Day component. The idea that the troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms seems to be the primary theme.
4th of July or Independence Day
Historically meaningful. Today, it’s a big celebration staged by a country that is not free. The day may be used to give thanks to veterans for defending American rights and freedoms in distant lands.
The Presidents of Presidents Day sign off on stuff like this:
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
July 4, 2014
Libertarians Are the Real Fourth of July Patriots
“…the signers of the Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate today, opposed everything the U.S. government represents today, including big government, standing armies, militarism, and empire.”
“…the revolutionaries in 1776 were not supporting their troops after the issuance of the Declaration of Independence. They were instead killing the soldiers of their very own government.”
Labor Day
Meaningful for some, based on an understanding of the American labor movement. For many, just a day off, or a day for wondering why there is not a federal holiday for people who graduate from high school or one for people who get married.
Columbus Day
One of the very least meaningful. Columbus never set foot in what is today the 50 US states.
Veterans Day
One of the very most meaningful for some. Stolen from Armistice Day in the 1950s. At that time, the US Dept. of Defense had started a decades long tradition of not being able to stay out of or win undeclared wars in distant lands.
Today, Armistice Day is free chow day.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals-it’s a proud thing:
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Goodbye Armistice Day – Free Meals, Deals and Discounts
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Thanksgiving Day
One of the very most meaningful. A time to give thanks for what is important in your life.
The elementary school lessons about friendly relations with Indians who were later slaughtered by the US government are questionable.
Christmas Day
A holiday of great religious significance.
Somehow linked to the US federal government or US history? Not too sure about that.
For me, I look at 365 days a year as the time to do more or less in terms of what we think is meaningful in life. Things that are meaningful are on our mind all the time. They are not saved up for a special day on the calendar.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
The beer photo fetish.
A year round tradition, not linked with any special day on the calendar.
West of Port Angeles
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security and DOD funding and performance?
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Feb 12, 2021 CBS Denver
Drug Ring Busted: 77,000 Fentanyl Pills, 250 Pounds Of Meth, 60 Pounds Of Cocaine Seized
“The investigation, which launched in March 2019…”
Federal agents swing into action after large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl move past federal agents manning a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Colorado.
$49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:
“Investigators say the ring transported large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexico through U.S. ports of entry into Colorado.”
Newspeople fail to ask questions. Our questions appear in bold type.
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan-working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Major takedown at 1:20
“We arrested two individuals who attempted to sell six counterfeit NFL Super Bowl 54 T-shirts…”
“Comments are turned off”
Counterfeit Medical Masks vs. Counterfeit Sports Souvenirs
“The investigation, which launched in March 2019…”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the almost two years these folks were under investigation. Do the good guys who made the local busts notify the good guys at the border and ports of entry about the weak links in their process?
Were federal authorities at the border notified of this ongoing investigation?
Did traffickers get fast track screening at the border so as not to disrupt this ongoing investigation?
If the traffickers were given a pass at the border-would that have tipped them off as to the investigation-or would that have been seen as standard protocol?
“The investigation, which launched in March 2019…”
Imagine that LE authorities observe a shoplifter or bank robber in action. Instead of going in to make an arrest they back off and conduct an investigation that goes on for almost 2 years. What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
I know, I know-It takes time to build a case against the really big drug traffickers.
This time next year-will there be any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US? Has any city, county or state jurisdiction been able to cleanup their drug problem using these methods?
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Any similar effort after a big drug bust?
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Newspeople,
Did the advantage of US Troops at the border, the big El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security play any role in preventing these crimes?
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
We’d love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.
Away from any border crossing or port of entry:
Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?
Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger prevented cartel product from entering Colorado?
Newspeople remain silent.
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.
Seattle media: Heroin busts could finance police construction in Snohomish
Port Angeles CBP
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA
An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay
Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
Local meth news stories here.
Local heroin news stories here.
What role do 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats play in keeping heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl from entering Port Angeles?
Jan 28, 2021 Peninsula Daily News
Muzzled puppies found during drug arrest
Jan 29, 2021 KONP
TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG, POTENTIAL ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES
Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Related:
High Terror Alert Fails To Keep Cartel Product Out
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media
DOD Nowhere To be Found On 911 – US Dept. of Homeland Security Missing on 1/6/21
Zero Questions From Newspeople – Security For The Big Game
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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A symbol of the press backing away from asking questions.
I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.
We are fans of alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.
Feb 13, 2021 LewRockwell.com
The Great Vaccine Scam By Vasko Kohlmayer
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
More information is better-this is how science and medicine works. Over the years, some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:
Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned
Best case scenario-elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
3:20
“An error doesnt become a mistake, until you refuse to correct it.”
Related:
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media
The idea is to live in a free and honest society.
Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Port Hadlock Transit Center
Same country that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.
The primary focus of several federal holidays is freedom.
This week:
Comments indicate this is a controversial decision.
More controversy in the comment section:
Freedoms come and go.
The many examples:
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Related:
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom
“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Watching the waves at Fort Ebey.
Much talk of political parties & personalities. Little discussion of what the major parties believe in or stand for. Not even during a big election season.
Feb 11, 2021 S.E. Cupp
Still trying to figure out what the major parties believe in.
The right time to discuss this never seems to come. A big election season isn’t the time. The talk will be of political parties and personalities. Maybe spouses, maybe dog breeds.
More about political personalities. Less about where these big political parties want to take us and the issues they do not fight about:
Feb 12, 2021 Omaha World-Herald
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump, says ‘he let us down’ and ‘we shouldn’t have followed him’
The two major parties will not fight about:
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end, wasteful Homeland Security spending, the drug war, federal prohibition of marijuana, treating 18-20 year old adults as 2nd class citizens, an ongoing glorification of military service, and newspeople who take a pass on asking questions on these issues.
Hey newspeople,
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
Any members of the press available to show up and ask:
Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of Minnesota National Guard troops?
February 5, 2021 KARE 11
St. Cloud-based National Guard aviators deploying to Kuwait and Iraq
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
How do the troops defend the Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”
Related:
Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars
US Armed Forces – Protecting the Constitution and Democracy?
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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A symbol of newspeople avoiding the chance to ask questions.
