Waiting on a wave at Point Partridge
Local trails overview here:
Fort Ebey
When did scary Halloween decorations turn into this?
Related:
Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Both major parties are OK with controlling people while telling us that wars are for freedom.
Freedom
“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”
“For now, the skies above the Olympic Peninsula belong to the Navy’s mission of defending freedom. What that sounds like is up for debate.”
Congressman Derek Kilmer:
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
April 14th, 2019 Press Release from the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins
Senator Collins Attends 286th Combat Service Battalion Hero Send Off Ceremony
70 Bangor-based Maine National Guard soldiers are deploying to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve
“There is no cause more noble than preserving America’s freedom…”
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
Controlling People
Pledge of Allegiance
Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Are veteran’s organizations working to restore these freedoms?
Will the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to take a stand against dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens?
More here:
Adult Products May Be Harmful To Children?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
TV helps us to think by offering up contained choices:
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- Port Hadlock scene
October 11, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
Veteran’s background questioned
Well done. Significant research was required to investigate this story. Very complete reporting here. Much appreciated.
Leaving the comment section in place would have been a plus. It may have resulted in comments showing appreciation for this style of reporting.
Love to see similar reporting Re: Port Angeles CBP and their role in keeping drugs out of town.
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, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Related:
Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release
Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree
October 9, 2019 Tacoma News Tribune
Myriad problems led to JBLM soldier dying after pinned under Stryker, investigation finds
Well done to Alexis Krell and the Tacoma News Tribune. Some news outlets would have gone with whatever press release was provided by Joint Base Lewis–McChord.
This story required extra research:
“Under the Freedom of Information Act, The News Tribune requested records of the investigation into Watters’ death, which the newspaper received Monday.”
Detailed reporting and meaningful comments here:
October 6, 2019 The Seattle Times
Stanford stuns No. 15 Washington in merciless, methodical thrashing
Why doesn’t this style of reporting cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, or the Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars?
We’re still seeing frequent shootings in the Puget Sound area.
WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:
November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area
Any reporting or updates on this?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Related:
Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces Public Affairs Staff
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Watching over the Bluff Trail at Fort Ebey.
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Oct 10, 2019 MyNorthwest.com
Fight for quiet in Olympic National Park pits Navy versus nature
“For now, the skies above the Olympic Peninsula belong to the Navy’s mission of defending freedom. What that sounds like is up for debate.”
When the US returns from an undeclared war or military conflict without a victory- what becomes of American rights and freedoms?
Hometown Pride
“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.”
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
Recent Seattle Blue Angels Air Show event:
KIRO 7
“The moment we hit 7.5 Gs in the Blue Angel’s Jet & I passed out!”
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
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.
If the US Armed Forces were an NFL team, newspeople might ask:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
The press and the American people have a much more honest relationship with sports teams than they do with the Dept. of Defense.
If The Troops were an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
DOD was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Detailed reporting and meaningful comments here:
Oct. 5, 2019 The Seattle Times
Stanford stuns No. 15 Washington in merciless, methodical thrashing
Why doesn’t this style of reporting cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, or the Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars?
Possibly of interest-
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
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?
Related:
Did the speech mention Armistice Day?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
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
Sept. 27, 2019 Q13 News
‘You are lying’: Store owners spar with legislators after Gov. Inslee calls for ban on flavored vaping products
“Make no mistake they`ve chosen to use flavoring to addict a whole new generation to nicotine,” Rep. Gerry Pollett said.
“Governor Inslee acknowledged the huge impact a ban would have on thousands of businesses but he says public health comes first especially when it comes to protecting children.”
Oct. 9, 2019 The Seattle Times
Flavored vape products temporarily banned by Washington state board of health, to chants of ‘shame’
“We are losing another generation” to nicotine, said John Wiesman, Washington’s secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), before casting his vote in favor of the ban.
Sept. 19, 2019 The Seattle Times
Vaping is big, but so are risks and unknowns: A look at the issues
“It’s also illegal for minors to vape. (A growing number of states have even raised the vaping age to 21.) And using e-cigarettes may make teenagers more likely to smoke real cigarettes in the future.”
No word on the banning of real cigarettes so far.
Oct. 9, 2019 Reason
Muddled Message About Vaping Causes Costly Confusion
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we prefer managing rather than banning.
Possibly of interest:
“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”
Did the speech mention Armistice Day?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Now that the John Wayne generation is gone, you’ll find peach, honey, cinnamon, apple, vanilla & cherry flavored whiskey over at the liquor store.
Should adult products be banned because they may be harmful to children?
Are you a veteran? This is a veteran park.
Possibly of interest:
Did the speech mention Armistice Day?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
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-
A symbol of freedom and people who do, or did time in uniform moving to divide Americans into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Halloween 2019
In the news:
Gallipolis, Ohio
Local authorities dictate a one hour window for trick-or-treat time 2019. For some reason, Halloween will be observed exactly one week in advance of October 31st.
Your family will start at 5:30 and be done for the year at 6:30 p.m.
“The Gallipolis Police Department recently announced times for Trick-or-Treat set for the Gallipolis.”
“The annual event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. All drivers are reminded to be cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.”
Much of the article above includes detailed safety tips such as dressing the kids up in reflective gear so they look like a county road maintenance crew. It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.
Fore more about safety, please visit our safety tips page:
Ashville, Ohio Trick-or-Treat date and time:
Campbellsport, Wisconsin
View original post 116 more words
A culture of cartels needs guns from American sporting goods stores- where automatic weapons are not legal?
Oct 6, 2019 Los Angeles Times
Mexicans are killing each other at record rates. The U.S. provides the guns
Bad Guys:
Good Guys:
“The group’s aim is to eventually take back Ocotito, a town of 6,000 at the base of a verdant mountain range, using an arsenal that includes dozens of machine guns.”
Strict Gun Control
“More than 22,000 firearms purchased by state and federal police were reported lost or stolen between 2000 and 2015, according to Mexican military documents.”
“The process is so onerous that last year the store sold just 15,754 firearms. None were assault rifles, which are illegal here.”
Washington State, USA
Frequent shootings update:
WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:
November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area
Any reporting or updates on this?
May 30, 2019 MyNorthwest.com
King County, Seattle responds to rise in gang violence, shootings
May 29th 2019 KOMO News
Deadly shooting in Seattle fourth shooting scene across Puget Sound area in 12 hours
Have enhanced background checks reduced Puget Sound area shootings?
Are newspeople asking any questions in this area?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of freedom, living in an honest society, and newspeople not asking questions.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
I question the ongoing glorification of military service and undeclared/unwon wars that never end.
November 17, 2017 Peninsula Daily News
Defending freedom: Marine Corps veteran urges telling of military history
“He said that civilians don‘t understand.”
“None of them have gone on long overseas tours away from family. They don’t realize what it’s like,” he said. “Think about that.”
“Stand when the National Anthem is played. Winning wars is the backbone of our history — be proud of the part you played in that.”
If only you youngsters were facing more long overseas tours away from family, then you’d get it. Because freedom comes from decades of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
Veterans Day was stolen from Armistice day in 1954.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Public schools make small children memorize and recite a loyalty pledge indicating liberty and justice for all.
Clearly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
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…”
Same country that divides adults into groups of first and second-class citizens as they move towards enjoying their freedoms.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18? Are restrictions on freedoms eased by more wars?
Veterans Defend our Freedoms
Where did this idea come from?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Veterans are in the very best position to know that in some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
Lies About Freedom
One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told
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.
Hey school teachers–
If veterans fought for our right to vote- 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?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
If The Troops fight for American freedoms, why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
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?
June 12, 1967
“…an interracial couple who had been sentenced to a year in jail for violating Virginia’s ban on marriage between people of different races.”
Hometown Pride
“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.”
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
Possibly of interest:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
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-
Watching the waves at Fort Casey
Fort Ebey
September 29, 2019 The Daily Egyptian
Making the case for the Army National Guard
The people of Illinois need services in Afghanistan:
July 26, 2019 Chicago Tribune
The people of Illinois need services in Iraq:
November 5, 2018 RiverBender.com
Chicago-based Illinois National Guard unit mobilizes for Iraq
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Illinois need services in Iraq and Afghanistan, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Sep 25, 2019 Coal Valley News
Pat McGeehan: Keep National Guard out of undeclared wars
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Sep 24, 2019 Military Times
The National Guard’s suicide rate has surpassed the other military components
More here:
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
Fort Ebey
New snow on the Olympics. A view from Libbey Beach.
From Fort Ebey.
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep bad guys from moving product into Seattle & Montana.
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:
Seattle
Sept. 27, 2019 KIRO Radio
Dori: Heroin, meth fine in WA, but flavored vaping products have to go
Audio 1:20 “We violated federal law by legalizing marijuana in our state.”
Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?
Newspeople play along by not asking any questions:
Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release
Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree
Montana
Sept. 25, 2019 Billings Gazette
At talk on opioids, U.S. Attorney for Montana says meth remains a significant problem
More here:
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
What Do Conservatives Believe In?
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
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-
A symbol of the big July 4th celebration of freedom and constitutional principles.
Really a great area out here. Love to see it cared for.
When the name of the Keystone Ferry was changed to attract visitors to the area, did that energy extend towards maintaining public spaces adjacent to Penn Cove and the Kettles Roadside Trail?
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Just down the road from this handsome sign. A 9/28/19 image of an abandoned/vandalized RV on county property at Hwy 20 and Libbey Road. RV has been in place for more than a month.
More here:
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
A few towns obviously have people who work together to set priorities and make a positive impression for visitors:
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Make happy mushrooms at Fort Ebey.
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?
Love to see more in the way of newspeople out asking questions. Get away from posting the press release handed down from whatever agency was involved in the latest bust.
Zero questions from newspeople:
Local meth news stories here.
Local heroin news stories here.
Plenty of questions here:
Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree
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, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Possibly of interest-
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
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
South entrance- Port Townsend Ship Canal
I enjoyed an excellent tour of the facility on Tuesday, Sept. 24th, 2019.
Mr. Phil Matthews is the Wastewater Plant Supervisor. He contacted me recently after he saw that I had posted concerns related to recreational shellfish.
Phil invited me to come down and speak with him and see how the operation functions. This was a very open & hassle-free experience. I have dealt with several publicly funded departments here on Whidbey Island. In some cases, the attitude is that if you want more information, you can submit a public records request. To start the process of interacting with a department you fill out a complaint form. I would rather call it a request for service. Maybe just some human interaction would help to smooth things out.
No complaint forms or public records requests were required for me to meet with Mr. Phil Matthews. He has people skills and was ready to provide an educational component related to the Clean Water Facility. He said that storm drain runoff would be the major concern in impacting recreational shellfish. I very much appreciate the open attitude and interaction with Mr. Matthews. He provided me with a detailed information packet, describing the steps required to create clean water.
As time goes on, maybe WDFW will emphasize the issue with storm drain runoff. This would give the public a better idea of what they could do to improve the situation. It would be helpful for newspeople to keep the public informed by reporting on the sewage treatment plant outfall issue described by WDFW.
Over the years, several people who work for, or once worked for various publicly funded departments here on Whidbey Island have made a very positive impression on me.
These are people who are the best representatives of local government and the departments they work for. These folks have people skills. They are ready to make a sincere effort to improve situations and educate the public.
Thanks for taking time.
Phil Matthews
John S. Clark
Traci Faught
Photo- Whidbey scene
Politics. Us against them. All or nothing.
Smoking bans, plastic bag bans, gun bans, federal toilet regulations, bottled water bans, mandates on what sort of vehicle you may drive.
In God We Trust in public schools.
Years ago, it was understood that some people preferred to smoke. Some preferred to be vegan. Some preferred to eat meat. Some preferred electric cars, some preferred a powerful truck to pull a horse trailer.
A live and let live attitude seems to be fading.
All this, while we are told that US military operations in distant lands are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms.
More here:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Re: local environmental concerns, we’d love to see more in the way of newspeople out asking questions about what is going on in the Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area.
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
Photos-
Happy Hours – South Indian Island
A local occasion
Port Townsend Farmers Market
Several Island County beaches are closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.
View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.
This information, provided by WDFW gives the impression that Island County sewage treatment plants may be sending unsafe product into local waters.
Specific WDFW beach information is posted in the links below.
Jefferson County memories of happy & healthy beaches:
Here is a photo of a low tide outing at the PORT TOWNSEND SHIP CANAL/PORTAGE CANAL
Back in Island County
Stewardship is a priority:
Sign below posted at Flintstone Park in Oak Harbor educates the public on local waters.
Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area
The press is good for coverage on ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand openings, and project of the year awards.
Also:
Love to see more in the way of newspeople out asking questions about what is going on in the Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area.
More here:
Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Image at top of page:
Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Sept. 20th, 2019.
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Is the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?
