Image above:
Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018.
Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife OAK HARBOR BEACH PARK
“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams, Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“Water Quality Comment: This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into local waters?
Frequent updates to the recreational shellfish safety map are posted at the bottom of this WDFW page.
Previous month:
November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running
Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.
November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times
Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online
“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”
We’re not seeing any signs of improvement over the past 5 months.
Prior to Earth Day 2020, we’ll watch and see how local conditions change. We’ll look for newspeople to ask public policy questions Re:
How long has Oak Harbor been an unsafe location for recreational shellfish harvesting?
If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online in November of 2018, how was sewage being processed last summer?
When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?
If the old sewage treatment system was failing- when did it begin to fail?
Will the new sewage treatment plant allow for safe recreational shellfish harvesting at Oak Harbor? If not, why not?
How long will it take for recreational shellfish harvest conditions to become safe related to sewage treatment plant outfall?
Over at Penn Cove-
Images taken on March 24, 2019 site visit.
A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.
More here:
Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant
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
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.
Looks like Newspeople didn’t show up to ask any questions before, during, or after the hero send off ceremony, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.
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…”
No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.
Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.
Sending the National Guard to Poland is somehow linked to American rights and freedoms?
“Just this week at an Appropriations Committee hearing with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Senator Collins praised the Maine National Guard’s role in the State Partnership Program to prepare Montenegro for accession to NATO and discussed the importance of the 286th’s deployment to Europe.”
Senator Collins,
Did the advantage of NATO allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
WABI News video
Send-off ceremony held for Maine National Guard unit deploying to Poland
1:27
“…Preserving America’s freedom…”
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Maine need services in Poland absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Not just Senator Collins:
Jan 1st 2019 Military.com
New Acting SecDef Shanahan Pledges to Carry Out Trump’s Policy Agenda
Acting Secretary of Defense:
“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions,” Shanahan said, and “our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
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.
Protect Our Freedoms?
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?
If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
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?
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, 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.
More here:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
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, federal government credibility, school teachers and newspeople not asking questions.
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Does hometown pride cause newspeople not to ask questions?
Oak Harbor
New sewage treatment plant in operation since Nov 15th, 2018.
Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.
The colors on the recreational shellfish safety map are telling:
Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant
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?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Coupeville
“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”
“The name change will help eliminate confusion visitors may find when they research ways to travel to Whidbey Island.”
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island- no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Port Angeles
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
Port Angeles CBP – Keeping Meth Out of Town?
Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Washington’s 6th congressional district
Question for newspeople:
What role do Port Angeles based 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping meth and heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex
Island County
2014
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent
Related:
Local stories where newspeople seem to refrain from asking questions:
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- How long would it take to walk to the Welcome To Oak Harbor sign?
A review here.
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?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
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 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Local meth news stories here.
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.
Newspeople,
What role do Port Angeles based 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
2011-
Massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fails to keep heroin out of town:
2013-
Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles
2015-
Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem
2017-
“Residents who filled the Port Angeles City Council chambers and lobby Tuesday night said they were fed up with the heroin epidemic in Clallam County and asked what is being done to stop opioid abuse and what they can do to help.”
2019-
KING 5 News
“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”
Peninsula Daily News
Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths
“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.”
Love to see newspeople ask: Have Port Angeles based Homeland Security patrol boats been used to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
More here:
Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Welcome Home Troops
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
American popular and political culture insists on dividing people up into groups- then assigning a separate value to each group. Surely, members of a specific group would think, act & vote as one.
Meaningless group identity update:
Not just veterans. Political experts will also be reaching out to latino, black, and women voters.
Don’t forget this nation’s backbone:
Filipino Tilt-a-Whirl operators.
What about bus drivers- who do they endorse?
Will veterans take a look at what stays the same no matter what political party or personality is in power?
More here:
No Matter What Political Party Or Personality Is In Office
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Skagit Valley scene
Mom’s expression at 1:05
Back home:
April 11, 2019 NBC News
Air National Guard, Reserve pensions delayed for months due to backlog
Apr 6, 2019 Leavenworth Times
Kansas National Guard captain submits resignation in wake of suicides
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.
More here:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville
What Do Conservatives Believe In?
Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom
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
Kitsap County – Several Temporary Spills
March 28, 2019 KING 5 News video:
Suquamish Tribe accuses Navy of spilling raw sewage into Puget Sound
March 29, 2019 Kitsap Sun
Navy sewage spills targeted in lawsuit by local nonprofit
“Every time it’s a different excuse, a little like, ‘the dog ate my homework,'” he said.
“The task force included Kitsap Public Health District records it said it had received for spills totaling 184,000 gallons in 11 incidents between 2016 and earlier this month. The biggest spill in the list, 84,000 gallons, occurred at Bangor on Jan. 22, 2018; the next biggest, 80,000, happened at the shipyard on Aug. 13, 2018.”
US Navy: “We’re committed to being good stewards of the environment and that has never changed in our nearly 130 years in the Pacific Northwest.”
March 5, 2019 2019 Q13 NEWS Video:
Thousands of gallons of sewage dumped into Sinclair Inlet — again
Over at Oak Harbor & Penn Cove
A situation that appears to be routine or ongoing. Zero questions from newspeople.
November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running
Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.
November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times
Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online
“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”
Image above:
Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018.
Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife OAK HARBOR BEACH PARK
“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams, Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
Welcome Home Troops
“Water Quality Comment: This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Love to see newspeople ask some questions on this.
How long has Oak Harbor been an unsafe location for recreational shellfish harvesting?
If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online in November of 2018- how was sewage being processed prior to that time?
When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?
If the old sewage treatment system was failing- when did it begin to fail?
Will the new sewage treatment plant allow for safe recreational shellfish harvesting at Oak Harbor? If not, why not?
How long will it take for recreational shellfish harvest conditions to become safe related to sewage treatment plant outfall?
Looks like the sewage treatment plant issue may be seen as routine or ongoing. Any sense of urgency in reporting details or background on this?
Routine or ongoing? So much so, that WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:
Image source: Photo posted by WDFW here.
Over at Penn Cove
A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.
Penn Cove site visit March 24, 2019:
Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant
More here:
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo at top of page:
The Seal Rock oyster
What stays the same no matter what political party or personality is in power?
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end
Feb 25th, 2019 Fox News
Father, son deployed to Afghanistan with Arizona Army National Guard
Newspeople who do not ask questions
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
The Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket
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?
Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
Talk Of Border Walls As Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail
Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?
A secretive, wasteful, & ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
More here:
A dishonest US Dept. of Homeland Security
The Claim:
Jan 4th, 2019 McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Bellingham Herald
Trump officials exaggerate terrorist threat on southern border in tense briefing
“Homeland Security officials are now saying that 3,755 known or suspected terrorists were stopped trying to entering the U.S. by land in FY 17.”
Questioning The Claim:
Love to see newspeople ask:
Did sending US troops to Iraq & Afghanistan play any role in keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?
Have the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan played any role in keeping thousands of terrorists from showing up at the border?
Newspeople could have started questioning these big claims from DHS almost a year ago.
Jan 24th, 2018
Secretary of Homeland Security:
The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin/meth trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
Jan, 2018 Fox News
Meth, cocaine overdoses rise as Mexican cartels sidestep anti-opioid crackdown
More here:
A Secretive, Wasteful, Dishonest & Ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security
The ongoing glorification of military service.
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.
Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
More here: Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Federal prohibition of marijuana
Guantanamo prison
“…they swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution.”
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Promotion of Corn Ethanol
What is ethanol fuel and why is it bad for your small engine outdoor power equipment?
2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: AVOID ETHANOL IN SMALL ENGINES
Mechanics see ethanol damaging small engines
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Whidbey scene
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?
March 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun
Kilmer praises SAFE Boats, talks border security
“Go SAFE Boats,” penned Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat, on an inside panel of a 41-foot Coastal Interceptor Vessel bound for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.
Also in Congressman Kilmer’s district:
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Newspeople,
Why did the Blaine Sector Weekly US Border Patrol blotter go extinct?
When is the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol made an arrest of any kind?
Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?
Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay
More here:
Question for newspeople:
What role do Port Angeles based 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
2011-
2013-
Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles
2015-
Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem
2017-
“Residents who filled the Port Angeles City Council chambers and lobby Tuesday night said they were fed up with the heroin epidemic in Clallam County and asked what is being done to stop opioid abuse and what they can do to help.”
2019-
KING 5 News
“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”
Peninsula Daily News
Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths
“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.”
Love to see newspeople ask: Have Port Angeles based Homeland Security patrol boats been used to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
March 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun
Forum provides overview on opioid use in Kitsap
“Prescription opioid sales are declining. More people are accessing treatment for dependence to opioid drugs.
But as of 2017, overdose deaths from drugs like heroin and fentanyl remained elevated.”
Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.
What part of the story is missing?
Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
More here:
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
Talk Of Border Walls As Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail
Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?
Bremerton Homeland Security Jobs Program
Puget Sound Coastal Patrol Boats
Possibly of interest:
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo at top of page:
Whidbey Island
2014-
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent
US Mail
March 21, 2019 The Post-Journal
No Single Action Will End County’s Fight With Addiction
“…the methamphetamine being produced is top-of-the-line product from Mexico, arriving in Jamestown through the U.S. Postal Service.”
Rail Shipment
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel from moving meth by rail into Canada:
Feb 27, 2019 Times Colonist
Police find meth smuggled into Canada through new Ford cars built in Mexico
“Ontario Provincial Police said they found 180 kilograms of meth during their investigation, which began when employees at four different Ford dealerships reported suspicious bags inside tires that were in the trunks of new Fusion cars.”
“Police said the cars were built at Ford’s assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, before being put on northbound trains.”
Ports of Entry
Jan. 8, 2019 Arizona Republic
Meth, cocaine, heroin: Most gets smuggled through ports of entry. A wall won’t stop it.
Mar 19, 2019 The Charleston Gazette-Mail
George F. Will: Worse living through chemistry (Daily Mail Opinion)
“Every day 4,500 trucks pass, necessarily with usually minimal inspection, through three legal entry points along the U.S.-Mexico border. Any wall would be irrelevant to interrupting drug shipments.”
January 8, 2019 The Week
The DEA disagrees with Trump about how heroin is crossing the border
“…DEA wrote, adding that a “majority of the flow” happens at ports of entry. Those legal crossings would obviously still happen even if a wall spanned the entire border.”
Related:
How did 1.7 tons of meth for outbound shipment enter Long Beach California?
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Oak Harbor traffic patterns
March 18, 2019 Q13 Fox News video:
Arlington’s approach to homeless crisis differs from Seattle – and officials say it’s working
“…officers and the community will step up to help those who are ready to turn their lives around, those who aren’t will be prosecuted if they commit crimes within the city. Even relatively minor offenses, such as shoplifting and car prowls, will be charged in Arlington, he said. The same is not true in Seattle, where misdemeanor theft is all but decriminalized for the city’s homeless population.”
Seattle:
March 28, 2019 Q13 Fox News video:
Seattle mayor announces first step to address repeat offenders
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.
What part of the story is missing?
Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping meth and heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
More here:
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA News tip/story idea
Related: Ongoing Breakdown of Society
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Fog clears at Hill Road
I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I know it is a larger concern based on where people are situated on Whidbey or elsewhere in the region; Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, B.C., Port Townsend, etc.
Some of the points made by Navy supporters don’t generate much in the way of good public relations:
The base has been here since WWII. Navy crews will not be able to operate safely without training operations conducted on Whidbey Island.
Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.
Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.
The US has vast holdings in the form of bombing ranges, missile test ranges, federal lands appropriate for nuclear weapons testing, etc. War games and military training might be conducted in these areas without bothering anyone.
Some examples:
National Training Center, Fort Irwin
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms
China Lake, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE
Naval Auxillary Landing Field San Clemente Island
Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR)
It’s The Sound of Freedom!
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.
Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.
How does this work?
Do the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Hey school teachers–
If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
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
If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Hometown Pride
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
“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?
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
More here: How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, 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.
More here:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Feb. 14, 2019 Argus Leader
Gov. Kristi Noem: Industrial hemp ‘opening the door’ to legalized marijuana in South Dakota
Before the veto- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem:
“She said she’s heard from social workers, addiction treatment counselors and families hurt by addiction that marijuana is a gateway drug — and that industrial hemp will open the door to marijuana distribution in South Dakota.”
March 11, 2019 The Seattle Times
Gov. Noem vetoes bill legalizing industrial hemp production
“…it would make law enforcement’s job more difficult and could be a first step to eventually legalizing recreational marijuana.”
“At least 41 states have enacted hemp growing and production programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.”
Meth
Federal cash for South Dakota after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:
Nov. 1, 2018 Argus Leader
Federal government sends $1M to South Dakota to combat meth trafficking
Mar 4, 2019 KOTA TV
Governor Noem starts to tackle meth epidemic
March 1, 2019 Argus Leader
Noem: Making South Dakota an example to the nation
“It was my goal to listen and learn, but to also begin developing the expectation that South Dakota can, and will, be a leader in innovative policies that will serve as an example to other states and the federal government.”
“First, I met with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar about adding flexibility to existing federal programs in South Dakota so we can combat our meth epidemic.”
Mar 1, 2019 Rapid City Journal
Governor addresses goals for her administration on statewide tour
“Noem said the state’s farmers and ranchers are still struggling in spite of weathering tough economic times fraught with low commodity prices and foreign tariffs on U.S. goods.”
“She said moving agriculture development representatives within the ag department to the state economic development department would give ag reps better access to economic development tools.”
“I also want our economic development team to know and have a passion for agriculture,” she said.
Days later- Governor Noem would veto a bill allowing South Dakota to produce Indsutrial Hemp.
“With the use of methamphetamine exploding among younger people, Noem said she will expand funding and resources to increase education, prevention, intervention and treatment options and hire four highway patrol officers to specialize in meth programs and two Department of Criminal Investigation officers to key on stopping the flow of the drug into the state.”
“Opioids are a big problem in South Dakota. I don’t want to distract from that, but overwhelmingly our problem is meth,” she said.
Governor Noem, if South Dakota is a nationwide leader in stamping out gateway drugs like marijuana and Industrial Hemp, why the meth epidemic in South Dakota? Meth is prohibited at both the federal and state levels of government.
More here:
What Do Conservatives Believe In?
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Personal responsibility, limited government, free enterprise, and individual liberty?
Is the freedom talk just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?
Industrial Hemp
March 11, 2019 The Seattle Times
Gov. Noem vetoes bill legalizing industrial hemp production
“…it would make law enforcement’s job more difficult and could be a first step to eventually legalizing recreational marijuana.”
“At least 41 states have enacted hemp growing and production programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.”
Mar 14, 2019 Rapid City Journal
OPINION: Hemp veto seems futile
“The only problem it presents is for South Dakota’s unique-in-the-nation ingestion laws, which make it a felony to have any amount of THC in your bloodstream.”
As Noem explained: “It would create uncertainty for prosecution under our ingestion statute because the source of THC is placed in doubt when industrial hemp products that contain small amounts of THC, such as cannabidiol or CBD, are legalized. As governor, I will not leave it to our courts to interpret how this bill impacts our prohibition on the active ingredient in marijuana, and I do not believe the Legislature intended to complicate enforcement of our ingestion statute in this way.”
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?
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end
Absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war- the people of South Dakota need services in the Middle East:
November 27, 2018 KNBN-TV Rapid City
Pierre National Guard unit to deploy to Middle East
“The unit first deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013.”
Hey- smaller government conservatives:
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Veterans Day Assemblies
Gather up the students and send them to a school event where they will “…learn first- hand that freedom is not free.”
“Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, as Veterans Day at the South Dakota State Fair, calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.”
How about the freedom to legally grow Industrial Hemp?
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?
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, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, 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.
More here:
Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom
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, federal government credibility and newspeople, school teachers and veterans not asking questions.
The AIDS epidemic of the 1980s brought advances in medicine and public education about safe sex and avoiding high risk behaviors.
March 5, 2019 NBC News
HIV-positive man in U.K. is 2nd known adult worldwide to be cleared of the AIDS virus
The homelessness and drug addiction problems of today seem to roll on without solutions. Communities with their heart in the right place and lots of tax money to spend are not keeping up.
Seattle
November 3, 2018 The Seattle Times
Seattle homelessness spending tops $90 million
Autumn 2018 City Journal
“It wasn’t always this way. When I spoke with Eleanor Owen, one of the original cofounders of DESC, she explained that the organization’s mission has shifted over the years from helping the homeless to securing government contracts, maintaining a $112 million real-estate portfolio, and paying a staff of nearly 900.”
“It’s disgraceful,” she said. “When we started, we kept our costs low and helped people get back on their feet.”
“In Houston, local leaders have reduced homelessness by 60 percent through a combination of providing services and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for street camping, panhandling, trespassing, and property crimes.”
Feb 28, 2019 KIRO Radio
Dori: Man arrested in Seattle arson case a homeless frequent offender
Like something out of a third world country:
Sept. 26, 2018 KIRO Radio
Woman mauled by dogs at RV camp begs Seattle City Council for help
Port Angeles
March 6, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
Rayonier site fire accidental, authorities say
“Boston said homeless people frequently stay on the property and appear to have gravitated to the sheltered area where the fire occurred.”
Port Townsend
Good citizens lose access because of violators:
February 17, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
Port of Port Townsend cites vandalism for restroom lockup
What other types of facilities might restrict daytime access to the public because of vandalism?
Schools, parks, banks, post offices, grocery stores, libraries, transit facilities, bus stops, shopping malls?
More here: Port Townsend Violators Cause Many To Be Locked Out
Whidbey Island
February 20, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Into ‘the pit:’ No one knows what to do with all of the garbage, needles in homeless encampment
Port Angeles Heroin and Methamphetamine
January 30, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
Meth use alleged at site of 3 homicides; $3.5 million bail set
Background:
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.
What part of the story is missing?
Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
More here:
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA News tip/story idea
Love to see newspeople ask:
What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?
No inspection of rail shipments entering the US?
Talk Of Border Walls As Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail
Just last month: How did 1.7 tons of meth for outbound shipment enter Long Beach California?
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
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
Photo-
Early winter morning – Point Wilson, Washington
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel from moving meth by rail into Canada:
Feb 27, 2019 Times Colonist
Police find meth smuggled into Canada through new Ford cars built in Mexico
“Ontario Provincial Police said they found 180 kilograms of meth during their investigation, which began when employees at four different Ford dealerships reported suspicious bags inside tires that were in the trunks of new Fusion cars.”
“Police said the cars were built at Ford’s assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, before being put on northbound trains.”
State-run media update Feb 1, 2019
HSI special agents:
Love to see newspeople ask:
How are terrorists and their weapons kept out by checking retail items after they show up at a mall in Atlanta?
Did the confiscated items make it through any port of entry?
How do you keep terrorists and their weapons out if there is no inspection of rail shipments entering the US?
State-run media update Mar 1, 2019
“Thank you @CBP for 16 years for securing our borders and ports of entry!”
Has securing our borders and ports of entry resulted in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Related:
Just last month: How did 1.7 tons of meth for outbound shipment enter Long Beach California?
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent
Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Point Partridge Light
Feb 26, 2019 KNBN-TV
South Dakota Army National Guard receives award for Environmental Security
“The SDARNG has saved over $15,000 in tipping fees by diverting solid waste from the landfill,” said Emily Beck, SDARNG environmental compliance and conservation manager.
It’s hard to tell who is making the award here. Is SDARNG presenting themselves with an award?
Elsewhere in South Dakota Air National Guard news:
Nov 4, 2018 Rapid City Journal
Firefighting foam contaminates millions of gallons of Sioux Falls water
“Today, 19 municipal wells sit dormant. Chemicals linked to cancer and other health maladies have contaminated 15 of those wells, including 10 with concentrations above what the Environmental Protection Agency deems safe. Foam use by the South Dakota Air National Guard and Sioux Falls Fire Department is the cause.”
Nov 4, 2018 Rapid City Journal
The toxic legacy of firefighting foam
“In Sioux Falls, 19 city wells have been shut down at Sioux Falls Regional Airport due to contamination from foam use by the South Dakota National Air Guard and Sioux Falls Fire Department.”
Nov. 9, 2018 Argus Leader
50 years later, Sioux Falls manages contaminated water from toxic firefighting foam
“The South Dakota Air National Guard and the Sioux Falls Fire Department both used the toxic firefighting foam for many years near the airport, which led to the contamination of the city’s drinking water.”
Related:
Dec 16, 2015 The Intercept
POISONING THE WELL
Toxic Firefighting Foam Has Contaminated U.S. Drinking Water
Possibly of interest:
National Guard Fighting Drugs At Home & Wars In Iraq & Afghanistan
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
