Newspapers Need Your Help

September 18, 2019 //

Sept. 16 Talk Radio 1210 WPHT

The Death of the Inquirer | What Can Newspapers Do To Keep Their Sinking Ships Afloat?

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of investigative reporting & newspeople asking questions.

Reader Comments:

Today, I am an online subscriber to a newspaper that is not especially good at getting out and asking questions. Lately, they are posting more articles where there is no opportunity for readers to post comments.

No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters- these are rules that make sense.

Eliminating the opportunity for all to follow some basic rules and comment is information suppression. Elimination of reader comments may eventually lead me to cancel my online subscription.

What about TV news, news radio, public radio, etc. Where are they when questions need to be asked?

Two stories that cry out for news reporting:

Love to see updated reporting from newspeople anywhere on local water quality impacted by Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Stewardship is a priority.

My questions:

Oak Harbor Waterfront

Zero questions from newspeople:

September 17, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sewage plant recognized as project of the year

Is it possible for an agency to nominate itself for this award?

Nomination form here.

Directions for submitting here.

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.

Zero questions from newspeople:

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.

Plenty of questions here:

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

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. 18th, 2019.

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.”

New sewage treatment plant has been up & running for more than 10 months.

As the months go by, 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 more than 10 months ago- how was sewage being processed during the summer of 2018 or the year before?

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?

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Oak Harbor, The Business of Keeping People informed

Sound of Freedom

September 17, 2019 //

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Sept. 16, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Whidbey Island residents sue over expansion of Navy training flights

Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?

Just Be Honest

Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

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

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, Veterans Day Propaganda

Just Be Honest

September 14, 2019 //

Foundational principles update:

Sep 13, 2019 Rapid City Journal

Local billboard challenges ‘In God We Trust’ legislation

“The governor believes that it is important for students in our schools to remember the foundational principles our country was founded on.”

“This is about our national motto. It points outs our Judeo-Christian heritage that protects our freedoms,” he said. “Our Founders were men of faith for the most part.”

Foundational principles such as: slavery, women & minorities treated as 2nd class citizens, slaughter of Native Americans, etc.

Ongoing militarization of American culture update:

September 12, 2019 Sentinel-Tribune

Flyovers are a reminder of our freedom

“As the athletes prepare for the game, and the marching bands as well, we must remember it is only because there are numerous men and women who are serving in the military, protecting our freedoms. We have freedom to attend the football game, or baseball, or a round of golf.”

“Keep in mind we are Americans, living in a very diverse and divided world. But we are fortunate to have the U.S military guarding us and protecting us. Think about that the next time you attend a football game, watch the flyover and thank those who are serving our nation.”

“Herb Dettmer is a retired Bowling Green resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen.”

Herb,

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.

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.

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 your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.- 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.”

Celebrate your freedoms folks:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Still six weeks out and 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.”

More here:

Holidays and American Culture

Paid spokesperson/State-run media update:

Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James, Jr. tells us:

“We have never won a war without the Guard and the Reserve and we will never win one without it,” said Jones.

“A battle-ready National Guard and Reserve are crucial to the nation’s ability to fight and win wars, and the Army is working to keep those forces well-honed and ready to deploy with their active-duty counterparts…”

General James,

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Did the advantage of a well-honed and ready to deploy National Guard and Reserve allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

Possibly of interest:

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

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-

North of Perego’s Lagoon – just off the Bluff Trail.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, Veterans Day Propaganda

Dark & Woodsy Trails of Fort Ebey

September 11, 2019 //

For scale:

Categories Fort Ebey, Local Stuff, Whidbey Island

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

September 11, 2019 //

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?

Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions related to Port Angeles CBP.

In the news:

September 11, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

New OPNET agreement addresses civil liabilities

“The agreement is currently under consideration by the cities of Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Sequim, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Clallam County, the State Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, National Park Service, and Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine, and Homeland Security Investigation.”

June 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Border Patrol contingent shrinks on Peninsula

“Border Patrol staffing totaled four agents in 2006. They worked in undersized quarters in downtown Port Angeles — in what’s now the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building.”

“The station had 42 personnel when ribbon-cutting ceremonies marked the headquarters’ opening Sept. 14, 2012.”

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

Questions newspeople will not ask:

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area?

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 cross-border maritime traffic?

When local USBP staffing went from four to 42 agents, what increase in arrests and apprehensions was achieved?

Why are Border Patrol arrest statistics secret at Port Angeles?

Elsewhere, when there’s something to brag about- the public is promptly notified:

Border Patrol K-9 Sniffs out Cocaine Hidden in Dashboard

Suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry:

Did the use of these checkpoints in Jefferson and Clallam Counties result in the seizure of any inbound heroin or meth?

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping meth and heroin away from the Puget Sound area?

2011-

“… their main interaction with the boating public: Boarding boats and checking for ID, getting a “vibe,” as Jeff P. called it, for what’s up.”

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.” What about the other half?

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

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

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Cross-Border Maritime Traffic – Newspeople Remain Silent

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On

Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces & Homeland Security Public Affairs Staff

Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

A symbol of the free press, federal government credibility and newspeople asking questions.

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, Post 911 Homeland Security Spending Spree, The Business of Keeping People informed

Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On

September 10, 2019 //

Global traffickers move product into Minnesota:

September 4, 2019 Star Tribune

DEA expands to Duluth as meth, heroin, opioids ravage region

“Last year, a Star Tribune report showed how cartels have flooded the state with a drug that’s cheaper and purer than ever before.”

“A new wave of methamphetamine has saturated the state, much of the product now being imported from Mexican cartels.”

Puget Sound Area:

Patrol boats fail to keep bad guys from moving product into Bremerton and Port Angeles.

Newspeople play along by not asking any questions.

Cross-Border Maritime Traffic – Newspeople Remain Silent

More here:

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces & Homeland Security Public Affairs Staff

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:

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- Slow speed mayhem

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, The Business of Keeping People informed

Harvest Fest – 2019

September 8, 2019 //

Thank you Spencer.

Categories Beer Photo Fetish

Harvest Fest – 2019

September 8, 2019 //

I really enjoy this one.

Categories Beer Photo Fetish, Early September

Harvest Fest – 2019

September 8, 2019 //

Very nice to spend time with family & friends here yesterday.

Categories Early September

Holidays and American Culture

September 5, 2019 //

July 4th – Independence Day

The government can’t tell us what to do! We Celebrate Revolution!

Columbus Day

We honor those who set sail to discover the new world.

We’re all about risk taking and a spirit of adventure that later brought us the first airplane flight and the first man on the moon in 1969.

Halloween

Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

In the news:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Still six weeks out and 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:

Halloween Safety Tips 2019

Washington County, Wisconsin

Halloween trick-or-treat for communities across Washington County

New Boston, Ohio

New Boston sets Trick or Treat night

“Loper then the read the final Resolution No.10-2019 a resolution establishing October 31 as Trick or Treat in the Village of New Boston, with the times being the same as last year – motion made by Ottney and seconded by Mills and then passed by council. The meeting was adjourned.”

Amesbury, Massachusetts

“Several years ago, Police Chief Cronin decided to keep Trick or Treat on Oct. 31 each year; in Amesbury children should plan to be canvassing neighborhoods between 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 31. Times may vary slightly in neighboring communities and some towns observe trick or treat on another day, so check with your local police department or watch The Daily News in the upcoming weeks.”

When I was a child in the 1970s, local authorities and elected officials played no role in telling families when trick or treating would begin or end.

Killing Halloween – 2018

Local Authorities Work to Crush Halloween

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Categories Federal Holidays, Halloween

Compost update:

September 1, 2019 //

Tore down the oldest compost pile and sifted what was left.

We’ll start a new pile after the autumn leaves are on the ground.

Categories Compost

Backyard Harvest

September 1, 2019 //

Categories Early September

Salute to Whidbey Beer Works

August 30, 2019 //

Our local source:

Whidbey Beer Works

A friendly shop with a very large selection.

Along for the afternoon: Classic Deep Cuts

Probably some of this going on too.

Categories Beer Photo Fetish, Local Stuff

Intervention has been scheduled

August 28, 2019 //

Categories Downsizing

About this time of year

August 26, 2019 //

Categories Plant-Based, Simple Living

Watching the Paddlers

August 19, 2019 //

A view from Sharpe Cove.

Categories At the Beach, Local Stuff

Happy Kelp at Libbey Beach

August 18, 2019 //

The wooden sign at Libbey Beach is gone.

Something with an industrial look has taken its place.

A Favorite Spot

Categories At the Beach, Libbey Beach, Local Stuff, Signs, Whidbey Island

9 Months In – Stewardship Is A Priority?

August 15, 2019 //

Background:

Oak Harbor Waterfront

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated August 15, 2019.

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.”

Nine months back

Plant up & running the day prior to this article:

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.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

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.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this.

“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

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Stewardship is a priority:

Sign below posted at Flintstone Park educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

More here:

8 Months In – Cheerful Social Media Posts With Plenty of Exclamation Points

Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Oak Harbor, The Business of Keeping People informed

Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces & Homeland Security Public Affairs Staff

August 6, 2019 //

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

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!”

My take:

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

Not complaining about jet noise, not trying to put a stop to the air show. Not trying to get the Navy to leave Whidbey Island.

I get the fun aspect of newspeople posting on social media. It would be nice to see more of a balance with newspeople asking a few questions. This is entirely common in sports culture where reporters are free to ask hard questions and write stories about teams, players, managers and coaches. After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.

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.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

The people of Louisiana need services in Iraq.

State-run media update:

Aug 1, 2019 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Plaquemine National Guard unit deploys to Iraq

Defending this nation in Iraq:

“…you chose to be one of the ones that stepped forward, raised your right hand and swore to defend this nation.”

The people of Illinois need services in Afghanistan.

JUL 27, 2019 Chicago Tribune

Family and friends hug area National Guard soldiers deploying to Afghanistan, some for the first time: ‘I am praying for the best’

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Hometown, USA need services in Iraq and Afghanistan absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?

The US Dept. of Homeland Security

Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent:

Cross-Border Maritime Traffic – Newspeople Remain Silent

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

Every 12 months, the US Department of Homeland Security gets another $40 billion in taxpayer funds.

Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?

If the excuse now, is that migrant surges are diverting attention away from cartel traffic- remember that heroin was a problem in US communities prior to the recent migrant surges. Heroin is still here and now meth has taken hold.

August 2, 2019 KFOR-TV

Officials seeing increase in meth being brought into Oklahoma

“Since 2014, meth is the leading cause of drug deaths in the state of Oklahoma…”

January 31, 2019 WLS-TV

Meth deaths skyrocket as new drug cartel fueled threat hits Chicago area streets

“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?

How do cartels react to DHS social media postings?

No CBP inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

February 27, 2019 CTV News

Police find meth smuggled into Canada through new Ford cars built in Mexico

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:

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?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

Whidbey sewage treatment outfall. Zero questions from the press:

Oak Harbor Waterfront

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- On watch over Fort Ebey

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Monica

August 4, 2019 //

We have been together 19 years. She is my favorite wife.

She has a sense of humor. She is a naturally cheerful person. She will laugh out loud at something she sees on the web, or on TV.

She is a family person.

She is a people person. Anywhere she has a job, she will make new friends.

She is part of a dedicated designated driver team. We once broke up for a bit. She told me that even if I was out with another woman and needed a ride, she would be there.

She enjoys plinking.

She enjoys Halloween and scary movies.

She is pro-choice on marijuana. She understands freedom, politics and the issues of the day, but she doesn’t let it get her down.

She is a cat lover and we are committed to our rescued/adopted indoor only cats. The cats are at their best when she is home.

She is a sexual person. If we see an attractive woman out in public. She will acknowledge that.

She is low maintenance. An old pickup truck is OK with her. Just the ticket for a trip to the beach to gather kelp & seaweed for compost or to till into the garden.

She loves a walk on the beach, collecting driftwood, and bringing home special rocks.

She enjoys a fire out back.

She enjoys music, working in the garden, and a visit to the Farmers Market.

She is a great cook and baker. Old school cast iron is part of the kitchen routine.

She enjoys a local drive in the country.

She loves a trip to the Oregon Coast. A scenic drive over to Winthrop too.

Photo-

Indian Beach Oregon – on a trip with Monica, about this time of year.

Categories Uncategorized

Heat of the Summer

August 3, 2019 //

A beer that brings little in the way of flavor or alcohol content.

Maybe just right for when Seattle temps push into the 90s. You can always add a kick with the tequila of your choice.

A little cooler closer to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Along for the afternoon: Classic Deep Cuts

Probably some of this going on too.

Categories Beer Photo Fetish, Whidbey Island

Life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns

August 3, 2019 //

Same country that celebrated independence from a powerful central government on July 4th.

The people of Louisiana need services in Iraq.

State-run media update:

Aug 1, 2019 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Plaquemine National Guard unit deploys to Iraq

Defending this nation in Iraq:

“…you chose to be one of the ones that stepped forward, raised your right hand and swore to defend this nation.”

Any members of the free press available to show up and ask why the people of Louisiana need services in Iraq, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

They did show up. As always, no questions were asked:

Jul 31, 2019 KALB

Louisiana-based National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq

Illinois Army National Guard off to Afghanistan to support Operation Freedom’s Sentinel:

JUL 27, 2019 Chicago Tribune

Family and friends hug area National Guard soldiers deploying to Afghanistan, some for the first time: ‘I am praying for the best’

“Most of these guys probably didn’t think they would get deployed. It’s a good career progression and opportunity for them.”

The open attitude on sports reporting from various news sources does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or Island County water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

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.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Sports can be discussed in honest ways in mainstream media.

The Troops:

Richard T. Gromlich, retired rear admiral with the Coast Guard: “Today, our military members around the world continue to put service before self. They proudly serve to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women who serve today. They are the best of best.”

Possibly of interest:

Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?

Sound of Freedom?

Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More 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

Photo-

A symbol of freedom, federal government credibility, school teachers and newspeople not asking questions and voting to support the political parties and personalities who take turns in power.

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Veterans Day Propaganda

Death of the Tea Party

August 2, 2019 //

I tried to interact with Tea Party folks a couple of times. I collected signatures for WA State legalization of marijuana in 2010 and again in 2011. This was a much simpler proposal than what we have now, (remove all penalties for adults age 18 & up) and never made it to the ballot. I asked a Tea Party member if the group supported legalization of marijuana. The answer was No.

On another occasion I asked a different Tea Party member about their views on shutting down undeclared/unwon wars. The answer was that the group does not take positions on specific issues. I wondered how they could attract new members without taking a position on issues.

Jul 30, 2019 SCNOW Morning News

CLARENCE PAGE: Trump budget deal shows the tea party is very dead

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

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Photo- Low tide day

Categories Voting

Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?

August 1, 2019 //

July 30, 2019 The Seattle Times

Navy on Whidbey Island is a matter of ‘national security’

My take:

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. Not complaining, not trying to get the Navy to leave.

“…vital to our national security.”

Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.

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.

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:

Sound of Freedom?

Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

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-

Watching the waves at Fort Casey

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, Veterans Day Propaganda

Welcome Home Troops

July 30, 2019 //

Feeding the kids at home is beyond the reach of some Moms and Dads, so public schools serve free and reduced price breakfast and lunch.

In the summer, a federally funded Summer Food Service Program kicks in.

July 29, 2019 The Seattle Times

Free meals for Washington kids who need them when school is out — but everyone is invited

Tax money- which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs– also goes for failed wars that never end.

Helping others by donating to churches or private charities, food banks, etc. can avoid these conflicts.

Donors are free to opt out if a charity misbehaves.

More here:

Helping others by donating

Suspicionless checkpoints- away from border crossings and ports of entry:

July 29, 2019 The Dallas Morning News

Congressman asks Border Patrol chief to clarify testimony about U.S. citizen held for weeks

“Falfurrias, Texas, Border Patrol Checkpoint, a distance of more than 25 miles from the United States border with Mexico…”

Jul 27, 2019 The Oakland Press

ICE releases US citizen, 18, wrongfully detained near border

“The Border Patrol apprehends people entering the U.S. illegally, both directly at the U.S.-Mexico border and with its series of highway checkpoints miles from the border.”

Locking up US citizens who are moving about away from border crossings and ports of entry while bad guys move product into Hometown, USA.

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 meth out of the USA:

July 29th, 2019 Spokane Public Radio

Seizures Of Methamphetamine Are Surging In The U.S.

July 28, 2019 The Seattle Times

Afraid of enabling drug use, Washington cities push back against needle exchanges

Port Angeles biohazard in the garage update:

“Four or five times a week, Patty Pastore, 70, and her team of volunteers scour Port Angeles’ 40 blocks, six creeks and half dozen parks for every needle they can find.”

“They’ve picked up almost 700 this year, and Pastore is having trouble getting rid of them. She has nearly a thousand in her garage, in coffee cans and salsa containers. She can take them to the regional transfer station, but they have to be in soda bottles for the safety of sanitation workers, and she doesn’t drink enough soda to hold all the needles.”

Maybe someday, the press will go and find out if Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure is at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area.

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Possibly of interest-

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

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:

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

More here:

Cross-Border Maritime Traffic – Newspeople Remain Silent

Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

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Out for a little recreation near the Sound of Freedom

Categories Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, Ongoing Breakdown of Society

Simple Pleasures

July 29, 2019 //

No collecting or burning driftwood

Categories Driftwood Fetish

Simple Pleasures

July 28, 2019 //

Categories Driftwood Fetish

An Old Favorite

July 27, 2019 //

Last day in the USMC uniform – 7/27/99

Categories Beer Photo Fetish

If it wasn’t for our military you’d be writing your comment in Japanese.

July 26, 2019 //

July 25, 2019 The Seattle Times

Repair Navy’s rift with Whidbey Island

From comments:

“if it wasn’t for our military you’d be writing your comment in Japanese. Assuming we still had newspapers…”

Anacortes honors veterans in annual celebration:

“…if you can read English, you might consider thanking a veteran, for you do not salute the ancestry of the Third Reich…”

The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing? Some invading force wearing military uniforms could dictate events without facing resistance?

Doubt it.

Please see Operation Sea Lion.

US Armed Forces:

The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.

We’ve got such a good handle on the situation- National Guard units are doing multiple tours in distant lands– absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

Did the advantage of US Armed Forces allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

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?

Possibly of interest:

Sound of Freedom?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part