Wars Keep Us Safe?

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

CBO Suggests Raising Tricare Fees, Cutting Veteran Benefits to Slash Deficit

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Photo- Watching the waves at Fort Ebey

Categories Armistice Day, Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth

Proposal for Budget Savings

January 15, 2019 //

In the news:

Jan 14th, 2019 Military.com

No matter what political party or personality is in power, there are ongoing moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.

I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.

Recommendations

Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.

For budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

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

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.

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

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

Photo- A symbol of Support The Troops Nonsense & federal government credibility

Categories TRICARE

Composting is one of my favorite things.

January 9, 2019 //

No storms and a great chance to work outside on Monday.

Turned the compost pile and really enjoyed it. This project gets a little larger each year.

The pile weighs several hundred pounds. It is made up of a year’s worth of vegetarian kitchen scraps, Halloween pumpkins, garden & lawn trimmings, lawn mushrooms, discarded pears, kelp & seaweed, coffee grounds, etc. mixed with the leaves that fell here in October and November.

I added additional leaves on Monday. We’ll go back and add more leaves and turn the pile again in about ten days. We’ll cover the pile if it gets too wet. This season seems a little dryer here.

Background on this project when you scroll down here.

Categories Compost, Simple Living

A Secretive, Wasteful, Dishonest & Ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security

January 8, 2019 //

A secretive, wasteful, and 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.

August 2, 2011 Seattle Times

Border Patrol agent says Port Angeles ‘Black Hole’

“The agency is building a $5.7 million headquarters at 110 Penn St. in Port Angeles that can house up to 50 agents.”

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

More here:

News tip/story idea

Denied FOIA requests:

September 16, 2012 Peninsula Daily News

Response promised soon on Border Patrol agent’s claims about ‘black hole,’ misuse of federal funds

“The Border Patrol has refused repeated requests by the Peninsula Daily News — including those made under the Freedom of Information Act — for arrest totals for the Port Angeles station, which covers a territory that includes Clallam and Jefferson counties.”

Arrest statistics are secret:

March 19, 2014 Sequim Gazette

Agent counters allegations of ‘boredom’

“When asked how many agents there are, Romero said there are 20,000 agents nationwide but did not give local figures.”

“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”

“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”

Go and ask the FBI how many bank robberies took place last year in Portland, OR. You’ll get the numbers. They won’t tell you that statistics/public records must be withheld because they would assist bank robbers if they were released.

Any other law enforcement agencies anywhere in the US that maintain secret arrest statistics?

Washington State Patrol shares DUI arrest statistics on social media here:

“Our #WSP District 8 troopers removed 1,429 impaired drivers from the roads in 2018.”

“Here is a breakdown of what it looks like in each of our 7 counties.”

An Ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security:

Question for newspeople:

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping 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.”

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound heroin? Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?

Possibly of interest: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

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-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

Jan. 4, 2019 USA Today

Trump’s DHS requests more support from military troops along U.S.-Mexico border

Will these efforts result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

Possibly of interest:

Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

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Photo- Ruby Beach

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?

January 7, 2019 //

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-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

Jan. 4, 2019 USA Today

Trump’s DHS requests more support from military troops along U.S.-Mexico border

Will these efforts result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

Possibly of interest:

A Secretive, Wasteful, Dishonest & Ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

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

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

TV News Content

January 5, 2019 //

Local TV news video staged to show us a ferry “struggling to leave the dock.”

Alternative weather info here: Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog

Local TV news station shares an in-studio pep rally ahead of the NFL playoffs.

Really no problem with the fun.

Love to see a balance with newspeople asking more in the way of basic public policy questions.

A couple of news story ideas here:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

More here: News tip/story idea

News Tip/Story idea:

How long has Oak Harbor been an unsafe location for recreational shellfish harvesting?

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.”

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

More here: Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

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Photo- Keystone ferry inbound.

“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”

Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island- no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.

Categories Coupeville Ferry, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

January 2, 2019 //

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.

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 “Men died for your right to vote!”, how did we manage to elect politicians after the Fall of Saigon in 1975?”

Port Angeles Veterans Day event:

“It’s called taking care of the country and taking care of the Constitution,” he said. “That’s the most important thing we do and we have done.”

Where were The Troops on 911?

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

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.

How do The Troops defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

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?

More here: How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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?

1967

It was against the law in several states to marry your lover if one of you was the wrong color.

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?

More here: Jet Noise Made Them Free?

The Troops are defending our freedoms?

US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.

Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?

Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?

Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?

How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?

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?

Secretary Shanahan,

Freedoms come & go.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.

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?

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

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

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

Lies To Help People Feel Better About Wars

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 and newspeople, school teachers and veterans not asking questions.

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions, Veterans Day Propaganda

Puget Sound Memories

January 1, 2019 //

A tide calendar at home was a routine part of growing up near Puget Sound in the 70s.

Like phone books, these may be fading away now.

Categories At the Beach, Simple Living

Happy New Year

December 31, 2018 //

Indian Beach, OR

Categories At the Beach, Happy New Year, Indian Beach, Oregon Coast, Road Trip

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

December 26, 2018 //

Meth, methamphetamine, and amphetamine seem to be used interchangeably in this story:

Dec. 26th, 2018 The Spokesman-Review

Amphetamine hospitalizations increasing every year in Spokane, rivaling opioids

Why does it matter?

Some drugs are domestic.

Some drugs, like heroin or cocaine, and maybe meth, must get past strict post 911/War on Terror security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, and verification of passports/enhanced & Real IDs before they arrive in local communities.

Are the drugs described in the article above, cartel products? Are these drugs prescription meds? Meds requiring a prescription are highly regulated & controlled.

The Drug War is based on public policy.

What methods are working? What methods are failing?

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions to keep people informed on drug control policy and to educate the public towards avoiding the risks associated with drug abuse.

What lessons can people learn in order to avoid hospitalization?

Heroin

Let’s get away from the politician talk.

Heroin crisis: A situation involving illegal product moved from outside the US into local communities. The US Dept. of Homeland Security has jurisdiction at the border, border crossings & ports of entry.

With a budget of $40.6 billion- how is the US Dept. of Homeland Security doing at keeping heroin away from local communities?

Opioid crisis: Term favored by the press & politicians to describe the abuse of product which may be stolen from Grandma’s medicine cabinet- also a very serious issue.

Accurate reporting allows people to learn how to prevent future incidents.

Anytime there is a plane crash- a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.

Was the aircraft fueled with opioids before it crashed? Was it running on heroin?

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 and meth away from the Puget Sound area?

Questions that go unasked:

When additional restrictions are placed on prescription drugs- what will prevent heroin-trafficking cartels from moving more product into local communities?

Meth

Federal cash for Montana after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:

Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana

“The U.S. Department of Justice announced its award to MHP Thursday, from its Office of Community Oriented Policing. The grant will fund additional troopers, equipment and training specifically to combat incoming meth trafficking. Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said in the statement that Montana’s meth is largely sourced from Mexico.”

Nov 27, 2018 Kentucky New Era

‘Crystal meth by the pound.’ Drug’s rise in Kentucky leads to arrests, abuse.

Dec 1, 2018 The Greeneville Sun

Meth Becoming Illicit Drug Of Choice

“Unlike opioids, meth is relatively inexpensive and the flow of the highly addictive stimulant from Mexico through distribution hubs like Atlanta continues almost unchecked.”

“The nearly pure form of meth known as “ice” is not manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that can be sued in court.”

Welcome Home Troops

Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

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-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?

No More Drug Pipeline?

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

6.2 million young chinook salmon dead after Pierce County power outage

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

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

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Photo-

South entrance- Port Townsend Ship Canal

Categories Heroin, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Backup & Redundant Systems Update

December 20, 2018 //

December 17, 2018 KING 5 News

Dec 19, 2018 KIRO 7 News

130,000 gallons of sewage spill into Puget Sound after power outage

Temporary King County status gets a report.

Routine status over at Penn Cove/Oak Harbor- newspeople remain silent.

Love to see newspeople get out and ask questions about why:

“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 Penn Cove?

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 last month- how was sewage being processed last summer or last year?

When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?

If the old sewage treatment system was failing- when did it begin to fail?

How long will it take for recreational shellfish harvest conditions to become safe related to sewage treatment plant outfall?

News links and documentation here:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

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

Photo- Fort Ebey surf

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

December 18, 2018 //

Dec 17, 2018 Campus Reform

After 2 year legal battle, school lets student pass out US Constitutions

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.

Local paper in a military town-

About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:

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?

First Amendment Victory for Strip Club Gives New Jersey Businesses the Right to Advertise a BYOB Option

The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.

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

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

More here:

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

Lies To Help People Feel Better About Wars

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

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

Photo- Fort Casey beach walk

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Veterans Day Propaganda

Lies About Freedom, Drugs and Border Walls

December 17, 2018 //

Dec 15th, 2018

The Joint Chiefs of Staff indicate that wars are for 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.

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:

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

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

Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

Lies To Help People Feel Better About Wars

A Border Wall?

Dec 11th, 2018 Washington Post

Trump’s arguments for necessity of border wall have already been broadly debunked

Illegal drugs “mostly come through the ports of entry” at the border, one senior administration official testified before Congress last year.

June 7, 2018 The Epoch Times

DEA:

“Hard drugs—cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and now fentanyl—are usually brought in via concealed compartments in passenger vehicles and trucks, Coleman said.”

Apr. 10, 2018 Business Insider

Trump wants to beef up border security to ‘knock the hell out of the drug flow’ — but it could still miss most of the smuggling

“The US Drug Enforcement Administration said in its 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment, however, that Mexican transnational criminal organizations transported illicit drugs into the US across its southwest border using varied methods.”

“The most common method employed by these TCOs,” it said, “involves transporting illicit drugs through US ports of entry in passenger vehicles with concealed compartments or commingled with legitimate goods on tractor trailers.”

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-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?

No More Drug Pipeline?

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.

Drug pipeline ‘has been shut down.’ Statewide bust nets 29 arrests, guns, drugs

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

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

Photo- North of Penn Cove

Categories Armistice Day, Heroin, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed, Veterans Day Propaganda

A Favorite Holiday Drink

December 16, 2018 //

Southern Comfort & Tonic with Lemon

Categories Food & Drink

No More Drug Pipeline?

December 8, 2018 //

Dec 7th, 2018 The News Tribune

We’ll watch and see in the months ahead to see if anyone figures a way to move cartel-sourced product into the Puget Sound area.

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.

Huge rise in overdose deaths, in Washington state and the nation, from fentanyl, which can kill even in tiny doses

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

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

Photo- South of Point Partridge

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Fentanyl – What part of the story is missing?

December 7, 2018 //

December 5, 2018 Seattle Times

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, meth and fentanyl away from the Puget Sound area?

December 6, 2018 KING 5 News

Father believes safe injection site could have saved daughter’s life

As always- zero questions asked about why strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartels from moving product into local communities.

Welcome Home Troops

December 6, 2018 MyEverettNews.com

DEA Raids Homes In Everett As Part Of Multi-State Investigation

The story is always reported as a big success. Zero questions asked about why cartels are somehow able to move product past US Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- before the drugs end up in Hometown, USA.

US Dept. of Homeland Security

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

2011-

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.

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

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

Newspeople, reporters and journalists are free to ask basic public policy questions and post updated reports at any time.

Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of 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

More here: News tip/story idea

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

June 17th, 2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune

Fentanyl has taken over America’s drug market. Where is it coming from?

China-

“The nature of fentanyl — extremely potent in small doses when pure — makes it ideal to move through the mail, keeping packages small and inconspicuous.”

“Experts say it’s hard to know just how much fentanyl is coming direct from China to the U.S.”

Mexico-

“Flowing in one direction, this fentanyl pipeline runs through Mexican cartel strongholds and heads north on well-established drug trafficking routes. It funnels 80 percent of the drug through the San Diego border before dispersing throughout the U.S.”

December 4th, 2018 Cato Institute

Today’s Drug Abusers Did Not Derive From Yesterday’s Patients

“I’ve encouraged using the term “Fentanyl Crisis” rather than “Opioid Crisis” to describe the situation, because it more accurately points to its cause—nonmedical users accessing drugs in the dangerous black market fueled by drug prohibition—hoping this will redirect attention and lead to reforms that are more likely to succeed.”

CBP is quick to boast about their role in keeping contraband out:

DHS Creates its Own News Reports for the Super Bowl

Counterfeit goods crackdown

When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:

“CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.”

How do you keep terrorists and their weapons out by checking retail items after they show up at the mall in Minneapolis? Did the confiscated items make it through any port of entry?

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-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.

Mattis’ fix for the civilian-military divide: Stop being jerks

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Photo- slow speed mayhem

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, Super Bowl security, The Business of Keeping People informed

The Best Parking Spots

December 5, 2018 //

I think little old ladies should get the best parking spots over at the grocery store. There is no possibility that I would use one of these spots.

Defense Secretary Mattis is concerned about a civilian-military divide:

Military Times

We have some suggestions for ending the divide:

Stop glorifying military service.

Stop telling us that undeclared/unwon wars overseas are somehow linked to American rights & freedoms.

Phase out failed wars that never end.

End the Military-Civilian Divide?

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.

Just being honest can help:

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

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

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

December 4, 2018 //

My favorite public photography folks are polite, well-behaved, and tend to be quiet, or almost silent.

Some people question post 911 protocols where everyone is seen as a suspect.

Some people question the idea that people are expected to yield the right of way Re: their peaceful/nonviolent and legal activities because terrorists might be planning to disrupt American culture. All the while thanking Troops for freedoms.

This is how it should go:

Told to stop filming:

Independent/alternative media- out asking questions and told to stop filming at 2:46 and 5:12. Policy explained at 7:48. Entire video here:

Months later:

“A man whom Sunnyside police arrested for videotaping a SWAT team has received an $8,000 settlement, reports the Yakima Herald-Republic. After the man posted a videotape of his arrest on YouTube, police requested the charges be dropped and the man sued for the violation of his rights.”

“The city owned up to the mistake, and the police department has taken training on rights of civilians to film their actions. Better yet, the city’s insurance company, Washington Cities Insurance Authority, plans to recommend similar action to other cities it represents.”

“People have the right to film and take pictures of police actions in a public area, so long as they don’t physically get in the way or interfere with officers’ ability to carry out their duties.”

One guy with a camera. Early request to show ID:

Single guy with a camera and a request to show ID:

Public records protocols:

Told to leave a public library. Several videos here: Information Suppression Update

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

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

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

More here: News tip/story idea

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

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Photo- Local salmon fishing season

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

December 3, 2018 //

US Troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security not yet able to shut down Eastern Tennessee meth supply:

Dec 1, 2018 The Greeneville Sun

Meth Becoming Illicit Drug Of Choice

“Unlike opioids, meth is relatively inexpensive and the flow of the highly addictive stimulant from Mexico through distribution hubs like Atlanta continues almost unchecked.”

“The nearly pure form of meth known as “ice” is not manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that can be sued in court.”

Montana

Federal cash for Montana after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:

Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana

Welcome Home Troops

Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Minnesota

Feds: Minnesota now in compliance with Real ID

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.

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-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?

Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running

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

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

Photo- Fort Ebey Surf

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

December 2, 2018 //

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

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 at top of page:

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.”

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 last month- how was sewage being processed last summer or last year?

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-

A situation linked to or separate from the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.

Monroe Landing

Love to see newspeople get out and ask questions about why:

“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 Penn Cove?

“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams,Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

Coupeville

“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams,Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

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.

Possibly of interest:

Dec 23rd, 2018 GoSkagit.com

Study finds littleneck clams declining in Salish Sea, West Coast

More here:

Temporary Kitsap Wastewater Spill

NW Beach Water Quality

Whidbey recreational (sport) harvest of shellfish

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

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

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Oak Harbor, The Business of Keeping People informed

Suspicionless Checkpoints – Away From Border Crossings and Ports of Entry

November 29, 2018 //

Associated Press November 27, 2018

Vermont delegation worried by Border Patrol checkpoint plans

“A New Hampshire judge ruled in May that the checkpoints violated the state and federal constitutions. He suppressed evidence against more than a dozen people who were charged with drug possession after being stopped and searched by agents of Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, in 2017.”

Puget Sound Area History

In 2008, the US Border Patrol came to Jefferson County, WA and set up suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry.

At a local Border Patrol forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.

Check your state here.

Jefferson County Sheriff says No to federal grant money Re: local Border Patrol Checkpoints:

Border Patrol criticism emerges: Sheriff Brasfield declines BP funding

Note:

“Attention subscribers — Welcome to our new and improved website!
For the next week, PTLeader.com will be freely available to all readers. No login is required during this time.”

The local paper has upgraded their web format. Several stories from their news archives are no longer viewable. Might be a good time for some updated reporting.

In 2008, Washington was one of several legal medical marijuana states.

Olympic Peninsula immigration checkpoint-

At a checkpoint- the US Border Patrol stopped a legal medical marijuana user with a legal amount of medical marijuana. He was a passenger in a car:

Small-scale pot busts snared in Border Patrol stops

Checkpoints on the Olympic Peninsula ended after the public forum shown in the video above. Is there any other community in the US that objected to checkpoints and was able to shut them down?

2018 Update

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

More here:

News tip/story idea

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Question for newspeople:

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping 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-

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound heroin? Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.

More here:

First Amendment Victory for Strip Club Gives New Jersey Businesses the Right to Advertise a BYOB Option

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Photo- Extinct ferry at Port Townsend

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Storm Has Passed

November 28, 2018 //

An offseason visit to Fort Ebey on Tuesday afternoon.

Categories Fort Ebey, Whidbey Island

Lies To Help People Feel Better About Wars

November 28, 2018 //

Local paper in a military town-

About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:

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?

The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or 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.

More here:

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

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

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

‘Crystal meth by the pound.’ Drug’s rise in Kentucky leads to arrests, abuse.

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

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

Photo- Summer morning at Coupeville

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed, Veterans Day Propaganda

DOD Presence in Central & South America

November 27, 2018 //

Does the DOD presence in Central & South America result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine or meth anywhere in the US?

Nov 27, 2018 Kentucky New Era

The Business of Keeping People informed