A view from Sharpe Cove.
The wooden sign at Libbey Beach is gone.
Something with an industrial look has taken its place.
Background:
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?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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
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
Related:
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?
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
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.
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?
Whidbey sewage treatment outfall. Zero questions from the press:
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
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.
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.
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
“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?
Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:
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.
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
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Low tide day
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.
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.
More here:
Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:
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
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:
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
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.
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay
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.
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?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Out for a little recreation near the Sound of Freedom
Last day in the USMC uniform – 7/27/99
July 25, 2019 The Seattle Times
Repair Navy’s rift with Whidbey Island
From comments:
Anacortes honors veterans in annual celebration:
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?
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?
Possibly of interest:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of veterans and school teachers telling lies about freedom.
New Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
July 19, 2019 The American Conservative
The Decline of Our Nation’s Generals
“Milley’s understanding of war did come up, if only obliquely, when Afghanistan received passing mention. Milley described that war, the longest in U.S. history and still ongoing, as “successful to date.” U.S. efforts to transform Afghanistan into a stable and functioning state have manifestly failed. So too have U.S. efforts to defeat the militants threatening the Afghan government. But for Milley, all that matters is the absence of any post-9/11 terrorist attacks launched from Afghan soil. Based on that narrow and contrived criterion, he puts Afghanistan in the win column.”
New Defense Secretary:
July 17, 2019 Task & Purpose
Mark Esper wasn’t asked a single question about Afghanistan, where 12 US troops have died this year
“Showing just how far removed the war is from life at home, none of the Senators who questioned Army Secretary Mark Esper during his nearly three-hour confirmation hearing to become defense secretary asked about Afghanistan.”
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Possibly of interest:
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
USO: “…82% of military families feel that the public doesn’t understand their sacrifices.”
Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?
Armistice Day – Six Months Out
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips
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-
Leave No Trace plan in place over at Fort Ebey
The big July 4th celebration of smaller/limited government is all over now folks.
July 16, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Letter: AG’s lawsuit against Navy is a political spectacle
“We cannot imagine a more worthy cause than supporting the mission of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the largest employer within three counties. NAS Whidbey Island provides over 9,000 military and civilian jobs with a total economic activity generated in this area equalling nearly $1.04 billion. Jets truly do equal jobs.”
Christine Cribb Executive Director Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
If small towns across America had military jobs programs- would they question undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
Paid spokesperson update:
July 23, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Soundoff: U.S. Navy takes environmental stewardship seriously
“First and foremost, EA-18G Growler aircraft, and the aircrews who fly them, are a crucial component of our national defense. Navy Growlers provide Airborne Electronic Attack capabilities for all of our armed forces, and without the Growler’s ability to suppress enemy uses of electromagnetic energy, American troops in the air, at sea and on the ground are at risk.”
These are the guys who believe the war in Afghanistan is some sort of success.
July 19, 2019 The American Conservative
The Decline of Our Nation’s Generals
“Milley’s understanding of war did come up, if only obliquely, when Afghanistan received passing mention. Milley described that war, the longest in U.S. history and still ongoing, as “successful to date.” U.S. efforts to transform Afghanistan into a stable and functioning state have manifestly failed. So too have U.S. efforts to defeat the militants threatening the Afghan government. But for Milley, all that matters is the absence of any post-9/11 terrorist attacks launched from Afghan soil. Based on that narrow and contrived criterion, he puts Afghanistan in the win column.”
Back on Whidbey Island:
Did the advantage of 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.
July 21, 2019 The Herald
Commentary: Bob Ferguson’s war a threat to Whidbey’s Navy base
State Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, represents the 10th Legislative District.
“But it’s very unusual for an elected official to attack one of the largest employers in their state when the thousands of people who depend on that employer are veterans he has claimed to support. This short-sighted approach is what Ferguson is doing through his lawsuit against the United States Navy on Whidbey Island.”
“Our state is key to national defense. We have multiple military installations located around Washington, resulting in more than a $30 billion economic impact. Each one of us is affected in some way. NAS Whidbey alone accounts for nearly 90 percent of economic activity on the island and almost 70 percent of the county employment.”
The cash required to bring in these jobs and economic activity comes out of the pockets of taxpayers. It’s not based on any sort of honest demand for these services.
“What’s next? Shutting down Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Station Everett, or any of the other bases in our state? Not only would this cripple our state economically, it would undermine our national security, putting us all at greater risk from enemy attack and greatly reducing our ability to respond to threats.”
I am indifferent to jet noise 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.
More here:
July 19, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
State Sen. Barbara Bailey
Sound Off: ‘Litigator-in-chief’s’ lawsuit hurts economy, defense
I moved here 29 years ago and built a life in the shadow and earshot of the Intruders, Prowlers and Growlers that made and continue to make their presence known by what I like to call “the sound of freedom.”
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.
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, 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
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
USO: “…82% of military families feel that the public doesn’t understand their sacrifices.”
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?
Armistice Day – Six Months Out
U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips
Goodbye Armistice Day
JULY 24, 2019 ConnectingVets
Vets to get their own parking spaces in West Miami City
The spaces will be designated by signs that read “Veterans Only Parking” and contain the seals of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
More here:
Group identities, head of the line privileges, dividing people into groups of first & second-class citizens away from military bases, civilian-military divide, etc.
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
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 the news:
Bainbridge Review July 20, 2019
Inslee brings presidential campaign and environmental message to Whidbey
“…local efforts to educate people on the giant sea creatures and restore habitat for the fish that are vital to the Southern Residents orca’s diet.”
“The sign marking the Whale Trail spot had just been installed about a week prior to the governor’s visit…”
Seattle Times July 19, 2019
3 million gallons of untreated sewage spill into Puget Sound, state officials investigating
Several Island County beaches are closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.
Love to see updated reporting on this from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area.
View the Washington State Department of Health list here.
Image at top of page:
Washington State Dept. of Health status updated July 24, 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.”
Eight 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.
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
Background:
More here:
8 Months In – Cheerful Social Media Posts With Plenty of Exclamation Points
Oak Harbor Splash Park – Water Quality & Conservation
Local Shellfish Aren’t Celebrating
“…the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle.”
“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update
Shipwreck Shores – Zero Questions From Newspeople
An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls
Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople
Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea
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
The Cedar Hollow area at Fort Ebey can be seen just to the right of the sails.
South of Point Wilson Light
A view from Rosario Beach.
B.C. excursion boat heads out.
Looking out to Northwest Island
Site details here.
A view from Sharpe Cove.
Cheerful social media posts with plenty of exclamation points coming from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.
Zero questions from newspeople.
Image above:
Washington State Dept. of Health status updated July 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.”
Eight 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.
View the Washington State Department of Health 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
Background:
More here:
Oak Harbor Splash Park – Water Quality & Conservation
Local Shellfish Aren’t Celebrating
“…the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle.”
“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update
Shipwreck Shores – Zero Questions From Newspeople
An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls
Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople
Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea
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.
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
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?
Hometown Pride
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
1965
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that restricted rights to freedom of speech or expression in public schools?
JUNE 10, 2019 TIME
High School Students’ Graduation Speeches Keep Getting Censored. But They’re Seen by Millions Anyway
“In 1965, a young Iowa middle schooler named Mary Beth Tinker decided to wear a black armband to school to protest the war in Vietnam. She was suspended for doing so, eventually leading to 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. In a 7-2 decision, the court found that students at public schools maintain their First Amendment right to free speech.”
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?
Possibly of interest:
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
USO: “…82% of military families feel that the public doesn’t understand their sacrifices.”
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.
Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Watching the waves at Fort Ebey
