Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
The vision:
“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”
“For now, the skies above the Olympic Peninsula belong to the Navy’s mission of defending freedom. What that sounds like is up for debate.”
Congressman Derek Kilmer:
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
“America is the freest country in the world, thanks to our armed forces.”
These ideas do not stand up to questioning and mostly will not be questioned by traditional veterans groups, public school teachers, moms, dads, students or the press.
Hey-with all this talk of freedom-can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) and her REAL ID down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
Recent reality:
Laura Ingraham:
“GOOD: Senate Ditches Pot-Related Items in Spending Bill”
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”
1984
President Reagan signs legislation creating a federal minimum drinking age:
The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984
More reality:
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
More here:
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Right To Vote is Protected by the U.S. Armed Forces?
Armistice Day Is Gone – Propaganda Takes Its Place
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Did the speech mention Armistice Day?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
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Photo-
Looking north towards Fort Ebey from the beach near Perego’s Lagoon.
On a lighter note Alex, your posts have mentioned your 20-yr-old girlfriend for the last few years. Just wondering how you manage such things? Aren’t you a little tired?
Have a happy new year. And keep posting. Thanks for your persistence.
Bill
Yes, recurring themes here.
Every few weeks I come across additional mixed messages about all the freedoms we enjoy and also new restrictions on those freedoms, even though we’re in more wars than ever for our freedoms.
I wouldn’t need to mention her so often otherwise.
We live in a culture that is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
All this while scheduling the next giant flag ritual or military flyover for freedom over at the sports stadium.
Happy New Year
https://oakbaystarfish.com/2019/01/30/liberty-and-justice-for-all/