Archives for category: A Free And Honest Society

Years ago, it was understood that some people preferred to smoke. Some preferred to be vegan. Some preferred to eat meat. Some preferred electric cars, some preferred a powerful truck to pull a horse trailer.

A live and let live attitude seems to be fading. Governments at various levels are now in the habit of setting deadlines for new restrictions, bans and mandates.

Smoking bans, plastic bag bans, gun bans, federal toilet regulations, bottled water bans, mandates on what sort of vehicle you may drive.

All this, while we are told that US military operations in distant lands are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms.

One Size Fits All

Federal tax money:

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel results in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job? Seems like free enterprise might be better at moving things along Re: hotel properties.

Love to see newspeople ask: Is there any shortage of lodging facilities in this community?

Gas Cans

School children are taught about a free enterprise system. They grow up to find out that the federal government will tell them what kind of shower head they must install in the bathroom, and what type of gas can they must buy for their generator.

If The Troops defend our freedoms, should we ask the Joint Chiefs of Staff to bring back the Free Enterprise System?

0:20

Probably designed by some bureaucrat that never mowed a yard:

Cars

Gov. Inslee plans to ban gas-powered cars by 2035.

Your Toilet

The Energy Policy Act of 1992, which became law in 1994, mandates a maximum flush volume of 1.6 gallons for toilets manufactured and installed after this date.”

Your Shower Head

“In 1992, a federal mandate limited the amount of water that could flow from a replacement shower head to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Some state and local governments mandate even lower GPM flow rates than the federal regulation.”

Your Light Bulbs

The Department of Energy has recently set new standards for light bulb manufacturers.”

Plastic Bags

Central authority hands down one size fits all rules for retailers and consumers: Allowed and banned bags

Download an accessible toolkit in one of 17 languages

Your Lawn Mower

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently updated its regulations for emissions from “small spark-ignition engines”—that is, your lawn mower or tractor and other outdoor power equipment.”

Heating Your Home

Washington State Ban on Natural Gas Heating

Central Control Of The Rental Property You Own

They are working on it:

“If approved, a new section would be added to state law that requires all rental housing units within the state to be registered with the Department of Commerce every two years when a tenant occupies it or it is made available for rent.”

“In addition, landlords must pay a registration fee of $70 to register a unit, plus a fee of $15 for each additional unit.”

“In addition, if a landlord does not register the property, they would not be able to legally evict a tenant from the rental.”

“The money raised by registration fees would be used to assist with programs that provide legal representation in evection cases, assist local government with inspections of rentals, or for administrative purposes only.”

Possibly related:

Both major political parties are now OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as 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?

Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.


Seems like most people carry a smart phone. These are always improving. They are extremely popular with consumers. An honest demand for products requires no helping hand from the government. No tax incentive, no public relations and promotional campaigns. Let’s go with the free enterprise system. Let’s go with industries that specialize in making people happy.

US federal government:

A man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

Some continue to ask questions:

An old favorite:

Unfortunately, the federal government often gets things wrong. Some may say they have an incentive to do so.

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

Response: Large DOD and Homeland Security budgets ever since.

It feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.

Any college or pro football coach would have been fired a dozen times over for what DOD has done with the US Armed Forces during the fake GWOT era.

 

KUOW Aug 10, 2017

A mere 17,000 years ago, a massive glacier the height of five Space Needles covered what is now Seattle and a large part of western Washington.”

Why did it change? Too much gas powered lawn equipment?

Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

Honest and meaningful ideas stand up to questioning and discussion.

Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

Newspeople have moved away from asking basic public policy questions.

Our local TV news today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

 

Cliff Mass Weather Blog

Mar 16, 2023

Serious Climate Misinformation In Seattle Time Headline Article

 

Mar 03, 2022

Misinformation about Sea Level Rise

 

Dec 13, 2022

More Climate Misinformation and Factual Errors in the Seattle Times. Should You Care?

 

Dec 29, 2022

The Origin of Seattle and Tacoma Flooding This Week

 

Photo at top of page:

Occasionally looking for the Coupeville Ferry

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

Also Coupeville:

Love to see newspeople ask:

When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?

Image above: 1/2/2023

Source/Daily Status Reports: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image once or twice to show detail.

Background

Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater. Not climate change.

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

 

Coupeville

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

 

Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

In a free and honest society, newspeople would be asking questions related to public policy all of the time.

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

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

Distance learning idea:

Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

Related:

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

One Size Fits All Society

Goodbye Free Enterprise System

Cultural Honesty

Possibly of interest:

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

 

We just watched Daddy’s Home (2015) and Daddy’s Home 2 (2017). Both films include scenes of cars lined up to drop the kids off at school. Much has changed over the past 40 years.

I have no problem with what Moms and Dads want to do. Please don’t tell me it’s a sin to have a disposable plastic water bottle, disposable plastic shopping bag, or an internal combustion vehicle. I promise not to be a litter bug.

In the old days, kids could walk or bike to school. More of the kids were slim and trim back in the 70s when kids had bicycle paper routes after school.

Top generals and politicians have a military recruiting crisis on their hands. They will blame young people who are overweight. They will not blame a DOD brand that is known for decades of undeclared/unwon wars.

When do we get to vote our way out of undeclared/unwon wars?

Okinawa 1980 – The Christmas Tree Story

More here:

America Deserves A Military Recruiting Crisis

Cultural Honesty

 

Ongoing Breakdown of Society

Again, I have no problem with what Moms and Dads want to do. Re: school busses.

Made for TV job stress update:

Preparing students for the real world:

More job stress:

Scary ride:

School field trip update:

Departure from protocols update:

Cameras are rolling:

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nowhere near the school drop-off lane.

Whidbey Island

 

The issue is not limited to any single platform, public personality or media outlet.

The general trend has been to suppress voices of dissent and provide news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.

Love to see the press get out and interview people on various sides of any issue.

I want to know what various people are thinking on various issues.

 

Jan 3, 2022 KOMO News

Joe Rogan encourages move to new social media app after Twitter bans GOP lawmaker

Several comments here.

KOMO and some of the commenters make it more about personalities and less about what people think of ongoing information suppression.

Not too many years ago, American society was much less about information suppression.

Social media is big on it now.

Today, newspeople show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

 

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

Today, TV newspeople tend to report only one side of the story.

Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

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

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

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

Eliminating the opportunity for all to follow some basic rules and comment is information suppression.

There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

Over the years, I’ve seen some really good points brought up in the comments section. Manage it, don’t ban it.

 

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions.

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?

Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

Coupeville

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

 

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor City Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

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

Source: WDFW

Daily status reports here:

Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

 

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

Distance learning idea:

Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

Related:

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

Independent Press Needs Federal Cash?

 

A few public policy questions newspeople will not ask:

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of information suppression and newspeople who show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

 

Just a few years back, I was pretty neutral on politics.

Suppression of dissenting voices, press reporting only one side of the story and bans/mandates have changed that.

 

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

Related:

One Size Fits All Society

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Walk to the beach at Fort Ebey

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

 

Holiday gatherings are not canceled because people go without seatbelts.

 

People do not lose their jobs because they go without seatbelts.

 

Travel is not shut down because people go without seatbelts.

Sept. 20, 2021 USA TODAY

“Border restrictions on nonessential travel have been extended again, this time through Oct. 21, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients said Monday. The restrictions were first implemented in March 2020 and have since been extended on a monthly basis.”

 

Landlords are not required to provide rent free apartments because people go without seatbelts.

Sept. 21, 2021 Office of the Mayor Mayor Jenny A. Durkan

Mayor Durkan Announces January 15, 2022 Extension of Eviction Moratorium and Continuation of Additional COVID-Related Protections

 

Sept. 23, 2021 KING 5 News

“Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday he is extending Washington state’s eviction moratorium for one month. The state’s moratorium was set to expire on Sept. 30, 2021.

The extension will keep the moratorium in place through Oct. 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.”

 

Employers do not face federal mandates because people go without seatbelts.

Promoting a one size fits all society:

Maybe all of the US should function like one, giant military base.

Freedom of individual expression could be fully controlled. No distractions. No dissent.

 

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.

People choose different churches to attend, or attend no church at all. This is a safety valve.

 

WWII Generation

A few letters and editorials have compared recent months to the past and made the case that people did a better job of pulling together during WWII.

They are correct.

A man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

 

Since WWII, information has become available on:

USS Calhoun County sailors dumped thousands of tons of radioactive waste, using GIs in mustard gas experiments, using GIs to test nuclear weapons, Agent Orange, MCAS El Toro and Camp Lejeune water contamination & Gulf War Syndrome.

News links and sources here:

JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy

 

June 24, 2020 Jacob G. Hornberger

The “Greatest” Generation’s Refusal to Fight the “Good War”

“The U.S. government had to force 61.2% of the “greatest generation” to fight in World War II.”

Most troops did not volunteer.

Related:

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

 

May 21, 2021 The Washington Post

Sen. Ted Cruz insulted a ‘woke, emasculated’ U.S. Army ad. Angry veterans fired back.

Voices of dissent are not welcome.

Seems like members of congress should occasionally question DOD policy.

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

 

Some veterans come off like:

If you did time in uniform-you should see society as a group of first & second-class citizens.

Those who never wore a uniform are second class citizens and their commentary should be supervised by those who wear or once wore a uniform.

 

Some will say The Troops defend the constitution in distant lands, but you could be scolded by veterans for questioning public policy Re: the US Armed Forces or policy coming from Presidential administrations.

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

More here:

Some Veterans See Nonveterans As Second-Class Citizens?

 

From the Washington Post article:

I like to think I’ve been defending freedom from an early age,” Malonelord said in the ad.

The idea that sending US troops to distant lands is linked with the freedom of the American people calls for more discussion.

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

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.”

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, 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 a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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 baninterracial 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.

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Related:

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

A Free And Honest Society?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

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

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

 

Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.

 

Will any investigation be conducted to learn why a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep meth originating in Mexico from arriving in Hawaii?

Associated Press May 17, 2021

Drug-Related Deaths in Honolulu Hit a 5-Year High in 2020

A lot of methamphetamine comes from Mexico…”

“U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Honolulu police officers are also finding fentanyl in counterfeit oxycodone pills manufactured in Mexico and transported to Hawaii from California.”

:…methamphetamine remains the largest drug threat in Hawaii…”

“Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Executive Director Gary Yabuta said methamphetamine has been the state’s main drug threat for 30 years.”

It comes in from the Mexican cartels through the West Coast to Hawaii. It’s no longer manufactured in Hawaii,” he said.

 

The press has moved away from asking questions.

Our questions appear in bold type.

 

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

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

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

If sending US troops to Afghanistan and creating a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was meant to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?

 

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:

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.

The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.

Both major parties and the press are OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

 

Related:

Polk County Florida “…Our Partnership With Homeland Security…”

Press Release Style of News Reporting

A Free And Honest Society?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople not asking questions.

 

April 15, 2021 The American Legion

American Legion calls for ending ‘Forever War’

“…Oxford called for the repeal of the “outdated authorizations for use of military force” that are currently being used to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Taking this position makes me interested in looking into becoming a member.

 

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

Related:

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

A Free And Honest Society?

 

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

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

 

Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

A society that sends the guys and gals to be ground up in unwon wars that do not involve any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

A society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

Operating a camera in a public place:

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

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Operating A Camera In A Public Place – Positive Interaction

 

Newspeople have moved away from asking questions. Our questions appear in bold type.

May 5, 2021 KOMO News

Wash. lab develops scanner that may eliminate need to remove shoes at airport

“This new technology could speed up the screening process by about 20% and eliminate the hassle of taking off shoes and putting them back on, researchers say.”

What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the end of the screening line?

If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?

The new REAL ID requirement/deadline for domestic air travel has been extended how many times now?

REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

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.”

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, 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 a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Media Platforms And Misinformation

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

Selecting A Vaccine

Fully Vaccinated

2020 PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Delegate Count

 

Requesting Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government update-

A businesslike response to questions:

Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government

 

If sending US troops to Afghanistan and creating a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was meant to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?

Source: DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program

“There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.”

Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.

DEA’s drug threat report: Mexican cartel flooding Northwest with fentanyl

Source: March 2, 2021 KTVZ

 

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:

 

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.

The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.

Both major parties and the press are OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

 

Puget Sound Gun Crimes

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom

Enhanced Background Checks Update

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

 

April 9, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Letter to the editor:

“There are so many people here on the island who complain about jet noise, but I like it and to me it truly is the sound of freedom and so I thank them for all they do to keep the rest of us safe.”

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

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

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

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

 

Do the people who operate the local newspaper want us to think of the US Armed Forces as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

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

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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 baninterracial 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.

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

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.”

 

Where did they go?

Iowa – Welcome Home Troops

April 3, 2021 KWWL News

Modified welcome home ceremonies slated for Iowa Army National Guard units

“The Ironman Battalion supported Operation Spartan Shield in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.”

 

During the Vietnam War, US troops were sent to Vietnam.

Today, the Texas National Guard is sent to the U.S. Central Command Area in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

Was there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of Iowa National Guard troops?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.

Do public schools still teach about Armistice 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.

 

Related:

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Some Veterans See Nonveterans As Second-Class Citizens?

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

Veterans Day Nonsense

18-20 year old adults are seen as 2nd class citizens:

Liberty And Justice For All?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Goodbye Armistice Day

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Militarized Parking Lots

 

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

 

An important component of a free society is that different people believe different things and are able to act on their beliefs.

An example:

Some parents are OK with public schools. Some want to send their children to private schools. Some want to homeschool their kids. People get to move off in different directions. This is a safety valve.

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.

People choose different churches to attend, or attend no church at all. This is a safety valve.

Years ago, it was understood that some people preferred to smoke. Some preferred to be vegan. Some preferred to eat meat. Some preferred electric cars, some preferred a powerful truck to pull a horse trailer.

We don’t ask voters to pick the two most popular churches and make plans for government to eliminate the rest because they may be spreading misinformation.

A live and let live attitude is fading.

Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society

COVID restrictions, restricting access to social media, talk of getting rid of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and a discussion of prohibiting legal firearms has people feeling boxed in. This is not the free and honest society our elementary school teachers lied to us about.

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules.

The ugly side of politics may be a reaction that comes from trying to force a one size fits all society.

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

 

 

 

Gov. Mike DeWine signs into law bill that allows home delivery of liquor, removes some sales provisions

If these services do not create a risk for local communities-why are they restricted under normal conditions?

Watch for the press to ask zero questions in these areas.

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell promotes federal assistance for small newsrooms.

My podcast:

 

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

 

Twitter permanently suspends Trump from its platform

Will this help people to accept a one size fits all society?

I saw a comment somewhere that said Twitter is a private business and free to set its own rules. Does that also apply to the florist or bakery that does not want to create a product for a gay marriage ceremony? Does that also apply to a tavern that wants to allow indoor smoking?

If I ran a bakery-

Store policy:

We do quality cakes for all occasions-no customer application/background check required.

Growing numbers of happy customers and building our positive reputation is our goal.

Please tell your friends & contact us at any time.

In a free and honest society customers would support or walk away from the businesses of their choosing.

 

Eric July

@EricDJuly making the case for a peaceful divorce between states before it happens violently

The 50 United States plan means being taxed and forced to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then being lied to, and told that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Eric July

Y’all crackheads can’t even exist on the same social media platform with folks that differ politically but for some reason y’all think it’s preferable that we continue to share a government.”

 

Related:

Northern California – One Size Fits All

Not A Democrat Or A Republican

If I was Governor

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Point Partridge

 

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Koko’s Bartini in Kennewick, WA

November 18th 2020 KOMO News

Local bar refuses to shutdown, holds dine-in peaceful protest

“They have taken to social media to ask customers to come dine inside, peacefully protest, and bring a protest sign with them. The owner, Dana Slovak, says his business will not comply with the shutdown.”

“The crew wants to stay open so we decided we either fight for it or we don’t. It is our constitutional right to stay open. This mandate is not constitutional law and we have the right to do this,” explained Slovak.

Not A Mask Protest

“Slovak tells Action News his business is following safety and cleaning measures, and everyone is wearing masks. “I am willing to go to jail for it. We are really sick and tired of the closing, opening, closing stuff and it is impossible for our employees to make any money,” said Slovak.”

Many comments here.

 

Americans do not live in a one size fits all society. The US does not function like one, giant military base.

All Americans are not attending something like Army boot camp together at the same time.

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here and people who opt out on attending services.

 

Guilt tripping your neighbor

A 75% reduction in access to retail grocery services has been mandated for WA.

Shopping will become more competitive.

People will now need much more time for shopping.

People need to shop no matter what.

People will be waiting in long lines, in bad weather just to enter a grocery store.

What is the medical advantage here?

I’m seeing many comments blaming people for panic buying, hoarding, being selfish, etc.

If I was Governor, I would let grocery people run grocery stores. For sure, this would calm the urge to do any panic buying.

 

Austin Jenkins N3 Olympia-based Statehouse Correspondent

“I have been asking @GovInslee and @WADeptHealth why WA has a 25% cap on grocery stores (OR has 75%) and what the science is to justify. I think they’re done with me.”

We’ve done our best to address your question with the information we have … We have nothing further to add.”

 

Selfish people?

12s waiting in long lines for chance to grab Seahawks tickets today

Hey, your family went to the games last year, you should be giving others a chance. Don’t be selfish.

 

You bought gas already this week. Don’t be selfish.

Gas Lines Evoke Memories Of Oil Crises In The 1970s

 

Past Black Friday good deals available for a limited time only.

People being selfish?

Long lines for Black Friday shopping in the Tri-States

 

Various Comments Online

Reading comments online, many go something like this:

“It’s your fault for not wearing a mask in previous months.”

“I hope the anti-maskers are happy now.”

“A mask is better than a ventilator!”

“A mask is better than a grave.”

Since first required, I have worn a mask each time I have entered a post office, bank, grocery store, retail outlet, etc.

Not disputing the mask requirement, but telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.

 

May 12th, 2020

The construction project wasn’t delayed by the coronavirus pandemic; it was considered essential since it was state funded.”

Got it.

The state took money from some people, and gave it to some other people.

If your construction crew is working on a project based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for services, you might have to stay home for a while.

 

Some comments and editorials have mentioned The Greatest Generation and how they all pulled together during WWII.

I feel like a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.
A wide variety of political personalities have occupied the White House.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Some may have become skeptical along the way.

The press seems to support whatever is handed down by elected officials. Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

 

WA National Guard deploys to Jordan.

Any newspeople available to ask if there is a military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of troops?

More here:

If I was Governor

A one size fits all society?

One Size Fits All Society

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

AM rush hour – Port Hadlock