To me, this would come off as more respectful, thoughtful and meaningful. It could lead to discussions people might learn from.
Valhalla VFT
More than 1000 comments are posted with the video above.
Why It Matters
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
Is the Seattle fentanyl situation any different today than it was under Biden?
Above: Unaltered photo taken at a greater Puget Sound area farmers market several years back.
In The News
KIRO 7 News
ABC7
“Terrifying Moments”
FOX 13 Seattle
KING 5 Seattle
Onlookers are terrified:
Part of the thrill would be the jump, and part would be defying the post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.)
We live in a world where special ID is required to go have lunch in Canada and return home.
Surveillance infrastructure is constantly in the news.
If lower OD numbers are claimed, is this because DHS is able to keep cartel product from arriving in US communities, or because drug addicts are now fogged down with Narcan, buprenorphine, Naloxone, ect. to combat overdoses?
Bad timing for a draft because The Joint Chiefs of Staff spent past years squandering credibility and prestige with undeclared/unwon wars and military operations for your freedoms.
They tried a draft during the Vietnam War. They ended up finding out they had to stop.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Last time there was a draft, children were raised by the WWII generation, in families where Mom and Dad were married to each other.
What makes elected officials believe we have some sort of 1950s crop of citizens now who would comply with a draft?
Has the US ever won an undeclared war using a draft?
From 2004
“Today, however, the Congress has relinquished its delegated powers, giving the President license to do whatever he and his office determine that they can get away with. Consequentially, the presidential and legislative oaths to the Constitution have just turned into a great photo op on inauguration day.”
“It is a sad and hard realization for a grunt who loves the Marine Corps to admit that the organization is not used in the preservation of liberty, and has not been used toward that end for a very long time.”
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
Past track record for solving problems in distant lands or at home.
The Constitution.
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Some may have become skeptical along the way.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Federal Drug War Scam
The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.) fails to keep fentanyl out of the greater Puget Sound area.
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
If the CIA (est 1947) serves as an advantage to the US, why does the Department of Defense have such a poor record of winning undeclared wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?
REAL ID
Some version of REAL ID has been required at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009.
More cartel drug overdose deaths now, or before REAL ID?
Any questions from newspeople?
The Fantasy Newsperson Asks:
What keeps the terrorists with no ID of any kind from creating a disruption at the back end of the airport security screening line?
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
I had a good time in Boy Scouts in the 1970s. Not happy with all the changes since.
This is the same country that stages a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government each July 4th.
The Dept. of War will watch over and manipulate whatever this club is up to now?
“Some of the changes mirror what the organization suggested to the Defense Department in January, which included discontinuing its Citizenship in Society merit badge and introducing a Military Service merit badge as well as waiving registration fees for the children of military personnel.”
By Ben Finley and Jamie Stengle – Associated Press
Feb 27, 2026
Less respect for both organizations now.
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
It feels like a society where honest and meaningful ideas stand up to questioning and discussion, but the questioning and discussion rarely takes place.
You can be sure that newspeople and the teachers who stage Veterans Day assemblies will never ask questions to make sense of how sending US troops to distant lands is related to American rights and freedoms.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
If the CIA (est 1947) serves as an advantage to the US, why does the Department of Defense have such a poor record of winning undeclared wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?
Some version of REAL ID has been required at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009.
More cartel drug overdose deaths now, or before REAL ID?
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
Tax money- which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs– also goes for bombing Somalia.
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.
Forced Charity
The government doesn’t specialize in anything other than feeding itself.
People could keep more of their own money to donate to causes of their choosing if the federal government was not taking it to pay for wasteful programs.
A symbol of the propaganda that makes it all work.
Sentinel
The Oak Bay Starfish Take
Pro sports and made for TV events are part of the entertainment industry.
They are not part of the federal government even though we often see militarized pageantry, giant flag rituals, fighter jet flyovers and quick views of The Troops still in the Middle East at game time.
The event does play to a groupthink patriotism. Some might prefer it was just sports and who cares about the Ads and the show at halftime.
Head over to markets in the International District of Seattle or the agricultural Skagit Valley and you will see products with labels not printed in English. Visit a cafe for lunch. You will be amongst a different culture. Good with me.
Above: Grays Harbor – looking south towards Westport.
From 1976 Bicentennial To USA 250
TV Ads
Today, overweight people are hired to do TV Ads for pharmaceutical drugs used to achieve weight loss.
More here:
Breaking Points
Back in 1976, people shown on TV seemed less likely to be overweight. Something like the ship’s crew seen on the The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, or Reality TV when I was a kid:
50 years from adolescent males backpacking on overnight Boy Scout outings to role models for profit on TV and reaching for injections and pills in order to deal with being fat.
USA 250
Same country that stages a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government each July 4th.
“The Air Force-Navy collaboration representing 250 years of airpower and maritime strength is deemed a reflection of the entire U.S. Armed Forces—Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard—that safeguards freedom.”
Freedom?
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, federal toilet regulations, sports betting, federal gas can regulations/free enterprise system, web censorship, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
Both major political parties are now OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.
Why do elected officials and high level DOD civilians speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
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?
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Mainstream Media Functions Like Paid Actors Reading A Script
Americans do not live in a free and honest society. Today, the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script:
Would any newsperson ever ask:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
US jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?
Currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?
From 2004
“Today, however, the Congress has relinquished its delegated powers, giving the President license to do whatever he and his office determine that they can get away with. Consequentially, the presidential and legislative oaths to the Constitution have just turned into a great photo op on inauguration day.”
“It is a sad and hard realization for a grunt who loves the Marine Corps to admit that the organization is not used in the preservation of liberty, and has not been used toward that end for a very long time.”
A symbol of the propaganda that makes it all work.
2nd Amendment
Washington Gun Law
Federal Gun Ban for Marijuana Users?
Another of many examples where American freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
It’s 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.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
Today-
You may fill a shopping cart with hard liquor, make the purchase and head home. You do not give up your guns.
Yon may be involved in a serious car wreck and take prescription meds that may include mind and body altering opioids. You are not required to turn in your guns.
Another of many examples where American freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
It’s 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.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
Today-
You may fill a shopping cart with hard liquor, make the purchase and head home. You do not give up your guns.
Yon may be involved in a serious car wreck and take prescription meds that may include mind and body altering opioids. You are not required to turn in your guns.
A symbol of the propaganda that makes it all work.
The Hill
At 06:49 below:
Border Is Totally Closed
Back Home – Seattle, Bremerton, Everett, Tacoma, Port Angeles
Which community will be first to announce that local drug addicts are having any problem finding their cartel product of choice due to any federal drug war effort?
Any shortage of cartel product in any of these communities?
Any questions from newspeople?
December 2025 – The Border Is Not Sealed
Compliant TV newspeople host the DEA for friendly interviews avoiding any mention of progress made by Kristi Noem or Dept. of War strikes on drug boats.
Border Not Sealed – Seattle DEA
In recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
Arizona DEA – Border Not Sealed
Texas – All Federal Efforts Fall Short
Again- Kristi Noem’s giant and expensive US Dept. of Homeland Security appears to be completely irrelevant here.
The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.) fails to keep fentanyl out:
“The Drug Enforcement Agency has launched a new nationwide initiative called Fentanyl Free America, aiming for zero deaths from the deadly synthetic drug as fentanyl seizures continue to rise across the country.”
As time goes on, the consumer choices we have are becoming more restricted by a combination of government and big business policies, not Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden or the next bad guy DOD will be going after in distant lands.
Some of the restrictions are related to climate change. Some are not.
Welcome Home Troops
The Uniparty is OK with decades of undeclared/unwon DOD wars and whatever pollution they generate. Look out for bans and restrictions on that lawnmower you wanted to buy.
I grew up in the Cold War era. Pledge of allegiance in elementary school. Man on the Moon in ’69.
The WWII generation set up a modern society that seemed to be working pretty well during the last century. Still room for improvement, but mostly, things seemed to be up and running.
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store. Maybe the concept of Armistice Day had not gone completely extinct.
Growing up in the 60s & 70s- veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam. Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Some may have become skeptical along the way.
Credibility squandered, enthusiasm dried up.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Whatever people want to put in their shopping cart is OK with me. I’m not keeping track. I feel like more consumer choice is better. Not sure why we look to the federal government as a source to steer our lives.
Some might say trade, travel and friendship (as much as possible) are good for the economy. This approach may help to avoid misunderstandings and wars.
Think about American culture and sports. Americans know and care about the rules in sports. The rules are critical.
Coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.
No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. No classified documents. Player stats and injury reports are always available.
Instant replays, commentary in the broadcast booth, analysis from network studios, sports talk radio, etc. Fans get tons of info all of the time. No chance for conspiracy theories to develop. Missed calls by NFL officials may be discussed for weeks on end. No such thing as: “We can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.” Instant replay is for all to see. Sports writers are OK with being critical of coaches, teams, players, the rule book, the league, referees, team owners, when the season starts and ends, etc. This is what a free and independent press looks like.
Newspeople and politicians are more about information suppression and not asking questions.
In recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.
Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to his press secretary for answers? Presidents do so on a daily basis. Professionals are hired to provide only the desired version of answers to questions.
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Homeland Security Is A Scam
Love to see sports writers report on Homeland Security funding and performance.
Regular newspeople appear to be forbidden to ask questions in this area.
“There is no sign indicating Trump plans on taking his foot off the gas when it comes to Venezuela and Maduro. The operations will continue, and our guys will continue to get the job done.”
Any Newsperson Anywhere
Please let us know when Seattle area drug addicts have any difficulty finding their cartel product of choice.
Any questions from newspeople?
Fake War on Terror – Borders Not Sealed
A fake War on Terror features a DEA that thrives on borders that are not sealed and the newspeople who avoid asking questions about all this.
Kristi Noem, REAL ID & Dept. of War Vietnam-style drug boat body counts fail to keep fentanyl from entering the US.
Just ask the DEA:
December 2025 – The Border Is Not Sealed
Compliant TV newspeople host the DEA for friendly interviews avoiding any mention of progress made by Kristi Noem or Dept. of War strikes on drug boats.
Border Not Sealed – Seattle DEA
In recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
Arizona DEA – Border Not Sealed
Texas – All Federal Efforts Fall Short
Again- Kristi Noem’s giant and expensive US Dept. of Homeland Security appears to be completely irrelevant here.
The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.) fails to keep fentanyl out:
“The Drug Enforcement Agency has launched a new nationwide initiative called Fentanyl Free America, aiming for zero deaths from the deadly synthetic drug as fentanyl seizures continue to rise across the country.”
Will Northwest HIDTA be shut down when cartel drugs stop entering the US? Have recent US Dept. of Homeland Security efforts reduced the need for Northwest HIDTA services?
Has any community anywhere in the US downsized or shut down any local drug task force, or narcotics enforcement team due to the success of Dept. of War strikes on narcoterrorist drug boats?
“The Trump administration’s assault on alleged drug boats has killed about one person per day since early September. These are murders, and basic humanity demands that we not get complacent about them.”
The Watch
RADLEY BALKO
DEC 19, 2025
“Fentanyl isn’t produced in or trafficked through Venezuela. So these boats aren’t carrying fentanyl.”
From 2004
“Today, however, the Congress has relinquished its delegated powers, giving the President license to do whatever he and his office determine that they can get away with. Consequentially, the presidential and legislative oaths to the Constitution have just turned into a great photo op on inauguration day.”
“It is a sad and hard realization for a grunt who loves the Marine Corps to admit that the organization is not used in the preservation of liberty, and has not been used toward that end for a very long time.”
The US Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. Is it understandable that young people and their parents and grandparents would take a dim view on all this?
Consider replacing the phrase:
