Leader is not pleased:
Possibly of interest:
JFK speaks of presidential leadership and the role of the press in a free society.
Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
Related:
Photo-
Symbol of a country that staged a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government just one month ago.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
People may like gun freedoms, or maybe they don’t.
These freedoms come and go, and are completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
In The News
Californians Can Now Buy Ammunition Online Just Like Free Americans
Golden State ammunition restrictions have been voided for violating the Second Amendment.
J.D. TUCCILLE – Reason July 28, 2025
The 9th Circuit Says California’s One-Per-Month Limit on Gun Purchases Is Unconstitutional
The appeals court concluded that the restriction impinges on the right to arms and is not consistent with the historical tradition of firearm regulation.
JACOB SULLUM | June 23, 2025
Freedom?
It’s a society where 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.
The idea that the US Armed Forces are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms is repeated many times over
The press plays along by not asking questions.
Sending The Troops to Iraq and Afghanistan placed people into a life and death situation. If elected officials tried to justify this with claims that it was for the purpose of defending American rights and freedoms, why did no newsperson anywhere stick their hand in the air and ask for clarification on this?
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
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.”
Again: 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, 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.
American freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, the outcome of military operations overseas or jet noise over Coupeville.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Related:
More DOD Recruiting Denial 2025
Rarely seen in the press:
KING 5 News
July 29, 2015
Some opinions by war veterans:
My understanding is that Seafair goes back to the Cold War era and is brought to you by a giant defense contractor.
They can probably find a large number of veterans who will say that the show brings the Sound of Freedom.
It feels like a society where honest and meaningful ideas stand up to questioning and discussion, but the questioning and discussion rarely takes place.
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?
Photo-
Keystone Harbor
Same country that staged a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government three weeks back.
Undeclared Wars
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
Both major political parties are good with it.
Aug 15, 2024 – Presidential Election Year
Advocating for less wars:
Feb 12, 2025 at 8:26 Below – Peacemaker:
Today
July 25, 2025 – Taking out terrorist leaders since 1991 Operation Desert Storm:
‘Senior ISIS leader’ killed during US military raid in Syria
U.S. troops killed a man identified as a senior leader with ISIS and his two adult sons during a raid in Bab, Aleppo Governorate, Syria.
JEFF SCHOGOL – Task & Purpose
Africa too:
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on July 6, 2025.
From Anti-War Progressive to Pro-Drone Militarist: Tulsi Gabbard’s Odd Political Trajectory
ALAN MACLEOD • FEBRUARY 14, 2025
“We’ve seen a near-180 from Tulsi Gabbard this year. Her opinions on many subjects are now indecipherable from Fox News — which is why they’ve been inviting her on regularly,” Lee Camp, a political comedian who has followed Gabbard’s career trajectory closely, told MintPress…”
Trade Deals
Trump’s ‘Deal’ With Japan Is Another Loser for Americans
Not only does it raise taxes on American consumers, but it leaves American automakers at a distinct disadvantage relative to their Japanese competitors.
ERIC BOEHM | 7.23.2025
Information Suppression Specialists
Speaker Johnson sends House home early:
Just Be Honest
This could be a slogan for government to live by, no matter what political party or personality is in power.
The US federal government has been involved in decades of various events where records were sealed or redacted and files were kept secret.
As the years went by, the public found out they were lied to.
Federal credibility is squandered over a period of decades. Now, people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities. Well done. Something to get proud about.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Conspiracy Theory?
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works.
Over the years, some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
Unresolved Manhunts
These are somewhat fascinating.
Search for Travis Decker, sought in daughters’ deaths in WA, slows
July 25, 2025
By Lauren Girgis
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seems like the badass terrorists we are supposed to stay scared of could do their thing in 6 or 8 states at the same time- and they would tie up thousands of law enforcement personnel if they then fled into the woods:
Massive Manhunts & The War on Terror
“Police discovered a hidden bunker…” Honesty in Reporting?- Not Much
Possibly of interest:
Epstein – Personalities and Group Identities
Photo-
Southern Hood Canal
Just Be Honest
This could be a slogan for government to live by, no matter what political party or personality is in power.
The US federal government has been involved in decades of various events where records were sealed or redacted and files were kept secret.
As the years went by, the public found out they were lied to.
Federal credibility is squandered over a period of decades. Now, people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities. Well done. Something to get proud about.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Their lips are moving:
Possibly of interest:
Epstein – Personalities and Group Identities
Freedom of speech and the federal government role at the university:
Alternative Media and Comedians – Asking the Questions and Highlighting the Issues.
Jimmy Dore explains how free speech works:
Also:
What Freedom of Speech?
By Jacob G. Hornberger
The Future of Freedom Foundation
July 7, 2025
Possibly of interest:
Epstein – Personalities and Group Identities
Violent protest, threats of violence and property damage are not to be tolerated.
Seems like government should be neutral on people who are questioning/protesting US government or foreign government policies.
To me, it’s sort of like speaking out against US COVID policies.
More here:
Not charged with any crime, then released.
I finished my time in the Marines in July of 1999. I left with a solid attitude and a patriotic spirit.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In the years following, I would fly my flags every day except in bad weather.
26 years later, what has changed?
These days, the flag goes out on just a few occasions each year.
Both major parties have taken turns in power. Both parties serve up their own dose of cringe.
By now, some Americans may feel that both major political parties are manipulative and dishonest.
National pride is declining in America
This concept has been in the news recently.
When comment sections are open, people seem to make this issue about their most or least liked political parties and personalities.
If I was 20 years old today, I could think of a half dozen reasons to be less patriotic than I was at age 20 in 1980.
What has changed since 1980?
More in the way of undeclared/unwon wars.
US dollars are worth less.
Why Do We Have a Paper-Money System?
by Jacob G. Hornberger
July 18, 2025
Renting an apartment was routine stuff in the early 80s. Looks like those days are gone now.
Every other ad on TV is for Big Pharma meds that may bring on quality of life-threatening side effects.
How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)
Hey, good news-
Grandpa is feeling better now that he has quit smoking.
He is feeling good enough to participate in a TV ad for the meds he took.
When you go to stay with Grandpa this summer, just know that he may be experiencing:
“Hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions”
Also, since 1980-
The catastrophic military failure of 911.
Frequent claims by both major parties that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
Real newspeople may ask:
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
No such thing the day I graduated from high school.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Ongoing Breakdown of Society
In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.
Standards have deteriorated. Today, the troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.
Take a look at KOMO news on any random day for an ongoing breakdown of society update.
The comment section will advise on where we’re at.
Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
Both major political parties are good with it.
Understandable why young people & their parents & grandparents would take a dim view on all this. Continuing on this path will wear down the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.
There has been good news for recruiting recently after standards were modified to create a prep course category for training recruits.
Thousands of American families have now had a loved one who did one or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Will they support new enlistments?
Our take:
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Some will say obese teens and young adults are to blame for the big recruiting crisis.
Thousands of young, intelligent and athletic Americans participate in college athletics each year. Certainly, they would qualify to enlist- no rehab/prep program required.
Why are these people not showing up at the recruiting office?
Any questions from newspeople?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Related:
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Epstein – Personalities and Group Identities
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
National pride is declining in America
Information Suppression Specialists
TSA – Newspeople Refuse To Ask
Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area
Reading around the web I see opinions on the Epstein case. Some want to make it about Trump or MAGA or conspiracy theories.
When comment sections are open, people seem to make this issue about their most or least liked political parties and personalities.
Federal Credibility
The US federal government has been involved in decades of various events where records were sealed or redacted and files were kept secret.
As the years went by, the public found out they were lied to.
Federal credibility is squandered over a period of decades. Now, people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities.
Well done. Something to get proud about.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Recommendation: Just Be Honest
Make this a slogan for government to live by, no matter what political party or personality is in power.
Trump:
“I don’t understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday night when asked why his supporters are so interested in the case.
Source:
Donald Trump says those interested in Jeffrey Epstein inquiry are ‘bad people’
Oliver Holmes – The Guardian
Wed 16 Jul 2025
The President could always ask his supporters what they think. Have a town hall meeting. Send members of congress back home to host their own town hall meetings. Listen to people when they speak up.
Conspiracy Theory?
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works.
Over the years, some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
Related:
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
National pride is declining in America
Information Suppression Specialists
TSA – Newspeople Refuse To Ask
Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area
Photo-
Symbol of 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.
Symbol of the free and honest society that does not exist. A society where people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities.
National pride is declining in America?
This concept has been big in the news recently.
When comment sections are open, people seem to make this issue about their most or least liked political parties and personalities.
If I was 20 years old today, I could think of a half dozen reasons to be less patriotic than I was at age 20 in 1980.
What has changed since 1980
More in the way of undeclared/unwon wars.
US dollars are worth less.
Why Do We Have a Paper-Money System?
by Jacob G. Hornberger
July 18, 2025
Renting an apartment was routine stuff in 1980. Looks like those days are gone now.
The catastrophic military failure of 911.
Frequent claims by both major parties that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
Real newspeople may ask:
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
No such thing the day I graduated from high school.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
They swore an oath to the constitution:
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Photo-
Low tide day
Cliff Mass Weather Blog
July 10, 2025
Skillful Weather Warnings But Catastrophic Damage and Large Death Tolls. We Need to Do Better.
“We can radically reduce deaths and losses due to storms and adverse weather by recognizing the extraordinary potential of improved observations and forecasts, and then applying this information to warn and protect our communities.”
“What should we NOT do? Blame climate change or political parties you don’t like.”
“Climate change has only a very small impact on the intensity of extreme weather (there is very, very strong science to support this statement). Pushing climate as the origin of these extremes leads to inaction on the real problems. Even if climate change were important, adaptation can save most lives.”
“Both political parties have been in power as this situation has festered. This is a fully bipartisan problem. Name-calling and blame will lead to inaction and more deaths.”
More here:
Unlike many local newspapers, alternative media is good with maintaining an active comment section. Several comments are posted with Cliff Mass Weather Blogs here and here.
We have recently been told that national pride is declining in the USA.
When comment sections are open, people seem to make this issue about their most or least liked political parties and personalities.
Both major political parties are manipulative and dishonest.
Love the way Cenk Uygur narrates at 6:41 in the video below:
Unlike many local newspapers, alternative media is good with maintaining an active comment section. More than 3,000 comments are posted with the video above.
Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
Both major political parties are good with it.
Understandable why young people & their parents & grandparents would take a dim view on all this. Continuing on this path will wear down the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.
There has been good news for recruiting recently after standards were modified to create a prep course category for training recruits.
Our take:
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Some will say obese teens and young adults are to blame for the big recruiting crisis.
Thousands of young, intelligent and athletic Americans participate in college athletics each year. Certainly, they would qualify to enlist- no rehab/prep program required.
Why are these people not showing up at the recruiting office?
Any questions from newspeople?
Fake Drug War
Cartels move product into all 50 states:
DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas:
“…HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states…”
Welcome Home Troops. Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
2025 – Public Affairs Crackdown Begins
March 20, 2025
Public Affairs efforts commence – the word goes out.
Cartels have been placed on notice/cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Secretary of Homeland Security delivers no nonsense statements in the March 20, 2025 video posted below.
Homeland Security Vision of Success
Promotional events crafted and controlled by public affairs professionals, staged with major drug hauls, patrol boats, helicopters, etc.
The big campaign features top level team leaders thanking each other.
Well done.
Announcing the number of DOD ground units, US Navy and US Coast Guard vessels sent towards the US/Mexico border demonstrates a sense of commitment.
Another US Destroyer Deployed To Secure Southern Border
By Peter Aitken – Newsweek
The Oak Bay Starfish take:
No matter what elected officials have decided to do Re: enabling drug use in WA, a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security has been on the job in recent years.
People will say Biden turned his back on border security. Let’s go with that.
Those days are over now.
President Trump has given full support to a Homeland Security mission of keeping cartel product out of the US.
The US Dept. of Homeland Security was established in 2002.
Love to see newspeople ask:
Has any US presidential administration since that time been able to use DHS to create any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US?
Will Kristi Noem Do A Seattle Photo Op?
The public library is waiting:
Seattle libraries offer Narcan, fentanyl test strips to combat overdose epidemic
Joel Moreno – KOMO News
July 1st 2025
“Free nasal naloxone is available at all branch locations while supplies last. Fentanyl test strips are also available at the main downtown branch.”
“The library receives around 500 to 800 naloxone kits each month to distribute, depending on patron interest.”
“Naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is safe, works almost immediately, and is not addictive, according to medical professionals.”
“Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs. They provide people who use drugs with information about fentanyl in the illegal drug supply so they can take steps to reduce the risk of overdose.”
Across The Nation
If you are on the Kristi Noem team, you are out kicking ass.
If you are part of a local drug task force, or narcotics enforcement team, you are advertising the latest big drug bust after cartel product is able to move past the jurisdiction of federal agents at borders, border crossings and ports of entry, REAL ID checks and a barrier of DOD ground units, US Navy and US Coast Guard vessels prior to arriving in Hometown, USA.
If you are part of a local health dept. you are handing out Naloxone as always, to deal with the stuff that doesn’t get reported in the big local drug bust.
If you are part of DOD you avoid barracks maintenance in order to pay for sending The Troops three states over to secure the border while failing to manage federal contracts related to TRICARE.
When all US efforts fail to create any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US:
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Related:
In a real War on Terror, newspeople would ask questions about the various mixed messages served up by TSA out at the airport:
TSA – Newspeople Refuse To Ask
Alternative Media – Epstein Client List
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
National pride is declining in America
Photo at top of page:
A symbol of newspeople not asking questions over the past 35 years or so.
Please see 2:23 below.
Bondi: The list is sitting on my desk right now.
At 17:20 below, they went from:
The files are on my desk to the files never existed.
Related:
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
National pride is declining in America
Photo-
Another season – Whidbey Island
Cliff Mass Weather Blog
July 06, 2025
The Texas Flooding Tragedy: Could It Have Been Avoided?
“The Texas flooding is another example of large numbers of deaths, even when weather forecasts are excellent, with all too many other examples, including the Maui wildfires, the LA wildfires, and flooding from Hurricane Helene.”
“But if you really want to experience media and advocacy group loss of moral compass, consider those claiming this event is the result of global warming.”
Unlike many local newspapers, alternative media is good with maintaining an active comment section. Several comments are posted with the blog above.
Related:
The era of newspeople not asking questions brings on private citizens who go out and ask questions.
Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.
These guys were also never waiting on the overthrow of Saddam Hussein or the take down of any other bad guy in distant lands, as DOD defends the constitution, etc.
HonorYourOath Civil Rights Investigations
More here:
The USA is OK with lies about freedom
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Related:
Driving an Electric Car Is like Environmentalism
By Mark Keenan
July 5, 2025
Alternative media provides an update on the banning of gas powered outdoor equipment:
Unlike many local newspapers, alternative media is good with maintaining an active comment section. More than 3,000 comments are posted with the video above.
Cliff Mass Weather Blog
July 06, 2025
The Texas Flooding Tragedy: Could It Have Been Avoided?
“The Texas flooding is another example of large numbers of deaths, even when weather forecasts are excellent, with all too many other examples, including the Maui wildfires, the LA wildfires, and flooding from Hurricane Helene.”
“But if you really want to experience media and advocacy group loss of moral compass, consider those claiming this event is the result of global warming.”
Possibly of interest:
EVs – Honest Demand For Consumer Products Requires $174 Billion Federal Investment?
Consumer Demand Or Government Demand?
Your local waters:
Penn Cove – Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall
Sound Publishing And Black Press Media
Almost ready again to celebrate independence from a powerful, central government.
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we enjoy voices of dissent.
Alternative Media and Comedians – Asking the Questions and Highlighting the Issues
Related:
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Possibly of interest:
1980s Veterans – WTF Happened?
Photo-
Something from the last century
Post-Vietnam guilt
The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars, maintaining the barracks or managing federal contracts related to TRICARE.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Wow, Tulsi is now the Colin Powell of this administration. She knows better but has chosen to lie through her teeth to sell a war. She’s worse than the others because she spent her career pretending to be against regime change war in Iran. What an utter disgrace!
Weeks?!… https://t.co/h5lSQdB52f
— Dave Smith (@ComicDaveSmith) June 20, 2025
Top TV military analysts, currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?
Photo-
Near the 1916 Jetty at Damon Point
Love To See Newspeople Ask:
When and why was a decision made to turn away from maintaining the 1916 jetty adjacent to former public parking areas at Damon Point?
Is the jetty adjacent to Damon Point the only section of jetty in Grays Harbor that has gone without maintenance since it was installed?
What would Westport look like if efforts to maintain the coast were suspended?
Alternative Media and Comedians – Asking the Questions and Highlighting the Issues.
Our Take
Violent protest, threats of violence and property damage are not to be tolerated.
Seems like government should be neutral on questioning/protesting US government or foreign government policies.
To me, it’s sort of like speaking out against US COVID policies.
Peaceful/nonviolent protest that does not involve property damage should be hands off for the govt.- no matter the message.
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
Possibly of interest:
Photo-
Just east of Keystone Harbor
From comments/owner of channel:
“Please understand that I am not taking a stand on either side of the current political climate. I am taking a stand on our Constitutionally protected rights.”
Many interesting comments are posted with the video above.
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Possibly of interest-
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
In The News
Trump merchandise sold at Fort Bragg for president’s speech now under review
An Army official said images of troops booing Democrats was regrettable.
ByAnne Flaherty – ABC News
June 12, 2025
“According to two people familiar with the planning effort, the organizers told Army officials on base ahead of the rally that they wanted a certain number of soldiers eager to stand behind the president. These troops would have to undergo a criminal background check for security reasons. Also required, according to sources, — the troops would need to look fit, not fat, in keeping with the new administration’s focus on fitness standards, warrior ethos and lethality.”
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Possibly of interest:
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Voices of Dissent Are Not Welcome
Related:
More DOD Recruiting Denial 2025
The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East
Decades of military operations for your freedoms brings us:
Photo-
Beachcombing on the Washington coast
Several years of beachcombing:
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Simple question:
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield:
How would American rights and freedoms and the Constitution be any different today if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Related:
The Jimmy Dore Show
Unlike many local newspapers, alternative media is good about maintaining open and active comment sections. Several comments are posted with the video above.
In recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
GWOT – Dropped Out Of The News
Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said was the subject of a major War on Terror bust earlier this month.
Any questions from newspeople?
He did time in the National Guard and had moved on with that part of his life by age 19. How did he manage to do that?
Where did he go to high school?
Where was he living and working in recent years?
What National Guard unit was he in?
Did he have any previous criminal record?
Did he complete any overseas deployments?
What was his job training?
Zero questions from newspeople?
Seems like someone involved in a major crime like a mass casualty shooting, etc. will have some details of their life reported on by the press.
Here is an example:
What we know about Jack Teixeira, the suspected leaker of Pentagon documents
APRIL 14, 2023 – NPR
By Juliana Kim & Jenna McLaughlin
Elimination Of Local News Reader Comments
Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
Years ago, I lived in several different small town areas. Places like Kingston, Port Hadlock and north of Penn Cove.
These areas had small, local newspapers and those papers featured active, online comment sections. Paying for a newspaper subscription was OK with me. There were basic rules for commenting, but it did not seem to matter what name people went by. I never cared.
I used to love the comment sections.
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.
Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support in the form of grant money, subscription and advertising sales, etc.
Got it.
Love to see newspeople out asking questions.
What we get now 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.
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
The era of newspeople not asking questions brings on private citizens who go out and ask questions.
Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.
These guys were also never waiting on the overthrow of Saddam Hussein or the take down of any other bad guy in distant lands, as DOD defends the constitution, etc.
Long Island Audit
Related:
Sound Publishing And Black Press Media
Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area
Penn Cove – Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall
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, 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.
American freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
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 lawn mower.
In The News
Local nonprofit hosts recognition ceremony for students enlisting in the Army
Mariella Santiago News10NBC
May 20, 2025
“I am exceptionally proud of these brave young adults in Upstate New York who have taken the oath to protect our liberties and freedoms at a critical time,” said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, OCS-USA founder and president. “The military is facing a substantial recruiting crisis, and we must do everything we can to honor and support them as they embark on their military journey.”
Just the ticket-
Promote the idea to teens and the general public that the US Armed Forces function like some sort of giant civil rights organization.
As always, newspeople are not available to ask any questions.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
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.
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
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
Freedom?
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
No such thing the day I graduated from high school.
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.
Be Honest
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.
The press plays along by not asking questions.
The post 911 era has been a time to tell the American people that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American freedoms. This urban legend has run its course. People have seen enough now to know this is no more than a marketing strategy. Uniparty newspeople play along by not asking questions:
The idea that the US Armed Forces are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms is repeated many times over.
The reality is that American freedoms may come and go and appear to be completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
More Discussion Please
Both major parties tell us The Troops are in distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.
Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.
The country struggles with:
From The web:
by Jacob G. Hornberger
May 1, 2025
by Donald Bolduc
May 21, 2025
During the Vietnam War, US troops were sent to Vietnam.
Today, the Ohio National Guard is sent to “support Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.”
Related:
The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Image above: The Pacific Coast At Ruby Beach
Cliff Mass Weather Blog
May 11, 2025
Antisemitism at the University of Washington
Favorite comment:
“Agreed. Make it clear that peaceful protest and protected speech are acceptable (even when the content of the speech is disagreeable).
And to be clear: come down like a ton of bricks on illegal/violent activity, including attempts to intimidate others engaged in similar forms of legal, constitutionally protected expression.
Now as always, when one disagrees with the content of protected expression, the best antidote is more speech. And the antidote to violence and destruction is getting your ass hauled off in handcuffs.These are not contradictory approaches.”
Our Take
Violent protest, threats of violence and property damage are not to be tolerated.
Seems like government should be neutral on questioning/protesting US government or foreign government policies.
To me, it’s sort of like speaking out against US COVID policies.
Peaceful/nonviolent protest that does not involve property damage should be hands off for the govt.- no matter the message.
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
Possibly of interest:
Image above:
From the canoe days – Buck Lake
From the web:
Real ID Is Useless, Unconstitutional, and Finally Here
By Patrick G. Eddington
MAY 7, 2025
Newspeople seem to have avoided asking:
If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?
Are passports/enhanced/REAL IDs effective in keeping cartel drugs out of the US?
Some version of REAL ID has been required at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009.
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009.
What got better?
At The Airport
At the airport- REAL ID will solve what sorts of problems? What will improve?
Would any newsperson ever ask:
What keeps terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the airport security/ID screening line?
Americans were told 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?
Good for another four years?
Successful Businesspeople Update:
Old War On Terror
In the old War on Terror, cartels were not designated as terrorist organizations.
Did the advantage of designating terrorist organizations in Iraq and Afghanistan allow those undeclared wars to be prevented, won or shut down?
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Cartels move product into all 50 states:
DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas:
“…HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states…”
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Americans were told 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?
Old Drug War – Cartels Respond & Move More Product Into The US
Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?
When is the last time DOD/DHS was able to create any shortage of cartel product in the Puget Sound area?
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.
Related:
Big Drug Bust – A Huge Success
Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area
Port Angeles Homeland Security Spending Spree
Image above: Years ago at Oak Bay
Big celebrations update:
Trump’s Mega-Blink on China Tariffs
by Jacob G. Hornberger
May 12, 2025
“After recently blinking in his tariff war against much of the world by suspending his beloved tariffs on 70 countries for 90 days, President Trump has just engaged in a mega-blink against China, the country that he refused to include in his recent massive tariff suspension. Blinking this time against what U.S. officials say is America’s enemy, adversary, competitor, and rival, Trump has just announced that the massive tariffs that he imposed against China will now also be suspended for 90 days as part of a temporary mutual tariff-reducing agreement between the U.S. and China.”
Information Suppression Specialists
Wife and I went out to a local grocery store to pick up veggies and beer.
Wife is up front with credit card to pay while I unload cart behind her. Cashier (friendly and professional) needs to see both of our IDs to make beer purchase.
Both of us were born in the 1960s. Wife told me/pointed out that the store had put up a bold type sign in advance notifying of this new policy.
Over the past few years:
Some places simply want you to state your DOB. Some want to see ID and some want to scan ID.
This was the first time both adults had to show ID for one adult to pay for beer.
More here:
Checking ID For Beer – Customers In Their Early 60s
Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
No such thing the day I graduated from high school.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
Old Man Blog category:
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
Original Old Man Blog here: https://oldmanblogdotcom.wordpress.com
New updates here: https://oakbaystarfish.com/category/old-man-blog/
In The News
Looks like Amazon will not proceed with the hostile and political act.
The free enterprise system is looking for less government:
Trump administration slams Amazon’s ‘hostile and political act’ as tariff tensions rise
KOMO News
by RYAN MINNAUGH April 29th 2025
“The Daily Mail reported that Amazon plans to add the cost of tariffs to its price tags, a move that has sparked a strong reaction from the Trump administration.”
Voices of Dissent – Not Welcome
“During a press briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt displayed a picture of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and said, “This is a hostile and political act against America.”
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
Same country that will stage a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government in July.
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.
Free Enterprise System
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:
Be Honest
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.
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
No such thing the day I graduated from high school.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
More Freedom On The Way – REAL ID
REAL ID – Newspeople play along by not asking questions.
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at land border crossings since 2009. What got better? Has any newsperson ever asked questions on this?
Has any presidential administration been able to create any shortage of cartel drugs anywhere in the US since 2009?
Have passports/enhanced/Real IDs been effective in keeping cartel-sourced drugs out of the US since 2009?
Zero Questions From Newspeople
Were US drug overdose death numbers higher before the US Dept. of Homeland Security was established (2002) or are the numbers higher with a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security in place?
Were US drug overdose death numbers higher before passports/enhanced/Real IDs were required at border crossings and ports of entry, beginning in 2009, or are they higher now?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009.
In recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
Out At The Airport, Real Newspeople May Ask:
If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced drugs out of the US?
If special ID works to keep bad guys out- how are cartels moving product into US communities in 2025?
A real War On Terror would prompt newspeople to ask:
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the airport screening line?
Guaranteed: No TV newsperson anywhere will ever ask this question. Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
Imagine the TV newsperson, on camera, escorting the TSA official all the way to the back of the “be sure to arrive early line” and asking what keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at that point.
“If You See Something, Say Something®” – Just a slogan?
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?
Airport Security Screening – Zero questions from newspeople:
Oct 5, 2024 KIRO 7 News
TSA upgrades identity verification process with facial recognition at Spokane Airport
Would any newsperson ever ask:
What keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
The mainstream media functions like paid actors reading a script.
Over and again- Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff instead of asking questions.
Every year is the same. Similar cheerful video, no mater where you are in the USA.
No voices of dissent. No passengers with questions about security theater will ever make it on air.
TV newspeople interviewing each other:
Travelers who ask no questions make it on air:
Fred Reed
December 4, 2015
Security Theater: Customary Federal Pointlessness
“…the intelligence agencies have proved useless. NSA did not prevent the first attack on the Twin Towers in 1993, nor the successful one.”
“What goes on at airports is not security. It is Security Theater. When the government’s own agents try to smuggle “weapons” aboard airliners to test the system, they succeed ninety-five percent of the time.”
“Further, a terrorist doesn’t need to get aboard an airliner to blow up spectacularly. At many airports, hundreds of people line up at ticket counters during peak hours. A carry-on bag of explosive would easily create enough slaughter to shut down air travel and to make international headlines for weeks.”
“Warnings at airports that unattended vehicles will be ticketed, towed, and perhaps destroyed are also Security Theater. By the time the vehicle was noticed, and somebody sent to check it out, an easy five minutes would have passed and the driver would be somewhere else. Boom.”
Welcome Home Troops
In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.
Standards have deteriorated. Today, the troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.
In the news:
‘Stop all this killing’: Tacoma police grapple with recent spike in homicides
by Jeremy Harris, KOMO News April 28th 2025
Related:
New Poll: Americans Reject Deporting Foreigners for ‘Wrongthink’ on Middle East
By Daniel McAdams
The Ron Paul Institute
April 19, 2025
“Many Americans mistakenly believe government “grants” rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights, and that it grants them to American citizens only.”
“Constitutional scholar Andrew Napolitano dismisses such claims, writing:
We know from the writings of James Madison — who authored the Bill of Rights — that the Founders regarded the freedom of speech as a personal individual natural right. It is also, of course, expressly protected from government interference and reprisal in the First Amendment. The courts have ruled that it protects all persons — no matter their immigration status — who may think as they wish, say what they think, publish what they say, worship or not and associate with whomever they choose.”
“As long as anyone is sitting in shackles in a federal detention center simply for writing an op-ed, freedom of speech is not safe for anyone in the United States.”
APRIL 15, 2025
US Citizens Don’t Have First Amendment Rights If Noncitizens Don’t
By David J. Bier
The Oak Bay Starfish View
The Bill of Rights places limits on government, it does not grant rights.
US citizen – yes or no?
Imagine a Japanese family. They are not US citizens. They come to the US each summer to visit family, go to Disneyland, see the Grand Canyon, etc.
They are pulled over for a minor traffic violation. They cooperate with the officer on the scene. Do they have less rights in dealing with LE authorities than someone who was born in the US?
Some agree with government policies. Some disagree. Some speak out. Some engage in protest.
To me, it’s sort of like speaking out against US COVID policies.
Seems like government should be neutral on political speech.
Non-violent/peaceful speech that does not involve property damage.
Sort of like: What church do you want to attend?
Be Honest
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.
The press plays along by not asking questions.
The post 911 era has been a time to tell the American people that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American freedoms. This urban legend has run its course. People have seen enough now to know this is no more than a marketing strategy. Uniparty newspeople play along by not asking questions:
The idea that the US Armed Forces are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms is repeated many times over.
The reality is that American freedoms may come and go and appear to be completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
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.”
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, 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.
American freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, the outcome of military operations overseas or jet noise over Coupeville.
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
Related:
Possibly of interest:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
I am sort of a wait and see kind of a person. I think there is potential for good things to happen.
Group identities, brand names, labels and personalities are things I don’t feel connected with. To me, it’s more about what you believe in.
Briefly listened to some talk radio this morning. The hosts are in the unfortunate position of having to do several hours of content each week. No mater what is going on, they are obligated to deliver their shtick. This is what is expected from the audience, bosses and sponsors.
Today, I’d give President Trump a 5 out of 10.
From the web:
“CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS?” NO, JUST TIME TO STOP PRETENDING THE CONSTITUTION MATTERS.
APRIL 15, 2025 THOMAS L. KNAPP
Trade, travel and friendship as much as possible.
by Jacob G. Hornberger
April 18, 2025
Some of the issues where things could be better:
Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area
All the drugs off the streets?
Seems like government should be neutral on political speech.
Non-violent/peaceful speech that does not involve property damage.
Sort of like what church do you want to attend?
Foreign Student Persecution Imperils any American Who Advocates for Freedom
April 16, 2025
Mises Wire – James Bovard
“…assuming that anyone who advocates a position is culpable for any crimes committed by any other advocate with the same view.”
“This was the tacit doctrine that the Biden administration used to legally scourge peaceful January 6 protestors who merely “paraded without a permit” through or near the US Capitol that day. Because a minority of January 6 protestors became violent, the FBI presumed that “trespassing plus thought crimes equal terrorism,” justifying harsh sentences for anyone at the scene (except for the undercover federal agents and informants).”
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
More here:
Photo-
Something from the last century
