Archives for category: Alternative Media


The crisis was earned by the politicians, generals, and high ranking civilians who have been running the Pentagon over the past 30 years or so. The crisis is also upon us due to newspeople not asking questions going back to the time the Cold War ended.

National Guard

Jun 30, 2022 WCCO – CBS Minnesota

1:41 Reporters interviewing reporters from within their TV studios.

Back in the 1960s, TV newspeople had a different style of reporting and working to keep the public informed.

At 3:49 an interview with Maj. Sgt. Kor. Rank insignia on uniform does not match rank description in WCCO TV news video. Weeks later, title remains uncorrected.

The people of Minnesota need more applicants to maintain a place to live and a regular job in their hometown area when they are not doing time in foreign lands helping DOD with undeclared/unwon wars and missions completely unrelated to their home state.

A few decades back, people might think of the National Guard as one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer plus a way to support your home state by being ready to get called out for floods, fires, natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. Maybe a way to help the next state over if they needed it.

In recent years, the National Guard has been sent to Syria, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Home State, USA needed services in distant lands, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Recruiting crisis for Uncle Sam? Elected officials and top Pentagon Generals earned it.

Regular Active Duty

Jul 26, 2022 CBS Evening News

If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:

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

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

Recruiting crisis for Uncle Sam? Elected officials and top Pentagon Generals earned it.

The press heads out to ask top generals and recruiters what is going on. No interviews with National Guard people who have done multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, etc. No interviews with Moms and Dads who have raised physically fit children but will not recommend the US Armed Forces to them.

Zero questions from newspeople on why the Moms and Dads of America wouldn’t recommend the US Armed Forces to their kids.

Love to see TV newspeople interview some of the veterans commenting here:

From comments Re: above video:

I joined the Navy at 17, 7/71. 2 tours to Vietnam. I joined to Win a War that wasn’t ours to fight. We lost it with 58,000 lost and thousands wounded. The money was shit but I didn’t join for the money. Now at 68 my Country has been at War with someone my entire lifetime. My Son served 5 years in the Marine Corps, Grunt Infantry Iraq and Afghanistan. No way would I serve today. My Son feels the same way. No more members of my Family will serve, Volunteer or the Draft. Take off your Suits and Ties and do it yourselves. Good luck……..

The parents and grandparents of today may have a tricky time recommending an enlistment to a younger generation. This would be true even in families who are proud of having a history of military service.

Some of these folks are commenting on the video below. Look for TV newspeople to seek out and do zero interviews with the veterans commenting here:

TV newspeople perform like paid actors reading a script.

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

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

Related:

Marketing Partnership Update

 

For your freedoms

No time for the press to look into the fading idea that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.

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,
voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

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.

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. Don’t look for any of this discussion to be prompted by newspeople showing initiative or curiosity in asking questions. 

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.”


May 13, 2022 Military.com Network

Military Throwing Cash at Recruiting Crisis as Troops Head for the Exits

“Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee personnel panel, says the military is on the cusp of a recruiting crisis.”

Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:

Senator Tillis,

The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record with undeclared wars. This record goes back to 1949, the year DOD was established. Has this record damaged the brand?

If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:

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

Senator Tillis,

Is there any talk of going back to a draft in order to deal with your recruiting crisis?

Before making any plans to start up a draft, let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

Senator Tillis,

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.

Senator Tillis,

Has dressing women to look like men had any positive or negative impact on recruiting?

Senator Tillis,

Did the US Army revert to WWII uniforms to remind us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up?

Did this change have any positive or negative impact on recruiting?

Senator Tillis,

Not here to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.

Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.

The plan is to save cash by reducing the traditional DOD military benefits that were on the table when people began doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.

Senator Tillis,

Will an older generation encourage a younger generation to do time in the US Armed Forces in the years ahead?

The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have grown up in a family where Dad was a WWII veteran.

The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have been WWII veterans.

 

NATO

May 21, 2022 By Ryan McMaken
Mises.org

NATO Plans to Rip Off Americans Even More as Sweden and Finland Set to Join

NATO membership has nothing to do with enhancing the defense of ordinary Americans. The American elites love NATO, of course, because it expands regime spending and influence in Europe. But when it comes down to actual military defense, expanding NATO only increases the odds that Americans will be pulled into a major conflict while offering Americans nothing in return.”

“…the US taxpayer overwhelmingly covers the costs of NATO.”

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

 

A significant article here:

July 28, 2022 The Heritage Foundation

The Administration and Congress Must Act Now to Counter the Worsening Military Recruiting Crisis

Not seeing any recommendation for phasing out undeclared/unwon wars.

Not seeing any recommendation to stop sending the National Guard to distant lands on missions completely unrelated to their home state.

 

Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity

Falling Military Recruitment Is Another Sign of Waning Faith in the Regime
written by Ryan mcmaken friday august 26, 2022

“The good news, however, is that the military’s recruiting woes are likely yet another signal of declining support for the federal government and its institutions.”

 

Conclusion:

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since. Has anyone been fired over this?

Since the end of the Cold War:

Both major parties appear to have been OK with undeclared/unwon wars and sending the National Guard to foreign lands on missions completely unrelated to their home state.

Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.

The plan is to save cash by reducing the traditional DOD military benefits that were on the table when people began doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Recruiting crisis? You earned it.

Try for less blaming of a new generation and the Moms and Dads of today for any hesitation related to doing time in uniform. Time to take a hard look at what elected officials and the US Dept. of Defense did with the brand after the first Cold War ended in the early 90s and after the lessons of Vietnam were on the table.

Possibly of interest:

June 2, 2022 Do Soldiers Protect Us?
By Laurence M. Vance

Veterans Day Nonsense

Unsustainable Military Spending

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

How does Uncle Sam plan to attract young people to sign up in the years ahead?

2022 – Armed Forces Recruiting Culture

 

After the Cold War:

The Cold War had ended. DOD was happy with their all volunteer military.

Look what they did with it.

The Cold War Had Ended

 

Enough time now to look back and ask a few public policy questions. The fact that the press has never been in the habit of questioning the GWOT, by itself, seems a little odd.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego

Jun-Sep 1979

 

I realized Saturday morning that it had been years since I watched TV news in the morning. 20 years ago, I would turn on the TV for news each morning. I started watching evening news on TV when I was at Camp Lejeune in the early 90s.

Over the past couple of years, local (Seattle) news has featured ongoing breakdown of society updates. Gunfire, stabbings, drug addiction, arson, catalytic converter thefts, casualties related to shootings, tent camping on the sidewalks, RV camping on city streets, and worst case scenario climate change predictions.

Ongoing breakdown of society updates:

Another of these items is an ongoing shortage of ferry workers.

The crew shortage story has been in place since at least June 30, 2020.

Love to see newspeople ask:

Does the WSF HR Director get paid more to keep the system running smoothly?

Are crew member incentives in place for perfect attendance?

Months of poor play would be enough to get an NFL or college football coach fired.

Is there pressure on the WSF HR Director to do better?

Various industries such as FedEx, UPS, Costco, etc. may do holiday hiring to staff up for a busy time of year. Any similar creative thinking in place at WSF?

HR policy away from WA government:

UPS aims to hire 100K ahead of ‘record peak holiday season’

 

The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed five I-5 rest areas north of Seattle because of excessive trash, vandalism and a staffing shortage.”

Misbehavior shuts down federal highway rest stops? Publicly funded highway safety facilities are shut down because of misbehavior? WTF?

Welcome Home Troops

49 other states operate highway rest stops. If I was Governor, I would insist on picking the top 3 states that are best at running rest stops and running WA rest stops in a similar manner until further improvements could be made.

Closed – WA Interstate 5 Rest Areas

 

Newspeople refuse to report on 2014 voter approved enhanced background checks.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Newspeople remain silent.

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

 

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 from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

On the national scene it’s all crisis management, undeclared/unwon wars, politics more ugly than at anytime in my life. Race relations that seem to have deteriorated since President Obama did 8 years in the White House.

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.

TV advertising has become especially strange. How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34).

 

I’d be OK with the mainstream press taking over the task of keeping the public informed. When TV newspeople avoid asking public policy related questions, individual citizens go out to check on what is going on.

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

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

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Sports writers and alternative media people are still about asking questions.

Still viewing lots of news via Twitter, and I would be more at peace if I moved away from it.

Much voting has gone on over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better. Stopped watching TV news a long time ago because of the way newspeople (paid actors reading a script) have dealt with all this.

 

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

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

 

POTUS begins to make a statement/answer questions from one or more reporters:

The video below is very critical of Biden. As usual, we have a few questions that never seem to come up. These are questions that are more about the federal government than any political party or personality. Our questions appear in bold type.

Why does any presidential administration need a Director of Message Planning?

 

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Reporters are free to ask hard questions and write stories about teams, players, managers and coaches in sports.

Love to see general public policy, foreign policy, etc. reported on by sports writers.

Sept. 18, 2021 Seattle Times

After two frustrating losses, the dam finally breaks in Washington’s 52-3 win over Arkansas State

“Without a doubt, there is work to be done. But after eight quarters of catastrophes, this felt like progress. There needs to be more as Washington enters Pac-12 play.”

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.

After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.

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?

Any Director of Message Planning to manage post-game interviews?

1:42

Responding to questions:

Why is the federal government involved in Easter events?

 

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

Recent items of note:

From a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel 

April 16, 2022 by wjastore

Can’t I Just Watch Baseball?

“The first ceremony was a moment of silence for those suffering from the Ukraine war. Ukrainians were mentioned; Russians weren’t. (I guess Russians aren’t suffering from the war.) The second ceremony marked a long trip to America for a Ukrainian refugee, a celebration, I suppose, of America’s willingness to let in a few refugees from that war. There’s nothing wrong with this, but what does it have to do with baseball? Why is it being celebrated on opening day at Fenway Park?

There is no place for such brazenly political ceremonies at a baseball game. It’s all emotional manipulation and state propaganda.”

 

Alternative media is still free to ask questions:

 

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

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

 


4:24

Mark Dice reminds us of previous uses of disinformation:

Jimmy Dore on the case:

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Seen at a farmers market. Not staged or altered.

 

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.

 

COVID-19 vaccine mandate to enter restaurants and bars in Clallam and Jefferson counties.

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

 

My take: 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.

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

Today, voices of dissent, and their social media accounts, are suppressed.

This whole structure brings government messages into question.

 

I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.

 

Olympic Peninsula COVID-19 vaccine mandate:

Dec 19, 2021 Peninsula Daily News

Fix sought for proof-of-vaccination lawsuit

“Dr. Allison Berry, health officer for Clallam and Jefferson counties, issued a health order on Sept. 2 that requires customers of restaurants and bars to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.”

“The order, which took effect Sept. 4, was challenged in action filed in Clallam County Superior Court by six eateries in Sequim, Port Angeles and Joyce.”

“The plaintiffs are The Oasis Bar and Grill (doing business as Diamond Point Dreams), Kokopelli Grill and Coyote BBQ Pub in Port Angeles; Blondie’s Plate restaurant and Jose’s Famous Salsa and Salsa House Restaurant, both in Sequim; and Blackberry Cafe in Joyce.”

 

Dec 14, 2021 KONP

CLALLAM COUNTY VACCINE MANDATE COURT CASE WON’T BE HEARD LOCALLY

“A half-dozen local eateries have sought the injunction. They say it unconstitutionally targets a single industry and harms their freedom of commerce.”

Related:

TV News – Interview people from various sides of any issue?

One Size Fits All – County Restrictions On Bars And Restaurants

Road Trip Report – Mask Up For Watersports – WA COVID

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

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

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

COVID Restrictions Are Like Wearing A Seatbelt?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Salt Creek

12 miles west of Port Angeles

 

Love to see newspeople showing initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

People who take no public funds or private donations are free to ask questions at any time. Why not the press?

I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.

Nov 13, 2021 KOMO News

Biden bill would give local news outlets ‘shot in the arm’

“The measure would allow newspapers, digital news outlets and radio and television stations to claim a tax credit of $25,000 the first year and $15,000 the next four years for up to 1,500 journalists.”

“Already, about one-fourth of the country’s newspapers have closed and half of local journalism jobs have evaporated in the past 15 years, according to research from the University of North Carolina.”

KOMO News on Twitter:

The help would come in the form of a payroll tax credit for companies that employ eligible local journalists.”

 

This is journalism:

KOMO News Nov 14, 2021

Arby’s to sell two vodka flavors inspired by its curly and crinkle fries

KOMO News on Twitter:

Would you try Arby’s curly fry or crinkle fry flavored vodka?”

 

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

Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need federal support.

Got it.

Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

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

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

 

A few public policy questions newspeople will not ask:

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

Related:

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

TV News – Interview people from various sides of any issue?

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

“How do you thank a veteran?”

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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A symbol of newspeople who play along by not asking questions.

 

Random thoughts:

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

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

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

 

Secrecy Re: JFK assassination files that remain sealed does not enhance government credibility.

 

Since WWII, information now 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.

Links & sources:

JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy

 

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

Possibly of interest:

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

“How do you thank a veteran?”

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Quality time at Point Partridge

 

Got into an interesting excahge here.

My take: 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.

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

Today, voices of dissent, and their social media accounts, are suppressed.

This whole structure brings government messages into question.

In the interaction above, I was told:

What other side should we be learning about besides the cdc or world health organization?”

My answer:

The idea that people who have already recovered from COVID have antibodies and natural immunity and may not require vaccination.

Here is a local story telling of about 40 people who work at a medical center who have declined the COVID vaccination and will loose their jobs.

TV newspeople-

This is a story all by itself.

People who work in and around the medical field who have been on the job over the past 18 months and reject the vaccine? Why not connect with a couple of these people and interview them?

October 17, 2021 Peninsula Daily News

Monday is state’s deadline for vaccine

“Berry said that at OMC in Port Angeles, out of 1,675 staff members, only about 40 had not fulfilled requirements as of last week and were at risk of termination.”

 

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

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

Would it have helped for the press to present views from people other than the Dept. of Defense?

 

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

Concerns here are not specific to any political party, personality or group identity.

 

One Size Fits All Society

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

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

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

North of Perego’s Lagoon, looking towards Fort Ebey.

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Love to see more in the way of newspeople 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.

 

Newspeople show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

Today, it seems as if the press promotes whatever message is handed down by elected officials and government agencies.

Voices of dissent, and their social media accounts, are suppressed.

This whole structure brings government messages into question.

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

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 from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

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

 

Grew up in the 70s.

Seems like the press was better at asking questions back then.

Today:

We are the very best at militarized pageantry for pro sports events.

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

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

US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

 

Alternative Media

We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

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

I’m not going to argue with you.

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:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

Sports Writers

Love to see general public policy, foreign policy, etc. reported on by sports writers.

Sept. 18, 2021 Seattle Times

After two frustrating losses, the dam finally breaks in Washington’s 52-3 win over Arkansas State

“Without a doubt, there is work to be done.

But after eight quarters of catastrophes, this felt like progress.

There needs to be more as Washington enters Pac-12 play.”

 

Regular newspeople don’t seem to have permission to ask hard questions.

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.

Are people who work for newspapers and TV news folks given permission to go out and to do interviews related to public policy? If elected officials and people who run government agencies are not available to be interviewed, that should become the story.

Recommendation for newspeople:

Interview people from various sides of any given issue.

If you are a newspaper struggling for subscription and advertising dollars, figure out how to use the web to post videos of these interviews to bring more attention to your media outlet.

 

Related:

Press Needs More Funding?

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

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

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

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

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning – Point No Point

Sadly, the Fresnel lens has gone dark.

Local info here.

 

Well done to any newsperson who is willing to take personal risk and show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

Those who do not are like paid actors performing in a scripted play or advertisement.

April Moss

Ivory Hecker

The norm:

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

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

US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government

 

Staged news scene to make hospital look busy:

 

May 6, 2020 The Washington Post

Opinion: CBS News edits testing story after Project Veritas exposes clinic’s line-stuffing ploy

“…Project Veritas revealed that the clinic packed a line of patients waiting for tests. The story aired last Friday on the franchise program “CBS This Morning” and was reported by Adriana Diaz.”

“Large national broadcasters stand by their on-air work if at all possible. So the fact that CBS News is removing the Cherry Health portion of the Diaz story amounts to a significant concession that something went awry in Grand Rapids.”

 

Welcome Home Troops

 

Much concern these days about spreading misinformation on the web while newspeople tell us The Troops are sent to distant lands to protect American rights and freedoms:

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.”

 

Some people are OK with opting out on COVID vaccines. The government is trying their very best with lottery giveaway events, to pull people in.

June 17, 2021 KING 5 News video

Washington launches COVID-19 vaccine incentive for military members, veterans

“…Washington is launching a new COVID-19 vaccine incentive called “A Heroes Thanks” for the state’s military members and veterans.”

People who do or did time in the US Armed Forces and staff and veterans and their families are assigned the bulk identity of heroes.

Hero?

“Staff Sgt. Chazz Newbill found out about the new lottery game moments after getting his second vaccine at a clinic on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Thursday.”

He found out about the new lottery game moments after getting his second vaccine? 

News cameras were rolling to promote the “A Heroes Thanks” program, but the people being interviewed by KING 5 TV and getting their vaccine didn’t know about the “A Heroes Thanks” program?

Got it.

“I feel pretty good about it,” said Newbill.

“He said one of the reasons he was getting the vaccine to set a good example for the soldiers he supervises.”

Now, it’s a good example to participate in the lotto prize game of chance scenario crafted by Governor Inslee.

Sorry, no time for KING 5 to let us know how many military supervisors were fully vaccinated before the lotto incentives were rolled out.

“Newbill thought the chance at winning cash might convince skeptics in the military to get vaccinated.”

I feel like money can help anybody convince anything,” said Newbill, “My wife is not vaccinated, so this is a convincing point with her too.”

Way to go Newbill.

The value of the meds does not stand on its own. A carnival game will help people to make up their mind.

The press is not available to interview people who still opt out over at the military base? Thanks newspeople.

Related:

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

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning – Point No Point

Sadly, the Fresnel lens has gone dark.

Local info here.

 

As time goes on, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

 

Some people are OK with opting out on COVID vaccines. The government is trying their very best with lottery giveaway events, to pull people in.

June 17, 2021 KING 5 News video

Washington launches COVID-19 vaccine incentive for military members, veterans

“…Washington is launching a new COVID-19 vaccine incentive called “A Heroes Thanks” for the state’s military members and veterans.”

People who do or did time in the US Armed Forces and staff and veterans and their families are assigned the bulk identity of heroes.

Hero?

“Staff Sgt. Chazz Newbill found out about the new lottery game moments after getting his second vaccine at a clinic on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Thursday.”

He found out about the new lottery game moments after getting his second vaccine? 

News cameras were rolling to promote the “A Heroes Thanks” program, but the people being interviewed by KING 5 TV and getting their vaccine didn’t know about the “A Heroes Thanks” program?

Got it.

“I feel pretty good about it,” said Newbill.

“He said one of the reasons he was getting the vaccine to set a good example for the soldiers he supervises.”

Now, it’s a good example to participate in the lotto prize game of chance scenario crafted by Governor Inslee.

Sorry, no time for KING 5 to let us know how many military supervisors were fully vaccinated before the lotto incentives were rolled out.

“Newbill thought the chance at winning cash might convince skeptics in the military to get vaccinated.”

I feel like money can help anybody convince anything,” said Newbill, “My wife is not vaccinated, so this is a convincing point with her too.”

Way to go Newbill.

The value of the meds does not stand on its own. A carnival game will help people to make up their mind.

The press is not available to interview people who still opt out over at the military base? Thanks newspeople.

Love to see TV news reporters interview people who might give an alternative viewpoint.

 

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

Much has changed.

Over the past 50 years or so, 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.

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

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

Since WWII, information is now 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.

Sources/links here:

JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy

 

Some things the government is not very good at:

Reaching COVID vaccine goals without lotto prize giveaways.

 

Using a $49.8 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

 

Getting the story straight on REAL ID.

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 now been extended out more than 20 years past 911.

 

Being able to stay out of or win undeclared wars in distant lands.

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

 

Fixing Daylight Saving Time

Almost two years after state lawmakers passed a bill to keep the state in Daylight Saving Time permanently, the wheels are turning yet again to ensure that measure finally gets enacted.”

 

Getting away from treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.

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

American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.

Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

Lifting federal prohibition of marijuana.

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?

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area.

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

 

The Troops are often sent to distant lands to fight people who:

“…had never attacked the United States or even threatened to do so.”

May 27, 2021 Jacob G. Hornberger

The Lies of the National-Security State

 

Some things the government is very good at:

We are the very best at militarized pageantry for pro sports events.

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

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

US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government

 

Promoting the idea that The Troops are fighting in distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

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

 

Getting TV newspeople to promote their programs.

Much concern these days about spreading misinformation on the web while newspeople tell us The Troops are sent to distant lands to protect American rights and freedoms:

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.”

 

Local press:

Hometown pride running high. High enough to stop asking questions?

“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?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From

Veterans Day Nonsense

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

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

Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

A Free And Honest Society?

 

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?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

The Pacific Coast at Indian Beach, OR

 

Tour of the town and a very positive interaction with Angie from City Hall.

Related:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place – Positive Interaction

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

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

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

 

I live near a military base that I visit frequently. Over the past year, a wide range of changing COVID restrictions have been in place.

You can find different requirements at different buildings and facilities all on the same base, in the same day.

Military exchange

Over the past 12 months, every possible combination of closing one or most entrances to the building and channelling shoppers into and out of one door. Next visit, a different combination of entrance/exits closed is in place. Ask anyone who works or shops there, they would be able to verify. Never have understood how COVID risk is minimized by changing up the building entrances and exits. Masks are always required.

Military commissary

Overt the past 12 months: count shopping carts so that a limited number of shoppers can be in the facility. Check ID cards before entry. Later, no more checking cards or counting shoppers. Masks are always required.

Other base facilities have required a temperature check before entry. Some have required a face covering. Some have required a cloth face covering.

Walmart

Whoever designed the building did so by code/permit. Size of building dictates number of exits/entrances and how large the space is where people are able to move shopping carts, enter with their family, etc.

COVID brings on restricted store entrances and exits. To enter the store, the normal access is restricted and made more narrow, forcing people to bunch up in order to get into the store. What is the medical advantage of this?

Related:

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

 

The Science

If COVID-19 in WA was a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work, why were  marijuana and booze sales designated as essential?

 

REAL ID

If terrorists are trying to kill us, and REAL ID matters, have travelers out at the airport been less safe during the almost 20 years 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

 

REAL ID & Drug Cartels

If terrorists are trying to kill us, and REAL ID matters, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?

Love to see newspeople interview the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:

Are passports/enhanced/REAL IDs effective in keeping cartel drugs out of the US?

Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.

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.

 

Alternative media continues to ask questions.

30:35

Joe Biden is wearing a mask on a zoom call-when he has been vaccinated:

Related:

Fake War on Terror

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

COVID – Life and Death for Some – Restrictions for All

JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

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

 

Positive interaction:

More here:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

Photo

Plenty of lonely beach out there-

North of Perego’s Lagoon, looking towards Fort Ebey.

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

I’d be in the habit of asking questions. I’d be writing headlines in a more direct way.

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?

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

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

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Earth Day Progress Report

 

April 16, 2021 KING 5 News

Go explore Washington’s national parks for free on Saturday

My headline:

Free access to federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan.

 

April 16, 2021 KOMO News

147 mass shootings reported this year, experts weigh in on what to do in a shooting

Washington State

If enhanced background checks reduce gun crimes, why does the Puget Sound area press avoid reporting or providing updates on enhanced background checks, years after they have been put in place?

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?

An issue we have been looking into for some time now:

Enhanced Background Checks Update

 

Federal employees create the news-

State-Run Media Update:

April 15, 2021 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Border Patrol Agents seize methamphetamine near Port Angeles

WTF?

The real story:

Locals stumble across large quantities of meth and cocaine. Locals call in report to local (not federal) law enforcement officials:

Passers-by found methamphetamine and cocaine in bags on the beach near Port Angeles on two different days, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said.”

“Days before one resident reported finding several duffel bags filled with what they said were drugs near a beach in Port Angeles, another resident alerted police about a bag packed with a similar substance near the same beach, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said in a release.”

“On April 7, a caller told the sheriff’s office about a bag containing “white crystal substances he believed [were] probably drugs’‘ on a beach west of Port Angeles.”

These guys are the very last to find out what is going on:

The case is under investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, US Border Patrol Air and Marine Unit, the Royal Canadian Mountain Police and OPNET. These agencies are asking for any information from the public that may assist in the investigation.”

If I was part of the press, I would ask:

How did large quantities of meth and cocaine get past a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security and 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats?

CBP land and air based staff were unable to detect and prevent deliveries of meth and cocaine found on local beaches?

I would contact Port Angeles Border Patrol to request an interview and ask them to explain themselves.

If USBP was not available to answer questions, that would become the story.

Blog and news links here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering local communities?

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

Possibly of interest-

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger-a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

 

Related:

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

No hurry to change – Anacortes

 

We are big fans of alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish. Mark Dice gives us something to think about.

1:41

Why are there separate sports teams for men and women if the Mr. Potato Head is such a bad idea?

If The Mr. Potato Head Is Such A Bad Idea:

Why federal support for Women-Owned Businesses?

Why Selective Service registration for men only?

Why women’s colleges?

Why scholarships that are awarded only to women.

Why separate ceremonies to honor women officers in the US Armed Forces?

Gender-neutral protocols update:

 

Related:

Discrimination is common – Government is OK with much of it

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

No Mr. or Mrs. vegetables

Port Townsend Farmers Market

 

Biden hasn’t held a news conference or been imitated on ‘SNL’ in his presidency. Why not?

Source: Mar 8, 2021 USA Today

 

SNL has a fun tradition of portraying elected officials of both major parties.

It’s been going on for decades.

I’m for letting individuals decide on whatever content they are interested in.

 

Both Whidbey 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.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

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.

Throw in social media restrictions and it’s time to ask if we live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

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

 

The First Lady will visit Puget Sound area military installations.

Will the First Lady bring any news of plans to phase out undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

Will the press make any attempt to ask similar questions?

Thank You First Lady Dr. Jill Biden

Did the press ask questions of General Milley?

General Milley – No Questions From The Press

 

Alternative Media

A big election season has ended. A major cultural shift in politics has taken hold.

As the weeks go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

 

The more the mainstream press fails to try, the more people will be seeking out alternative content.

 

Lew Rockwell Mar 3, 2021

“Another example is gasoline – which has been largely forced off the market in favor of adulterated gasoline. What most Americans are forced to pump into their tanks is actually 10 percent ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and only 90 percent gasoline.”

Do the best ideas take hold through voluntary action and an honest demand for services?

Why is the force of government required to spread ideas if those ideas make the best sense?

An old favorite:

0:51

“Well, if it made a lot of sense, we wouldn’t need to subsidize it or mandate its consumption.”

 

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions. Instead of waiting on the mainstream press, people go out & ask their own questions:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

Related:

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

Keeping People Off Twitter?

Mainstream vs. Alternative Media

Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media

Questionable Info To Be Suppressed?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo info here.

 

Federal, civilian workers must take an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution:

Oct 24, 2019 Federal News Network

The oath of office and what it means

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?

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.

2:30

In 8 conflict areas.

Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:

1:14

Both major parties are good with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

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

Think of a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

Mainstream vs. Alternative Media

 

Related:

Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

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

Proud Tradition – The People of WA Need Services In The Middle East

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

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

School teachers taught us about:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

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?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Image source:

truther1333

 

 

 

 

A big election season has ended. A major cultural shift in politics has taken hold.

As the weeks go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Mainstream – Wars for Freedom

The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.

Local press:

“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.”

Altenative

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

 

Mainstream

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

Alternative

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?

 

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?

 

Special Category

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

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?

 

Mainstream

Feb 22, 2021 Military.com

Navy Will Make All Sailors Reaffirm Oath to the Constitution in Extremism Stand-Down

Alternative

Newspeople avoid asking questions, so we’ll ask a few here.

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?

 

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?

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

 

Mainstream – The Health of Local Waters

Jan 22, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Town mayor updates residents with annual address

This coming year is all about stormwater,” Hughes said.

“A big rainstorm in February 2020 sent “hundreds of gallons” of water rushing through the sewer plant.”

“The mayor shared that the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance.”

We always want to do as much as we can to protect the Cove,” Hughes said.

Alternative

If the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance, why do some local beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“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

 

Mainstream

Feb 16, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Small fish, big barriers: A county confronts climate change

“…workers are putting the finishing touches on Oak Harbor’s most expensive investment ever, a $150 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. Mayor Robert Severns takes pride in the purity of the water that the plant releases into Puget Sound.”

“Our citizens are paying higher rates as a result of that. It saves shellfish and salmon,” he said.

November 6, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off | Negotiations with Navy over connecting to sewer have ceased

“This facility is built to last the next 50 years while putting high-quality water back into the Puget Sound.”

“The high cost of this facility comes from the Washington State Department of Ecology and its requirement regarding the removal of nutrients to stringent levels in order to protect endangered marine life in our Puget Sound.”

Alternative

If the purity of the water the plant releases into Puget Sound saves shellfish and salmon, why are local beaches closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?

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

More here: Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press

 

That list of things the government is not too good at:

Staying out of, winning, or shutting down undeclared wars in distant lands.

If The Troops were an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:

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

Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq

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

The mainstream press will tell us this is somehow linked to defending American rights and freedoms?

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.”

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.

 

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

Mainstream

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

Alternative

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

 

Mainstream Media And The Drug War

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?

What We Have Now

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

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.

Feb 22, 2021 KRGV

Wife of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ arrested on US drug charges

Alternative

Has arresting top celebrities in the drug war ever resulted in any shortage of cartel product, anywhere in the US?

Newspeople remain silent.

Federal Agents Swing Into Action – Zero Questions From Newspeople

 

Special Category

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Away from any border crossing or port of entry:

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

 

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product in Hometown, USA?

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.

 

Mainstream

Snohomish 2015

Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.

Seattle media: Heroin busts could finance police construction in Snohomish

Possibly of interest:

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

Proud Tradition – The People of WA Need Services In The Middle East

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

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

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:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Libbey Beach

 

I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.

We are fans of alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

Feb 13, 2021 LewRockwell.com

The Great Vaccine Scam By Vasko Kohlmayer

Rather than being told the truth, we were commanded to hunker down in lengthy lockdowns and ordered to wait until the vaccine was found.”

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

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

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?

 

The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:

Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned

 

Best case scenario-elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.

 

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

3:20

“An error doesnt become a mistake, until you refuse to correct it.”

Related:

Conspiracy Theory?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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

Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media

 

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

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Video – Double masks.

Which ones are better?

Have the mainstream press/TV newspeople done any similar demonstration?

 

Related:

Security Theater

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules

 

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

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

February 2, 2021 Lew Rockwell

America’s Trust in the Mainstream Media Hits an ALL-TIME LOW and “Journalists” Are Shocked

By Robert Wheeler

“But, there is some good news.”

“For the first time, most Americans do not trust the mainstream media”

 

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy, and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales while lining up for federal bailout cash.

 

What I see in local papers:

Shaming and scolding alternative and social media while backing off from asking questions and reporting the news.

September 28, 2016 Whidbey News-Times

Social media a digital version of ‘telephone’ | In Our Opinion

Inaccurate or misleading information is still rampant in the community. Misinformation morphs until the original information becomes unrecognizable.

A journalist’s responsibility is to report facts, not rumors, not hearsay. We rely on official sources and verify information before it’s printed.”

“When there is an escalated news situation such as this weekend, readers must ask themselves, do they want minute-by-minute updates, likely rife with misinformation and unverified facts, or do they want clear, concise and accurate information? We hope it’s still the latter.”

Recommendation for local papers:

Try harder to report the news.

Be in the habit of asking questions.

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

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

Both Whidbey 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.

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

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

 

Do they want minute-by-minute updates?

A journalist’s responsibility is to report facts, not rumors, not hearsay. We rely on official sources and verify information before it’s printed.”

Here are some examples of local stories unrelated to minute-by-minute updates.

Plenty of time here for the local paper to dig in & ask questions:

Image above: 1/23/2021

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

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

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

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

Underreported news stories are curious.

Maybe the press should be better about asking questions if they are going to line up for federal bailout cash.

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?

More here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

 

2014-

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything. If anyone has info, please post in comments.

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

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here:

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Reporting the facts?

2016

“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?

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.

Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

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.

 

Related:

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

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

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

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

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as local authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Security Theater

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

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

 

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

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

 

Love to see the mainstream press establish a better reputation for asking questions.

 

I follow several newspapers on Twitter. Yesterday, a couple of them helped us out with this:

Nov 20, 2020 The News Tribune

Not real news roundup: Debunking theories on dead people voting, mob boss ballot fraud

These stories were all shared widely on social media this week. That doesn’t make them true. Here are the facts.”

Across the nation, several newspapers have gone with this theme. View them here.

 

I would love to be able to go to the mainstream press and see newspeople asking questions and doing more in the way of investigative stories.

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

Elimination of reader comments (this is the trend in the Puget Sound area) also works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

 

Newspeople have stopped asking questions.

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

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

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

Reporting The News by Press Release

Senator Cantwell claims that local press is a policeman on the beat against misinformation

WA COVID – Press Release Style of News Reporting

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

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

 

Newspeople are cheerleaders for telling everybody to get out and vote

People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

 

The Press Is Weak

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Image above: 11/21/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

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?

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

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

 

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“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

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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 press release style of news reporting means that statements are prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, news conference, etc. Newspeople post these statements without asking any questions.

Cartels Respond to General Milley’s Big DOD Crackdown

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

 

5:50

The web can be used to spread truth.

Misinformation has been around since before the internet.

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

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

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

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

 

Senator Cantwell claims that local press is a policeman on the beat against misinformation

Local Trails:

Two Bluff Trails

 

October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times

Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets

“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

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

Image above: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

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 – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“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

 

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

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

 

Newspeople need to step up their game.

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

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

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

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

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

WA Voting – Did the science say marijuana jobs were essential?

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times

Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets

“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”

 

Misinformation or just avoiding reports on various topics?

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

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

Image above: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

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 – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“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

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Newspeople need to step up their game.

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

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

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

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

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

WA Voting – Did the science say marijuana jobs were essential?

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

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

“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”

“The name change will help eliminate confusion visitors may find when they research ways to travel to Whidbey Island.”

Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

 

October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times

Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets

“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”

 

October 28, 2020 Seattle P-I

Senator Cantwell calls out big tech companies for hurting local news organizations

The report predicts that local newspaper revenue will be down 70% by the end of the year compared to what it was 20 years ago.”

“Broadcasting is facing similar losses, with advertising revenues down more than 40% in the past two decades.”

 

The Press Is Weak

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Sept. 28, 2020 FOX 7 Austin

Friends, family say goodbye to Texas National Guard soldier deploying overseas

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.

Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of troops?

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

 

The press is also good for telling everybody to get out and vote.

People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.

 

Both Whidbey 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.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

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.

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

 

Independent/alternative media

We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

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

Alternative media is also good about keeping an active comment section up & running. There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

 

Mainstream Press

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

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

Comments are turned off.

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

More here:

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

 

0:40

We’re going to have one company to make all the bombs, TV shows and deliver the news:

Years ago, reader comments were also a feature of TV news web pages. That seems to be all gone now.

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

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

Image above: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

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 – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“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

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

WA voters approved enhanced background checks for firearms back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Newspeople, please update us on this.

Oct. 26, 2020 The Seattle Times

Homicides, assaults with firearms spike in King County, reflecting national trend, prosecutors say

 

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?

Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

 

Has General Milley’s big DOD/cartel crackdown played any role in keeping fentanyl, meth or heroin from entering the Puget Sound area?

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Newspeople remain silent.

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

Miss America & The DEA vs. Drug Cartels

Cartels Respond to General Milley’s Big DOD Crackdown

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

CBP Social Media Posts

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

Social Media Feelings Are Weak/Group Identities Are Favored As Long As What You Are Thinking Is Agreeable

No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters, etc.

Still not good enough:

October 29, 2020 DAVID CRARY AP National Writer

Girl Scouts tweet, then delete post about Amy Coney Barrett

American popular and political culture insists on dividing people up into groups-then assigning a separate value to each group.

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

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

Here is a small independent media team out asking questions.

At 10:03 we see that a mesh stunt mask is OK for entry into the facility.

A chance to respond with honesty is met with:

I’m not going to argue with you.

Alternative media is also good about keeping an active comment section up & running. There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

It looks like both Whidbey 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 from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

You can always read letters to the editor.

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

 

If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

In sports culture, reporters are free to ask hard questions and write stories about teams, players, managers and coaches.

After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.

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?

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

 

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

More here:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

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

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

Information Suppression Update

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Working waterfront – Anacortes

 

Altenative media:

Good Discussion – More of this:

Related:

Election Season – A Free and Honest Society?

Huge Emphasis On Race/What Color People Are

Racial Hatred

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

Resignation of Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best

Too Many Extremes – More Honesty – No LE Resignations?

Washington State Patrol – Complete Failure

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Any 3rd or 4th Party Candidates Invited to the Made For TV Presidential Debate Stage?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

On watch over Fort Ebey

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

DSCN8499Here is what I told them in the exit comments:

Long time YouTube user- was once easy & simple to work with.

Frequent prompts to add more info to profile/change name.

Trying to edit YouTube profile image & header image- Way Too Hard.

Keep it simple- like Twitter & I’d be OK.

Constant/confusing prompts to create/enhance Google plus acct.

What others are saying:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Local beach glass