Banning Reusable and Plastic Bags Update

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Leave it cleaner than you found it

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

March 23, 2020 //

A man on the moon in 1969. Church, Boy Scouts, patriotism, pledge of allegiance, the WWII generation in charge. Signing up for the Marines.

Families with married parents and maybe a stay at home Mom. It was common for your friends to have 3 or 4 brothers and sisters.

It started out with a positive sense of American culture.

Much has changed.

Over the past 40 years or so, both major parties have taken turns in power. A wide variety of political personalities have occupied the White House.

What’s new?

People haunted by healthcare concerns.

It’s been this way for years now. It was this way prior to the current news Re: COVID-19.

People haunted by student loan debt.

Homelessness and drug addiction to the extent that people are living in tents on city sidewalks.

Children might go hungry when school is out?

March 13, 2020 CNN

The coronavirus pandemic is closing schools. How will kids eat?

“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?”

More discussion and news coverage please.

Questioning claims about freedoms:

Two major political parties that continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

School teachers and newspeople who are OK with promoting this urban legend.

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?

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?

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

WA Secretary of State:

“Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

“Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

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

Any newspeople available to ask:

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-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?

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.

After the Cold War:

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

Look what they did with it.

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

A Dept. of Defense with a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

More here:

DEA Announces Launch of Methamphetamine Initiative

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

“Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country.”

Welcome Home Troops

Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan-working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Newspeople who have stopped asking questions.

Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release

Newspeople who show no curiosity.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Monroe Landing:

The sewage drain pipe sign is still posted.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park:

I found that the sign is still posted.

Much in the way of voting over the decades since that man landed on the moon.

TV newspeople tell us that we are in a key election season again. Lots of coverage. Another panel of experts, another debate. More voting.

Stay tuned for more of the same.

Being positive is a good thing. Emotions can be based on experience.

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

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

Photo-

Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego

Jun-Sep 1979

Categories Armistice Day, Drug War, Glorifying military service, Homeland Security is a scam, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed, Politics is something I no longer take seriously, Questioning Failed Programs, School teachers not asking questions, US Department of Credibility, Veterans Day Propaganda

A little more time to pay up.

March 17, 2020 //

In the news:

Mar 17, 2020 CNBC

Treasury and IRS to delay tax season deadline by 90 days

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

More here:

Senior al-Shabaab Leader Killed by US Strike in Somalia, Pentagon Says

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

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

Photo – Hill Road

Categories Armistice Day

War on Terror/Drugs – Taking Out Top Leaders

March 10, 2020 //

Life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns.

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

War on Terror

9 Mar 2020 Medill News Service

Oct 28, 2019 Defense One

Killing Terrorist Leaders Gets Attention, But It Doesn’t Stop Terrorism

“The kingpin strategy provides instant gratification…”

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War

“Iraqi Most Wanted” Deck of Playing Cards

Date: 2003

Because freedom comes from decades of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

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.

The people of Minnesota need services in the Horn of Africa for Operation Enduring Freedom:

March 5, 2020 Echo Press

Alexandria-based Army National Guard unit to be deployed this fall

“The largest deployment will come this summer and involves about 700 soldiers from the Mankato-based 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry, who are expected to deploy to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.”

Operation Enduring Freedom sure is spread out:

“After 13 years, on December 28, 2014, President Barack Obama announced the end of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.”

Vietnam body count

March 2, 2011 The New Republic

Vietnamization

“The relentless charting of dead bodies meant a relentless drive to generate dead bodies…”

Both major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

War on Drugs

Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?

Newspeople remain silent.

March 9, 2020 Texas Standard

Here’s What Life Is Like For National Guard Troops On The Border

“Guardsmen operate surveillance cameras along the border, reporting what they see to Border Patrol agents.”

Have these efforts resulted in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?

Newspeople remain silent.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

DEA Announces Launch of Methamphetamine Initiative

More here:

Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release

Feb 25, 2020 WCBD

Fentanyl-laced meth from Mexico poses new deadly threat, DEA says

“On a typical day, more than 70,000 commercial trucks and a quarter of a million private vehicles make their way across the U.S.-Mexico border.”

“That represents $7.3 billion in legitimate trade. But with only a fraction of those vehicles subjected to exhaustive inspection, it also opens a path for the Mexican drug cartels to flood American streets with methamphetamines.”

“Commercial cargo — trucks and other conveyances — coming to the port of entry is the perfect opportunity for the drug cartels to conceal and bring meth into the United States,” said Kyle W.

More here:

Border Wall Update

Waiting for the DEA to stop smuggling update:

March 5th 2020 KTVO

As meth deaths rise, Heartland awaits nationwide DEA effort to stop smuggling

Any newspeople available to ask why cartels continue to move product through US ports of entry in uninspected tractor trailers and personal vehicles?

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

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

Photo-

About this time of year – Skagit Valley

Categories Armistice Day, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Veterans Day Propaganda

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

March 4, 2020 //

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

Both major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

May 26, 2019

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

If wars are fought for democracy-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?

March 3, 2020

Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.

Congressman Kilmer,

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.”

Congressman Kilmer,

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

Feb 28, 2020 WPSD Local 6

Second lady Karen Pence visits Fort Campbell

“It is our priority to come alongside you and your children so that our military service members can stay focused on their mission and remain ready to fight and protect our freedom.”

Feb 17, 2020

Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area

“This Presidents Day, let us never forget the extraordinary men and women serving our Country. As we remember our founders that formed our great Nation, we also remember our Service Members fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.”

Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

More here:

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Bill would disrupt West Virginia’s National Guard

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-

Whidbey agriculture – no hurry to change

A view from the Bluff Trail

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Veterans Day Propaganda

W.Va. National Guard – Zero Questions from Newspeople

March 3, 2020 //

My critique here is directed at the made for TV newspeole who occaisionaly stage tearful reunions featuring military personnel returning from far away lands.

I have solid respect for the people who serve in the National Guard.

Unlike active duty folks, these guys need to have a regular job and a place to live back home when not helping DOD squander credibility in distant lands.

Some people are working hard to keep the National Guard out of undeclared wars in distant lands:

Idaho

Feb 26, 2020 Post Register

Defend the guard

“As lieutenant governor, I support efforts by Rep. Tammy Nichols — backed by former Idaho National Guard Sgt. Dan McKnight and BringOurTroopsHome.US — to enact “Defend the Guard”legislation requiring that Idaho’s Guard personnel shall not be activated for combat duty overseas unless Congress has first declared war.”

West Virginia

Jobs program:

February 10, 2020 West Virginia MetroNews Network

“Second, and perhaps more important, the state and the National Guard benefit significantly from the Guard’s federal roles in federal allocations and civilian jobs here. If West Virginia were able to withdraw from its federal role (except in the case of a declared war), it would lose millions of federal dollars, civilian jobs and critical military training and support.”

Feb 29, 2020 WOWK News video:

West Virginia National Guard Sgt. holds baby girl for first time after deployment

Nowhere in the text of this report is there any hint of where this West Virginia National Guard unit went for nine months, or why they were there.

The news video intro is all smiles and refers to the entire unit as heroes. Nowhere in the video do newspeople reveal the location to which the unit was deployed.

At 2:35, the little girl in the video lets us know that the unit was in Afghanistan.

If calling the West Virginia National Guard away to distant lands is vital to the people of West Virginia, it seems like newspeople would want to make some effort to inform the public on the importance of this mission.

Hero

Military culture is very careful about who is called a hero. The Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Silver Star are awarded to heroes.

In mainstream culture, you don’t have to look too far to find comments that refer to the troops as “heroes.”

Some are.

No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.

Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.

Reaching for an honest understanding of US foreign policy makes more sense than “Thanks for your service.”

Love to see newspeople show up and ask why the people of West Virginia needed services in Afghanistan, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

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

Various states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands. Each one claims that military operations overseas are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms:

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?

“When push comes to shove, the only way in which NAS Whidbey can restore the balance and become a good neighbor is by folding up their tent and leaving us be.”

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:

A symbol of TV newspeople playing a show business role, instead of asking questions.

Categories Armistice Day, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area

March 2, 2020 //

In parts of the Puget Sound area, there are ongoing concerns related to maintaing a local military presence for training purposes.

Some may feel like more is better.

Some may feel that the Navy should make plans to leave the area:

My take:

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

Not complaining, not trying to get the Navy to leave. Not trying to shut down training.

I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I know it is a larger concern based on where people are situated on Whidbey or elsewhere in the region; Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, B.C., Port Townsend, etc.

I am not anti-government, anti-military or anti-law enforcement.

The US Armed Forces should be promoted in honest ways.

One of the messages we see goes something like this:

NAS Whidbey has been here since WWII. Navy crews will not be able to operate safely without training operations conducted on Whidbey Island.

Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.

Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.

The US has vast holdings in the form of bombing ranges, missile test ranges, federal lands appropriate for nuclear weapons testing, etc. War games and military training might be conducted in these areas without bothering anyone.

June 21, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Anti-jet noise activists’ narrative not rooted in reality

“Navy personnel and their young families are among our most committed and vibrant community members. In addition to ensuring a superlative national defense, they perform countless hours of community service and involvement.”

A superlative national defense?

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

July 30, 2019 The Seattle Times

Navy on Whidbey Island is a matter of ‘national security’

Have NAS Whidbey jets operated in any war won by the US?

March 1, 2020 Peninsula Daily News

Navy eyeing SEALs training at state parks

From comments:

“Small price to pay for your freedom you seem to take for granted…”

Local press and hometown pride:

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 – Letter to the Editor:

“Enjoy the sound of freedom, and if that happens to sound like war to you, I suggest you travel to a real war-zone and see how it’s different because I assure you, you aren’t qualified to describe what a war zone is.

The electronic attack community, the Growlers, and men and women of the U.S. Navy make sure of it every day.”

Every day except on 911.

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

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

Again, the US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

More here:

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?

US Navy on Whidbey Island

“There are certainly some odd responses here. The more efficient our defense capabilities are, the greater the deterrent value and savings to the taxpayer.”

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

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please

B-52 Bomber – Promoted Tweets

March 1, 2020 //

Recently, I have been seeing a few Promoted Tweets relating to the B-52 Bomber:

“There is only one right choice to power the B-52…”

A mixed bag of comments may follow these posts:

“Tell me, in what conflict in the last 59 years has your technology been used to actually protect citizens of our country? Because from where I sit it looks like you’re nothing but merchants of death whose profits depend on how much innocent blood is spilled in foreign lands.”

Reply: “That you’re ignorant of history and sit in your Mom’s basement doesn’t change the fact that the B-52 has been used throughout its lifespan to defend US citizens.”

I make no attempt to mute these tweets. I see them as an opportunity to think about the message.

“The B-52 has been in active service with the USAF since 1955.”

In the news:

Feb 15, 2020 The War Zone

B-52 Bomber Spotted Flying Low Just Off Somali Coast (Updated)

Feb 17, 2020 defenceWeb

US Air Forces flies B-52 over Somalia on East African mission

Has the B-52 been able to strike targets in any war won by the US?

Past DOD Spending

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

Past DOD Results

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

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

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Second lady Karen Pence visits Fort Campbell

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-

Looking towards the Bluff Trail from Hill Road

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”

February 29, 2020 //

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

Feb 28, 2020 WPSD Local 6

“It is our priority to come alongside you and your children so that our military service members can stay focused on their mission and remain ready to fight and protect our freedom.”

Not just the Second Lady of the United States

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

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

If undeclared/unwon wars continue over the next 50 years, will Americans still believe these wars are for freedom?

Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

More here:

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Esper pitches $705B budget to go toe-to-toe with China, Russia amid possible clash with Congress over border wall

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-

Looking down towards Hill Road from the Bluff Trail

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please

DOD Progress Report

February 28, 2020 //

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

February 26, 2020 Stars and Stripes

“The Pentagon is asking Congress to approve a $705.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2021, which begins Oct. 1.”

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

Esper Presses Congress to Bulk Up Next Military Budget

“…more funding for the military to confront China and Russia…”

Past Spending

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

Past Results

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

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

A country that probably brags about freedom more than anywhere else on the globe.

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

Paid spokesperson update-

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

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

Hard to put a dollar value on your freedoms: Defense Dept. Lies About Freedom

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

“…methamphetamine was being hidden in new cars built in Mexico that were then transported by rail to Canada.”

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

Categories Armistice Day, Veterans Day Propaganda

Emotion and Misunderstanding

February 25, 2020 //

Random thoughts on American culture and politics.

Our questions appear in bold type.

People are divided, and sometimes it looks like this can be based on emotion and misunderstanding.

Greyhound bus changes policy

The bus company now says “…that it does not consent to unwarranted searches on its buses…”

Emotion and misunderstanding gets in the way of understanding that these suspicionless bus boardings were taking place away from border crossings and ports of entry. If the bus takes you from the US to Canada, you will still stop at the border coming and going to be cleared to enter the other country.

“Spokane is 97 miles — as the crow flies — from an international border. That puts it within the 100-mile interior enforcement zone where Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol’s parent agency, claims heightened powers over residents and travelers alike.”

From comments:

“Arrest drivers. Seize their drivers. Fine the company.
@GreyhoundBus needs to obey law enforcement.”

Same country that will make a big deal of celebrating freedom and independence on July 4th.

In 2008, the US Border Patrol came to Jefferson County, WA and set up suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry.

At a local Border Patrol forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

Should Joe Sixpack and the family be stopped and questioned when they drive through Spokane?

Has a more aggressive CBP approach led to any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?

No CBP inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

“Police say they found 180 kilograms of meth during the investigation.”

REAL ID

Get ready to enjoy your $6.4 trillion worth of War on Terror freedom over at the airport with your REAL ID card:

REAL ID deadline is approaching.

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 for domestic air travel does not kick in until October 1, 2020.

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

Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?

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

Border Wall

February 20, 2020 KTVZ

DEA launches major meth crackdown as record amounts flood Northwest

What will change after spending big cash on a wall?

Will a US border wall keep cartels from moving product into New Zealand?

Feb 23, 2020 Newshub

Mexican drug cartels Sinaloa and CJNG could try to corrupt NZ Customs and police – report

“The New Zealand Drug Intelligence Bureau has warned two of the world’s biggest drug cartels could be trying to infiltrate our police and Customs services to corrupt their staff.”

“Now there is confirmation that the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Mexican crime groups are supplying drugs to New Zealand, and police say they even have members working in Aotearoa as go-betweens with local gangs.”

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Emotion and misunderstanding often gets in the way when people approach the camera and say “You do not have permission to film me.” People standing on a public sidewalk will also be told that they may not film whatever they can see.

Told to stop filming at 3:13

6:50 recording without my consent is against the law:

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.

More here: Operating A Camera In A Public Place

A country that probably brags about freedom more than anywhere else on the globe.

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

Paid spokesperson update-

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

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

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

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

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

More here:

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

Here’s the List of Military Clinics That Will No Longer Serve Retirees, Families

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-

A view of Point Wilson to the north.

Categories Armistice Day, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Veterans Day Propaganda

The Cold War Had Ended

February 20, 2020 //

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

Look what they did with it.

Feb 19, 2020 Military.com

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

I’ve never been one 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.

More here: Unsustainable Military Spending

Recommendation:

Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.

Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.

Recommendation for budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

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

Big Spending

Need more cash for undeclared/unwon wars that never end:

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

Esper Presses Congress to Bulk Up Next Military Budget

“…more funding for the military to confront China and Russia…”

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

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

Defense Dept. Lies About Freedom

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

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-

Whidbey agriculture – no hurry to change

Ebey’s Landing

Categories Armistice Day, Newspeople not asking questions

Defense Dept. Lies About Freedom

February 19, 2020 //

Ongoing militarization of American culture/glorification of military service update:

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

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

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

More here:

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

Pentagon proposes slashing funding to independent Stars and Stripes newspaper

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-

A symbol of federal government credibility and newspeople not asking questions.

Categories Armistice Day, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Veterans Day Propaganda

Enjoyed Stars and Stripes on Okinawa in the 80s and 90s

February 15, 2020 //

In the pre-internet/smartphone days on Okinawa, staying in touch with people back home meant buying stamps and writing letters. Stars and Stripes was a way to keep up on the news. I enjoyed it.

Feb 11, 2020 The Hill

“The Defense Department on Monday unveiled a $705.4 billion budget request that includes a proposal to slash funding for Stars and Stripes, the editorially independent newspaper that covers military matters around the world.”

“Stars and Stripes’ mission is not to communicate the [Department of Defense] or command message, but to be an independent, First Amendment publication that serves the troops — especially deployed troops,” Gates tweeted, taking special exception to McCusker’s view that the Pentagon has other ways to “communicate.”

Barbar Starr, CNN’s Pentagon correspondent, noted on Twitter that the Stars and Stripes print edition can be a valuable resource for service members based in areas where they “cannot use their phones because of concerns their locations will be tracked.”

Feb 12, 2020 Military.com

DoD Budget Proposal Cuts All Funding to Stars And Stripes; Lawmakers Back Newspaper

“The news organization’s value to American troops’ has been proven, said Ernie Gates, Stars and Stripes’ ombudsman. He said the newspaper not only provides service members “a little piece of home” or a “welcome diversion” from tough missions, but it also provides independent, free-flowing information that they need to exercise their rights as Americans.”

“Stars and Stripes’ First Amendment mission within the Defense Department is an important expression of U.S. democratic values – a demonstration that our military can handle scrutiny from a free press,” Gates said. “It’s something to be proud of. Other countries’ military may have comparable, internal free press operations, but I don’t know of any.”

“SPJ called on Defense Secretary Mark Esper to rethink the funding cut to Stars and Stripes, which it said would be “a huge disservice to the men and women who serve our country” who rely on the physical newspaper in areas where they cannot access the internet.”

“Stars & Stripes was a link to home when I was in Iraq and Okinawa,” wrote Gallego, a Marine veteran. “It’s an A+ indie take on everyday DoD news, f*** ups, and Administration & General Officer BS. No wonder this President wants to cut it. He’s got a fight on his hands.”

Feb 14, 2020 Military.com

Esper Defends Move to Defund Stars and Stripes, Says News Org. Not a Priority

Stars and Stripes

Nov 14 2019 Stars and Stripes | By Corey Dickstein

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

“WASHINGTON — American taxpayers have spent $6.4 trillion in nearly two decades of post-9/11 wars, which have killed some 800,000 people worldwide, the Cost of Wars Project announced Wednesday.”

Big Spending

Need more cash for undeclared/unwon wars that never end:

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

Esper Presses Congress to Bulk Up Next Military Budget

“…more funding for the military to confront China and Russia…”

Recommendation for budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

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

More here:

Should You Say “Thank You for Your Service”?

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

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Categories Armistice Day

Thanks For Your Service

February 12, 2020 //

The thanks for your service slogan is now being used in banking and retail settings. People are trained to repeat this phrase on the job.

Filling out some sort of application online may generate the phrase.

Nov 09, 2017 Psychology Today

“Acknowledge Veterans for their service by saying a simple: “Thank you for your service.” Whether that’s on Facebook, a text message, a phone call, a letter, or an in-person greeting, a basic acknowledgment can go a long way.”

My take:

I respond in an outwardly pleasant way when I am presented with this phrase.

I would much rather that people reach for an honest understanding of US foreign policy, and skip the phrase. To me, the phrase is a reminder, that as a culture, we do not question undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

When do we get to vote on all this? The Psychology Today article avoids these questions and doesn’t show any hint of an Armistice Day vibe.

The Armed Forces are overemphasized in American culture.

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms.

Growing up in the 60s & 70s-veterans were all around-church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.

People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad-who did time in the Navy in the 50s-but looked just like anyone else out in public.

These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains, discounts, head of the line privileges at the airport, etc.

New traditions

Both major parties take turns in the White House. When it’s their turn to stage a State of the Union address, both parties will have veterans as guests at SOTU events. When did this tradition begin? Were WWII veterans invited as special guests to SOTU events in the 60s and 70s?

In the 60s and 70s, were WWII veterans invited to be honored at pregame ceremonies out at the ball park?

These days, WWII veterans are sought out to be guests of honor at ball games, parades, etc.

Some of these events seem to go off pretty well. In some cases, rather than honoring veterans, it looks like these guys are being used for marketing and promotional events, staged to benefit something other than veterans.

0:12 the man is barely conscious when greeted by team owner Jerry Jones:

Love to see the press get out & away from the special occasions and marketing events to interview WWII veterans on what they think of undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

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

Militarized parking lots are another new tradition.

This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards shutting down failed wars that never end.

Sort of looks like dividing people up into groups. No such thing related to veterans and special parking spots when I was a kid.

Back in those days, there were 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.

Now this:

January 05, 2020 WDTV 5 News

New reserved parking spots for veterans

“The parking spaces are being called, “superhero parking” and are reserved for veterans, active duty members, and
first respondents.”

“Mall management was unable to give any comment as to why this new trend has begun.”

Well, thanks mall management. Your business and marketing efforts attract the attention of the local news media. It’s your chance to deliver a statement that would create a free advertisement for your retail location. You are caught completely off guard. You have nothing to say.

We’re back into a major election season.

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

It will take more than a thanks for your service for things to change.

Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom

What Stays The Same

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Various states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands. Each one claims that military operations overseas are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms:

How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?

More Than 3 Dozen Military Hospitals to Stop Treating Retirees, Families, Memo Shows

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- Nordland Transit Center

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please

Unsustainable Military Spending

February 9, 2020 //

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

I’ve never been one 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 used to entice people to stay for 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.

Football games are also used to honor veterans:

0:12 the man is barely conscious when greeted by team owner Jerry Jones:

Everyone seems to love it. When the made for TV event is over, veteran’s benefits may be up for grabs again.

Medical

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

“That means that some of those facilities may stop offering pharmacy support for users not on active duty. On-base pharmacies are currently the only way for all Tricare beneficiaries, including elderly Tricare for Life enrollees, to receive no-cost, same-day medications.”

“Some military retirees and their families will also see increased out-of-pocket costs, the memo notes, since care received off-base by those users require copays.”

“With a challenging array of threats around the world, we need our military medical facilities to keep combat forces healthy and prepare our medical personnel to support them.”

A number of interesting comments have been posted following the above article.

From comments:

“Over the last twenty years the DOD has been constricting Tricare Prime users to having to be closer and closer to military installations. Now that you have to be within 30 miles driving distance to a military medical treatment facility to keep on Tricare Prime, the DOD is going to cut retirees medical benefits on military installation. It is only a matter of time before the DOD forces enough Tricare Prime users out of the network for them to determine Prime not be a cost effective program to maintain.”

Traditional Commissary Benefit

Unfortunately, the commissary has gone downhill in recent years. They still hire good people, but the shelves are not consistently stocked. Some of the products that were routinely available have been completely phased out.

What has changed?

DoD wants to sharply cut commissary budget as overall defense budget increases

“For a number of years, some within the Defense Department have floated proposals to reduce the commissary budget.”

Commissary funding has been cut. The benefit has been reduced and people are less inclined to shop on base for this reason.

We can’t have poor sales numbers. We will not put the benefit back to the way it was when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We will open up eligibility and get more people to show up to shop on base.

Lowering the bar

It really is genius.

Commissary sales are down. To increase sales, people who formerly did not qualify to shop there will now become eligible:

Commissary employees to get shopping benefits

No need to volunteer to go to far away places and maybe never come back again. If you work at the facility-you now qualify for this traditional benefit.

0 percent disability

Out there in the world, somewhere, there are people who believe military benefits are too generous. Wait until they find out that their neighbor now gets a lifetime shopping on base privilege after doing 4 years in uniform and coming away with a 0 percent disability. Wait until the average person learns what it takes to qualify for a 0 percent disability.

The idea that military benefits are too generous will catch on as time goes on.

If the general public begins to believe the benefits are too generous, it will be easier to make moves to downsize benefits earned in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service and save more DOD cash later on.

Once an incentive to stay for 20, now maybe an incentive to qualify for a 0 percent disability:

Department of Defense Expanding Access to Military Commissaries, Exchanges and Recreation Facilities

Who is eligible?

“…veterans with VA- documented service-connected disability ratings of 0-90 percent…”

What is a zero-percent disability rating?

Claims agents are standing by:

“So what about zero-percent ratings? A veteran may be rated at zero percent, which means that a service-connected condition exists, but that it does not affect his or her ability to function.”

San Diego area military bases to open gates to thousands more veterans in 2020

“Starting New Year’s Day, more than 3 million veterans nationwide, including tens of thousands of local veterans, will be able to shop at exchanges and commissaries on military bases and utilize their recreation facilities.”

“Until now only active duty military, retirees, Medal of Honor recipients and veterans who were 100 percent disabled could shop on base…”

“The change is expected to boost sales at base grocery stores, shops and restaurants, which have suffered years of declines…”

More here:

New Incentive To Qualify For Zero-Percent Disability Rating

Recommendation:

Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.

Recommendation for budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

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

Big Spending

Need more cash for undeclared/unwon wars that never end:

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

Esper Presses Congress to Bulk Up Next Military Budget

“…more funding for the military to confront China and Russia…”

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

April 22, 2019 TIME

F-35 Fighters Will Cost $22 Billion More Than Expected, Pentagon Says

Oct 29, 2019 CNBC

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter program gets $34 billion Pentagon contract, its biggest yet

“The laundry list of setbacks includes faulty ejection seats, software delays and significant helmet-display issues. The program had an initial acquisition cost of $406.5 billion.”

Dec 6, 2019 Military.com

Under Pressure, Navy’s Top official Pledges to Solve New Carrier’s Problems

“The advanced $13 billion carrier has been plagued by problems including glitches with its 11 new weapons elevators, which bring ammunition to the flight deck. The failure to solve many of the issues with the 23 new technologies introduced on the carrier have led to countless delays and still threaten its maiden deployment, which is planned for 2021.”

“There is a trail of tears as to why we are where we are, but we need to fix that ship and make sure that it works, Modly said.”

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

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

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Photo-looking forward to another season

Categories Armistice Day, Bait & Switch, TRICARE

Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom

February 9, 2020 //

If we hear the Sound of Freedom can we live like free people?

Went to Port Townsend on Saturday & visited a cozy NW pub. My sister wanted to take a smoke break, and we stepped out & crossed the street to spend a few moments visiting.

Shortly after I got across the street I realized I had carried a glass about 1/4 full of beer with me when I left the pub. I finished the beer & carefully set the glass down. Moments later, a flustered bar tender came out to retrieve the glass. Before he had a chance to speak, I admitted that it was my fault & apologized for leaving his establishment with a beer.

The pub we were visiting featured decent service, food, & lots of choices for beers.

Not the fault of pub staff that I lost track of where I was and walked out with a beer in my fifty-something year old hand. Not the fault of pub staff that their liquor license could be placed at risk by this peaceable & nonviolent act. Not the fault of pub staff that state law gives them no choice to allow a smoker to light up in their establishment.

Laws involving disturbing the peace and public drunkenness make sense.

Briefly stepping away from the pub with a 1/4 glass of beer in hand and being totally off limits? Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

I’m thinking this is less of a big deal in other parts of the world. Ditto for a lady sunbathing topless at the beach or city park. Maybe you are the weirdo if you call attention to her. In countries that brag less about freedom, she is thought to be doing nothing wrong.

Germany

“During the warmer months, parks in Germany are popular locations for alcohol consumption”

“The possession of open containers of alcohol and drinking in public (street, park etc.) is legal for people of the legal drinking age (16 for beer and wine; 18 for distilled spirits).”

In the US there are concerns related to college binge drinking. In Germany, where beer is legal for people age 16 & up, do they have similar concerns at the college level?

Do they brag about freedom in Europe as much as we do here in the US?

We are frequently told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting to protect American rights and freedoms:

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

“For now, the skies above the Olympic Peninsula belong to the Navy’s mission of defending freedom. What that sounds like is up for debate.”

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Various states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands. Each one claims that military operations overseas are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms:

How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?

Exhibits, parade mark 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage

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

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Photo-

Hastings Building, Port Townsend

Categories Armistice Day, Local Stuff

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

February 5, 2020 //

In the news:

February 4, 2020 South Whidbey Record

February 4, 2020 CNN Female lawmakers wear white to continue State of the Union tradition

“Many female Democratic lawmakers arrived at Tuesday’s State of the Union address dressed in white to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women first having the right to vote.”

19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women’s Right to Vote (1920)

“Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote.”

World War I

“World War I began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and lasted until 1918.”

Promoting the idea-

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

WA Secretary of State:

“Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

“Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

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

Any newspeople available to ask:

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-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?

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.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

More here:

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Americans have a much more honest relationship with sports teams than they do with the US Armed Forces

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Right To Vote is Protected by the U.S. Armed Forces?

Lemoore pilots to perform flyover at the Big Game

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

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Photo-

Looking north towards the Bluff Trail

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, School teachers not asking questions, Veterans Day Propaganda, Voting

Saving jet fuel update

February 3, 2020 //

February 2nd 2020 FOX26 News

“The Navy will not be using the Blue Angels for the big game but rather a pair of stealthy F-35s to fly with an F/A-18 Super Hornet and an EA-18G Growler.”

“The EA-18G Growler, flown by Lt Taylor Burgart and Lt Kali Billings, is based in Whidbey Island, Washington.”

The US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force and Air National Guard have impressive aircraft stationed all over the US.

The various games where military flyovers are scheduled are played in various locations. Wondering why pre-game flyovers may involve aircraft from distant bases, instead of tasking those stationed closer.

NAS Whidbey might be the base farthest away from Miami Gardens, FL.

Back in 2016

Jet fuel available for round trip flight to Indianapolis to “wow race fans.”

Whidbey aviators wow race fans

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Photo-

Watching the waves at Fort Casey

Categories Armistice Day, Sound of Freedom

Individual rights in a culture that can’t stop bragging about freedoms

January 29, 2020 //

Altenative/independent media-out asking questions:

Individual rights should be taught and understood as a requirement for high school graduation.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Army two-star: Don’t waste your ‘energy’ mourning Kobe Bryant

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

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Photo-looking forward to another season

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest

Society attempts to prevent similar future incidents

January 27, 2020 //

January 27, 2020 Task & Purpose

“Beloved basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other people were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday. Two days earlier, Army Spc. Antonio I. Moore was killed during a vehicle rollover accident while conducting route clearing operations in Syria.”

“The implication — that, somehow, human beings can only mourn one tragic death at a time and you’d better pick a service member over “a basketball player” — did not sit well with plenty of veterans on Twitter (Army Cadet Command did not immediately respond to request of comment).”

“We’re struggling with a civil-military divide already that is directly affecting your ability to recruit from this generation,” wrote Army vet Fred Wellman on Twitter. “If you don’t understand the need for people to express sorrow at any death than you have no place leading my kids.”

Lessons Learned?

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

Maj. Gen. Evans,

When do we apply lessons learned to the failed DOD track record for winning undeclared wars in distant lands?

A Military-Civilian Divide?

Recommendations for ending the divide:

Stop glorifying military service.

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.

Stop telling us that undeclared/unwon wars overseas are somehow linked to American rights & freedoms.

Maj. Gen. Evans,

When do we get to vote on all this?

Maybe people would be more supportive of troops lost in distant lands if they felt like they had a say in $6.4 trillion undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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, etc.

More here:

Cure the Military-Civilian Divide?

End the Military-Civilian Divide?

2 men indicted by federal grand jury on charges related to making, selling meth & fentanyl in Tulare County

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

The Drug War

The drug war is another example of failed programs where lessons learned are not applied to prevent future incidents.

Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?

Newspeople remain silent.

A 28 minute news video featuring paid spokespeople complimenting themselves on another really successful team effort/drug bust after cartels move product past National Guard Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept of Homeland Security-then, into Tulare County:

Central Valley of California

January 23, 2020 YourCentralValley.com

Again, we ask if any lessons have been learned.

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

Any similar effort after a big drug bust?

The folks who show up and investigate the plane crash don’t spend time congratulating each other. Their work is designed to try and prevent similar future incidents, not promote themselves.

Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.

More here:

The Big Drug Bust – Always Reported as a Highly Successful Team Effort

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:

Drowning in Meth

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

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

Photo- Hill Road

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions

News Reporting by Press Release

January 23, 2020 //

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

Looks like newspeople have made a commitment not to show any sense of curiosity.

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

Examples:

Gun Control

January 22, 2020 KUOW

Less than 24 hours after shooting, it’s ‘business as usual’ in downtown Seattle

“It was the third shooting in two days in the same area of downtown Seattle. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said that there is nothing to suggest that the three incidents are related.”

January 22nd 2020 KOMO News

‘It was sheer panic’: 1 dead, 7 wounded in downtown Seattle shootout

“Two 24-year-old men with criminal records later were identified as suspects by police. Both were still at large as of Thursday morning. Both were considered armed and dangerous.”

Jan. 10, 2020 The Seattle Times

Seattle shootings rise 6% in 2019 over 2018, with the greatest increases in south and north, police say

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

Looks like frequent gun crimes roll on.

Enhanced background checks approved back in 2014 have had time to take hold.

Any reporting or updates on this?

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

No Word on Enhanced Background Checks – No Comments Allowed

Lies about freedom

State Representative Julie Casimiro says troops are sent to distant lands to protect American rights and freedoms.

As if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

January 21, 2020 GoLocalProv

RI National Guard Head to the Middle East – They Deserve Our Gratitude

State Representative Julie Casimiro:

“They left on Monday, January 20th for an 11-month assignment in the Middle East at a time of international uncertainty and unrest. They left to protect our freedoms and our country.”

“These Citizen Soldiers sacrifice so much for their love of country and for that we owe them a lifelong debt of gratitude. They will miss many “firsts” in their families, holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and Thanksgiving to protect our rights, freedoms and international security.”

Protecting our rights and freedoms?

More discussion please.

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Rhode Island need services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Congressman Derek Kilmer tells us:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Any newspeople available to ask:

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-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 the troops are fighting for American rights and freedoms-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Meth in the Puget Sound area

January 21, 2020 KIRO7

50 pounds of meth seized during Bellingham traffic stop

October 23, 2019, Q13 News video:

‘The Pacific Northwest is drowning in methamphetamine:’ 17 arrested in major drug trafficking operation

Is Port Angeles CBP at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?

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, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

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

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

The press is good with the Drug War

December 8th, 2018 The Daily World

Five county bust hits Mexican drug cartel

Drug pipeline ‘has been shut down:’ Statewide bust nets 29 arrests, guns, drugs

More than a year later, is there any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?

“The dangerous pills containing fentanyl flowing through this pipeline operated by this Western Washington distribution network has been shut down,” Keith Weis, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, said in a statement.

Next time the DEA tells the press that a drug pipeline has been shut down, will reporters ask questions, or simply put out another press release?

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:

Drowning in Meth

Zero questions from newspeople:

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Plenty of questions here:

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

More here:

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces & Homeland Security Public Affairs Staff

Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On

Local water quality

Back in 2017, Island County Public Health posted a sign at the Coupeville Wharf about restrictions on recreational shellfish harvesting.

Several Island County beaches are now closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

One or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

“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

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

Source: WDFW

Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Stewardship is a priority:

Sign below educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Went out to take a look

I saw no warning signs on 5/21/19 at Monroe Landing.

Image below taken on a March 24, 2019 Penn Cove site visit.

WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:

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

Lack of News Reporting Hurts Newspaper Subscriptions?

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

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

Photo-

A symbol of the press asking questions.

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Armistice Day, Gun Control, Homeland Security is a scam, Hometown Pride, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, Veterans Day Propaganda

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

January 22, 2020 //

Image source/photo credit:

January 21, 2020 SouthCoastToday

R.I. National Guard unit deploys to Middle East

“The deployment of the 115th is part of a scheduled rotation of deployments overseas, according to the Guard’s news release.”

“They will be conducting routine military police missions in support of Operation Spartan Shield throughout southwest Asia.”

“Spartan Shield is U.S. Central Command’s means to deter regional aggression and stabilize countries within the region. From Egypt to Pakistan, Kazakhstan to Yemen, the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility is strategically important as well as volatile.”

As always, looks like members of the press were not available to show up and ask why the people of Rhode Island need services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

January 21, 2020 GoLocalProv

RI National Guard Head to the Middle East – They Deserve Our Gratitude

State Representative Julie Casimiro:

“They left on Monday, January 20th for an 11-month assignment in the Middle East at a time of international uncertainty and unrest. They left to protect our freedoms and our country.”

Protecting our rights and freedoms?

More discussion please.

If the troops are fighting for American rights and freedoms-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

Various other states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands:

How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Wars for Freedom?

OK state senator proposes ‘MAGA’ license plate

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

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Militarized Messaging

January 19, 2020 //

Image source: Oklahoma State Senator Nathan Dahm

January 15, 2020 KFOR

“The new plates will mean a yearly $35 fee. Dahm said none of the money will support Trump. Instead, $20 of the fee will go to two local veteran groups.”

Do the folks who raise money to support veterans also advocate for phasing out undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

January 17, 2020 Tahlequah Daily Press

Okla. National Guard could get incentives for recruiting, retention

“The Oklahoma Army National Guard has about 6,400 enlistees. The Air National Guard has about 2,000.”

“Of those, the Army National Guard has about 225 soldiers currently mobilized, military officials said. About 100 of those are already in Kuwait. The rest are expected to deploy to Kuwait next month.”

“The Air National Guard has about 85 soldiers deployed to the Middle East and around 130 preparing to deploy, military officials said.”

Sign up to serve the people of Oklahoma, then head for the Middle East. Can’t blame people for questioning this scenario.

Unlike active duty folks, these guys need to have a regular job and a place to live back home when not helping DOD squander credibility in distant lands.

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Oklahoma need services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Getting ready for the big games

Arrowhead Stadium

January 16, 2020 American Military News

B-2 stealth bomber to fly over NFL playoff game – here are photos of the legendary plane

“Continuing a lasting relationship with our community partners, the Kansas City Chiefs organization, the B-2 will kick off the game with a demonstration of precision air power,” Whiteman Air Force Base said in a press statement to American Military News.

“The B-2 proved its effectiveness during military operations in Kosovo in 1999. The bomber reportedly destroyed 33 percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks of NATO involvement in the country and managed to carry out its bombing runs by flying nonstop from Missouri to Kosovo and back.”

Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California

January 17, 2020 Edwards Air Force Base

412th Test Wing to conduct flyover before NFC championship game

“A significant portion of the general population doesn’t understand Aerial Refueling, or even know that it exists. Demonstrating a refueling formation, even if the aircraft aren’t actually touching, will hopefully help all the spectators, both in the stadium and the national TV audience, understand a capability of the US Air Force that greatly increases our combat effectiveness and lethality,” said Maj. Jacob Lambach, 418th FLTS, who will be one of the KC-135 pilots for the flyover.

The militarized theme of the license plate at the top of the page and pregame military flyovers remind us that the Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

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

More here:

Need more bodies for undeclared/unwon wars that never end update

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

Gov. Larry Hogan welcomes home Maryland National Guard at BWI Airport

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

Categories Armistice Day, Newspeople not asking questions

Maryland Freedoms Found In The Middle East?

January 17, 2020 //

January 15, 2020 Capital Gazette

“Gov. Larry Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford welcomed 150 soldiers from the Army National Guard’s 244th vertical construction company Wednesday after being deployed for almost one year to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.”

“They have been deployed for over 300 days and protecting our freedoms, so I just want to thank them,” Rutherford said. “They are making sure we are safe here in America. These soldiers are Marylanders that we can be very proud, and it is important that we are here to welcome them home.”

Protecting our freedoms?

More discussion please.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Maryland needed services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Love to see newspeople ask:

Lt. Gov. Rutherford,

While the troops were away, 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.”

How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Wars for Freedom?

Canadian military resumes some operations in Iraq following Iran scare

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-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

What Do They Think In Canada?

January 16, 2020 //

January 16, 2020 Times Colonist

In the USA, we are frequently told that the US Armed Forces are working to protect American rights and freedoms, as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization:

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

“For now, the skies above the Olympic Peninsula belong to the Navy’s mission of defending freedom. What that sounds like is up for debate.”

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Is the freedom talk just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?

Welcome to the country that can’t stop bragging about freedom:

Canadian baby boomers being banned from U.S. for admitting they used pot years ago, lawyer says

Here, in Washington State, marijuana has been legal for years. The senators and congresspeople we send to DC appear to have made zero progress on eliminating the federal conflict on marijuana, but wars in distant lands are for our freedoms?

Got it.

If US troops are in distant lands defending American rights and freedoms, what are Canadians told about this?

Do Canadians believe that NATO operations are somehow linked to Canadian rights and freedoms?

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

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Possibly of interest:

1990 Desert Shield All Over Again

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Mainstream Vs. Alternative Media – A Formal Congressional Declaration of War

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

Realtor donates to Hug-A-Hero Dolls giveaway

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-

Vancouver Island from Crescent Beach

Categories Armistice Day, Veterans Day Propaganda

What Stays The Same

January 16, 2020 //

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

Undeclared/unwon wars

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

January 14th 2020 WCTI NewsChannel 12

“Dyal Studios will be giving away one Mommy or Daddy doll each week for the next 12 weeks to local families with a loved one deployed! If you or someone you know needs a Hug-A-Hero doll, please message us.”

1990 Desert Shield All Over Again

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

Prohibition

January 13, 2020 The New York Times

Lesson of the Day: ‘100 Years Ago, the Booziest January Suddenly Dried Up’

Prohibition for adults age 18-20 remains in place Re: Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms.

We’re often told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms, and that we should thank them for defending our freedoms.

The reality is that freedoms may come and go.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

January 4th 2020 WCHS

West Virginia National Guard members return home

“The 821st Horizontal Construction Company returned home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East.”

“During their deployment, the soldiers carried out various missions and tasks in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.”

“West Virginia Governor Jim Justice was on hand to greet the soldiers as they returned.”

“On behalf of all West Virginians, Cathy and I want to welcome home all the brave men and women who have been overseas defending freedom,” Justice said in a news release.

Defending Freedom?

More discussion please.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Love to see newspeople ask:

Governor Justice,

While the troops were away, 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.”

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Mainstream Vs. Alternative Media – A Formal Congressional Declaration of War

Hard to decide:

January 16, 2020 Los Angeles Times

Undecided and under stress: Most Iowa voters still weighing which Democrat can beat Trump

For me, it’s hard to get excited about voting or watching debates on TV, because it’s hard to tell what the major parties believe in.

Is the freedom talk just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?

Canadian baby boomers being banned from U.S. for admitting they used pot years ago, lawyer says

Got it.

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

If wars are fought for democracy-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?

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

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

Photo-

A view of Deception Pass from the Skagit side.

Categories Armistice Day, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions, Voting

Defending the Homeland?

January 13, 2020 //

2:10

Defending the Homeland?

Possibly of interest:

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions

Mainstream Vs. Alternative Media – A Formal Congressional Declaration of War

January 11, 2020 //

Alternative media

OK with asking questions:

January 8, 2020 Cato Institute

Trump the Decider

“The Suleimani killing was something new under the sun. It marked the first time an American president has publicly ordered the assassination of a top government official for a country we’re not legally at war with.”

Mainstream media

Newspeople interviewing newspeople:

Will reverting to WWII uniforms help to smooth things out?

Another hard-hitting news segment:

More here:

Both Major Parties & Several Presidents

30 years later – newspeople still not asking questions: 1990 Desert Shield All Over Again

Fox & Friends Think Tank Update

Indoctrination Levels Are Up

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

Veterans near Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base reflect on rising tensions with Iran

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-

A symbol of freedom, federal government credibility and of the press that plays along by not asking any questions.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

1990 Desert Shield All Over Again

January 11, 2020 //

The local press is out to sample the can-do attitude maintained by VFW members in Oregon and the new airlift wing commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Out to the VFW to see what local members have to say:

January 8th 2020 KTVL News 10

“…Karen Johnson a retired U.S. Army Colonel who served in Operation Desert Storm…”

Johnson said the threat of an attack on U.S. soil is always looming and said: “this is what we train for.”

“It’s an ever-present danger, not just for what happened yesterday, look at the world trade centers, I was there before it was bombed, so it’s been ongoing, they tried to attack that years ago, I believe it was in the 1980s and we intercepted that,” she said.

“Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173d Fighter Wing which is a part of the air education and training command that supports training for F-15 jets for the air national guard and the u-s air force.”

A training base:

Though they do occasionally deploy individuals in support of combat operations around the globe, Jennifer D Shirar, a spokeswoman for the base, said there are no current plans to deploy pilots or any support personnel. She added that the base is currently focused on “their F-15 training mission.”

“Duane Whitehead, a former Combat Engineer who served in the Vietnam War, and is quartermaster at the V.F.W. Post 1383 and V.F.W. District 5, said he also feels that Kingsley Field provides security for all in the area.”

“I feel Klamath Falls is secure because of the 173rd Air force, they’re always on their striker training sessions, they always keep training in everything incase we do go to war,” he said.

Over to Joint Base Lewis–McChord:

January 10th 2020 KOMO News

JBLM’s new airlift wing commander preps troops for Middle East

Troop movements are highlighted:

“A few days ago, the Pentagon ordered 3,500 members of the Army’s 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to head to the Middle East as tensions continue to boil with Iran and Iraq. Many of the C-17s based at McChord were directly involved.”

Away from the VFW halls, change of command ceremonies and TV news studios, regular people may reflect on what has changed since 1990.

There has been much Dept. of Defense action in the Middle East since 1990.

Desert Storm did not serve to prevent 911.

National Guard units are doing multiple tours in distant lands, absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war:

Typical state governors will say that their national guard troops are overseas defending American rights and freedoms:

January 4th 2020 WCHS

West Virginia National Guard members return home

“The 821st Horizontal Construction Company returned home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East.”

“During their deployment, the soldiers carried out various missions and tasks in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.”

“West Virginia Governor Jim Justice was on hand to greet the soldiers as they returned.”

“On behalf of all West Virginians, Cathy and I want to welcome home all the brave men and women who have been overseas defending freedom,” Justice said in a news release.

Defending Freedom?

More discussion please.

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of West Virginia needed services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Love to see newspeople ask:

Governor Justice,

While the troops were away, 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.”

An early memory of TV news hype

I was at Camp Pendleton in 1990 when the Desert Shield buildup began to develop.

One day after work, I went home and watched the local TV news.

A TV news reporter was on the beach at Camp Pendleton where things were loud & noisy. He spoke loudly into the microphone and announced:

“These Marines are training for The Gulf!”

This sort of routine training had been going on at Camp Pendleton for decades. It had nothing to do with recent developments overseas.

Now, it’s 2020

Regular people might have their own concerns, related to:

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

A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

The National Guard needs more people to stay:

January 8, 2020 The Telegraph

National Guard offering $20K bonus to soldiers and lump sum salary payouts for re-enlistments

“But while the Illinois National Guard is enjoying success in recruiting and retention, the Army National Guard as a whole is struggling to reach that same success, according to Donald.”

Unlike active duty folks, these guys need to have a regular job and place to live back home when not helping DOD squander credibility in distant lands:

July 26, 2019 Chicago Tribune

Hundreds of Illinois National Guard members set to deploy this weekend for Afghanistan — the largest call-up in a decade

“’Daddy, are you going to send me things from Afghanistan?’” O’Neill said his son asked. “And I’m like, ‘Of course, bud. I’ll send you stuff.’”

“O’Neill, a father of four who lives in suburban La Grange, is among an estimated 400 members of the Illinois Army National Guard who will be leaving this weekend to begin a more than yearlong deployment to Afghanistan…”

“O’Neill’s family sold their home in Chicago’s western suburbs to downsize to a one-bedroom apartment to be closer to relatives who can provide support to his wife and children while he is away.”

“While the troops should be credited for fulfilling a patriotic duty, they face a daunting task because of how few American servicemen and women are serving in a country with a population of more than 34 million, Pape said.”

Sign up to serve the people of Illinois, then head for Afghanistan. Can’t blame people for questioning this scenario. Might want to validate the use of National Guard troops in distant lands.

Regular people might ask:

Are giant flag rituals at football games enough to sustain all this?

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

More here:

Both Major Parties & Several Presidents