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

Drug War Scam – Newspeople Remain Silent

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

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

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

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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Lonely beach north of Perego’s Lagoon

Categories Armistice Day, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, School teachers not asking questions, Voting

WWII Costume

June 14, 2020 //

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

The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.

If the CIA (est 1947) serves as an advantage to the US, why does the Department of Defense have such a poor record of winning undeclared wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?

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

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Photo-

A 50-star flag.

No such thing when the Department of Defense was established in 1949.

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

A Fictional Militarized Version of Freedom

June 9, 2020 //

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.

I understand that people are patriotic. I understand that people are proud of their time in uniform. I understand that elected officials want to generate support for overseas military operations.

Making claims that these deployments are linked in any way with American rights and freedoms is fiction.

May 28, 2020 WMAR

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

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

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

Mayor Day,

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

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

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

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

Local press

Here, in this military town, the local paper seems to go with family friendly and patriotic themes.

A while back, their hometown pride was running high when they posted:

“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?

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

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.

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.

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

Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.

How does this work?

Black people were still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory.

Voting

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

WA Secretary of State:

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.”

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

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

Until July of 1971, 18 year old adults did not have full voting rights. Why didn’t US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s get the job done on this?

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

Veterans give rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

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

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

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

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

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?

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

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

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

National Guard To Africa

Please Dispose of Properly

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Photo-

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

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

We haven’t won a war since.

A symbol of lies told to support undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

A symbol of newspeople not asking questions.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions

National Guard To Africa

June 8, 2020 //

Absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, the people of Minnesota need services in Africa.

Jun 7, 2020 The Free Press

DUTY CALLS: Local National Guard unit heading to Africa

“Despite their differences in age and experience, Staff Sgt. Truman, 47, and 2nd Lt. Ross, 26, had some common reactions to the yearlong assignment. Both had barely heard of Djibouti, the tiny country that’s home to the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa.”

“If Camp Leonnier and Djibouti sound familiar to Mankatoans, it might be because another Mankato-based military unit is already deployed there. The Army Reserve’s 492nd Engineer Company is scheduled to return this summer.”

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

“Both deployments are part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the now-19-year-old attempt to quell terrorism launched in response to the 9/11 attacks.”

“…active duty pay and benefits and go home every night…”

“Truman won’t be going home every night — or any night — for the next year. He and the other 700 soldiers reported to Camp Ripley on Monday for additional training and will depart for Fort Bliss, Texas, at the end of June.”

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

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

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

Mayor Day,

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

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

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

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

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Some states have worked 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:

Bill would disrupt West Virginia’s National Guard

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.”

If small towns all across America had military jobs programs-would they question undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

More here:

US Funds The Armed Forces As If We Are A Socialist Country?

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?

Pentagon official walks back Trump claim that top military officer is in charge of protest response

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

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The proud eagle as a symbol of the nation. Chosen to represent the country in a time prior to U.S. service members being stationed in 170+ countries overseas.

Prior to the Department of Defense involving itself in decades of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

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

General Milley Is In Charge

June 3, 2020 //

Jun 2, 2020 CNBC

“In a contentious call with the nation’s governors Monday, Trump described Joint Chiefs Chairman U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley as “a warrior” with “a lot of victories and no losses,” according to audio obtained by NBC.”

JUNE 2, 2020 KELLEY BEAUCAR VLAHOS

General Milley Checks On His Troops…On The Streets Of D.C.

“He finished the evening by addressing the nation, announcing he would be deploying federal troops “to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property,” he said. “We will end it now.” He said the military would exert “total domination” over the situation. Again, flash bangs could be heard and smell of tear gas in the air as protesters were dispersed just before the D.C. curfew.”

Federal troops “to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property,” he said. “We will end it now.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

General Milley,

Why does DOD seem to struggle with similar missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, etc.

In the news-

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Did General Milley show a lack of confidence in CBP’s ability to keep cartel product out of US communities when he made this bold pledge two months back?

Will there be less need for CBP, a DEA, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, or an Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team if General Milley’s plan takes hold?

Is this the sort of Macho Swagger required to keep cartels from moving product into US communities?

Cartel responds to General Milley by moving more product into the US

Port Angeles/Blaine Drug War Scam – Zero Questions From The Press

Disoriented man who may have lost his way and requires the use of a cain in order to walk is struck down by riot police on an almost empty street?

Operation Macho Swagger

US Funds The Armed Forces As If We Are A Socialist Country?

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

More here:

Kneeling during ball game flag rituals was frowned upon

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

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

Not The Trump Hater Page Update

Pentagon Going After Cartels Update

Podcast 2 Pentagon Taking On Drug Cartels

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

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

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

Photo-

The proud eagle as a symbol of the nation. Chosen to represent the country in a time prior to U.S. service members being stationed in 170+ countries overseas.

Prior to the Department of Defense involving itself in decades of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please

US Funds The Armed Forces As If We Are A Socialist Country?

May 31, 2020 //

A few thoughts:

Not advocating socialism here.

Not describing the people who do time in uniform here.

Just taking a look at how the US Armed Forces are funded and the attitudes that go with that.

I am thinking that when the nation started out, the military at the time was somewhat like a volunteer fire dept. They were big enough to take care of their own neighborhood and maybe help out the next town over.

No money needed to be raised to send troops to Afghanistan or to support NATO operations.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE The Atlantic

by James Fallows

“T. X. Hammes, a retired Marine Corps colonel who has a doctorate in modern history from Oxford, told me that instead of applying critical judgment to military programs, or even regarding national defense as any kind of sacred duty, politicians have come to view it simply as a teat.”

“Many on Capitol Hill see the Pentagon with admirable simplicity,” he said: “It is a way of directing tax money to selected districts. It’s part of what they were elected to do.”

Always a big issue on Whidbey Island

July 16, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Letter: AG’s lawsuit against Navy is a political spectacle

“We cannot imagine a more worthy cause than supporting the mission of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the largest employer within three counties. NAS Whidbey Island provides over 9,000 military and civilian jobs with a total economic activity generated in this area equalling nearly $1.04 billion. Jets truly do equal jobs.”

Christine Cribb Executive Director Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

The cash required to bring in these jobs and economic activity comes out of the pockets of taxpayers. It’s not based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for these services.

If small towns all across America had military jobs programs- would they question undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

More here:

Jobs Programs For Your Freedoms Update:

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

This sounds like an idea from a capitalist society. Maybe a fast food place picks a certain day to offer free fries, etc. It’s been done before.

National Parks lands are paid for the same way as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why no free days for undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

People will say that our system is based on capitalism and that is how a great deal of money is raised to fund DOD.

Capitalism:

If Amazon needs truck drivers to move product between warehouses and distribution centers, they contract with people and companies to get that done, all the way down into your neighborhood. Amazon doesn’t have the federal government force people to kick in tax money to pay for their trucks. If people don’t like Amazon, they are free to opt out on being a customer.

A Las Vegas casino needs a security team. The casino contracts with people and companies to set up an environment where their customers feel safe and comfortable to come and spend money. If you don’t like gambling, you are free to opt out on visiting any casino. The casino is not using the federal government to force you to pay for their operations.

May 22, 2020 The Future of Freedom Foundation

How About Permanently Closing Public Schools?

by Jacob G. Hornberger

“Any enterprise that depends on forcibly taking money from people to fund its operations has to be considered suspect.”

No longer somewhat like a volunteer fire dept.

U.S. service members are now stationed in 170+ countries overseas.

NATO was created after WWII to contain Soviet aggression. The cold war ended, but NATO remained in place.

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

Has NATO ever participated in a war declared by the US?

Why does the Dept. of Defense have such a poor track record for winning wars?

Why do we hear constant lies about freedom related to US military operations in distant lands?

Freedom from lies about freedom?

May 26th, 2020 Congressman Derek Kilmer

Honoring Our Heroes

“And because of that sacrifice and commitment, you and I are able to enjoy the freedoms we share as Americans.”

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 Derek Kilmer:

May 26, 2019

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

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?

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?

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

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

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.

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.

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.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

More here:

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

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

“…from the time the United States was founded, through the entire 19th century, and until the early part of the 20th century, the American people did not have a national anthem or a Pledge of Allegiance.”

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

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

Photo-

A symbol of a Dept. of Defense with a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949 and the lies about freedom that are used to promote it.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Sound of Freedom

Kneeling during ball game flag rituals was frowned upon

May 30, 2020 //

Non violent protest please.

August 7, 2019 Jacob G. Hornberger

Welfare-Warfare State “Freedom” and “Patriotism”

More here:

Flag Idolatry Means Never Having to Ask Questions

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

A Critical Time To Trust The Government

“Individuals who don’t participate should not have their porch light on or answer the door during candy giveaway hours. According to Gallipolis Police Chief Jeff Boyer, most people who are participating will be obvious.”

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

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

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

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

May 30, 2020 //

Way before COVID-19:

Halloween 2019

In the news:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Local authorities dictate a one hour window for trick-or-treat time 2019. For some reason, Halloween will be observed exactly one week in advance of October 31st.

Your family will start at 5:30 and be done for the year at 6:30 p.m.

“The Gallipolis Police Department recently announced times for Trick-or-Treat set for the Gallipolis.”

“The annual event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. All drivers are reminded to be cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.”

This is not an event held over at the mall, town square or dentist’s office:

Much of the article above includes detailed safety tips such as dressing the kids up in reflective gear so they look like a county road maintenance crew. It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.

For more about safety, please visit our safety tips page:

Halloween Safety Tips 2019

More here:

Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

Whidbey Island

May 29, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Conflicting mask proclamations in Langley clarified

“Fortunately, the mayor is giving special permission to cast off those facial binds while eating.”

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions:

Concealed Carry Processing Suspended

Over in Spokane, a picnic at a park:

“The city of Spokane Valley sent the organizer of a picnic a letter telling her not to have the picnic. The city cited King Inslee’s orders over his realm as the reason we can’t picnic. Come join us at Valley Mission Park in Spokane Valley 5/30/20 11-2.”

Freedom and Independence from a powerful, central government?

Dec 17, 2019 The Atlantic

The Lessons of the Afghanistan Papers

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

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:

More here:

Port Angeles/Blaine Drug War Scam – Zero Questions From The Press

Freedom from lies about freedom?

May 26th, 2020 Congressman Derek Kilmer

Honoring Our Heroes

“And because of that sacrifice and commitment, you and I are able to enjoy the freedoms we share as Americans.”

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 Derek Kilmer:

May 26, 2019

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

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?

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?

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

More here:

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

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Federal Holidays, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Restricted Activities

Just Be Honest

May 25, 2020 //

We wouldn’t have the freedom to have a campfire if Saddam Hussein was still in power.

Another of many examples where freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom:

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

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

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

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

Air Force flyover to honor healthcare workers Friday in Western Washington

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

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

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

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

May 8, 2020 //

Same country that will stage a big celebration of smaller/limited government on July 4th.

May 7, 2020 Q13 NEWS

Same news source that tells us face masks are required on Whidbey Island, when, really they mean masks are required in the city of Langley. Check your local geography guys.

Why Now?

Not much good news from the undeclared wars overseas.

Sporting events have been shut down.

Its been a while since Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper reminded us that our Service Members are fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.

This is a great time for an ongoing militarization of non-military events, and we are the very best at militarized pageantry.

In the news:

April 29, 2020 USA Today

“…the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds conducted multiple flyovers in New York and New Jersey to cheer on frontline workers.”

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

Press plays the role of US Armed Forces public affairs staff:

April 29, 2020 KTVO Television

“PILOT’S VIEW: The Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flew over NYC Tuesday as a tribute to first responders and essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were cameras inside a few of the cockpits, here’s a look at what the pilots saw.”

The National Guard is in on it too.

The National Guard has also been in the news recently for their work in supporting local food banks.

Some people may prefer to have churches and private charities run food banks.

When the national guard isn’t helping to support food banks, they are involved in various operations in distant lands.

The people of Iowa need services in one or more locations which may include 20 nations in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries. Also in the Republic of Kosovo:

May 6, 2020 The Messenger

Iowa National Guard units to deploy overseas

“About 330 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat team will deploy in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Central Command is made up of 20 nations in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries.”

“An additional 400 Iowa National Guard soldiers received mobilization orders to support NATO’s ongoing Kosovo Force mission in the Republic of Kosovo.”

This can all be a little confusing for the average person, so maybe the flyovers will help to solidify pride and a patriotic spirit.

More here:

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

“…the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds conducted multiple flyovers in New York and New Jersey to cheer on frontline workers.”

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

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

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

DOD Symbolism vs. Track Record

April 29, 2020 //

We are the very best at militarized pageantry.

In the news:

April 29, 2020 USA Today

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

Press plays the role of US Armed Forces public affairs staff:

April 29, 2020 KTVO Television

Drug War

US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols, and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and meth out of US communities.

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

General Milley, the DEA says they still have big problems:

April 28th 2020 KABB FOX 29 News video:

DEA: Operation Crystal Shield

“According to the DEA, almost all the methamphetamine consumed in the U.S. comes from Mexico, where it’s produced on an industrial scale and smuggled across the border.”

“The cartels in Mexico are flooding the domestic illegal drug market with methamphetamine,” said Special Agent Sorianello.

General Milley,

How will ships, aircraft and troops in the Caribbean & eastern Pacific keep cartels from moving product into US communities?

Looks like more time will be needed for DOD to keep cartel product from showing up away from border crossings and ports of entry:

April 29, 2020 KPBX-FM

Ohio County Prosecutor: Pandemic Puts More Stress On Families Dealing With Addiction

“Kimes-Brown says the county is still struggling with what she calls a “horrible” meth problem and is also seeing more abuse of fentanyl and carfentanil. “The fentanyl use is deadly,” she says.”

US Ports of Entry

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

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.

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:

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

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

We haven’t won a war since.

More here:

Pentagon Going After Cartels Update

Podcast 2 Pentagon Taking On Drug Cartels

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Gov. Inslee signs Washington plastic bag ban into law

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

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

Photo-

Low tide day – Port Townsend Ship Canal

Categories Armistice Day, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Banning Reusable and Plastic Bags Update

March 28, 2020 //

March 25, 2020 KREM

“The legislation bans retailers from giving out single-use plastic carryout bags and requires an 8-cent charge for others. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.”

March 26, 2020 The Inlander

Rosauers is banning reusable bags, putting up Plexiglas, to protect employees and customers

“Plexiglas shields Rosauers clerks from sneezing customers, while a sign informs customers that they aren’t allowed to bring their own reusable bags.”

“As of today at our stores, we’re going to suspend the use of reusable bags,” Rosauers CEO Jeff Philipps said at a Spokane Regional Health District press conference this morning. “I think there’s some concern by some that those bags may have viruses that are being brought from home. So we’re going to suspend that practice.”

If we’re going to show concern about the environment, maybe take a look at local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

One or more sewage treatment plants are 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

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

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

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.

I’m a fan of voluntary action and allowing businesspeople to make business decisions.

If the green friendly cafe wants to make moves that are supported by their customers, I’m all for that.

If the truck stop wants to sell discount cartons of cigarettes, I’m good with that.

Americans were never meant to live in a one size fits all society, that’s why we have so many churches here and people who may opt out on attending services.

The plastic bag ban is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom.

More here:

Leave No Trace?

Welcome Sportsmen!

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

Mini volunteer project-

One Size Fits All Society

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.

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

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?

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?

Since last July 4th:

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

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

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

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

Mayor Day,

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

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

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

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

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

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

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.

More here:

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

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.

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

West Virginia

Jobs program:

February 10, 2020 West Virginia MetroNews Network

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

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

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

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?

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

Second lady Karen Pence visits Fort Campbell

“…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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?