Why does the US Dept. of Homeland Security tell us that thousands of terrorists were stopped last year at the border if the wars are keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?
The Claim:
Jan 4th, 2019 McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Bellingham Herald
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions,” Shanahan said, and “our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
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.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
Hometown Pride
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
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?
Secretary Shanahan,
Freedoms come & go.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
The Joint Chiefs of Staff indicate that wars are for freedom.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, jet noise over Coupeville, 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.
“The US Drug Enforcement Administration said in its 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment, however, that Mexican transnational criminal organizations transported illicit drugs into the US across its southwest border using varied methods.”
“The most common method employed by these TCOs,” it said, “involves transporting illicit drugs through US ports of entry in passenger vehicles with concealed compartments or commingled with legitimate goods on tractor trailers.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.
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.
The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.
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 free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing? Some invading force wearing military uniforms could dictate events without facing resistance?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
US Armed Forces:
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
Plenty of questions here that don’t get asked. Not asked by veterans, newspeople, school teachers, and maybe school students.
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.
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?
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Is post-Vietnam guilt OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
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.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals- it’s a proud thing:
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
Back home- freedoms come & go:
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, or the outcome of military operations 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 free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing by people wearing military uniforms?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
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.
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.
Do school teachers still teach lessons about the more meaningful Armistice Day?
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas. The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to…
Finished MOS school and had a chance to fill out a “dream sheet” in 1980.
A small number of us chose Okinawa, and we all got to go.
I was 19 and had no wife, kids, or even a girlfriend back home. I joined the Marines to go and see places like Okinawa.
I was assigned to Makiminato, Camp Kinser. We could walk to Naha. Naha was large enough that you might go all night without seeing any other Americans. Attempting to escape the influence of military bases and seeing how the local people lived their lives was enjoyable. There was no curfew at the time. Atrocities committed by US personnel would come later. We drank more than our share, but stayed out of trouble. Mind your manners and you’d find the local people to be warm and friendly. We made friends and were invited out to a few gatherings.
Christmas Tree
Many of us were spending our first Christmas away from home. In those days, If you were old enough to be in the Marines, you were old enough to drink on or off base. We had a shop Christmas party where people wrapped and exchanged bottles of booze.
A guy from California received a small Christmas tree from his Mom back home. The tree came with real pinecones and lights. After unpacking the box and putting the tree together the lights were plugged in. Now it was time to look sad and lonely and pose for the photo I took. Then off to something else besides thinking of Christmas.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals- it’s a proud thing:
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.
I think it is strange that modern American culture sees veterans as separate & different from the rest of society.
Veteran’s parking spaces-
Some businesses are now setting aside parking for veterans. The designated spots we are talking about here are for all veterans– no requirement Re: earning the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, having any physical disability, etc.
There is no possibility that I would use one of these spots.
Meet some veterans who have become disgruntled Re: discount availability:
Hey school teachers– do you still teach lessons about the more meaningful Armistice Day?
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas. The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
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 Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
This may be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas. The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
“As of June 29, 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Defense casualty website, there were 4,424 total deaths (including both killed in action and non-hostile) and 31,952 wounded in action (WIA) as a result of the Iraq War.”
“And a democracy that spends more time debating kneeling before the flag than the justification for issuing folded ones desperately needs to get reacquainted with the Constitution – and its moral compass.”
“Our loved ones didn’t sign up to serve a president. They signed up to serve the American people, most of whom have no idea what they’re fighting for.”
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Any chance the midterm elections feature any talk of shutting down undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
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.
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: When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
“…Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The agency is in charge of training all 53 law enforcement agencies in the state that have marine units.”
“An Island County sheriff’s boat was in hot pursuit as deputies on board that boat played the part of, well, themselves.”
On the water/related:
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions:
Wondering if something like 89 cents of each dollar collected for daytime parking fees goes directly towards funding of the manufacturing, installation and maintenance of enforcement related warning signs, kiosks, pay boxes, fluorescent placards, and the manufacturing and distribution of enforcement related literature, blank forms and documentation materials.
I’d like to think that purchasing a Washington State Parks Discover Pass means no further hassles as long as the pass is not expired and displayed while parked.
Enforcement and over supervision are the first impressions of an afternoon getaway.
Driving over to the local state park these days is like asking permission to enter a military base.
People who are willing to purchase a parks pass should face a very minimum in the way of hassles. Oregon comes out way ahead of Washington on this.
Clearly, these folks have no honest relationship with the US Armed Forces.
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.
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
If The Troops are fighting to protect American rights and freedoms- why does the NRA emphasize domestic politics instead of overseas military operations to preserve gun rights?
NRA War Propaganda video:
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Maybe all of the US should function like one, giant military base.
Freedom of individual expression could be fully controlled. No distractions. No dissent.
U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York’s 1st Congressional District:
“Pat Tillman would have been a better choice for @Nike’s new “Just Do It” promotion. Pick a former NFL player and Army Ranger who died for our flag and national anthem rather than @Kaepernick7, a former NFL player who protested it.”
A large number of interesting comments follow the tweet linked above.
Congressman Zeldin,
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to die for our flag and national anthem?
Do the planners verify a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
Congressman Zeldin,
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Never Forget:
The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.
Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.
I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I reject the idea that it is linked in any way to American rights and freedoms.
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Never Forget:
The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.
Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
The NRA tells us that contacting elected representatives and voting is the way to protect gun rights. What role do The Dept. of Defense & The Troops play here?
“It was a risky play made by a desperate team that is well aware of its run-scoring issues over the past month and the current fight for a postseason spot that felt like an inevitability in June.”
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to his press secretary for answers? Presidents do so on a daily basis. Professionals are hired to provide only the desired version of answers to questions.
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
The story is always reported as a big success. Zero questions asked about why cartels are somehow able to move product past National Guard Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- before the drugs end up in Hometown, USA.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions.
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin? Even one time?
Newspeople, reporters and journalists are free to ask basic public policy questions and post updated reports at any time.
Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA
Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, and zero questions from the press.
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
The Troops
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
“Last year, signs went up closing the waters around Penn Cove to any shellfish harvesting because testing revealed high levels of paralytic shellfish poison. The biotoxin can potentially lead to fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans if consumed.”
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Sports has tended to be a more honest part of American culture. Lately, well known players are involved in a marketing campaign featuring Salute to Service TV ads to fix the glorification of military service messages in our minds.
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
0:24
The purpose is to protect our freedoms:
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
No matter what political party or personality is in power, federal prohibition of marijuana remains in place.
Same country that staged a big celebration of smaller/limited government earlier this month:
Trade, travel, friendship, business, jobs, economy and a top ally to the north. Across the border- a country that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking The Troops for freedoms, and fighting undeclared/unwon wars for freedom.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, private liquor sales, interracial marriage, federal regulations on toilet fixtures, gay marriage, gas cans for your lawn equipment, gas for your lawn equipment, etc. All of these are completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands.
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 Department of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
Took a ferry ride and went to see my sister yesterday. At the end of our visit she pointed out the new flag she had placed at the front of her home and asked why she didn’t see one when she came to visit us on July 4th. I was able to provide her with some answers.
Bait and switch on incentives used to get people to stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces
No matter what political party or personality is in power, there are ongoing moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
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.
Undeclared/Unwon Wars That Never End
No matter what political party or personality is in power, the wars roll on.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
We’re told that we are in a life and death struggle in the War on Terror. Bad people will come here to destroy our American way of life if we don’t send The Troops to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2009, we need a special ID to go have lunch in Canada and then return home.
Seems like strict post-911 security protocols, the War on Terror, and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security would be a drug cartel’s worst nightmare.
No matter what political party or personality is in power there is no shortage of cartel-sourced meth or heroin anywhere in the US.
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.
Defense Commissary Agency – trying to explain themselves:
Where did my coffee go?
A large number of comments have been posted in response on the Defense Commissary Agency Facebook page. Real people who aren’t paid by the federal government to post articles and comments aren’t having it.
Many comments about Cooper cheese and why it’s gone. The article posted by DeCA says items are removed if they are slow to sell?
I’d have more respect for local TV news stations if there was more in the way of investigative reporting & newspeople asking questions.
Examples:
Zero questions asked Re: the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP role in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area. Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
A new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility, secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community & a Border Patrol whistleblower investigation Re: fraudulent overtime that resulted in further suppression of information- keep the focus on asking questions in these areas.
No cross-border USBP arrest has happened here in more than 7 years.
Newspeople, reporters and journalists are free to ask basic public policy questions and post updated reports at any time.
The script tells us that we’re seeing a big law enforcement success story when federal agents swing into action to nab 140 pounds of methamphetamine after product moved past strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security.
Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process? Check the script.
“…crystal meth from Mexico has become the preferred choice among users.”
“We’re seeing a lot more meth, and it’s a different kind of meth than we were seeing five or six years ago,” Gupta said. “There’s a push from the cartels to get these drugs out there.”
Question for newspeople: With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do Heroin-Trafficking Cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Any newspeople available to ask where the “…7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week…” statistic comes from? Do we need to look for the script?
More from The US Dept. of Homeland Security:
The Troops:
TV networks may be prone to emphasize the idea that everyone who shows up is a hero. They’re not about to ask any questions about the Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Tearful reunions and spreading the idea that it’s for your freedoms helps to normalize failed wars that never end.
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?
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949) let’s hear all about it.
Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
0:24
The purpose is to protect our freedoms:
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
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.
Over the past few months, things have gone downhill.
DeCA can’t keep the shelves stocked. A year ago- things were good. Not anymore.
DFAS can’t mail out IRS Form 1095. No problem with this a year ago.
Extended time on hold with DFAS to request 1095 form results in being transferred to TRICARE. Message during TRICARE holding time tells us to contact DFAS. After another extended time on hold, TRICARE says they are unable to send out the form because of some sort of problem with their system. No attempt is made to update web sites so people will know what to expect or to reduce phone calls.
Each one of these agencies maintains a Facebook page. It’s easy to post comments there, and people are letting them know how things are going.
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.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Thanks for your multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan guys. Sorry, we’re spending so much on undeclared/unwon wars that we can’t pay for the benefits that were in place last time you re-enlisted.
The plan is to save money by defunding the commissaries. Less people will want to shop there after the transition, then we’ll have the numbers to show that it makes no sense to continue to support funding the commissaries.
We didn’t plan for this.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949. This would be the time to look hard at how much all this costs.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
School teachers, Congress, the press, and people in general have taken a vacation from asking questions.
Checks and balances are gone.
School teachers-
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.
Congress-
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
“Other officials favor trial for terrorism suspects in federal courts. Since 2001, federal prosecutors have obtained hundreds of convictions in international terrorism cases.”
In previous undeclared wars, how did the US deal with prisoners without a Guantanamo Bay prison facility?
School teachers- whatever happened to Armistice Day?
Hey school teachers– it took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
SECTION 24 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.
What powers are granted to the federal government here?
Posting a press release from a federal agency is all there is to reporting the news. Reporters asking questions? Not a chance.
No Credible Threat?
If the good guys can tell what the bad guys will do before they do it- surely, these powerful crime fighting tools will be used to shut down gang and cartel activity, heroin trafficking, bank robberies, mass casualty shootings, etc.
When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:
The folks who can’t keep Heroin-Trafficking Cartels from moving product into local communities are keeping the Super Bowl safe.
CBP Public Affairs Officer interviews CBP Supervisory Office of Field Operations Officer.
Federal employees creating the news:
Did sending The Troops to Iraq and Afghanistan make US more safe?
Welcome Home Troops. Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
If special games require special security– what keeps regular games safe? Crowd size/capacity is similar at several stadiums.
What prevents terror strikes at hundreds of events & locations unsupervised by federal authorities?
What other parts of the entertainment industry feature uniformed federal agents as part of the security team?
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security screening– why do Heroin-Trafficking Cartels continue to move product into local communities?
ABC News video:
