The big July 4th celebration of smaller/limited government is all over now folks.
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.
If small towns across America had military jobs programs- would they question undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
Paid spokesperson update:
July 23, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Soundoff: U.S. Navy takes environmental stewardship seriously
“First and foremost, EA-18G Growler aircraft, and the aircrews who fly them, are a crucial component of our national defense. Navy Growlers provide Airborne Electronic Attack capabilities for all of our armed forces, and without the Growler’s ability to suppress enemy uses of electromagnetic energy, American troops in the air, at sea and on the ground are at risk.”
These are the guys who believe the war in Afghanistan is some sort of success.
July 19, 2019 The American Conservative
The Decline of Our Nation’s Generals
“Milley’s understanding of war did come up, if only obliquely, when Afghanistan received passing mention. Milley described that war, the longest in U.S. history and still ongoing, as “successful to date.” U.S. efforts to transform Afghanistan into a stable and functioning state have manifestly failed. So too have U.S. efforts to defeat the militants threatening the Afghan government. But for Milley, all that matters is the absence of any post-9/11 terrorist attacks launched from Afghan soil. Based on that narrow and contrived criterion, he puts Afghanistan in the win column.”
Back on Whidbey Island:
Did the advantage of air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
July 21, 2019 The Herald
Commentary: Bob Ferguson’s war a threat to Whidbey’s Navy base
State Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, represents the 10th Legislative District.
“But it’s very unusual for an elected official to attack one of the largest employers in their state when the thousands of people who depend on that employer are veterans he has claimed to support. This short-sighted approach is what Ferguson is doing through his lawsuit against the United States Navy on Whidbey Island.”
“Our state is key to national defense. We have multiple military installations located around Washington, resulting in more than a $30 billion economic impact. Each one of us is affected in some way. NAS Whidbey alone accounts for nearly 90 percent of economic activity on the island and almost 70 percent of the county employment.”
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 honest demand for these services.
“What’s next? Shutting down Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Station Everett, or any of the other bases in our state? Not only would this cripple our state economically, it would undermine our national security, putting us all at greater risk from enemy attack and greatly reducing our ability to respond to threats.”
I am indifferent to jet noise 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.
More here:
US Navy on Whidbey Island
July 19, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
State Sen. Barbara Bailey
Sound Off: ‘Litigator-in-chief’s’ lawsuit hurts economy, defense
I moved here 29 years ago and built a life in the shadow and earshot of the Intruders, Prowlers and Growlers that made and continue to make their presence known by what I like to call “the sound of freedom.”
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.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, 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.
More here:
Sound of Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
USO: “…82% of military families feel that the public doesn’t understand their sacrifices.”
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Jet Noise Made Them Free?
Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?
Armistice Day – Six Months Out
Liberty And Justice For All?
U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips
Glorifying Military Service
Goodbye Armistice Day
JULY 24, 2019 ConnectingVets
Vets to get their own parking spaces in West Miami City
The spaces will be designated by signs that read “Veterans Only Parking” and contain the seals of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
More here:
Group identities, head of the line privileges, dividing people into groups of first & second-class citizens away from military bases, civilian-military divide, etc.
The Best Parking Spots
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?
Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?
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