Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Are veteran’s organizations working to restore these freedoms?
Will the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to take a stand against dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens?
As always, newspeople play along by not asking any questions. No need to disrupt a celebration and parade during the school day. Maybe ask questions after school is out for the year. Just make time to ask, so the kids can have a better understanding of how overseas military operations will relate to their freedoms.
Not picking on Brinnon. The idea that overseas military operations or military jet training over Coupeville are linked to American rights and freedoms is commonly promoted in American culture.
If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
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?
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.
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.
Are the folks promoting loyalty OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
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.
Looks like Newspeople didn’t show up to ask any questions before, during, or after the hero send off ceremony, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.
April 14th, 2019 Press Release from the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins
70 Bangor-based Maine National Guard soldiers are deploying to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve
“There is no cause more noble than preserving America’s freedom…”
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.
Sending the National Guard to Poland is somehow linked to American rights and freedoms?
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Maine need services in Poland absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
“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.
If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
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?
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.
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.
The Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin/meth trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
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.
Some of the points made by Navy supporters don’t generate much in the way of good public relations:
The base 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.
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.
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.
As Noem explained: “It would create uncertainty for prosecution under our ingestion statute because the source of THC is placed in doubt when industrial hemp products that contain small amounts of THC, such as cannabidiol or CBD, are legalized. As governor, I will not leave it to our courts to interpret how this bill impacts our prohibition on the active ingredient in marijuana, and I do not believe the Legislature intended to complicate enforcement of our ingestion statute in this way.”
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end
Absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war- the people of South Dakota need services in the Middle East:
“The unit first deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013.”
Hey- smaller government conservatives:
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 about the freedom to legally grow Industrial Hemp?
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?
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.
State-run media lets us know that a National Guard Counterdrug program has been in place in all 50 states since the mid 1990s.
The program started as an effort to eradicate marijuana grows.
At 4:06 we learn that the US Dept. of Homeland Security made a request that the National Guard fill capability gaps in key areas of the US:
When the news is created by people in uniform, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press. It looks like newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.
“…the National Guard Bureau operates five counterdrug schools that provide training in drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. These schools trained more than 41,400 law enforcement officers, community-based organization members, and military personnel in the fiscal year 2017.”
“…11 full-time airmen and soldiers are embedded in various law enforcement agencies around the state, including the DEA, Customs and the Delaware State Police.”
“A drunken driver steps out of his vehicle after being pulled over. He says he has a weapon, reaches in his pocket and pretends to pull out a gun.”
What does this scenario have to do with drug control policy or the National Guard?
We were told earlier that the National Guard role is limited to analyzing evidence and air support?
“In 2017, 345 people died of overdoses in Delaware. The health department expects last year’s number, which has not yet been finalized, to surpass that due to the increase in drugs laced with the potent synthetic drug fentanyl.”
Another state-run media update:
Prescription Drug Take Back:
0:28 “…collected more than 9,600 pounds of prescription medications…”
A huge success for the legal drug dealers- they sold more than 9,600 pounds of prescription medications to people who did not need them.
Have National Guard counterdrug efforts resulted in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?
What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?
“He requested support from the 248th Aviation Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, who had similar equipment.”
The people of Missouri needed services in Iraq:
“As the 248th ASB’s deployment was ending, the partnership passed onto the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Missouri Army National Guard.”
The people of Illinois needed services in Iraq:
“To me at least, it felt like it was something that has a lasting effect here,” said Illinois Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Johnson, B. Company powertrain shop chief.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Arizona need services in Afghanistan absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
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.
Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
We’re often told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms, and that we should thank them for defending our freedoms.
The reality is that freedoms may come and go.
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, 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?
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?
Looks like life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns.
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?
Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money
2014-
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything.
If public meetings were held on Whidbey Island & people were asked to state their top law enforcement priorities- would a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat show up anywhere on the list?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound heroin?
Even one time?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound heroin?
Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
Possibly of interest-
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Suspicionless checkpoints
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
State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.
“Inexpensive meth from Mexico is pouring into our state in record amounts and high purity, killing our citizens, destroying our families, and clogging our justice system.”
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Federal cash for Montana after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:
Special IDs, US troops in distant lands, US troops at the southern border, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, suspicionless checkpoints, big drug busts, Homeland Security grant money, massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats fail to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Credibility in need of repair.
Newspeople need to chuck the hometown pride and get out and ask more questions.
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, 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.
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
April 28, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
