“Unlike any member of our “free press,” I’ve actually attempted to look into the logistics of the shooting. You know, the evidence. That’s what they should be doing, of course, but we know they aren’t allowed to investigate anything of substance, and someone has to do it.”
“The arrest of Tyler Robinson, a twenty two year old apparent incel, was breathlessly announced by our state controlled media.”
“As always, because these events are never properly investigated, internet sleuths, and Thought Criminals like me, will ask uncomfortable questions.”
“It’s bad enough that we have to work around a state controlled press that won’t ask any pertinent questions, and law enforcement that can’t or won’t actually investigate honestly, we now have to deal with the AI craziness, where a picture or even a video that looks entirely realistic can be created to portray whatever you desire.”
“…I say if you don’t want speculation- responsible or reckless- then come up with better narratives. Your stories are absolutely ridiculous. We have been lied to about everything. We have no good reason to believe anything you say.”
Just Be Honest
This could be a slogan for government to live by, no matter what political party or personality is in power.
The US federal government has been involved in decades of various events where records were sealed or redacted and files were kept secret.
Federal credibility is squandered over a period of decades. Now, people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities. Well done. Something to get proud about.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Conspiracy Theory?
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works.
Federal credibility is squandered over a period of decades. Now, people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities. Well done. Something to get proud about.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Their lips are moving:
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
For Americans born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s, there have been several episodes over the decades where the federal government version of events may have fallen into question over the years, or may never have been fully resolved.
By now, some Americans may feel that both major political parties are manipulative and dishonest.
Conspiracy Theory?
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works.
Maybe there would be less in the way of conspiracy theories if people felt like they were properly informed.
Where is the press in all this?
Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
What we get now is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
Newspeople post the statement as is. A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Regular newspeople don’t seem to have permission to ask hard questions.
Sports writers are OK with being critical of coaches, teams, players, the rule book, the league, referees, team owners, when the season starts and ends, etc.
In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.
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.
Are people who work for newspapers and TV news folks given permission to go out and to do interviews related to public policy? If elected officials and people who run government agencies are not available to be interviewed, that should become the story.
Mainstream media functions like paid actors reading a script.
Americans do not live in a free and honest society. Today, the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script:
Would any newsperson ever ask:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
US jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?
.@PressSec says on social media that “the major platforms have a responsibility… to stop amplifying untrustworthy content, disinformation and misinformation, especially related to covid-19, vaccinations, and elections.” pic.twitter.com/pFH34cJJ1A
Today, crisis requires a one size fits all, guilty until proven innocent approach.
Newspeople show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
Today, it seems as if the press promotes whatever message is handed down by elected officials and government agencies.
Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here and people who opt out on attending services.
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam, Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Some may have become skeptical along the way.
Alternative media is good about asking questions:
When major media platforms promote the idea that sending hometown troops to Africa is linked with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free, is there any discussion Re: disinformation and misinformation?
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Less respect for the federal government. Less respect for the press.
Local newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy, and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales while lining up for federal bailout cash.
Rules are in place. Coaches are fired for poor play. The press looks in on all games. A highly successful team will win the Super Bowl each year.
The federal government is a different animal. Both major parties have taken turns in power as the decades go by. When failures take place, lessons learned, solid news reporting and public information can be hard to come by.
The US Dept. of Homeland Security was established on November 25, 2002. Plenty of time for lessons learned, and more cartel drugs entering Hometown, USA than ever before?
When is the last time these patrol boats were involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents. A major aircraft manufacturer grounds certain airplanes after mishaps. Time is required to investigate and find out what went wrong.
Any similar effort after a big cartel drug bust inside the US?
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Would any newsperson ever ask:
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?
What is the history of “cross border activity” related to Whidbey Island?
Newspeople remain silent.
Airport Security Screening
Show up early to wait in line and squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube at the airport?
Would any newsperson ever ask:
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Has anyone ever seen any member of the press ask questions on this?
REAL ID
Would any newsperson ever ask:
If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?
The new REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel has been extended now to 2025.
Would any newsperson ever ask:
If the CIA (est 1947) serves as an advantage to the US, why does the Department of Defense have such a poor record of winning undeclared wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?
Would any newsperson ever ask:
Are passports/enhanced/REAL IDs effective in keeping cartel drugs out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Would any newsperson ever ask:
Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?
Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?
Newspeople remain silent.
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Super Bowl
Tune in to any Super Bowl in the post 911 era to see the press promote a big US Dept. of Homeland Security show of force to keep the big game safe. TV newspeople skip asking questions and play the role of federal public affairs staff instead:
The folks who can’t keep fentanyl trafficking cartels from moving product into various US communities are keeping the Super Bowl safe. Way To Go Team.
Would any newsperson ever ask:
If special games require special security-what keeps regular games safe? Crowd size/capacity is similar at several stadiums.
Are fans less safe at regular games?
What prevents terror strikes at hundreds of events & locations unsupervised by federal authorities?
What stops terrorists from going 2 states over and driving a truck across the playground at a daycare center?
Symbol of a culture that was once strong (Man On The Moon in ’69). A culture that is now weak. Symbol of an American press that will avoid asking questions.
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
No chance for conspiracy theories to develop because coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose. They are replaced if they are not up to the task.
Much Respect for Sports Culture
Think of an NFL game. Coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.
No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. No classified documents. Player stats and injury reports are always available.
Instant replays, commentary in the broadcast booth, analysis from network studios, sports talk radio, etc. Fans get tons of info all of the time. No chance for conspiracy theories to develop. Missed calls by NFL officials may be discussed for weeks on end. No such thing as: “We can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.” Instant replay is for all to see. Sports writers are OK with being critical of coaches, teams, players, the rule book, the league, referees, team owners, when the season starts and ends, etc. This is what a free and independent press looks like.
Coaches get fired for months of poor play.
Newspeople and politicians are more about information suppression and not asking questions.
In 2024, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.
Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?
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?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Where were you? along with a photo of a peaceful/standing twin towers.
My response:
With my GF in Kingston. Had already done some time in uniform. Took me several years to become skeptical and see that the federal government and the press had lost credibility.
Today:
My feeling is that a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment. That was maybe the best of America in my lifetime.
“What I remember most about 9/11 is the way America was unified the day after. During uncontrollable times we controlled our response. Race, Gender and Political Party were equally irrelevant.”
“We focused on loving each other, how did we get so segregated? We never would have made it this far if we embraced division on September the 12th. We are where we are because we got here TOGETHER let’s embrace love yet again.”
“God Bless The USA.”
My response:
Good Stuff
Let’s keep that and add a free and independent press that will ask questions/rock the boat, no matter who is in office.
The mainstream press provides news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.
No chance for conspiracy theories to develop in the NFL because coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.
No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. Player stats and injury reports are always available.
“By Texas law, cops must keep their bodycams on while working. But it’s possible police will use the “dead suspect loophole” to keep anyone from seeing the footage.”
Sports culture is more open and honest. A bad call from the ref will be seen and reviewed instantly.
Small children killed at school and good people facing new restrictions on legal firearms – sorry folks, video and voice recordings from the crime scene are not available.
I am good with no conspiracy theories. The press could help if they were more about asking questions.
Do a proper investigation similar to those done after a plane crash. Release the findings months from now or whenever is appropriate.
Create credibility for the press and government agencies by keeping people fully informed.
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future events.
Mass shootings seem to go straight from breaking news of the event to scenes of memorials near where the event happened, interviews of victim’s family members and statements from various politicians. The crime scene investigation seems not to be a priority for the press. If we wait for an entire year, will that be enough time to ask questions?
People who are interested in having questions asked and people who want clarification and better information seem to be scolded/shamed or accused of advancing conspiracy theories.
The press should be out asking questions all of the time.
Here are some questions we’d like to see newspeople ask:
13 pounds of ammo could be manageable. Seems like 58 magazines might be bulky.
Looks like we are told the Texas school shooter crashed his vehicle, regained his composure, and then moved this load across the road and into the school on foot?
I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.
We are fans of alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:
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
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works. Over the years some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:
In a free and honest society, newspeople would ask questions.
