$49.8 billion is spent every 12 months on the US Dept. of Homeland Security.
The Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep cartel sourced meth, heroin and fentanyl from showing up all over the US.
Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
“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 anyone has info, please post in comments.
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound meth, heroin or fentanyl?
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?
Newspeople remain silent.
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.
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Why have Joe Sixpack and the family line up for REAL ID, when cartels opt out on all that?
If there was a school district in Hometown USA, that had a poor record for educating students, or a fire dept. that struggled to get the job done, people and the press would ask questions.
The US Dept. of Homeland Security seems to get a pass from newspeople everywhere.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
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?
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
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?
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.
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?
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement without asking any questions.
Our questions appear in bold type.
After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
Did General Milley show a lack of confidence in a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security and their ability to keep cartel product out of US communities when he made this bold commitment to go after cartels?
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
A symbol of newspeople repeatedly posting press releases and asking zero questions while making pleas for more support, donations and paid subscriptions.
A man on the moon in 1969. Church, Boy Scouts, patriotism, pledge of allegiance, the WWII generation in charge. Signing up for the Marines.
Families with married parents and maybe a stay at home Mom. It was common for your friends to have 3 or 4 brothers and sisters.
It started out with a positive sense of American culture.
Much has changed.
Over the past 40 years or so, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation. A wide variety of political personalities have occupied the White House.
“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?”
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
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?
“Federal law says it’s illegal, in any quantities.”
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
The freedom talk is just for federal holidays & overseas military operations.
Patriot Police Captain: My Oath To The Constitution Has No Expiration
Captain Higgins,
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
“The oath I took never expires”, etc.
Many veterans refer to their oath of enlistment Re: defending the constitution- when & how do The Troops act on behalf of the executive branch of government to defend the constitution?
How is US foreign policy connected to defending the constitution?
No time to ask what sort of drugs were involved here.
Some drugs are domestic- some must get past the US Dept. of Homeland Security to get here.
Restricted versions of marijuana are legal in some areas.
What Drug War tactics are working? Which are failures? We may never know if questions aren’t asked.
A symbol of the free press & federal government credibility
The people who run both major parties & the conventions that nominate presidential candidates are OK with ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars overseas, the drug war racket, & a secretive, wasteful and ineffective Dept. of Homeland Security.
Ditto for the TV networks that host presidential debates & ask scripted questions of candidates.
The majority of voters will align with one of these two parties.
“If we don’t stay engaged here to build [the Afghan security forces’] capacity to fight [terrorist groups]…it’s coming back to the homeland,” said Gen. John Campbell, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan. “So it’s pay a little bit now, build the capability, and keep this an away game as opposed to a home game.”
The War on Terror is meant to keep bad people from coming to the US?
These are the folks who tell us there is “no credible threat” anytime they move to ramp up security.
No specific, credible threat? Would a bank robber threaten to knock off a bank next Tuesday?
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, school & church shootings, child abduction, etc.
Real ID-
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping heroin out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
If special ID works to keep bad guys out- how are cartels moving product into Washington State in 2015?
What prevents the badass terrorists we are supposed to stay scared of from causing problems in a crowded airport just short of the screening checkpoint, or in the unscreened area where people drive in to pick up/drop off airline passengers?
Public Schools-
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.
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.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine-why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
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 anyone has info, please post in comments.
Over on the Olympic Peninsula- post 911 cash has beefed up coastal security:
Port of Port Angeles-
$701,063 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant:
Still no justification provided by elected officials or the US Border Patrol for an upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility.
Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community & a Border Patrol whistleblower investigation that resulted in further suppression of information- keep the focus on asking questions in these areas.
Back when marijuana was legal- in the days when Americans were inventing and producing light bulbs, automobiles, airplanes, etc.
Dr. Freng,
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine-why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
Allowing legal, domestic production of marijuana would serve to eliminate a portion of distraction and potential corruption at the border.
Allowing legal, domestic production of marijuana would serve to eliminate a portion of distraction and potential corruption at the border- but we can’t have that in a free society.
“The two day event features panel discussions, sharing intelligence, and exhibitors displaying high-tech wares aimed at securing lucrative government contracts and private sales.”
High-tech wares including drones, bulletproof vehicles, shock-proof clothing and mobile surveillance systems- no match for the people who move heroin into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Heroin traffickers are frequently successful at what they do. If terrorists were just as interested in entering the US- it appears that federal departments and agencies would have no way to stop them.
Heroin for profit-
If heroin was prevented from entering the US- law enforcement paydays like this one might not be possible:
The majority of voters will align with one of two major political parties.
Both major parties are OK with ongoing, undeclared wars overseas, the drug war racket, & a Dept. of Homeland Security that can’t keep heroin out of the US.
Wars-
Winding down because US officials have declared victory and are ready to get out of the undeclared wars business- or leaving because host governments take up the welcome mat?
Take a look at the first states to approve medical marijuana. These states authorized medical use of marijuana based on voter initiatives-not action taken by elected officials. Ditto for both states that have said yes to recreational use of marijuana.
Is there anything written into a state or national party platform by either of our major political parties indicating they are interested in marijuana legalization or ending The Drug War?
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine-why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
Heroin traffickers are frequently successful at what they do. If terrorists were just as interested in entering the US- it appears that federal departments and agencies would have no way to stop them.
Both major parties are OK with ongoing, undeclared wars overseas, the drug war racket, & a Dept. of Homeland Security that can’t keep heroin out of the US.
Wars-
Winding down because US officials are ready- or leaving because host governments say the US is no longer welcome to stay?
Take a look at the first states to approve medical marijuana. These states authorized medical use of marijuana based on voter initiatives- not action taken by elected officials. Ditto for both states that have said yes to recreational use of marijuana.
Is there anything written into a state or national party platform by either of our major political parties indicating they are interested in marijuana legalization or ending The Drug War?
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
Heroin traffickers cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Heroin traffickers are frequently successful at what they do. If terrorists were just as interested in entering the US- it appears that federal departments and agencies would have no way to stop them.
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
Heroin for profit-
If heroin was prevented from entering the US- law enforcement paydays like this one might not be possible:
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
Marijuana is controversial- beer is not.
Local event happening on the same weekend the above story came out:
Some are saying the Senator is being misunderstood.
I looked for anything written on his position Re: The Drug War or marijuana policy & could not find anything.
Is there anything written into a state or national platform from either of our major political parties indicating that they are interested in marijuana legalization or ending The Drug War?
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
Heroin traffickers are frequently successful at what they do. If terrorists were just as interested in entering the US- it appears that federal departments and agencies would have no way to stop them.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
Newspeople- please consider doing a report/asking questions Re: why the US Department of Homeland Security is unable to keep heroin out of the US.
As always- the big law enforcement success story comes with zero reporting or questions from newspeople about why the proud War on Terror is unable to keep heroin out of the US.
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for your service
Newspeople- please consider doing a report/asking questions Re: why the US Department of Homeland Security is unable to keep heroin out of the US.
Heroin traffickers are frequently successful at what they do. If terrorists were just as interested in entering the US- it appears that federal departments and agencies would have no way to stop them.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
You may choose to take a friend and travel to wine country.
Maybe you will stay over at a hotel or B&B.
You tour one or more wineries- you buy a bottle to take home, or maybe a dozen bottles– no doctor’s authorization required.
No controversy.
Why is marijuana any different?
Prohibition remains in place for adults age 18-20.
The law should not divide adults into groups of first & second class citizens.
You are free to do as we tell you.
Bill Hicks
Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.
Government permissions, authorizations, permits, and applications for marijuana should be no more complicated than those required to use a glass of wine.
Prohibition remains in place for adults age 18-20 & for those who want to grow a plant for recreational use.
You are an adult in Washington State.
You may choose to take a friend and travel to wine country.
Maybe you will stay over at a hotel or B&B.
You tour one or more wineries- you buy a bottle to take home, or maybe a dozen bottles– no doctor’s authorization required.
No controversy.
Why is marijuana any different?
Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.
No doctor’s note required for a glass of wine- why is marijuana any different?
One of the control freak’s biggest concerns is that people who get authorization to use medical marijuana are just looking for an excuse to get high.
How about the folks who line up for happy hours at bars, taverns & restaurants all across America-
Are they making up excuses to purchase shots of tequila and pitchers of beer?
What if someone shows up at work after smoking marijuana?
Employers control workplace standards of conduct- same as it always has been/same as for alcohol.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.
You are free to do as we tell you.
Bill Hicks
A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.
How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)
Government permissions, authorizations, permits, and applications for marijuana should be no more complicated than those required to use a glass of wine.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
“While testifying under oath, Officer Michael Reichert admits to planting drugs or drug scents on cars in hotel parking lots for K9 “training” without notifying the owners. He then lets unsuspecting motorists drive away with drug scents still on their vehicles.”
Mar 19,2021 Fox News
