Archives for category: Federal Holidays

Consider replacing the phrase:

“Thanks for your service”

With:

What do you think about all this?

To me, this would come off as more respectful, thoughtful and meaningful. It could lead to discussions people might learn from.

My reply would be:

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the Pentagon specializes in undeclared/unwon wars. I don’t feel connected to it.

The “Thanks for your service” phrase may have come from some sort of post-Vietnam guilt.

The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars.

Related:

Pentagon For Freedom

US Troops in Iraq

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Veterans Day Reflection 2023

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Candidate (Fill in last name)

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

It’s all about freedom folks.

Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks

CNN Nov 11, 2023

Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:

Mr President,

How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?

Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.

Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.

 

More here:

Veterans Day Reflection 2023

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Candidate (Fill in last name)

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

Possibly of interest:

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

July 05, 2023 Cliff Mass Weather Blog

Some of the Worst Air Quality in the World over Puget Sound: Blame Fireworks

 

Related:

Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

Cultural Honesty

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

South Carolina National Guard to Africa – Zero Questions from Newspeople

“Their commitment to protecting our freedom…”

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Independence Day Has Lost Its Meaning

 

TV newspeople have moved away from asking basic public policy questions. Regular people go out to do it and it becomes a controversy:

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Libbey Beach

 

The history is still important and meaningful.

In 2023, Americans do not live in a free and honest society and they are not headed in that direction.

Americans live in a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

Both major parties have had a hand in reducing American freedoms as the decades roll on.

Sound of Freedom

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”


Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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, federal toilet regulations, sports betting, federal gas can regulations/free enterprise system,
voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

American freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

School children are taught about a free enterprise system. They grow up to find out that the federal government will tell them what kind of shower head they must install in the bathroom, and what type of gas can they must buy for their lawn mower.

Did hostile forces in distant lands attempt to replace US consumer demand with government demand and end the free enterprise system?

Related:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

Schmoozy Interview With The General – Recruiting Crisis

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam

We were told…

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

2023 Memorial Day Military Discounts & Freebies

South Carolina National Guard to Africa – Zero Questions from Newspeople

Decades After The Lessons of Vietnam

A Free and Honest Society?

Cultural Honesty

Welcome Home Troops

TV News Version of Patriotism

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

Did hostile forces in distant lands attempt to replace US consumer demand with government demand and end the free enterprise system?

Did these forces constantly brag about freedoms while mandating what kind of showerhead must be installed in the bathroom of private homes, and what type of gas can must be purchased for a lawnmower? Did these hostile forces spend $6.3 million in federal cash on a used hotel and prompt the press to ask no questions?

Was it Saddam Hussein who made a move to sign off on federal law prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Did foreign terrorists set up a land of the free holding pattern where alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults?

Did hostile forces from distant lands set up transgender messaging at theme parks? Seems more like adult content for Mardi Gras in New Orleans than something for family/child friendly events?

Did foreign terrorists mandate what sort of toilet you must install in your home?

Did foreign terrorists cause local papers to strip away all comments from past articles, and remove the opportunity to post comments to new articles?

Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

 

Did Saddam Hussein take over small town papers and turn them into propaganda outlets?

From 2017:

Here, in this military town, the local paper seems to go with family friendly and patriotic themes.

About a year ago, their hometown pride was running high when they posted:

“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”

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?

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?

More here: Military Town – Hometown Pride

GWOT Era

The GWOT era has been a time to tell the American people that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American freedoms. This urban legend has run its course. People have seen enough now to know this is no more than another giant marketing strategy.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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, federal toilet regulations, sports betting, federal gas can regulations/free enterprise system,
voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

American freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

 

Did foreign invaders get members of the press to play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl?

TV newspeople perform like paid actors reading a script:

The US Dept. of Defense is the very best at militarized pageantry for pro sports events.

 

Did Al-Qaeda craft a list of formerly legal weapons and set deadlines for prohibition of future sales? Will General Motors and Budweiser be eliminating products due to drunk driving?


Image source: Mises Caucus
@LPMisesCaucus

Possibly of interest:

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Related:

Decades After The Lessons of Vietnam

A Free and Honest Society?

Cultural Honesty

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Did foreign terrorists attempt to shut down an individual who was operating a camera in a public place?

First video below is from Texas. Same state where authorities initially responded by yielding the right of way to a gunman/waited outside for 1 hour and 14 minutes while multiple elementary school students lost their lives about a year ago.

From comments – library video above:

“As a former child I can state 100% that a camera wouldn’t have scared me but a masked blue line flag man throwing things and yelling would have terrified me!”

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Moving Towards A One Size Fits All Society – Climate And Environment

 

The Press

Much of what we get today 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 this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

 

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Full text here.

Lies About Freedoms

American culture is good with lies about freedoms.

Americans are told that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, federal toilet regulations, sports betting, federal gas can regulations/free enterprise system,
voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

American freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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 Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

It feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.

Any college or pro football coach would have been fired a dozen times over for what DOD has done with the US Armed Forces during the fake GWOT era.

Homeland Security Is A Scam

Huge US Dept. of Homeland Security budgets after 911 and more cartel drugs than ever arriving in Hometown, USA?

Source: DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program

“There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.”

Would the DEA be out of work if a giant US Dept. of Homeland Security was able to keep cartel product from showing up in all 50 states?

Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.

DEA’s drug threat report: Mexican cartel flooding Northwest with fentanyl

Source: March 2, 2021 KTVZ

Welcome Home Troops

Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan-working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

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.

Both major parties and the press appear to be OK with undeclared/unwon wars.

What a Scam

Cartels react to General Milley by moving more product into the US:

MAY 10, 2023 CBS News

“The Sinoloa cartel is responsible for a significant portion of illicit fentanyl trafficked into the United States, and has operated since the 1980s. The organization increased its power and influence in the early 2000s, and has since become one of the largest drug trafficking operations in Mexico, OFAC said. The cartel also traffics heroin and methamphetamine in multi-ton quantities, the agency said.”

18-20 Year Old Adults Are Seen As Second Class Citizens

A society where, in addition to freedoms possibly enjoyed by all adults, those who are 18-20 years old are placed in a land of the free holding pattern.

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?

Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Both major political parties are OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.

Same society where transgender messaging is OK for kids.

Jimmy Dore has a discussion of transgender messaging directed at children at 37:49 in the video below:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

The folks who can’t keep cartel product from showing up all over the US are ready to question the guy with the camera.

Please see 7:35 in the video below:

Contact at 5:45 in the video below:

KULT NEWS

Related:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Cultural Honesty

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Symbol of a society that phased out Armistice day in the 1950s. A society where decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. A society in 2023, that can’t stay out of or win undeclared wars, but has come to offer up a big Memorial Day freebies for veterans marketing campaign. Way to go guys.

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 in distant lands.

Do the companies that offer free Memorial Day chow advocate for phasing out undeclared wars?

A society where a giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.

 

In my small town, leaving the neighborhood often means driving past the fire station. It seems like several times a month, for different reasons, the US flag may be at half mast. When I was a child in the 60s and 70s, the flag would go to half mast on what seemed to be rare occasions. Now it seems routine.

KXLY in Spokane tells us at 1:08

“…behind every half-staff flag is a man or woman who laid down their life for our country.”

“…the tradition began centuries ago.”

KXLY,

Was the flag flown at half staff more than 58,000 times for individuals who lost their lives during the Vietnam War?

In reality, the flag is lowered for various occasions:

Mass shootings.

A tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

COVID deaths.

For Madeleine Jana Korbel Albright.

Hmong-Lao Veterans Day

“…to honor the thousands of Hmong-Lao veterans who fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam War and now live in Wisconsin.”

For Rep. Jackie Walorski who died tragically in a car accident in Indiana.

For Whitney Houston.

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”

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?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

Weak News Reporting

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

We’ve been told for decades that DOD sends the troops to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

Conclusion:

Consider the idea that lowering the flag on a routine basis may take away from the significance of the protocol.  Over time, the flag may be seen as a political symbol, something like a Presidential Medal of Freedom that may have nothing to do with freedom.

Please be accurate and honest with news reporting. If young people get the idea that they can’t trust the news, or that they do not live in a free and honest society, they may stop showing up to enlist in the US Armed Forces.

Related:

Cultural Honesty

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Schmoozy Interview With The General – Recruiting Crisis

Leaving Afghanistan – Lies About American Rights And Freedoms

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Just Be Honest

 

Possibly of interest:

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

 

I am from the last century. Maybe it’s not fair, but what it is now doesn’t seem to measure up to what it was, or what it is supposed to be.

A pretty close family connection for us was in place maybe fifteen years ago. Add in a couple divorces. Loved ones who have passed away. Kids who aren’t kids anymore. The family togetherness tends to break down, even outside of the traditional November/December weeks.

Speaking of last century, I like a good parade. Sometimes we tune in to see if the one in NYC is still the same. We watch for a few minutes and we’re not seeing much in the way of old cars, the US Marine Corps marching band, groups on horseback, and some of the best high school marching bands in the nation. Nope. It’s a made for TV lip sync fest. Some TV celebrity signed a contract and it says they must be here and be super enthusiastic again this year.

We do not have regular TV. The holiday ad blitz is weaker this way. We watch TV through the web and we still see some ads. A luxury automobile in the driveway with a giant bow on top. It’s a great time to surprise her with diamonds.

Don’t be the poor family that fails to purchase the right retail products this holiday season:

Not in the habit of doing any Christmas shopping. OK with the idea that people take joy in it.

Not connected with a church and have nothing against it. Do not care how people choose to express their greetings in public. Seems like people who are solid in their faith would be OK with whatever others do or don’t do Re: casual greetings.  Ditto with the styling of disposable fast food packaging.

I look at 365 days a year as the time to do more or less in terms of what we think is meaningful in life. Things that are meaningful are on our mind all the time. They are not saved up for a special day on the calendar.

Went to the web to see what others are saying:

Does anyone else who’s family isn’t very close ever feel …awkward about it?

Is there something wrong with people who don’t care about holidays (birthdays included)?

How many of you couldn’t care less about the Holidays? And what made you feel that way?

No big plans here this month. Not feeling connected to what is almost a cultural peer pressure that sets up many people to try to do the same thing at the same time.

Never here to take away from others what is meaningful to them, just an urge to duck out all year long and be somewhere near the slow lane.


Okinawa 1980 – The Christmas Tree Story

 

Not just the holidays.

American culture seems less interesting and meaningful as time goes on. I saved all the voting materials that came in the mail this year, going all the way back to the Aug primary. I studied and made notes on the voter guides. Today, it all went into recycling. Do I feel better or different for voting? No.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A winter trip to Arizona some years back.

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

The US Armed Forces have attracted many good people over the years.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Misinformation and Militarized Freedom Nonsense

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

 

Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

Love to see the press find out from elected officials how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

We have had a tradition over the years, where we invite people over and cook a turkey a week or more before Thanksgiving. People may be more available this way, because they can visit with us, but still get to their own family gatherings on Thanksgiving Day. Picking an off day/week also allows for less crowded stores, roads, ferry and air terminals, etc.

We were on the road to visit family last week. Today, it’s just the two of us and a decent weather day in our area. A turkey on the weber is a family tradition. We are always happy with the finished product.

 

Along for the afternoon: Classic Deep Cuts

 

Seen on Twitter:

How do you thank a veteran? Here’s what our employees had to say.”

My answer:

Reach for an honest understanding of US foreign policy.

Find out from elected officials how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

Look for TV newspeople to play along by not asking questions.

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

Two major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

School teachers and newspeople are OK with promoting this urban legend.

Local press:

Hometown pride running high. High enough to stop asking questions?

“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”

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?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

Related:

USMC Birthday and Veterans Day Memories

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Veterans Day Nonsense

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Several questions newspeople will avoid asking:

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

 

May 31, 2021 KUSI News video:

San Diegans reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day

1:20

“The True Cost of Freedom”

We are told by TV newspeople and politicians that we wouldn’t have our freedoms without those who died in wars. This blanket statement is a one size fits all. Whichever war. They’re all the same. We were there for freedom.

The idea that freedom comes from wars doesn’t seem to stand up to any discussion or questioning.

School teachers, maybe six months from now, please provide lessons in the classroom to explain how the price of freedom is related to wars fought by the US.

Here are a few questions and ideas to include in your lessons:

 

The Troops are often sent to distant lands to fight people who:

“…had never attacked the United States or even threatened to do so.”

May 27, 2021 Jacob G. Hornberger

The Lies of the National-Security State

 

May28, 2018 Jacob G. Hornberger

Memorial Day Is Based on a Lie

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

School teachers, why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Tomi Lahren video 0:11

“I’ve got loved ones overseas right now fighting for your right to sit on a bench…”

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?

Tomi Lahren at 2:37

We have the freedom to enjoy a backyard BBQ because of undeclared/unwon wars that never end:

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

 

 

Do public schools still teach about Armistice Day?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, 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.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of wars in distant lands.

 

Related:

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Memorial Day

Appreciation For Alternative Viewpoints And Voices of Dissent

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

On watch at Fort Ebey

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

This weekend.

Get on down to the dealership.

 

August 26, 2011 James Bovard

Memorial Day Reflections and Revisionism

 

The Troops are often sent to distant lands to fight people who:

“…had never attacked the United States or even threatened to do so.”

May 27, 2021 Jacob G. Hornberger

The Lies of the National-Security State

 

 

 

May28, 2018 Jacob G. Hornberger

Memorial Day Is Based on a Lie

 

JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:

Ideas for additional reading:

Future of Freedom Foundation

Lew Rockwell Memorial Day

 

My blog:

Memorial Day

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

Armistice Day – Six Months Out

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Plenty of lonely beach out there.

North of Perego’s Lagoon, looking towards Fort Ebey.

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

May 27, 2021 Los Angeles Daily News

A prayer, a salute and a thank you on Memorial Day for those who fought to secure our freedoms

Random thoughts:

Interesting that WWII is used as a justification for war, but no comment is made on the undeclared/unwon wars that followed.

The Dept. of Defense did not exist until 1949.

We’d be pledging allegiance to a totally different flag if it weren’t for all the brave men and women veterans who gave their lives defending this country from bullies.”

The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced by people in military uniforms to pledge allegiance to a flag not of their choosing?

Gather around kids, I want to talk to you about Memorial Day.”

Interesting that the focus is on children. Maybe this is because they see the speaker/writer as an authority figure and will not question the message. Our questions appear in bold type.

Did you know it’s our most important national holiday? Without it, we wouldn’t be the United States of America today, and all those freedoms we enjoy and take for granted wouldn’t exist.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

“…a mean, crazed man named Hitler who wanted to take over the world.

Please see Operation Sea Lion.

FDR

He did it with 16 million young men from all over the country answering his call to arms, and their wives, mothers, and girlfriends filling in for them at home – working and volunteering to make sure their boys had whatever they needed to beat the bullies.”

Answering his call to arms? 10 million were drafted in WWII.

 

June 24, 2020 Jacob G. Hornberger

The “Greatest” Generation’s Refusal to Fight the “Good War”

“According to the website of the National WWII Museum, 38.8% (6,332,000) men were volunteers in World War II while 61.2% (11,535,000) were draftees.”

 

WWII

More than 400,000 American military personnel would die doing just that. They’re the reason Memorial Day is our most important national holiday, kids.”

They kept freedom alive.”

If the troops were fighting for American rights and freedoms-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, 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.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of wars in distant lands.

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Related:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

 

May28, 2018 Jacob G. Hornberger

Memorial Day Is Based on a Lie

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

 

An occaision of deep religious significance.

A time to enjoy, even for people who are not religious.

Maybe it’s a day for family traditions. A day for generations to gather. A day for kids to have fun. A day to reflect on a new season.

Unlike Christmas, there seems to be little marketing pressure from retailers. Christmas merchandise begins to go up in stores in late August. Easter is more of a take it or leave it event. No scolding about what to say when exchanging Easter greetings. No obligation to make a gift list. Not a federal holiday. No need for a giant government to pretend to play a role here.

No unusually crowded stores, shipping outlets or ferry and air terminals because of Easter.

Good Stuff.

Related:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

The End of the Holiday Season is Here

 

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A few years back – Skagit Valley

 

Requesting permission from a giant federal government to celebrate independence from a giant federal government update:

Mar 15, 2021 Fox News Video

Gov. Kristi Noem to keep fighting for July 4th fireworks at Mount Rushmore after feds deny request

 

As the months go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

 

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

We are the very best at militarized pageantry for pro sports events.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

 

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning undeclared wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.

 

Who are the Patriots on the Fourth?

by Jacob G. Hornberger

“On the Fourth of July, American statists will be praising the troops, glorifying their exploits in foreign countries, thanking them for defending our rights and freedoms, and expressing thanks to federal officials for taking care of them with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education grants, farm subsidies, drug laws, and the myriad other programs that come with America’s welfare-warfare state.”

“First, let’s get one thing clear: contrary to popular opinion, the men who signed the Declaration of Independence were not great and courageous Americans. That’s an important fact to keep in mind. The reason? They weren’t Americans. They were British citizens, no different from British citizens today. The only difference was that they were living abroad, much as many American citizens live abroad today.”

“Thus, the people who were fighting in the Revolutionary War were not supporting the troops. They weren’t thanking and glorifying them for defending their rights and freedoms. Instead, they were shooting at them and killing them. They had taken up arms against their very own government.”

Related:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

Soviet Style Military Flyovers

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Liberty And Justice For All?

Veterans Day Nonsense

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Some Veterans See Nonveterans As Second-Class Citizens?

Port Angeles – Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

A society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

A society where voices of dissent are not authorized.

Listen Up, Sports Announcers

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople who fail to ask what the major political parties stand for or believe in.

Even during a long election season.

 

What are your favorite Presidents Day traditions?

Some federal holidays have little meaning. Some are quite meaningful. People may have different feelings about each one. How you felt in the third grade may be different from how you feel now.

 

New Year’s Day

May be a fun time based on your personal traditions. May be a good time to grasp a feeling of starting over or making plans for the new year.

Any meaning in connection with the US federal government or US history?

 

Martin Luther King Day

One of the very most meaningful to me, based on US history and his teachings of non-violent civil disobedience.

 

Presidents Day

Meaningful if you are in the third grade. Much less meaningful as time goes on. When I was in the third grade, this history had not been established:

Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq

February 5, 2021 KARE 11

St. Cloud-based National Guard aviators deploying to Kuwait and Iraq

Will there ever come a time when newspeople ask if there is any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to the movement of National Guard troops to an overseas location?

 

Memorial Day

Very meaningful. Could be more meaningful if the observance included an Armistice Day component. The idea that the troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms seems to be the primary theme.

“…I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, Monday, the thirtieth of May, 1955, as a day of Nation-wide prayer for permanent peace.”

If politicians were serious about Memorial Day they would insist on a formal congressional declaration of war before sending The Troops into action.

If Politicians Were Serious About Memorial Day…

Memorial Day Marketing Strategy

 

Juneteenth

9:16

A US President who never mentioned Juneteenth in any speech during 8 years in office:

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

4th of July or Independence Day

Historically meaningful. Today, it’s a big celebration staged by a country that is not free. The day may be used to give thanks to veterans for defending American rights and freedoms in distant lands.

The Presidents of Presidents Day sign off on stuff like this:

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:

Dec 21, 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

 

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

July 4, 2014 

Libertarians Are the Real Fourth of July Patriots

“…the signers of the Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate today, opposed everything the U.S. government represents today, including big government, standing armies, militarism, and empire.”

“…the revolutionaries in 1776 were not supporting their troops after the issuance of the Declaration of Independence. They were instead killing the soldiers of their very own government.”

 

July 4, 2018 Laurence M. Vance

Patriotism is now equated with profound admiration for the military. It doesn’t matter what where the troops go, how long they stay, what they do when they are there, whether they should go, why they go, or how much it costs to keep them there.”

 

Independence Day Has Lost Its Meaning

In 2023, Americans do not live in a free and honest society and they are not headed in that direction.

Cultural Honesty

 

Labor Day

Meaningful for some, based on an understanding of the American labor movement. For many, just a day off, or a day for wondering why there is not a federal holiday for people who graduate from high school or one for people who get married.

 

Columbus Day

One of the very least meaningful. Columbus never set foot in what is today the 50 US states.

The spirit of adventure taught to small children on Columbus Day will be crushed by the time Halloween arrives, and families wait to be told by local authorities when trick or treating will begin & end.

 

Veterans Day

One of the very most meaningful for some. Stolen from Armistice Day in the 1950s. At that time, the US Dept. of Defense had started a decades long tradition of not being able to stay out of or win undeclared wars in distant lands.

It’s all about freedom folks.

Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks

CNN Nov 11, 2023

Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:

Mr President,

How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?

Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.

Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.

Armistice Day has become Ass Kissing & Propaganda Day

Today, Armistice Day is free chow day.

Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals-it’s a proud thing:

FOREIGN POLICY Sept 21, 2018

Military Worship Hurts U.S. Democracy

By Mara E. Karlin and Alice Hunt Friend

“I don’t want to board the airplane first. I don’t want your first-class seat. I don’t want free admission to amusement parks. … It only allows Americans to assuage their guilt and feeds an outsized sense of entitlement among many veterans.” Talking to a New York Times reporter in 2015, another veteran ventured that when a nonveteran thanks him for his service, it is akin to saying, “I haven’t thought about any of this.”

My take:

This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared wars.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

“How do you thank a veteran?”

Goodbye Armistice Day – Free Meals, Deals and Discounts

Militarized Parking Lots

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Thanksgiving Day

One of the very most meaningful. A time to give thanks for what is important in your life.

The elementary school lessons about friendly relations with Indians who were later slaughtered by the US government are questionable.

 

Christmas Day

A holiday of great religious significance.

Somehow linked to the US federal government or US history? Not too sure about that.

 

For me, I look at 365 days a year as the time to do more or less in terms of what we think is meaningful in life. Things that are meaningful are on our mind all the time. They are not saved up for a special day on the calendar.

 

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

The beer photo fetish.

A year round tradition, not linked with any special day on the calendar.

 

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

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.

Jun 7, 2020 The Free Press

DUTY CALLS: Local National Guard unit heading to Africa

Life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns.

Operation Enduring Freedom:

“Both deployments are part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the now-19-year-old attempt to quell terrorism launched in response to the 9/11 attacks.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Port Angeles, WA

Big July 4th celebration update:

June 15, 2020 Peninsula Daily News

Port Angeles to livestream fireworks July 4

“Fireworks will burst in the air above Port Angeles Harbor on the Fourth of July this year, but the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce is urging residents to view the show online or from their yards rather than in a large gathering downtown.”

“But this year’s new normal will include a never-before-seen addition: a Heroes Appreciation Wall in front of the shuttered Lincoln Theater at 132 E. First St.”

“However, the committee has found that contingency plans must be invoked to conform to safe practices guidelines and has updated its plans and activities that would have involved large gatherings are cancelled.”

 

Interesting how different communities plan similar events.

Jonesboro Arkansas

June 15, 2020 KAIT

Freedom Fest fireworks display set for July 4th

A pandemic will not prevent KAIT and the Jonesboro Radio Group from celebrating our country’s independence.

The annual Freedom Fest Fireworks Display will be held Saturday, July 4, at the Southside Softball Complex in Jonesboro.

The event, according to a news release, has been described as “the biggest free fireworks display in the state” of Arkansas.”

 

Who are the Patriots on the Fourth?

by Jacob G. Hornberger

“On the Fourth of July, American statists will be praising the troops, glorifying their exploits in foreign countries, thanking them for defending our rights and freedoms, and expressing thanks to federal officials for taking care of them with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education grants, farm subsidies, drug laws, and the myriad other programs that come with America’s welfare-warfare state.”

“First, let’s get one thing clear: contrary to popular opinion, the men who signed the Declaration of Independence were not great and courageous Americans. That’s an important fact to keep in mind. The reason? They weren’t Americans. They were British citizens, no different from British citizens today. The only difference was that they were living abroad, much as many American citizens live abroad today.”

“Thus, the people who were fighting in the Revolutionary War were not supporting the troops. They weren’t thanking and glorifying them for defending their rights and freedoms. Instead, they were shooting at them and killing them. They had taken up arms against their very own government.”

 

 

More here:

Port Angeles – Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

A Fictional Militarized Version of Freedom

National Guard To Africa

Liberty And Justice For All?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

All over the US, faux July 4th celebrations of freedom & liberty were the norm, even before the current news Re: COVID-19.

Since last July 4th:

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Port Angeles

In the news:

June 15, 2020 Peninsula Daily News

Port Angeles to livestream fireworks July 4

“Fireworks will burst in the air above Port Angeles Harbor on the Fourth of July this year, but the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce is urging residents to view the show online or from their yards rather than in a large gathering downtown.”

“But this year’s new normal will include a never-before-seen addition: a Heroes Appreciation Wall in front of the shuttered Lincoln Theater at 132 E. First St.”

“However, the committee has found that contingency plans must be invoked to conform to safe practices guidelines and has updated its plans and activities that would have involved large gatherings are cancelled.”

 

Since last July 4th

Halloween too:

In the news:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Local authorities dictate a one hour window for trick-or-treat time 2019. For some reason, Halloween will be observed exactly one week in advance of October 31st.

Your family will start at 5:30 and be done for the year at 6:30 p.m.

“The Gallipolis Police Department recently announced times for Trick-or-Treat set for the Gallipolis.”

“The annual event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. All drivers are reminded to be cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.”

Much of the article above includes detailed safety tips such as dressing the kids up in reflective gear so they look like a county road maintenance crew. It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.

When I was a child in the 1970s, local authorities and elected officials played no role in telling families when trick or treating would begin or end.

 

Looks like Sound Publishing has removed all old comments and shut down the opportunity to post new comments on all of their newspaper web editions?

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

 

More here:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

A Fictional Militarized Version of Freedom

Liberty And Justice For All?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

 

Photo- Please Dispose of Properly

 

Way before COVID-19:

Halloween 2019

In the news:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Local authorities dictate a one hour window for trick-or-treat time 2019. For some reason, Halloween will be observed exactly one week in advance of October 31st.

Your family will start at 5:30 and be done for the year at 6:30 p.m.

“The Gallipolis Police Department recently announced times for Trick-or-Treat set for the Gallipolis.”

“The annual event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. All drivers are reminded to be cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.”

This is not an event held over at the mall, town square or dentist’s office:

Individuals who don’t participate should not have their porch light on or answer the door during candy giveaway hours. According to Gallipolis Police Chief Jeff Boyer, most people who are participating will be obvious.”

Much of the article above includes detailed safety tips such as dressing the kids up in reflective gear so they look like a county road maintenance crew. It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.

For more about safety, please visit our safety tips page:

Halloween Safety Tips 2019

More here:

Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

 

Whidbey Island

May 29, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Conflicting mask proclamations in Langley clarified

“Fortunately, the mayor is giving special permission to cast off those facial binds while eating.

 

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions:

Concealed Carry Processing Suspended

 

Over in Spokane, a picnic at a park:

“The city of Spokane Valley sent the organizer of a picnic a letter telling her not to have the picnic. The city cited King Inslee’s orders over his realm as the reason we can’t picnic. Come join us at Valley Mission Park in Spokane Valley 5/30/20 11-2.”

 

Freedom and Independence from a powerful, central government?

Dec 17, 2019 The Atlantic

The Lessons of the Afghanistan Papers

 

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

More here:

Unsustainable Military Spending

 

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

DEA Announces Launch of Methamphetamine Initiative

Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country.”

Welcome Home Troops

Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan-working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

More here:

Port Angeles/Blaine Drug War Scam – Zero Questions From The Press

 

Freedom from lies about freedom?

May 26th, 2020 Congressman Derek Kilmer

Honoring Our Heroes

“And because of that sacrifice and commitment, you and I are able to enjoy the freedoms we share as Americans.”

 

Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.

Congressman Kilmer,

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

May 26, 2019

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-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?

 

Congressman Kilmer,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

 

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

More here:

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

DOD Symbolism vs. Track Record

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

Spirits are on the rise. A season of expectation, overscheduling, emotion, obligation, memories, deadlines, marketing, advertising, programming, photo moments, and unusually crowded stores, shipping outlets, ferry and air terminals comes to a close.

How many Friday and Saturday evenings are there in December? Hurry and take a look because holiday and office parties, tree lighting events, etc., will need to be fit in somewhere.

Ready, Set, Go!

Almost a cultural peer pressure that sets up many people to try to do the same thing at the same time, now becomes a time of doing more or less with life because it’s meaningful, not because the calendar says so.

Never here to take away from others what is meaningful to them, just an urge to duck out all year long and be somewhere near the slow lane.

 

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Looking north towards the Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail

 


July 4th – Independence Day

The government can’t tell us what to do! We Celebrate Revolution!

 

Columbus Day

We honor those who set sail to discover the new world.

We’re all about risk taking and a spirit of adventure that later brought us the first airplane flight and the first man on the moon in 1969.

 

Halloween

Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

 

In the news:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Still six weeks out and local authorities dictate a one hour window for trick-or-treat time 2019. For some reason, Halloween will be observed exactly one week in advance of October 31st.

Your family will start at 5:30 and be done for the year at 6:30 p.m.

“The Gallipolis Police Department recently announced times for Trick-or-Treat set for the Gallipolis.”

“The annual event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. All drivers are reminded to be cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.”

Much of the article above includes detailed safety tips such as dressing the kids up in reflective gear so they look like a county road maintenance crew. It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.

Fore more about safety, please visit our safety tips page:

Halloween Safety Tips 2019

 

Rochester, Wisconsin

Sunday, Oct. 27
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

New Middletown, Ohio

Trick or Treat: Oct. 31, from 6-7 p.m.

 

Reedsville, Ohio

Trick or Treat: Thursday October 24, 6 – 7 p.m.

 

Bayside, Wisconsin

Halloween 2019: Milwaukee area trick-or-treat times

Bayside: Sunday, Oct. 27, 1-4 p.m.

 

Washington County, Wisconsin

Halloween trick-or-treat for communities across Washington County

 

New Boston, Ohio

New Boston sets Trick or Treat night

“Loper then the read the final Resolution No.10-2019 a resolution establishing October 31 as Trick or Treat in the Village of New Boston, with the times being the same as last year – motion made by Ottney and seconded by Mills and then passed by council. The meeting was adjourned.”

 

Amesbury, Massachusetts

“Several years ago, Police Chief Cronin decided to keep Trick or Treat on Oct. 31 each year; in Amesbury children should plan to be canvassing neighborhoods between 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 31. Times may vary slightly in neighboring communities and some towns observe trick or treat on another day, so check with your local police department or watch The Daily News in the upcoming weeks.”

When I was a child in the 1970s, local authorities and elected officials played no role in telling families when trick or treating would begin or end.

Related:

Killing Halloween – 2018

Local Authorities Work to Crush Halloween

 

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

In the news:

May 24, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Letter: Please put ‘Civility First’ Memorial Day weekend

“…we honor the memories of those who died protecting our freedom…”

 

May 24, 2019 WSFA 12 News

‘It’s not about picnics’: A war widow has a message for Americans on Memorial Day

“Now Rachel wants Americans to know that Memorial Day isn’t just a day off work, or a time to party with friends. It’s a solemn day to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.”

It’s not a day to have a picnic. It’s the day to remember those who have given their lives so we can have a picnic. I see the flags flying half mast and this is a way we show them we remember,” she says.

 

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?

 

May 26, 2019, The Associated Press

Mike Pence: West Point grads should expect to see combat

“Vice President Mike Pence told the most diverse graduating class in the history of the U.S. Military Academy on Saturday that the world is “a dangerous place” and they should expect to see combat.”

“Some of you will join the fight against radical Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

 

Life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns:

May 23, 2019 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin National Guard soldiers return home from 10-month deployment in time for Memorial Day

The people of Wisconsin needed services in “…15 locations spread across Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.”

U.S. service members are now stationed in 170+ countries overseas.

Same country that will stage a big celebration of smaller/limited government on July 4th.

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy- 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?

 

January 7, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Boeing reaches out to help military members and their families

Do the folks who reach out to help military members and their families also advocate for phasing out undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

 

“This Memorial Day, spare us the flyover jets, flag-wielding honor guards, and other patriotic mush of 21st-century popular culture. Instead, I’d submit that now—after 18 years of endless, ineffective war—it’s a time for nuance, for a collective national self-assessment.”

Danny Sjursen – A retired U.S. Army Major

 

“At professional sports events, the once-modest singing of the national anthem has been overshadowed by flyovers from fighter jets, field-sized flags and uniformed troops on parade. Airport loudspeakers blare expressions of gratitude for the troops, and flight attendants call attention to uniformed military members aboard planes.”

The best way America can honor its fallen soldiers is to create fewer of them

Danny Sjursen – A retired U.S. Army Major

 

May 25, 2019 KDKA-TV News – CBS Pittsburgh

Deals, Discounts And Freebies: Memorial Day Discounts For Veterans

 

May 24, 2019 USA Today

Free food and Memorial Day deals for active military and veterans Monday

 

We’re the very best at symbolism.

Possibly of interest:

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

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

The Best Parking Spots

Glorifying Military Service

Military Town – Hometown Pride

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock baninterracial 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.

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

 

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

 

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

Photo- Big Driftwood at Fort Ebey

 

Jun 5th, 2018 PBS News Hour:

WATCH: Trump holds ‘Celebration of America’ event after withdrawing invite to Philadelphia Eagles

The military is overemphasized in American culture.

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

We’re told to thank The Troops for defending American rights and freedoms in Iraq & Afghanistan.

 

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

0:24

The purpose is to protect our freedoms:

We are living in a land of make believe.

In the coming weeks we’ll have a big celebration of freedom & independence based on the founding of this country.

Jacob G. Hornberger reminds us that the people who founded this country “…didn’t want a strong, powerful, centralized government.”

“They didn’t believe in such things as a Pledge of Allegiance or a national anthem. They didn’t think in those terms. They thought in terms of freedom, not allegiance to the government or to the nation.”

 

2:07

Why not cancel the National Anthem and militarized pageantry at sporting events?

More here:

Glorifying Military Service

 

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

People in need should be able to get assistance.

Tax money- which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs– also goes for bombing Iraq and Afghanistan. US bombing of Iraq goes back to 1991.

Helping others by donating to churches or private charities, food banks, etc. can avoid these conflicts.

Donors are free to opt out if a charity misbehaves.

People could keep more of their own money to donate to causes of their choosing if the federal government was not taking it to pay for failed wars that never end. The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.

 

Are federal public assistance programs working?

Summer feeding programs have been set up to provide meals when school is out.

Summer Meal Program Information

Summer feeding program continues to grow in Peoria

“We’ve gone from 2,000 to 3,000 meals all summer five years ago to 65,000 meals this summer,” he said. The program ends Aug. 4.

Baltimore Co. schools serving free meals this summer:

“From now until July 28, 44 Baltimore County schools will be serving free breakfast and lunch to kids Monday through Friday.”

Coupeville School District

“The district participates in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program, which allows families that qualify to obtain either no-cost or reduced-price meals for their child(ren).”

Love to see newspeople ask: If a family qualifies for free and reduced price school breakfast and lunch- wouldn’t they also qualify for year-round public assistance to provide meals at home? Would this reduce the need for summer feeding programs?

 

USDA Federal School Lunch Program- Virgin Islands:

“…widespread waste, potential for fraud, negligence and overall a program that has not come close to being adequately administered…”

 

Find us on facebook:

Veterans Against the Glorification of Military Service

The Pompous Veteran

High levels of reverence for the flag?

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Groupthink Alternative

US Department of Credibility

Oak Bay Starfish

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

and Sound of Freedom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

Photo- Please Dispose of Properly

 

Would it be possible to have HOAs enact rules to prevent the improper disposal of items bearing a likeness of the American flag?

 

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

DSC_0001 How about an opt in/out pass to pay for decades of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands?

U.S. gives Iraq a $2.7 billion credit to buy military equipment

 

Similar items posted daily on facebook at:

Groupthink Alternative

US Department of Credibility

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

and Sound of Freedom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

DSC_0079 copy

At least there won’t be any guilt trips about just seeing it as a long weekend.

 

Bonus- Free admission to federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan.

 

 

 

Photo- Point Hudson