Archives for category: Glorifying military service

Instead of a catastrophic military failure, paid spokesmen and their state-run/DOD social media accounts are here to tell us that the Sept. 11th attacks are somehow linked to supporting and defending the Constitution and defending freedom.

Never Forget

The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.

Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.

 

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

We haven’t won a war since.

 

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

 

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 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, 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 undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

More here:

Conspiracy Theory?

19 Years Later – Don’t Look For Newspeople To Consider The Aftermath of 911

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

# 4 An ongoing glorification of military service

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

 

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

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

 

Never Forget

The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.

Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.

 

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

We haven’t won a war since.

 

Considering the aftermath of 911

Since 911, have people been at risk out at the airport because there has not been any requirement for REAL ID in order to fly within the United States?

Mar 23, 2020 USA Today

Travelers get a break: REAL ID deadline extended to Oct. 1, 2021, due to coronavirus

 

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

 

We fight over there, so we don’t have to fight here.”

 

Did American culture begin to overemphasize and glorify military service after 911?

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?

 

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

 

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?

 

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, 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 undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

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.

 

Puget Sound After 911

Does a routine ferry ride require a gunboat escort?

Is it seen as controversial for people to legally obtain weapons?

 

Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system not to leave backpacks or packages unattended during ferry crossings.

Meanwhile-on the car deck-cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, etc. are left unattended during ferry crossings.

I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.

 

On occasion, the press will do a story about a ferry security drill.

If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry-how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?

Don’t look for newspeople to ask any questions on this.

Related:

Mixed Messages On Transportation Security/Firing Gun From the Ferry Update

Washington State Ferry Ride

Washington State Ferries Security

 

Cartels Move Product Into the US

People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home. Have these ID requirements helped to keep cartel product from entering the US?

Don’t look for the press to go and interview the US Dept. of Homeland Security and ask any questions on this.

Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.

 

I was thinking that 911 should have been a drug trafficker’s worst nightmare. The US Dept. of Homeland Security- a whole new federal department-was created to stop terrorists and prevent another 911.

What happened?

 

Sept. 5, 2020 Fox News

Meth floods across US-Mexico border during coronavirus pandemic

Part of the article describes cartel product seized at the border. Part of the article talks about product that gets past federal agents at the border.

“The extremely potent meth smuggled from Mexico contributes to more deaths in San Diego County than opioids.”

 

Aug 31, 2020 KOB 4 News Video

US Attorney for New Mexico blames Mexican meth ‘superlabs’ for state’s growing violent crime

Federal agents swing into action after meth from Mexico moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then, on into New Mexico:

Federal authorities are seizing larger amounts of drugs in the state, and Anderson said there are a few reasons why.”

“I think it’s the cost and it’s also a function that the fact that tremendously greater amounts of it are being produced in what we call the super labs in Mexico,” he said. “I think for many years our meth was made locally, was made in much smaller quantities. That has largely been eclipsed by the mass production and cheap production that we’re seeing coming from Mexico.”

 

State-run media update:

Jun 3, 2020 DEA NewYork

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

 

Border Wall update:

Sept 4, 2020 Maui Now

$4 Million In New Federal Funds To Help Hawai‘i Respond to Meth Crisis, Opioid Misuse

 

Nov 12, 2019 Honolulu Civil Beat

Meth Deaths Soar in Hawaii Even As Opioids Grab Public Attention

“Historically, crystal meth in its purest and most potent form came to the islands from markets in Asia and the Pacific as documented by the Hawaii’s Ice Age reporting series that Civil Beat and Hawaii Public Radio published five years ago.”

Now, much of it is manufactured in Mexico and makes its way to Hawaii through states like California and Nevada, says Callery.”

 

July 28, 2019 Big Island Now

Why Have There Been No Meth Lab Busts in Hawai‘i in 15 Years?

“Lt. Serrao explained, “We have no evidence to support the manufacturing of meth on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.” He believes this is due to the decreased availability of pseudophedrine, which makes clandestine manufacturing difficult.”

“Lt. Serrao said most of Hawai‘i’s meth is produced in Mexico and California. The meth is commonly shipped here by way of shipping containers, Fed Ex and the US Postal Service.”

 

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:

Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

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?

How are post 911 terrorists kept out while meth comes in?

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

 

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

 

Newspeople avoid asking questions by going with a press release style of news reporting.

A statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement. No questions asked:

Sept. 4, 2020 KONP Award-winning news/talk station serving the north Olympic Peninsula

DEA, OPNET PARTICIPATE IN MAJOR BUST OF AREA DRUG TRAFFICKERS

“…one member of the drug trafficking organization (identified as 24 year-old Lionel Gonzalez-Torres of Burlington, WA), was providing large quantities of meth and heroin to the Olympic Peninsula.”

Question for newspeople:

Does Port Angeles CBP play any role in keeping meth and heroin from entering the Olympic Peninsula?

If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

If a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was preventing cartel product from arriving in American communities, why would General Milley need to launch Operation Macho Swagger?

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger prevented cartel product from entering WA?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Related:

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

Nothing Gets Past CBP

Kitsap and Island County Meth & Heroin

Always Reported as a Highly Successful Team Effort – The Big Puget Sound Drug Bust

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

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

What I Like About Local Government

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

Rare & Mysterious Port Angeles Border Patrol Arrests

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople asking questions.

 

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.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

 

What’s new?

People haunted by healthcare concerns.

It’s been this way for years now. It was this way prior to the current news Re: COVID-19.

People haunted by student loan debt.

Homelessness and drug addiction to the extent that people are living in tents on city sidewalks.

Children might go hungry when school is out?

March 13, 2020 CNN

The coronavirus pandemic is closing schools. How will kids eat?

“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?

More discussion and news coverage please.

 

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

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

School teachers and newspeople who 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?

 

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.”

 

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.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

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?

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

WA Secretary of State:

Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

 

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

 

Any newspeople available to ask:

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?

 

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

 

After the Cold War:

The Cold War had ended. DOD was happy with their all volunteer military.

Look what they did with it.

The Cold War Had Ended

 

A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

 

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

 

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:

Newspeople who have stopped asking questions.

Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release

 

Newspeople who show no curiosity.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Monroe Landing:

The sewage drain pipe sign is still posted.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park:

I found that the sign is still posted.

More here:

Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls

Much in the way of voting over the decades since that man landed on the moon.

TV newspeople tell us that we are in a key election season again. Lots of coverage. Another panel of experts, another debate. More voting.

Stay tuned for more of the same.

 

Being positive is a good thing. Emotions can be based on experience.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego

Jun-Sep 1979

 

DSC_0005 3

No disability required here: Veteran’s parking spaces

I think this may be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

Pro sports almost worships The Troops these days. Halftime sports announcers tell us that overseas military operations are somehow about American rights and freedoms.

I grew up in the 60s and 70s. Veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.

People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.

These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.

The worst of it is individuals who claim that Americans wouldn’t have the freedom to post comments on newspaper websites if people had not given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom.

Hey school teachers- where did this idea come from? 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?

If The Troops are fighting for your freedom to share ideas on the web- why would you be scolded for doing so?

More here:

Glorifying military service

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Troops on the street?

 

Discuss on facebook here:

US Department of Credibility

Or here:

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

 

 

 

Photo: Oak Harbor scene

 

 

DSC_0084

Ongoing militarization of American culture-

Can’t watch a football game anymore without seeing at least a couple ads that get down on hands and knees to worship The Troops.

Just go out and buy the proper retail items- then stop asking questions and it’s all good.

0:50 “These are the men and women that allow us to enjoy the daily freedoms in the United States.”

Because freedom comes from decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas, a 3rd try in Iraq, a no-show on 911, etc.

Watch the game and see ads by beers that support the troops, soft drinks that support the troops, auto manufacturers that support the troops, insurance providers that support the troops, defense contractors that sponsor the team, etc. It’s all meant to be a normal part of a consumer-driven lifestyle.

 

What do we have here?

Public/military resources used as a marketing stunt for the entertainment and insurance industries- newspeople play along with free TV advertising-

Video:

Seahawks change of command at JBLM

It would be nice to see some of the sponsors advocate for phasing out decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas, but that would be in conflict with current marketing strategies.

 

I think this may be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared wars overseas.

Pro sports almost worships The Troops these days. Halftime sports announcers tell us that overseas military operations are somehow about American rights and freedoms.

I grew up in the 60s and 70s. Veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.

People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.

These guys weren’t lining up for free Veteran’s Day dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.

The worst of it is individuals who claim that Americans wouldn’t have the freedom to post comments on newspaper websites if people had not given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom.

Hey school teachers– where did this idea come from? 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?

 

Low voter turnout is a disgrace?

Both major parties are OK with ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars overseas, the drug war racket, & a secretive, wasteful and ineffective Dept. of Homeland Security.

How exactly are people to vote their way out of this?

 

 

Discuss on facebook here:

Local reporters will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Or here:

US Department of Credibility

 

DSC_0032 copy

New group identity for veterans-

Go and see how much free stuff you can get this weekend.

Veteran’s Day 2014:

Huge number of comments Re: what sort of ID is proper to get free & discounted stuff-

Where are the veterans who don’t want free meals, discounts, head of the line privileges at the airport, etc.

Meet some veterans who have become disgruntled Re: discount availability:

“Home Depot No Longer Honors all Veterans”

Well done guys.

 

The Veteran’s Day federal holiday was signed into law during the Cold War.

The US had then entered into a long period of involvement in undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

Hey school teachers– if the wars aren’t won- how can they protect our freedom?

Hey school teachers- whatever happened to the more meaningful Armistice Day?

Related:

Veterans

How Many Wars?

Freedom

Glorifying military service

Upcoming football games-

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Veteran’s parking spaces?

Hero?

Fought and died to defend our freedom?

Press, military, entertainment industry & big business partnership

Ongoing militarization of American culture: Troops on the street?

 

Discuss on facebook here:

US Department of Credibility

 

 

 

Photo- South Indian Island

 

DSC_0002_005

Why Do We Keep Thanking the Troops?
Rory Fanning

Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz has said of the upcoming Concert for Valor:

“The post-9/11 years have brought us the longest period of sustained warfare in our nation’s history. The less than one percent of Americans who volunteered to serve during this time have afforded the rest of us remarkable freedoms—but that freedom comes with a responsibility to understand their sacrifice, to honor them and to appreciate the skills and experience they offer when they return home.”

 

Since 911- US military operations have afforded the rest of us remarkable freedoms?

Because freedom comes from decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas, a 3rd try in Iraq, a no-show on 911, etc.

Almost Veteran’s Day again-

Look for folks claiming that Americans wouldn’t have the freedom to post comments on newspaper websites if people had not given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom.

Hey school teachers- where did this idea come from? 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?

 

Reaching for an honest understanding of US foreign policy makes more sense than “Thanks for your service.”

Don’t look for much in the way of explaining the meaning of Armistice Day & why that was thrown out for the purpose of honoring veterans.

 

More here:

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Upcoming football games-

 

Discuss on facebook here:

US Department of Credibility

 

 

 

Photo- A symbol of freedom & federal government credibility

 

 

DSC_0002_005Kirkland-

Video- Kirkland rejects plan to put 9/11 memorial in park

Four images of “the heroes of 911” are featured in the memorial. One is is a member of the military.

What role did the US Armed Forces play on 911?

 

Issaquah-

“The Spirit of America sculpture was also rejected by the city of Issaquah this month, in part because there wasn’t enough time to consider it before a June 18 application deadline with the foundation, said city spokeswoman Autumn Monahan.”

 

State Capitol-

Video- State Capitol campus rejects 9/11 memorial

 

Maybe the folks who don’t want the memorial are looking past the symbolism, ceremony & emotion towards what has gone on in Washington State during the War on Terror.

 

Welcome Home Troops

US Dept. of Homeland Security Port Angeles, WA-

Sentries & watchstanders unable to prevent lone bumbler from penetrating US Coast Guard base- then smoking marijuana in the CO’s quarters aboard 210-foot cutter Active- not to be discovered until hours later at morning colors.

 

Sensitive Dept. of Homeland Security documents released to the public at a garage sale:

The Garage Sale Incident

 

Massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fails to keep heroin out of Port Angeles:

Sept, 2012

Border Patrol cuts ribbon for new $11.9 million facility in Port Angeles

May, 2013

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

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.

News links & documentation here:

News tip/story idea

 

Suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry:

Saying No to the federal government

 

Suspicionless local ID checks?

 

DHS Grant Money comes to Washington State

 

At the federal level:

Cost of scramble to solve VA’s waiting-time crisis: $54 billion yearly

 

Related:

A post 911 Puget Sound area

 

Discuss on facebook here:

Local reporters will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Or here:

US Department of Credibility

 

 

 

Photo- A symbol of freedom & federal government credibility

 

DSC_0084Look for halftime sports announcers to remind us that The Troops are overseas fighting for American rights & freedoms.

Watch for live shots of troops gathered on distant bases cheering on the entertainment industry.

The US is not in the habit of winning decades of undeclared wars overseas- why would we think they have any bearing on American rights and freedoms?

Related-

Glorifying military service

Discuss on facebook here.

 

DSCN9036Update:

Nasty Notes & Veterans Parking

 

Went to Home Depot today & noticed veteran’s parking spaces near the front of the store.

There is no possibility that I would use one of these spots.

I think it is strange that modern American culture sees veterans as separate & different from the rest of society.

I don’t think this was the case in the 60s and 70s- when it seemed like veterans in the community were seen as more of an average thing.

Not looking for head of the line privileges over here.

 

Meet some veterans who have become disgruntled Re: discount availability:

“Home Depot No Longer Honors all Veterans”

Well done guys.

 

Today- most Americans can repeat the “Thanks for your service” slogan and move on without having to involve themselves or family members in decades of undeclared wars in distant lands. This is just the way politicians want it.

If there is any quiet sense of guilt among politicians or people who never did time in uniform about all that- it can be cleared up by thanking The Troops for protecting American rights and freedoms, supporting The Troops, giving them discounts, being cool with them wearing field uniforms in public, not questioning wars that aren’t won, etc.

Spending just a few moments at major sporting events honoring the troops covers for cutting benefits for those who hung in for multiple tours in Iraq.

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Local harvest.

 

DSCN5999_003

It is unfortunate that the American people seem to want to support the troops, but lack a basic understanding of public policy related to the troops.

To be fair- public policy in this area can be confusing- even to people who did time in uniform.

corps

This confusing article seems to indicate that people in highly respected and specialized units, or people involved in high-profile operations would be eligible for a different benefit package than the average people who were in average units over the years. Investigative reporters may not have had a clear understanding of public policy in this case.

A less confusing update here.

 

This very popular marketing device for a US auto manufacturer is not connected in any way to public policy:

Take a look at comments below the video and you will see that people truly feel connected to supporting the troops by watching a made for TV car commercial.

 

The First Lady has made an effort to support military families. Unfortunately- these efforts appear to be completely unrelated to public policy.

Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:

 

No definite benefit package is offered for people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.

Honest management of public information could improve the situation.

 

Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.

Recommendation-

Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.

Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.

Background here:

Thanks for your Service

Related-

No Draft

 

I am no longer recommending the US Armed Forces to young people.

I would have- maybe 10 years ago.

 

What’s changed in the past 10 years?

$60 billion in DOD contracting fraud.

Multiple tours for the National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan while benefits are cut back.

Heroin inbound.

 

Security Theater

Harpist on Port Townsend-Keystone ferry silenced after 17 years

“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”

Security policies?

The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.

 

Puget Sound port security-

Doublespeak?

July, 2012-

Port security: U.S. fails to meet deadline for scanning of cargo containers

April, 2006-

“CBP screens 100 percent of all maritime containers that pose a risk for terrorism at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States.”

If a 100% screening was conducted at the foreign port- how did human cargo make it to downtown Seattle?

More here:

Making sense of the War on Terror-

 

What sort of ID is required to prove innocence away from border crossings and ports of entry?

“… their main interaction with the boating public: Boarding boats and checking for ID, getting a “vibe,” as Jeff P. called it, for what’s up.” 

“But another audience member noted that her husband, while fishing, was checked out in one day by the Coast Guard, state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Sheriff’s Department and Border Patrol.

“That seems ridiculous if all you’re doing is fishing,” she said.”

 

More here:

Suspicionless local ID checks?

 

Troop suicides.

 

Sensitive Dept. of Homeland Security documents released to the public at a garage sale-

Question to ask:

How do sensitive DHS documents leave the workplace without being signed out for official business?

“We would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their hard work, commitment and dedication to this case” said Chief Patrol Agent John Bates of the U.S. Border Patrol, Blaine Sector.

More here:

The Garage Sale Incident

 

Secret arrest statistics

US Border Patrol- secret arrest statistics on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

Nov 2011- “The report is always limited to one page regardless of the number of arrests made, includes only those arrests selected by the agency for public release and does not include apprehensions that result in ongoing investigations.”

Sounds like something out of the Soviet Union.

A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.

So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?

 

Suspicionless checkpoints on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula- away from border crossings and ports of entry-

Border Patrol checkpoints came to Jefferson County, WA in 2008.

 

“Federal law allows the border patrol to conduct the checkpoints and stop and talk with any motorist and passenger of any vehicle, said Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Giuliano.”

“No cause is needed to converse with anyone in the car,” Giuliano said. “Zero, zilch.”

 

A month later-

We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.

The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50

At that same forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.

War on Terror- credibility squandered.

More here:

Good luck with your all-volunteer military

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Is the freedom talk from politicians just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?

 

Marijuana/election update:

DEA Responds to Legal Weed in Colorado and Washington: “Enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged”

Justice Department: Federal marijuana law ‘unchanged’ by legalization

2 states legalize pot, but don’t ‘break out the Cheetos’ yet

Washington State Governor Gregoire not joining Colorado’s chat with Justice Department on pot legalization

She took orders from the federal government last time the issue came up:

Gregoire vetoes some medical marijuana reforms

 

Surely our US Senators and members of The US House of Representatives will press the issue in DC?

 

Liquor Board: It will take a year to set up rules for a marijuana sales system in the state

One year to set up rules?

Get ready for control freak manipulations to kick in.

 

Still wondering how high tax penalties will end the black market:

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

 

An example to follow-

Local government wastes no time making a decision:

King Co. prosecutor dismissing all misdemeanor pot cases

 

 

Photo- Port Townsend scene

 

Insists on dividing people up into groups– then assigning a separate value to each group.

 

Cheers on military forces that are not in the habit of winning decades of undeclared wars in distant lands.

Credits The Troops with defending American rights and freedoms- as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

 

Stopped supporting a draft a long time ago.

 

Spends money on gunboat escorts for ferries on Puget Sound while terrorists are free to put their boat on a trailer and drive it onto the ferry.

 

Spends months promoting the idea of buying stuff to celebrate Christmas.

 

Brags about freedom- then goes with a control freak approach on individual liberty.

 

Lies about the stories associated with federal holidays.

Celebrates independence from a powerful central government.

Tries to make people feel guilty for not properly observing some federal holidays.

 

Talks about legalizing marijuana while including restrictions that leave prohibition and the drug war in place for adults age 18-20, those who want to grow a plant at home, possess more than an ounce, or possess marijuana from non-state sanctioned outlets.

 

Talks about placing high taxes on legal marijuana.

Dealers, traffickers and cartels are good with this idea.

 

Supports a Homeland Security police state that can’t keep heroin and cocaine out of the US.

 

Tolerates reporters who do not ask questions.

 

Tolerates politicians who lie about clean energy.

 

Supports a Drug War that places us all at risk.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

 

US foreign policy goals and objectives are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms.

 

Your vote is critical in this key election year.

 

Safety concerns require that arrest statistics must be kept secret.

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

 

The Department of Homeland Security is in the business of keeping terrorists out of the US.

‘Uptick’ in heroin use seen on North Olympic Peninsula

 

Marijuana is more harmful than prohibition.

 

Gunboats are required to protect ferry boats on Puget Sound.

 

Your favorite politician has a plan to create jobs and clean energy.

 

Fusion centers can stop the sorts of violent crimes Americans have been familiar with for decades.

 

 

Photo- Lake Crescent, WA

 


Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.

People have different ways of observing special days on the calendar.

 

Maybe some of the guys who never made it back would have enjoyed marking the occasion with BBQs, loud music and women in bikinis.

No government recommended protocols or guilt trips required. Isn’t this what freedom is all about?

 

Maybe some of the people who never came back would have wanted Americans to spend some time reaching for an honest understanding of US foreign policy, rather than repeating the phrase “Thanks for your service.”

Maybe they would wish to live in an honest society.

Maybe they would question individuals who claim that Americans wouldn’t have the freedom to post comments on newspaper websites if people had not given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom.

Hey school teachers– where did this idea come from? 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?

 

If The Troops are fighting for your freedom to share ideas on the web, or to have a Barbeque- why would you be scolded for doing so?

 

Think for yourself.

Mark the occasion as you see fit.

USMC ’79-’99

 

More here:

A Land of Make Believe

End the Military-Civilian Divide?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo- Foggy morning at Port Townsend