Archives for category: Gun Control

Above: Hill Road

 

FOX 13 Seattle

KIRO 7 News

KING 5 News

Would Any Newsperson Ever Ask

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

2026 – Homeland Security Making A Difference

The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.) appears to have played no role in preventing the crimes described above.

 

Possibly of interest:

The Post 911 Era

Copper Wire Thefts Pay For Drugs?

Cartel Update: Newspeople – Please Let Us Know

 

In The News

Dozens of evidence markers at scene where man shot in Pierce County drive-by

By Colleen West – KOMO News

Jan 27, 2026

“Cappetto said the shooting, which is believed to be related to a feud between groups, appeared to have occurred in a home’s driveway, where 20 to 30 shell casings were found and tagged with evidence markers.”

Several comments are posted with the article.

2026 – Homeland Security Making A Difference

The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.) appears to have played no role in preventing the crimes described above.

Vietnam-Style Drug Boat Body Count Update

Death Toll from US Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats Reaches 126 People

By Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin – Associated Press

Jan 27, 2026

“The death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats is up to 126 people, with the inclusion of those presumed dead after being lost at sea, the U.S. military confirmed Monday.”

Back Home – Seattle, Bremerton, Everett, Tacoma, Port Angeles

Which community will be first to announce that local drug addicts are having any problem finding their cartel product of choice due to any federal drug war effort?

Any shortage of cartel product in any of these communities?

Any questions from newspeople?

Would Any Newsperson Ever Ask

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Related:

Drug War Scam Rolls On

Approved Flag Images

The Post 911 Era

Super Bowl Security Nonsense

What Is A Fake War On Terror?

MAGA – Concealed Carry

 

Above: Approved Flag Images

A symbol of US troops sent to distant lands to protect American rights and freedoms.

MAGA Update:

Legal Concealed Carry – Not Just Anytime You Want To

Valhalla VFT

Some may say ICE wasn’t created until after the catastrophic military failure of 911. Ditto for the US Dept. of Homeland Security.

Face the Nation

Bystander cameras record the event.

We post often Re: Operating A Camera In A Public Place

WatchlistTYT

At 2:15 below, the FBI Director speaks.

At 7:30, Kristi Noem explains how it all went down:

LE Traditions Of The Past

We enjoy the Murder Chose Me TV series.

Rod Demery made a point on the show of saying that he believes it is proper to do his job wearing a suit and tie.

He is bringing in homicide suspects. He is not a fictional character.

Above image credit/source:

Spectrum

LE At The Federal Level Today

Shock and Awe, show of force, one size fits all crackdowns conducted by militarized LE authorities who do not answer to locally elected leaders.

Happy 250 USA

Bill Hicks: You are free to do as we tell you.

At 4:17 below, Bill Hicks delivers his message.

Credibility squandered, enthusiasm dried up.

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

Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.

 

Related:

Local Law Enforcement Does It Differently

Take An Oath To The Constitution

Approved Flag Images

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

The Post 911 Era

Super Bowl Security Nonsense

What Is A Fake War On Terror?

MAGA – Concealed Carry

 

Here is an odd story about a recent Seattle shooting:

Man accused of shooting person in wheelchair on Seattle waterfront in fight over military patch

By Shawn Garrett, KIRO 7 News

Aug 05, 2025

“Timm then insisted that Powell provide identification proving his veteran status.”

Tourist Season – Seattle Waterfront

Stay an extra day or two before or after your cruise leaving Seattle. Enjoy a summer visit to the touristy part of the waterfront during daylight hours.

Military ID?

People who did time in uniform and later moved on with their life are not expected to carry any form of military ID. Even people who are retired from the US Armed Forces and are living their life away from military bases may choose not to carry any form of military ID.

People wearing hats and T-shirts with military themes may or may not have done time in uniform. Maybe they did, or maybe they wear the garb as a tribute to the family member who was in WWII, Vietnam or enlisted during any other time in history. If they showed up to watch the Blue Angels and purchased a shirt, they have no need to present an ID to buy or wear the item.

 

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. Maybe the concept of Armistice Day had not gone completely extinct.

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

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

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

2025

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.

Modern American culture is much more today about thanking people for their service.

Just Be Honest

Elected officials from both major political parties and high level DOD civilians speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

The press plays along by not asking questions.

The post 911 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 a marketing strategy. Uniparty newspeople play along by not asking questions. Please see video below.

Memorial Day Marketing Strategy

The idea that the US Armed Forces are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms is repeated many times over.

The reality is that American freedoms may come and go and appear to be completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:

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.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Possibly of interest:

The Invisible Veteran

Replace The Phrase?

Seattle Gun Control Update

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Freedom to purchase an old gas can

More DOD Recruiting Denial 2025

Simple Question

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Something from the last century

Post-Vietnam guilt

The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars, maintaining the barracks or managing federal contracts related to TRICARE.

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

 

Welcome Home Troops

Man found dead inside car riddled with bullets in Seattle’s South Park area

KOMO News

Aug 21, 2025

Many comments have been posted with the report.

KING 5 News:

Would any newsperson ever ask:

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Newspeople asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.

Standards have deteriorated. Today, the troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society:

City orders closure of Seattle homeless encampment in public park after double homicide

Jeremy Harris – KOMO News

Aug 12, 2025

Tourist Season – Seattle Waterfront

Stay an extra day or two before or after your cruise leaving Seattle. Enjoy a summer visit to the touristy part of the waterfront during daylight hours.

Possibly Of Interest

Group identities and veterans:

The Invisible Veteran

A giant and expensive (since 2002) US Dept. of Homeland Security:

The Kristi Noem Ass Kicking Road Show Skips Seattle

TSA – Newspeople Refuse To Ask

Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area

Port Angeles Homeland Security Spending Spree

 

In The News

Crack down on Mexican cartels after missing musicians found burned near Mexican border

by Taylor Whartnaby & Photographer Blake McCarty | Associated PressMon, June 2nd 2025

“U.S. officials in San Antonio and throughout South Texas are intensifying efforts to halt the flow of guns purchased in the U.S. and trafficked into Mexico, where they often end up with violent cartels.”

“Authorities stressed the heightened stakes, as cartels are now classified as foreign terrorist organizations, which elevates the consequences for those aiding them.”

Longer version of the event here:

Two star general is not a great speaker.

I am no expert here, but firearms legally available in US sporting goods stores are restricted so that they do not function as a machine gun. No grenades, flamethrowers, ordnance to be launched from drones, etc.

Cartels operate in a black market world where there are zero restrictions on firearms, explosives, cash/credit cards, tax reporting, deadly drugs, boats, aircraft, vehicles, no background checks, waiting periods, etc.

Cartels (terrorist organizations) have unlimited access to cash. Why would they rely on firearms legally available in the US to conduct their GWOT operations?

TV newspeople seem to function as federal public affairs staff instead of asking these questions.

Video below:

At 0:54, please view the items on the table. Did they come from US sporting goods stores?

Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

Foreign Terrorist Organizations

These guys pay close attention to Kristi Noem and her March 20, 2025 public affairs crackdown, then react by moving more product in to WA.

2025 – Public Affairs Crackdown Begins

The Kristi Noem team is out kicking ass:

March 20, 2025

Public Affairs efforts commence – the word goes out.

Cartels have been placed on notice.

Secretary of Homeland Security delivers no nonsense statements in the March 20, 2025 video posted below.

News from WA:

Seattle

Over 1.5 million lethal fentanyl doses seized in Seattle drug trafficking bust

Stella Sun, KOMO News

June 2nd 2025

Cartel responds to Homeland Security public affairs crackdown by moving over 1.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl into Seattle.

 

Cartel responds to Kristi Noem by moving 32 pounds of fentanyl and 2.5 pounds of heroin into Western Washington.

In The News:

Aberdeen

Aberdeen drug bust includes fentanyl worth $1.1M

The Daily World – May 27, 2025

“On May 16, the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team served search warrants in Mill Creek and Kent. A 28- year-old Kent male was arrested as well as his brother, a 30-year-old Mill Creek resident. Thirty-two pounds of fentanyl, 2.5 pounds of heroin, over $32,000 in cash and three vehicles were seized.”

 

Related:

Cartel Product Arrives In Seattle Following Homeland Security Public Affairs Crackdown

“Drug addicts who steal to feed their habit typically want their cash up front.”

Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area

Port Angeles Homeland Security Spending Spree

After a Port Angeles CBP buildup that took place more than a decade ago, is there any follow up made by the press to inform the public on whatever results have been achieved?

Sound Publishing And Black Press Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Hand raised to beg for newspeople to ask questions on mixed messages from various levels of government Re: cartel product inside the US.

If you are on the Kristi Noem team, you are out kicking ass.

If you are part of a local drug task force, or narcotics enforcement team, you are advertising the latest big drug bust after cartel product is able to move past the jurisdiction of federal agents at borders, border crossings and ports of entry and a barrier of DOD ground units, US Navy and US Coast Guard vessels prior to arriving in Hometown, USA.

If you are part of a local health dept. you are handing out Naloxone as always, to deal with the stuff that doesn’t get reported in the big local drug bust.

Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

 

In The News

Take a look at KOMO news on any random day for an ongoing breakdown of society update. The WWII Generation had things up & running in the 80s and 90s.

Now this:

 

Road rage suspect rams car several times; victim dies during medical emergency

by Colleen West – KOMO News

May 13th 2025

 

VIDEO: Moving vans burn in Federal Way parking lot; person arrested for arson

KIRO 7  News – May 12, 2025

 

Notorious animal abuser on the run after cutting off ankle monitor

by Ryan Simms, KOMO News May 11th 2025

“David Williford, a man with a notorious history of animal abuse and child sex crimes, is on the run after cutting off his ankle monitor.”

 

Seattle police investigating double shooting downtown

By Ramsey Pfeffinger – FOX 13 Seattle

May 10, 2025

“Officers report witnessing a group of people fighting outside a few blocks from Lumen Field just before the shooting.”

 

University of Washington police confirm shots fired near dorm, bullet strikes window

KOMO News May 10th 2025

 

Driver jumps from Ship Canal Bridge after fleeing 3-car crash, dies on impact

KOMO News – May 10th 2025

 

Manhunt underway for armed suspect who shot at deputy in Tenino

KOMO News May 8th 2025

“The fugitive, identified as Damien Madison, is considered armed and dangerous and has multiple felony warrants, including drive-by shooting and first-degree assault, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. He has been convicted of 10 felonies.”

“TCSO Sheriff Derrick Sanders told KOMO News this is at least the third time in six months that Madison has led officers on a police chase.”

“Sanders also said Madison has a love of guns and stealing cars.”

No Guns At School Update

Tacoma teen arrested after pointing stolen Glock 19 with full magazine at another student

KOMO News May 8th 2025

“The boy was found in a classroom playing on his cell phone and taken into custody without incident.”

 

Teens steal man’s AR-15 rifle during attempted parking lot sale in Puyallup

KOMO News May 9th 2025

“Deputies were able to link the car to known juveniles with prior convictions for armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.”

 

Our take-

Would any newsperson ever ask:

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Newspeople asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Welcome Home Troops – Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.

Standards have deteriorated. Today, the troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.

Read Seattle area news from any source to see where things are now.

Read about traffic fatalities, shootings, drugs not kept out by a giant US Dept. of Homeland Security, homeless encampments, arson, shoplifting, ferries that don’t run and failed county jail security screening protocols.

Weak Security Screening – Welcome Home Troops

Zero questions from newspeople:

Fentanyl found in Snohomish County Jail during K9 search

KOMO News Feb 22, 2025

“A routine search by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office at the county jail led to the discovery of fentanyl in the medical housing unit on Tuesday, the agency said.”

Routine search discovers fentanyl that maybe should have been kept out of the US by a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security.

Routine search discovers fentanyl that was able to move past jail security screening protocols and procedures prior to becoming the subject of a Sheriff’s Office commendation of the efforts of the corrections staff at the facility.

Well Done

Real newspeople may ask why K9 Harley and others with similar training didn’t prevent fentanyl from entering the facility in the first place. How often do jail security screening protocols fail to keep fentanyl from entering the facility?

Press Release Style of News Reporting

For the story above, KOMO goes with the 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.

In The News

Inmate escapes at SEA airport, rides Link train into Seattle

KOMO News May 4th 2025

Several comments have been posted with the article above.

REAL ID Scam – Help Is On The Way

Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009. What got better? Any questions from newspeople?

Out at the airport, real newspeople may ask:

What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the airport security screening line?

Guaranteed: No TV newsperson anywhere will ever ask this question. Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

Imagine the TV newsperson, on camera, escorting the TSA official all the way to the back of the “be sure to arrive early line” and asking what keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at that point.

Alternative Media Has Questions

Peace and Prosperity Blog

Kristi Noem’s Authoritarian Take on Travel

by Adam Dick | May 6, 2025

 

Unlike many local newspapers and TV news stations, alternative media is good about hosting open and active comment sections.

Many comments are posted with the video above.

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.

Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support in the form of grant money, subscription and advertising sales, etc.

Got it.

Related:

Sound Publishing And Black Press Media

 

Related:

New Drug War – Instant Success?

 

In The News

Seattle audit shows alarming increase in gun violence post-pandemic

BY JAMES LYNCH
KIRO Newsradio reporter Mar 27, 2025

“The audit found that between 2013 and 2024, reports of shots fired increased by 194%. Non-fatal injuries were up 150%, and fatal shooting up 220%.”

Seattle Gun Violence Progress Report

In the news:

New Seattle ordinance mandates security measures for after-hours lounges to curb violence

KOMO News Mar 25, 2025

After-hours lounges, which operate between 2 and 6 a.m., have been linked to numerous shootings and homicides over the past decade.”

KOMO allows comments. Several have been posted with the story above.

Our take-

Would any newsperson ever ask:

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Newspeople asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Welcome Home Troops – Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.

Standards have deteriorated. Today, the troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.

Read Seattle area news from any source to see where things are now.

Read about traffic fatalities, shootings, drugs not kept out by a giant US Dept. of Homeland Security, homeless encampments, arson, shoplifting, ferries that don’t run and failed county jail security screening protocols.

Weak Security Screening – Welcome Home Troops

Zero questions from newspeople:

Fentanyl found in Snohomish County Jail during K9 search

KOMO News Feb 22, 2025

“A routine search by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office at the county jail led to the discovery of fentanyl in the medical housing unit on Tuesday, the agency said.”

Routine search discovers fentanyl that maybe should have been kept out of the US by a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security.

Routine search discovers fentanyl that was able to move past jail security screening protocols and procedures prior to becoming the subject of a Sheriff’s Office commendation of the efforts of the corrections staff at the facility.

Well Done

Real newspeople may ask why K9 Harley and others with similar training didn’t prevent fentanyl from entering the facility in the first place. How often do jail security screening protocols fail to keep fentanyl from entering the facility?

Press Release Style of News Reporting

For the story above, KOMO goes with the 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.

 

Related:

New Drug War – Instant Success?

 

Possibly of interest:

Sound Publishing And Black Press Media

 

Old Man Blog category:

Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.

Original Old Man Blog here: https://oldmanblogdotcom.wordpress.com

New updates here: https://oakbaystarfish.com/category/old-man-blog/

 

From the web:

Department of Offense

W.J. Astore Mar 27, 2025

The U.S. Military Is a Global Strike Force

 

Our take: The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. Understandable why young people & their parents & grandparents would take a dim view on all this. Continuing on this path will wear down the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.

Some will say obese teens and young adults are to blame for the big recruiting crisis. Thousands of young, intelligent and athletic Americans participate in college athletics each year. Certainly, they would qualify to enlist- no rehab/prep program required.

Why are these people not showing up at the recruiting office?

Any questions from newspeople?

Social Security

Forced to pay into social security:

Forced to pay to send big cash to Ukraine several times over.

Forced to pay for decades of undeclared/unwon wars.

Forced to pay:

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used Ocean Shores hotel.

Any questions from newspeople?

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

Forced to pay for a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to create any shortage of cartel product in the Puget Sound area.

Giant Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:

Thurston County, WA officials investigate 2 fentanyl overdoses in jail

By AJ Janavel FOX 13 Seattle Mar 25, 2025

Our take: Go with a social security grandfather clause. Let people who become adults (18 and up) in the year XXXX know that the program will work differently for them.

Consider making it a voluntary program.

Recommendation for budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

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

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

Seattle Gun Violence Progress Report

In the news:

New Seattle ordinance mandates security measures for after-hours lounges to curb violence

KOMO News Mar 25, 2025

After-hours lounges, which operate between 2 and 6 a.m., have been linked to numerous shootings and homicides over the past decade.”

KOMO allows comments. Several have been posted with the story above.

Our take-

Would any newsperson ever ask:

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Newspeople asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

 

Related:

US Armed Forces Recruiting

The people of Iowa need services in the Middle East this summer:

The People of Iowa

WA Gun Control In The News

New Drug War – Instant Success?

Sound Publishing And Black Press Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Plenty of lonely beach out there.

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

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Another of many examples where American freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.

 

Bill requiring permits for gun purchases passes WA State House on party-line vote

By MyNorthwest.com Staff

Mar 9, 2025

“Prospective gun owners must also complete a state-recognized firearm safety training course within the past five years to qualify for a permit. In addition, the bill mandates enhanced background checks conducted through the Washington State Patrol’s firearms background check program, which will consult both state and federal databases to determine an applicant’s eligibility.”

“Under the bill, firearm dealers must maintain detailed records of all firearm transfers and report permit and licensing information to state authorities.”

Many comments are posted with the video above.

 

Heading to a safe place in the hills, spending a couple of hours shooting at tin cans, cleaning up the trash and heading home. What Fun.

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

Would any newsperson ever ask:

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Newspeople asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.

In recent years The Troops have been sent to places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and Syria. All this to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.

Back home, drug addicts are camping on the sidewalk.

Comments posted with this KOMO News article explain what is going on now.

A giant/$51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security with more than two decades of experience and lessons learned fails to keep cartel product from arriving in all 50 states.

American Families

Will you question the idea that sending troops to Iraq was essential to keep terrorists away, but somehow, cartel drugs are able to show up in all 50 states?

Cartels move product into all 50 states:

DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas:

“…HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states…”

 

Possibly of interest:

Gun Control In The News

WA Gun Laws – License Required To Own A Handgun?

Welcome Home Troops

Big Fentanyl Success Story

Never Forget The Aftermath of Sept 11th, 2001

Sound Publishing And Black Press Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Something from the last century

 

Some people are concerned that the federal government will take from citizens, firearms that were previously legal.

Some newspeople may ask:

If The Troops are in distant lands defending American rights and freedoms, why would campaign updates matter here?

The Oak Bay Starfish take:

None of my business if people want to own a collection of AR-15 rifles.

Military Weapons To Distant Lands

Guns are good when the federal govt. is taking your money on April 15th and sending it to distant lands along with various military hardware.

Puget Sound Ferry Ride

GWOT/security theater mixed messages:

Does a routine ferry ride require a gunboat escort?

Dec 22, 2014 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Coast Guard Station Seattle conducts ferry escort

Why, if there is a threat, would regular people not be able to purchase a more than 10 round magazine?

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

 

Heading to a safe place in the hills, spending a couple of hours shooting at tin cans, cleaning up the trash and heading home. What Fun.

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

Would any newsperson ever ask:

Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Newspeople asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

 

Possibly of interest:

WA Gun Laws – License Required To Own A Handgun?

Never Forget The Aftermath of Sept 11th, 2001

 

In the news:

June 4, 2024 The Daily World

One wounded, one arrested following Saturday morning shooting

The shooting occurred as the two men were looking for another person

“We had two individuals go into a house, without permission, looking for someone else,” Dayton said in an interview. “During the course of this back and forth, telling them to get out of the house, one of the occupants of the residence had a concealed carry license and a firearm and approached the individuals to tell them to get out of the house. One of the suspects got into a scuffle with the guy with the firearm and the weapon discharged, striking the suspect in the lower extremity.”

“Initially the individual that shot the suspect was brought in for questioning, and was later released,” Dayton said. “He’s not a convicted felon, he’s licensed, and the gun was licensed to him.”

 

Questions for the press:

If the shooting took place at a private residence- there is no requirement for an occupant of the residence to have a concealed carry license?

Does owning a handgun in WA require a license? How and when is a handgun licensed in WA?

“…the gun was licensed to him.”

If a handgun was legally manufactured and sold 75 years ago- how do 2024 gun control restrictions apply?

In Washington State:

NRA-ILA says no permit required to purchase a handgun.

No registration of firearms.

No licensing of firearms owners.

 

Possibly of interest:

Sound Publishing And Black Press Media

Would any newsperson ever ask:

 

Seeing a bunch on social media about The Day of Jihad. Here in the USA, people are posting about having your guns ready, lock and load, get ready to kick some ass, etc.

I am with the energy here Re: keeping the USA safe and secure.

I think people are missing something about the big GWOT.

Terrorists are not on their way to have a shootout between the good guys and the bad guys. They will drive a truck across the playground at some daycare center in the Midwest. They will blow up the kid’s school bus. They will stand in the “be sure to arrive early” line at the airport and cause a disruption short of the screening checkpoint. They will roll past the non-security on Puget Sound area ferry boats and play Oklahoma City bomber.

All of this will happen on a day not announced on the internet.

 

Related:

Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security

Never Forget

GWOT/Super Bowl Security Update 2023

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

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-

Out for a little plinking – a few years back.

 

Will it take 18 months to find out what really happened? People will say that national security is a factor in releasing information. This is an important point.

Update:

Sep 21, 2023 The Associated Press

911 call shows bizarre circumstances of F-35 ejection: ‘Not sure where the airplane is,’ pilot says

The Uvalde, Texas shooting took place well over a year ago and it appears that information may still be developing. The Uvalde story is not connected to national security concerns. Calls for more gun control will develop. Here in the Seattle area, newspeople refuse to report on results of past gun control measures.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

In a free and honest society, newspeople would be asking questions related to public policy all of the time.

More here: Puget Sound Area Shootings Roll On

In 2023, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.

Small Town Papers – Two Examples

In the news- example number one:

August 11, 2023 Whidbey News-Times

Whidbey sewer plants win state awards

“The Oak Harbor Clean Water Facility was recognized as outstanding by the Department of Ecology.”

The Coupeville treatment plant received the outstanding performance award for the 13th consecutive year, and the Holmes Harbor plant was awarded for the 17th year in a row. The Penn Cove wastewater treatment plant was also a recipient this year.”

Beach adjacent to Award Winning Sewage Treatment Plant:

Coupeville

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Love to see newspeople ask:

When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

In the news- example number two:

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel.

Any questions from newspeople?

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

The small papers will say they need more support from subscribers and advertising dollars or cash from the federal government to stay alive. All this because COVID or the internet or lack of newspaper sales, or a free and independent press that needs taxpayer support.

People who take no public funds, private donations or advertising dollars are free to ask questions at any time. Why not the press? Call for unpaid volunteers and you’d get better news coverage than what we have now.

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

No sense in subscribing to newspapers that do not ask public policy-related questions.

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

Sports Culture Tends To Be More Honest

Think of an NFL game. Coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.

No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. No classified documents.

Instant replays, commentary in the broadcast booth, analysis from network studios, sports talk radio, etc. Fans get tons of info all of the time. No chance for conspiracy theories to develop. Missed calls by NFL officials may be discussed for weeks on end. No such thing as: “We can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.” Instant replay is for all to see. Sports writers are OK with being critical of coaches, teams, players, the rule book, the league, referees, team owners, when the season starts and ends, etc. This is what a free and independent press looks like.

US Armed Forces – Less Honest

In sports, coaches get fired for poor play. Not so much in the US Armed Forces.

If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:

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

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.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces. The Cold War ended in the early 90s. The Pentagon was happy with the All Volunteer Force.

Look what they did with it.

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.

Understandable why young people and their parents and grandparents would take a dim view on all this.

 

August 26, 2023 by  Bracing Views

Integrity Last

W.J. Astore

The Most Fundamental Problem with the U.S. Military

So many lost wars where no senior officers were ever held accountable. Put up, shut up, fuck up, cover up, move up, seems to be the operating manual for success.”

Question for the uniparty press:

Currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?

Related:

Information Suppression – The Press is Weak

Never Forget

Land of Information Suppression

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

Newspeople refuse to report on results of past gun control measures.

Everett updates here.

Seattle updates here.

Tacoma updates here.

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

In a free and honest society, newspeople would be asking questions related to public policy all of the time.

 

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

Has any gun control measure or public policy effort improved the situation over the past 20 years?

What works? What fails?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Possibly of interest:

Back in 2020, we posted:

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

Recent updates:

Americans pay billions of dollars every 12 months for a giant US Dept. of Homeland Security.

Has a wasteful and ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.

Update – Newspeople Not Asking Questions

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

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?

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

 

Trying to make sense of ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages. Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Looks like no security staff present at:

Mukilteo or Clinton for inbound/outbound DUI driver. Two fatalities.

Gunfire on Bremerton ferry during Puget Sound crossing.

Security breach on the Bremerton ferry

FatalityGuemes ferry dock

Winslow ferry dock – Belligerent motorist blows past toll booth and onto ferry.

Credit to the press for asking questions on the Winslow incident. Excellent reporting here.

FatalitySouthworth ferry dock

FatalityAnacortes ferry dock

 

November 18, 2022 Whidbey News-Times

Lawsuit: Ferry staff could have prevented crash that killed 2 from Everett

“On Dec. 18, 2021, Cruz was driving her Ford Explorer toward the Mukilteo ferry terminal, according to court papers. Witnesses reported she drove erratically, as she stopped at a green light, swerved across lanes and drove over a curb.

Once she got a ferry ticket to Clinton, she rear-ended another car in her ferry lane, police reported.

State ferries employees saw the crash, but still ordered Cruz to get on the ferry to Whidbey Island despite her appearing “obviously impaired,” the lawsuit states.

Passengers behind Cruz reported the crash and Cruz’s impairment to ferry staff who called the command center on the island to see if a Washington State Patrol trooper could meet the vessel. But none were available. They made no effort to contact local police as an alternative, according to the complaint. A crewmember told the passengers to call 911.

When the ferry arrived in Clinton, everyone got off the ship, except Cruz. She had reportedly fallen asleep over her steering wheel.

Ferry staff tried to rouse her, but were unsuccessful. Finally, with the help of more employees, they were able to wake Cruz up. The lawsuit alleges the state Department of Transportation destroyed surveillance video showing this.

“At this point, WSF staff had already observed Cruz strike another vehicle in the ferry lineup, they had received passenger reports of Cruz’s intoxication, they called to request assistance from Washington State Patrol, they required the assistance of multiple crewmembers to wake her up from her unconscious state,” the lawsuit reads. “Despite being informed that Cruz was impaired, the Vessel’s crew directed Cruz to drive her vehicle off the ferry.”

Moments later, around 1 p.m., Cruz crossed over the center line on Highway 525 near Campbell Road, hitting the Mercedes occupied by Gamble, 77, and Weikle, 78. Gamble died at the scene. Almost two weeks later, Weikle died from his injuries. They were both from Everett.”

No security staff present at Mukilteo?

No security staff present at Clinton?

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?

 

Past Incidents

Gunfire on the Bremerton ferry:

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

 

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

“…WSP Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. By that time, WSF crews had already secured the suspect, who had boarded the vessel by vehicle.”

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

Not my idea to promote the concept that riding safely on the ferry requires gun boat escorts, SWAT teams and K-9s on the job to detect explosives.

If a guy decides to fire a gun during a 60 minute ferry crossing and WSP waits to respond until the ferry arrives at Colman Dock, how is this security?

Will newspeople follow up and let us know if the guy who purposefully fired his handgun from the ferry had a concealed carry permit?

Did he pass any sort of background check?

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

 

Security breach on the Bremerton Ferry

August 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Man charged with security breach on ferry Walla Walla

“…jumped over a barrier on the ferry Walla Walla and tried to access the wheelhouse during a sailing Monday afternoon from Seattle.”

“A Washington State Patrol trooper called to the Bremerton ferry terminal at 2:06 p.m. wrote in reports that Miller appeared to be under the influence of a stimulant or was in mental crisis, according to court documents. The incident occurred on the 1:30 p.m. sailing.”

“Trooper Kevin Fortino, spokesman for the State Patrol’s Homeland Security Division, said troopers respond to calls on ferries and at terminals for impaired drivers, assaults and other incidents the same as they would to incidents occurring on highways.”

Same as on highways?

Well, not exactly. The Seattle to Bremerton crossing time is about an hour. Seems like response times to incidents on highways might be faster.

Instead of asking any questions, newspeople post a press release from agencies handling the situation.

 

This state-run media video shows US Coast Guard gun boats escorting the ferries. K-9 teams are on site to detect explosives:

 

Fatality – Guemes ferry dock

June, 2006-

Security nowhere to be found.

 

Winslow ferry dock

Belligerent motorist blows past toll booth and onto ferry:

Ferry incident exposes security weaknesses

Credit to the press for asking questions on this one. No need for this blog if the press handled each incident as they did here.

 

Fatality – Southworth ferry dock

Where were security personnel on the day this motorist blew past the ticket booth, ignoring personnel assigned to proper staging of vehicles:

Video: Man dies after SUV crashes through gate at Southworth ferry dock, sinks in Sound

Post-911 security protocols kept him safe.

 

A state-run media report from June, 2012-

This video tells us that security personal are on site every day-at 2:56

Maybe security personnel are present at some specific terminal each day. Dozens of round trip crossings from various terminals indicate that in many cases-no security screening takes place prior to boarding ferries.

 

Fatality – Anacortes ferry dock

Where were security personnel when this fatality motor vehicle incident took place at the Anacortes ferry terminal?

Newspeople remain silent.

2018- Anacortes in the News: 1 dead after SUV plunges into water at Anacortes ferry dock

What is the point in having gunboats escorting ferries if terrorists are free to put their boat on a trailer and drive it onto the ferry?

What is the point in having gunboats escorting ferries if Joe Sixpack decides to take a gun and fire it into Puget Sound during a ~ 60 min crossing?

 

Puget Sound Ferry Ride

GWOT/security theater mixed messages:

Does a routine ferry ride require a gunboat escort?

Dec 22, 2014 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Coast Guard Station Seattle conducts ferry escort

Why, if there is a threat, would regular people not be able to purchase a more than 10 round magazine?

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

 

More here:

Washington State Ferry Ride

Washington State Ferries Security

Jan, 2015-

No security personnel here, here, or here.

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

 

 

 

 

Photo- Keystone ferry inbound

Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.

 

June 4, 2022 The Ledger-Enquirer

Are AR-15’s weapons of war? Here’s what a former Fort Benning commander had to say

A former Fort Benning commander tells us about anti-gun-safety folks:

“…The AR-15 is ACCURATELY CALLED a ‘weapon of war.’ … Don’t take the bait when anti-gun-safety folks argue about it,” he wrote. “They know it’s true. Now you do too.”

General Eaton,

Looks like DOD fails to control their weapons of war right here in the USA. Anybody fired over this?

Military ordnance shipments go unsecured and unsupervised inside the US, 20 years past 911:

Jun 15, 2021 Military.com

Military Stumped by Stolen Box of Armor-Piercing Grenades

“Investigators determined the waylaid grenades were last seen eight months prior on an ammunition train that rolled out from Florida.”

Homer Simpson at the wheel:

“Upon arrival, workers didn’t verify whether anti-theft seals on each container were intact. An inspector didn’t check the seals the next day either, later saying it was because he couldn’t see them.”

“Military investigators would conclude that no one checked the seals in the weeks after the train departed Blount Island.”

This article includes an excellent comment section that appears to be unfiltered/suppressed by politicians or the mainstream press.

June 2022 update: Looks like all comments have been striped away from the above article.

 

Jun 16, 2021 Military.com

For Years, US Army Hid, Downplayed Extent of Firearms Loss

“Using the unique serial numbers assigned to every weapon, AP identified 19 missing firearms that were not in the registry data. This included a M240B machine gun that an Army National Guard unit reported missing in Wyoming in 2014.”

The Army could not explain the discrepancy.”

More here General Eaton:

Strict post 911/GWOT military ordnance security protocols update

 

May 26, 2022 FOX 8 New Orleans

Retired Lt. Gen. Honore calls for ban of AR-15s, stricter gun laws

“…AR-15s are responsible for the vast majority of mass shootings in the United States and should be banned like sawed-off shotguns and machine guns were banned decades ago…”

 

The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record with undeclared wars. This record goes back to 1949, the year DOD was established.

Some random thoughts and questions for the generals:

Generals,

Any concerns about eroding trust of people in uniform when LE response info is hard to come by after school shootings, The Joint Chiefs of Staff struggle with decades of undeclared/unwon wars, yet we are told by retired generals that American ownership of firearms should face further restrictions?

 

Generals,

Any concerns about a society where:

Sports gets it right. More info is better.

Sports culture is more open and honest. A bad call from the ref will be seen and reviewed instantly.

LE and government agencies:

Small children are killed at school, good people are facing new restrictions on legal firearms – sorry folks, video and voice recordings from the crime scene are not available.

More Information Is Better – The NFL Knows This

 

Generals,

Can you let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.

Generals,

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

Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom

 

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.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Related:

2022 – Armed Forces Recruiting Culture

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

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

 

No chance for conspiracy theories to develop because coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.

No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. Player stats and injury reports are always available.

 

Texas School Shooting

Government agencies control the public information that could prevent rumors & conspiracy theories.

Police radio logs, 911 dispatcher recordings, bodycam footage and audio, etc.

Airlines have cockpit voice recorders & thorough investigations happen after any crash.

Lessons learned are used to prevent future events.

 

June 3, 2022 VICE News

There’s Likely Bodycam Footage of the Uvalde School Shooting. The Public May Never See It.

Officers with the Uvalde Police Department first got bodycams in 2015.”

“By Texas law, cops must keep their bodycams on while working. But it’s possible police will use the “dead suspect loophole” to keep anyone from seeing the footage.”

Sports culture is more open and honest. A bad call from the ref will be seen and reviewed instantly.

Small children killed at school and good people facing new restrictions on legal firearms – sorry folks, video and voice recordings from the crime scene are not available.

I am good with no conspiracy theories. The press could help if they were more about asking questions.

Do a proper investigation similar to those done after a plane crash. Release the findings months from now or whenever is appropriate.

Create credibility for the press and government agencies by keeping people fully informed.

Related:

58 magazines and 1,657 rounds of ammunition

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Director of Message Planning – Show Business

Land of Information Suppression

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

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

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-

Peter Iredale – Oregon Coast

 

Some random thoughts and questions:

Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future events.

Mass shootings seem to go straight from breaking news of the event to scenes of memorials near where the event happened, interviews of victim’s family members and statements from various politicians. The crime scene investigation seems not to be a priority for the press. If we wait for an entire year, will that be enough time to ask questions?

People who are interested in having questions asked and people who want clarification and better information seem to be scolded/shamed or accused of advancing conspiracy theories.

The press should be out asking questions all of the time.

Here are some questions we’d like to see newspeople ask:

LE authorities are very good about showing off what they have seized after a major drug bust.

Will we ever see what 58 magazines and 1,657 rounds of ammunition looks like, even if we wait for 12 months?

How much space would 58 magazines and 1,657 rounds of ammunition take up? What is the weight of 58 magazines and 1,657 rounds of ammunition? Looks like about 13 pounds of ammo.

13 pounds of ammo could be manageable. Seems like 58 magazines might be bulky.

Looks like we are told the Texas school shooter crashed his vehicle, regained his composure, and then moved this load across the road and into the school on foot?

 

May 27, 2022 Texas Tribune

“The wrong decision”: Texas DPS says local police made crucial error as school shooting continued

“The shooter fled in his grandmother’s pickup truck and crashed it in a ditch near the school at 11:28 a.m. He was carrying 58 magazines and 1,657 rounds of ammunition, McCraw said.”

 

Dad has a plan:

Alternative media is OK with asking questions.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning – Point No Point

Sadly, the Fresnel lens has gone dark.

 

The War on Terror has prompted law enforcement authorities to calm the public by looking into the future and announcing that no credible threat exists.

Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

 

April 12, 2022 NBC4 Washington

No Credible Threat to DC Metro After NYC Subway Shooting: Officials

 

April 12, 2022 WSB-TV News Video

Atlanta, GA

MARTA will increase security, says no credible threats following NYC subway attack

“The police chief of MARTA said there have been no credible threats against the metro Atlanta transit system following a mass shooting at a subway station in Brooklyn New York.”

 

April 12, 2022 Boston Herald

No ‘credible threat’ but full Boston Police call-up for Boston Marathon Monday

“There’s no “credible threat” to the upcoming Boston Marathon, authorities say as they nonetheless call up all available Boston cops and continue to talk to New York City authorities following the terrifying attack there.”

“Long said there’s no “credible threat” to the marathon at this point, though he said the BPD will continue to communicate with federal, state and other local law-enforcement entities and look at intelligence reports.”

Zero questions from newspeople on how intelligence reports were used to any advantage in the April 12, 2022, NYC mass shooting event.

 

Love to see newspeople show some initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

What we get now is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is. A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

Our questions appear in bold type below. We require no federal grant money in order to ask these questions.

 

Basic public policy questions newspeople will not ask:

What role did a post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, Real ID, tracking of cell phones, etc.) play in preventing the April 12, 2022 NYC subway shooting?

What role did a $49.8 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security play in preventing the April 12, 2022 NYC subway shooting?

 

No Credible Threat?

If the good guys can tell what the bad guys will do before they do it-surely, these powerful crime fighting tools will be used to shut down gang and cartel activity, heroin trafficking, bank robberies, mass casualty shootings, etc.

Where was the threat forecast prior to the April 12, 2022 NYC subway shooting?

 

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?

 

Gun Control?

Why do newspeople avoid reporting on, and asking questions on the efficacy of past gun control measures?

 

Possibly of interest:

Port Angeles Drug War – Super Bowl Security

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo- Slow speed mayhem

 

March 4, 2022 KING 5 News

Ban on sale of high-capacity magazines passes state House, moves to Gov. Inslee’s desk

“SB 5078 prohibits the sale of gun magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, along with the manufacturing, distribution, possession, import or purchase of high-capacity magazines in Washington state.”

Some random thoughts and questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:

Our questions appear in bold type.

Why do newspeople avoid reporting on, and asking questions on the efficacy of past gun control measures?

TV newspeople avoid asking questions/reporting on WA voter-approved enhanced background checks from back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

Looks like gun control is a failure?

Newspeople, please work to inform the public on this.

More here:

Enhanced Background Checks Update

 

Puget Sound Ferry Ride

Trying to make sense of war on terror/security theater mixed messages.

Does a routine ferry ride require a gunboat escort?

Dec 22, 2014 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Coast Guard Station Seattle conducts ferry escort

Why, if there is a threat, would regular people not be able to purchase a more than 10 round magazine?

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

 

Gunfire on the ferry:

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

“…WSP Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. By that time, WSF crews had already secured the suspect, who had boarded the vessel by vehicle.”

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

Not my idea to promote the concept that riding safely on the ferry requires gun boat escorts, SWAT teams and K-9s on the job to detect explosives.

If a guy decides to fire a gun during a 60 minute ferry crossing and WSP waits to respond until the ferry arrives at Colman Dock, how is this security?

Will newspeople follow up and let us know if the guy who purposefully fired his handgun from the ferry had a concealed carry permit?

Did he pass any sort of background check?

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

Newspeople remain silent.

More here:

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

 

A well regulated militia?

Has any state, ever in history, required proof of membership in a militia to purchase, transport, or carry, guns and ammo/participate in shooting sports, etc.

Remember grandpa? Yeah, he was the only one we ever knew growing up who had guns. He was the one that was in a militia.

Washington State Constitution:

SECTION 24 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.”

What powers are granted to the federal government here?

More here:

Militia Nonsense

A well regulated militia?

 

Heading to a safe place in the hills, spending a couple of hours shooting at tin cans, cleaning up the trash and heading home. What Fun.

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

Shooting is an Olympic Sport

 

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?

 

 

The Washington State more than 10 round magazine ban is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom.

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?

 

Related:

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

 

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

 

Jun 17, 2021 Military.com

Top General Downplays Report of 1,900 Lost Military Weapons, But Promises an Accurate Count

“But, Milley said, the numbers the services reported to him as of Thursday morning “are significantly less” than what has been publicly reported.”

“And it’s uncertain exactly how many weapons are lost or stolen right now, he said.”

 

Jun 15, 2021 Military.com

Military Stumped by Stolen Box of Armor-Piercing Grenades

“Investigators determined the waylaid grenades were last seen eight months prior on an ammunition train that rolled out from Florida.”

“A series of security failures covered any tracks the thief left.”

Armed guards who accompanied the shipment reported nothing. When the train reached Letterkenny, it was shuttled for the night to Rail Yard 1, an unsecured staging area outside the installation with no surveillance.”

Homer Simpson at the wheel:

“Upon arrival, workers didn’t verify whether anti-theft seals on each container were intact. An inspector didn’t check the seals the next day either, later saying it was because he couldn’t see them.”

“Military investigators would conclude that no one checked the seals in the weeks after the train departed Blount Island.”

This article includes an excellent comment section that appears to be unfiltered/suppressed by politicians or the mainstream press.

Strict post 911/GWOT military ordnance security protocols update

 

Also Downplaying:

Dec 20, 2019 C-SPAN

General Milley Rejects Afghanistan Papers

 

Dec 14, 2019 Guardian US

Afghanistan papers detail US dysfunction: ‘We did not know what we were doing’

 

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Have General Milley’s efforts reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

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

Related:

Fake War on Terror and Glorification of Military Service

 

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

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

 

Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

A society that sends the guys and gals to be ground up in unwon wars that do not involve any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

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.

Operating a camera in a public place:

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to show up and do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Operating A Camera In A Public Place – Positive Interaction

 

Newspeople have moved away from asking questions. Our questions appear in bold type.

May 5, 2021 KOMO News

Wash. lab develops scanner that may eliminate need to remove shoes at airport

“This new technology could speed up the screening process by about 20% and eliminate the hassle of taking off shoes and putting them back on, researchers say.”

What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the end of the screening line?

If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?

The new REAL ID requirement/deadline for domestic air travel has been extended how many times now?

REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror

 

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 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.”

 

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?

Media Platforms And Misinformation

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

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

 

Selecting A Vaccine

Fully Vaccinated

2020 PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Delegate Count

 

Requesting Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government update-

A businesslike response to questions:

Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government

 

If sending US troops to Afghanistan and creating a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was meant to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?

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.”

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:

 

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

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 are OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

 

Puget Sound Gun Crimes

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

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

Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom

Enhanced Background Checks Update

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

 

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

April 11, 2021 KOMO News

Toddler among 4 wounded in Central District shooting

“SEATTLE — Four people were hurt, including a 2-year-old girl, when gunfire erupted near Seattle’s Central District neighborhood Sunday afternoon, police said.”

“We heard at least 12 maybe even up to two dozen gun shots,” said Dustin Cole, who lives nearby.

If enhanced background checks reduce gun crimes, why does the Puget Sound area press avoid reporting or providing updates on enhanced background checks years after they have been put in place?

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

A well regulated militia?

WA 2014 Enhanced Background Checks – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Related:

More Voting and TV News Will Make It Better?

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

 

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

 

What happened?

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

Today:

A staged and scripted White House news conference. The risk of taking questions from a random group of feisty reporters is completely avoided.

We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

Alternative media is good about keeping an active comment section up & running. There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

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.

Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

People could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.

 

The Puget Sound area press avoids asking questions.

If enhanced background checks reduce gun crimes, why does the press avoid reporting or providing updates on enhanced background checks years after they have been put in place?

Will the press ever do a follow up on the enhanced background check requirements that have been in place for years now?

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Homeland Security is a scam?

Federal agents swing into action after 12 kilos of cocaine move past strict post 911/GWOT security protocols and federal agents staffing a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then, on into the Puget Sound area:

April 7, 2021 Q13 Fox News

Feds charge 24 people in big Seattle-area gun, drug bust; 73 firearms seized

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.

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

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?

$49.8 billion is spent every 12 months on the US Dept. of Homeland Security.

The Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

Strict Post 911/GWOT Security Protocols & A $49.8 Billion US Dept. of Homeland Security

 

Local press fails to ask questions:

Local Waters

WA 2014 Enhanced Background Checks – Newspeople Remain Silent

Land of Information Suppression

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

Mainstream vs. Alternative Media

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

 

Has any state, ever in history, required proof of membership in a militia to purchase, transport, or carry, guns and ammo/participate in shooting sports, etc.

Remember grandpa? Yeah, he was the only one we ever knew growing up who had guns. He was the one who was in a militia.

 

Washington State Constitution:

SECTION 24 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.”

What powers are granted to the federal government here?

Militia Nonsense

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

 

If enhanced background checks reduce gun crimes, why does the press avoid reporting or providing updates on enhanced background checks years after they have been put in place?

WA 2014 Enhanced Background Checks – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo

Salt Creek

 

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Local press avoids providing updates.

 

Initiative 594

Nov 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

 

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“The measure was designed to require background checks to be run on every person purchasing a gun in the state of Washington, even those who do so via private sales.”

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

 

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

Will the press ever do a follow up on the enhanced background check requirements that have been in place for years now?

 

Back in 2014 – Initiative 594 – Attempting to comply:

 

Gunfire on the ferry:

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

“…WSP Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. By that time, WSF crews had already secured the suspect, who had boarded the vessel by vehicle.”

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

Not my idea to promote the concept that riding safely on the ferry requires gun boat escorts, SWAT teams and K-9s on the job to detect explosives.

If a guy decides to fire a gun during a 60 minute ferry crossing and WSP waits to respond until the ferry arrives at Colman Dock, how is this security?

Will newspeople follow up and let us know if the guy who purposefully fired his handgun from the ferry had a concealed carry permit?

Did he pass any sort of background check?

Whatever happened to this guy?

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

 

Related:

Newspeople Show Little Curiosity Unless It’s A Sports Story

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

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

Washington State Ferry Ride

Washington State Ferries Security

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Just north of Perego’s Lagoon – Looking north to Fort Ebey

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

# 1 The Drug War

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?

What We Have Now

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

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

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest 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.

 

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

Source: March 2, 2021 KTVZ

 

Another DEA Press Release – Zero Questions From Newspeople

 

Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:

Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced product out of the US?

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

 

Nov 19, 2021 KONP Port Angeles

CLALLAM TRACKING TO LARGEST YEARLY OVERDOSE DEATH RATE

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in improving the situation?

How do cartels react to opioid lawsuits?

Zero questions from newspeople.

 

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Have General Milley’s efforts reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

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?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from Port Angeles?

 

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

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

Even one time?

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

 

# 2 Enhanced background checks required for guns since 2014

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

Will the press ever do a follow up on the enhanced background check requirements that have been in place for years now?

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

Newspeople Show Little Curiosity Unless It’s A Sports Story

 

# 3 Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

Image above: 7/15/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

 

Distance learning idea:

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

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

Related:

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

Whidbey Earth Day

When Things Get Back To Normal

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

 

# 4 An ongoing glorification of military service

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

 

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…”

 

 

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

 

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

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 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

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

 

Related:

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning- Point Wilson, Washington

 

Several examples:

March 5, 2020 KCPQ

Body found inside SUV after fire, explosion in Woodinville

Sounds pretty serious. Mob hit? Cartel job?

Any follow up of any kind from newspeople anywhere?

Please post in comments if you have updated info.

 

Gunfire on the ferry:

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

“…WSP Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. By that time, WSF crews had already secured the suspect, who had boarded the vessel by vehicle.”

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

Not my idea to promote the concept that riding safely on the ferry requires gun boat escorts, SWAT teams and K-9s on the job to detect explosives.

If a guy decides to fire a gun during a 60 minute ferry crossing and WSP waits to respond until the ferry arrives at Colman Dock, how is this security?

Will newspeople follow up and let us know if the guy who purposefully fired his handgun from the ferry had a concealed carry permit?

Did he pass any sort of background check?

Whatever happened to this guy?

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

 

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

 

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

 

Looks like frequent gun crimes are still with us.

Enhanced background checks approved back in 2014 have had time to take hold.

Any reporting or updates on this?

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

No Word on Enhanced Background Checks – No Comments Allowed

 

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?

More here:

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

 

Another month with an R status update:

Went out on 3/18/2020 to check on Monroe Landing.

Sewage drain pipe sign is still posted:

More here:

Monroe Landing – Site Visit

 

Out on 3/18/2020 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park. I found that the sign is still posted.

More here:

Site Visit – Captain Thomas Coupe Park

 

One or more sewage treatment plants are sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

 

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Is the sewage treatment plant sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

 

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Looks like newspeople have made a commitment not to show any sense of curiosity.

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

Examples:

Gun Control

January 22, 2020 KUOW

Less than 24 hours after shooting, it’s ‘business as usual’ in downtown Seattle

“It was the third shooting in two days in the same area of downtown Seattle. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said that there is nothing to suggest that the three incidents are related.”

January 22nd 2020 KOMO News

‘It was sheer panic’: 1 dead, 7 wounded in downtown Seattle shootout

Two 24-year-old men with criminal records later were identified as suspects by police. Both were still at large as of Thursday morning. Both were considered armed and dangerous.”

Jan. 10, 2020 The Seattle Times

Seattle shootings rise 6% in 2019 over 2018, with the greatest increases in south and north, police say

 

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

 

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

 

Looks like frequent gun crimes roll on.

Enhanced background checks approved back in 2014 have had time to take hold.

Any reporting or updates on this?

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

No Word on Enhanced Background Checks – No Comments Allowed

 

Lies about freedom

State Representative Julie Casimiro says troops are sent to distant lands to protect American rights and freedoms.

As if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

January 21, 2020 GoLocalProv

RI National Guard Head to the Middle East – They Deserve Our Gratitude

State Representative Julie Casimiro:

“They left on Monday, January 20th for an 11-month assignment in the Middle East at a time of international uncertainty and unrest. They left to protect our freedoms and our country.”

“These Citizen Soldiers sacrifice so much for their love of country and for that we owe them a lifelong debt of gratitude. They will miss many “firsts” in their families, holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and Thanksgiving to protect our rights, freedoms and international security.”

Protecting our rights and freedoms?

More discussion please.

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Rhode Island need services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Congressman Derek Kilmer tells us:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

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?

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

Related: How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

 

Meth in the Puget Sound area

January 21, 2020 KIRO7

50 pounds of meth seized during Bellingham traffic stop

October 23, 2019, Q13 News video:

‘The Pacific Northwest is drowning in methamphetamine:’ 17 arrested in major drug trafficking operation

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

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, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

 

The press is good with the Drug War

December 8th, 2018 The Daily World

Five county bust hits Mexican drug cartel

Drug pipeline ‘has been shut down:’ Statewide bust nets 29 arrests, guns, drugs

More than a year later, is there any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?

“The dangerous pills containing fentanyl flowing through this pipeline operated by this Western Washington distribution network has been shut down,” Keith Weis, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, said in a statement.

Next time the DEA tells the press that a drug pipeline has been shut down, will reporters ask questions, or simply put out another press release?

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:

Drowning in Meth

Zero questions from newspeople:

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Plenty of questions here:

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

More here:

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces & Homeland Security Public Affairs Staff

Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On

 

Local water quality

Back in 2017, Island County Public Health posted a sign at the Coupeville Wharf about restrictions on recreational shellfish harvesting.

Several Island County beaches are now closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

One or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Stewardship is a priority:

Sign below educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Went out to take a look

I saw no warning signs on 5/21/19 at Monroe Landing.

Image below taken on a March 24, 2019 Penn Cove site visit.

WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:

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

Lack of News Reporting Hurts Newspaper Subscriptions?

 

 

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Photo-

A symbol of the press asking questions.