Would the DEA be out of work if a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security was able to keep cartel product from showing up in all 50 states? Look for newspeople to avoid similar questions.
Today, the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script:
Private citizens are stepping in and going out with a camera to see and document what is going on.
Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.
Today, sports culture is where the free and independent press is alive and well.
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. Go ahead and have sports writers cover public policy, Homeland Security and US Dept. of Defense news and I’m good with that.
In 2023, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
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.
Where were you? along with a photo of a peaceful/standing twin towers.
My response:
With my GF in Kingston. Had already done some time in uniform. Took me several years to become skeptical and see that the federal government and the press had lost credibility.
Today:
My feeling is that a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment. That was maybe the best of America in my lifetime.
“What I remember most about 9/11 is the way America was unified the day after. During uncontrollable times we controlled our response. Race, Gender and Political Party were equally irrelevant.”
“We focused on loving each other, how did we get so segregated? We never would have made it this far if we embraced division on September the 12th. We are where we are because we got here TOGETHER let’s embrace love yet again.”
“God Bless The USA.”
My response:
Good Stuff
Let’s keep that and add a free and independent press that will ask questions/rock the boat, no matter who is in office.
The mainstream press provides news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.
We got our ass kicked on 911.The federal government has been squandering credibility ever since. If the US Armed Forces were keeping us safe– first responders would have had a routine day at work on 911. The giant government and “Dept of Defense” were nowhere to be found on 911. For federal government convenience, take the day, follow along, pledge your allegiance and behave as that government sees fit. Do as you are told. Fly your flag as you are told. Think and behave as that government tells you. Divert your attention away from federal government failure and stay busy with federal suggestions for the day.
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we will observe the day by avoiding network TV. At the bottom of this page, we will offer up some readings featuring voices of dissent and alternative media.
Aftermath
Let’s say the federal government did everything right before and on the day of Sept. 11th, 2001. The uniparty press avoids questions on how things have come together since.
Big Homeland Security spending
The US Dept of Homeland Security was established on November 25, 2002. Plenty of time for lessons learned, and more cartel drugs entering Hometown, USA than ever before?
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents. A major aircraft manufacturer grounds certain airplanes after mishaps. Time is required to investigate and find out what went wrong.
Any similar effort after a big cartel drug bust inside the US?
The folks who show up and investigate the plane crash don’t spend time congratulating each other. Their work is designed to try and prevent similar future incidents, not promote themselves.
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Wonder what was happening at border crossing/port of entry inspections during the 12 months Operation P-22 (to take down just one branch of the cartel activity) took place. Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
Were federal authorities at the border notified of this ongoing investigation?
Did the cartel traffickers get fast track screening at the border so as not to disrupt this ongoing investigation?
If the drug traffickers were given a pass at the border- would that have tipped them off as to the investigation- or would that have been seen as standard protocol?
Imagine that LE authorities observe a shoplifter or bank robber in action. Instead of going in to make an arrest they back off and conduct an investigation that goes on for months. What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
This time next year- will there be any shortage of cartel product in the Puget Sound area? Has any city, county or state jurisdiction been able to cleanup their drug problem using these methods?
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
Newspeople are good about posting a drug bust press release. Newspeople remain silent when it comes to asking questions about Homeland Security funding and performance.
Big DOD spending on undeclared/unwon wars for our freedoms.
School children are taught about a free enterprise system. They grow up to find out that the federal government will tell them what kind of shower head they must install in the bathroom, and what type of gas can they must buy for their lawn mower.
Did hostile forces in distant lands attempt to replace US consumer demand with government demand and end the free enterprise system?
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
Freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
Maybe a few more decades of undeclared/unwon wars and the freedoms will get better.
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Both major parties are OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.
Both major parties are good with a land of the free holding pattern where alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18? Are The Joint Chiefs of Staff working to change any of this?
Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.
Has it become harder to find blogs, videos and alternative media that ask questions or point to the failures of 911 and its aftermath? How about COVID? How about a giant US Dept. of Homeland Security?
“Nearly 1,800 victims’ relatives, first responders and survivors are calling on Biden to refrain from attending any memorials over his refusal to release Sept. 11 documents.”
“The administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump also declined to declassify supporting documents, citing national security concerns.”
22 Years Later
Part of the reaction was to send The Troops into undeclared wars.
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.
Fake GWOT?
The US Dept. of Homeland Security was invented after the catastrophic military failure of 911. The idea was to keep bad people from coming to the US to do bad things/attempt another 911, etc.
Wouldn’t the giant War on Terror be a cartel drug trafficker’s worst nightmare?
If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?
The new REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel has now been extended out more than 20 years past 911 – May 7, 2025
If sending US troops to Afghanistan and creating a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) 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?
If the CIA (est 1947) serves as an advantage to the US, why does the Department of Defense have such a poor record of winning undeclared wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?
Show up early to wait in line and squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube at the airport?
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Has anyone ever seen any member of the press ask questions on this?
“What goes on at airports is not security. It is Security Theater. When the government’s own agents try to smuggle “weapons” aboard airliners to test the system, they succeed ninety-five percent of the time.”
“Further, a terrorist doesn’t need to get aboard an airliner to blow up spectacularly. At many airports, hundreds of people line up at ticket counters during peak hours. A carry-on bag of explosive would easily create enough slaughter to shut down air travel and to make international headlines for weeks.”
Will sending the National Guard, active, reserve and IRR forces to support NATO/Ukraine stimulate new enlistments over at the recruiting office?
National Guard
The people of Minnesota need more applicants to maintain a place to live and a regular job in their hometown area when they are not doing time in foreign lands helping DOD with undeclared/unwon wars and missions completely unrelated to their home state.
A few decades back, people might think of the National Guard as one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer plus a way to support your home state by being ready to get called out for floods, fires, natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. Maybe a way to help the next state over if they needed it.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Home State, USA needed services in distant lands, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Recruiting crisis for Uncle Sam? Elected officials, top Pentagon Generals and the press earned it.
Thousands of men and women who signed up for the National Guard in the past 25 years did tours in places like Syria, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.
These families have stories to tell and they’re not all positive. Will their stories support a draft?
I am interested in living in a free and honest society.
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
Politics seems to be very much about political personalities and group identities and very little on news reporting and discussion about what the major parties stand for or believe in.
Both major parties seem to be OK with undeclared wars.
Love to see the press find out from elected officials how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record with undeclared wars. This record goes back to 1949, the year DOD was established.
Wasteful and ineffective Homeland Security spending
A $49.8 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up in all 50 states.
This may trigger a Trump/Biden debate, but be honest, cartels remain in business no mater who is in the White House. The US Dept. of Homeland Security was created in the aftermath of 911. Is there any President since that time who was able to keep cartel product from arriving all over the US?
Pre-Biden:
Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail
The media seems to be run mostly by the D side of politics, certainly not by constitutional conservatives.
What are some constitutional conservative views on undeclared wars?
What are some constitutional conservative views on federal prohibition of marijuana?
What are some constitutional conservative views on treating 18-20 year old adults as second class citizens?
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Both major parties promote the idea that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
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?
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:
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Will any investigation be conducted to learn why a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep meth originating in Mexico from arriving in Hawaii?
Always reported as good news when your county is designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Zero questions from the press about spending $49.8 billion every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.
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?
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger-a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
In the past, the folks who are unable to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US have been entrusted to provide Super Bowl security.
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:
Away from the big game:
A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep 1,950 pounds of cartel product from arriving in Denton County, Texas-far from any border crossing or port of entry:
“The drugs — 1,950 pounds valued at $45 million — were sniffed out by a dog during a traffic stop involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer in Denton County on Oct. 8, the DEA said. They had been stashed inside a secret compartment of the truck.”
Any restrictions on entry to this ferry dock after hours?
Krebs said investigators found identification on Bent’s body. Anacortes Police Capt. Dave Floyd said San Juan County Sheriff’s investigators contacted his department the day her body was found and “asked us to check shoreline areas for her vehicle. We found it at the terminal.”
A symbol of the press backing away from asking questions while playing the role of federal public affairs staff.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
“Exactly three weeks after a mob of domestic terrorists attacked the U.S. Capitol, the national temperature is still so high that Homeland Security officials on Wednesday warned all Americans of the ongoing threat to their safety.”
What was the alert level prior to Jan 6th?
Newspeople remain silent.
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep 1,950 pounds of cartel product from arriving in Denton County, Texas-far from any border crossing or port of entry:
“The drugs — 1,950 pounds valued at $45 million — were sniffed out by a dog during a traffic stop involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer in Denton County on Oct. 8, the DEA said. They had been stashed inside a secret compartment of the truck.”
“Operation Crystal Shield” is a nationwide effort that launched last February to stop the distribution and transportation of meth by specifically targeting transportation hubs and drug cartels.
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
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:
I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
“In what would be a first in the U.S., possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, LSD and other hard drugs could be decriminalized in Oregon under a ballot measure that voters are deciding on in Tuesday’s election.”
A $51.6 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 Drug Enforcement Administration
Another couple billion dollars spent every 12 months on an a federal agency that takes credit for big drug busts after cartels move product past federal agents staffing border crossings, ports of entry and the area between ports of entry.
Would the DEA be out of work if General Milley was going to act on his bold pledge to clobber the cartels?
Federal agents swing into action after 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Riverside County.
Would the DEA be out of work if General Milley was going to act on his bold pledge to clobber the cartels?
Cartels respond to General Milley’s big DOD crackdown, DEA social media posts, and future postage stamp release by moving more product into the US.
Federal agents swing into action after 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Riverside County.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
A huge success for the legal drug dealers-they sold 882,919 lbs. of prescription medications to people who did not need them.
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?
Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople Not Asking Questions
This story would be less interesting if the press would produce news reports and get in the habit of questioning the various agencies involved in combating the cartels.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions than what we have now.
The press release style of news reporting means that statements are prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, news conference, etc. Newspeople post these statements without asking any questions.
Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:
Has General Milley’s big DOD/cartel crackdown played any role in keeping illicit fentanyl from entering Eastern Washington?
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
If a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was effective in keeping cartel product from entering US communities, why would General Milley want to announce a big DOD effort to shut down cartels?
Would the DEA be out of work if General Milley was going to act on his bold pledge to clobber the cartels?
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Cartels respond to General Milley’s big DOD crackdown by moving more product into the US.
Federal agents swing into action after 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Riverside County.
“We’ve seen an impact. The prices have gone up. The supplies have gone down, particularly for meth, because of the COVID restrictions on the border,” Shea said.
$51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:
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:
Puget Sound Area Press
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?
Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople have stopped asking questions.
Newspapers are suppressing or eliminating online comment sections. A forum for individual thought is not part of the plan. Newspapers are getting away from asking questions related to public policy while telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.
Got it.
This story would be less interesting if the press was to produce news reports and ask questions.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement without asking any questions.
The big drug bust is always reported as a real success after cartels are somehow able to move product past US Troops at the border, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, REAL ID verifications and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security before meth, heroin or fentanyl show up again in the Puget Sound area.
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Any similar effort after a big drug bust?
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home. Have these ID requirements helped to keep cartel product from entering the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
This story would be less interesting if the press was to produce news reports and ask questions.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement without asking any questions.
The big drug bust is always reported as a real success after cartels are somehow able to move product past US Troops at the border, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, REAL ID verifications and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security before meth, heroin or fentanyl show up again in the Puget Sound area.
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?
Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Any similar effort after a big drug bust?
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home. Have these ID requirements helped to keep cartel product from entering the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.
Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
Considering the aftermath of 911
Since 911, have people been at risk out at the airport because there has not been any requirement for REAL ID in order to fly within the United States?
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home. Have these ID requirements helped to keep cartel product from entering the US?
Don’t look for the press to go and interview the US Dept. of Homeland Security and ask any questions on this.
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
I was thinking that 911 should have been a drug trafficker’s worst nightmare. The US Dept. of Homeland Security- a whole new federal department-was created to stop terrorists and prevent another 911.
Part of the article describes cartel product seized at the border. Part of the article talks about product that gets past federal agents at the border.
Federal agents swing into action after meth from Mexico moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then, on into New Mexico:
“Historically, crystal meth in its purest and most potent form came to the islands from markets in Asia and the Pacific as documented by the Hawaii’s Ice Age reporting series that Civil Beat and Hawaii Public Radio published five years ago.”
Newspeople avoid asking questions by going with a press release style of news reporting.
A statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement. No questions asked:
Does Port Angeles CBP play any role in keeping meth and heroin from entering the Olympic Peninsula?
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
If a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was preventing cartel product from arriving in American communities, why would General Milley need to launch Operation Macho Swagger?
Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger prevented cartel product from entering WA?
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
The big drug bust is always reported as a real success.
Newspeople show up to ask zero questions about why cartels are somehow able to move product past US Troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols, REAL ID verifications and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security before meth and heroin show up again in the Puget Sound area.
“Fifteen people were arrested on Tuesday throughout the Puget Sound region and in California following an 18-month investigation of a drug trafficking organization tied to the CJNG cartel in Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.”
Question for newspeople:
If General Milley’s bold pldege to clobber the cartels was ever to shut down cartel traffic, would the agencies below be out of work?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Any similar effort after a big drug bust?
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
Newspeople are good about posting a drug bust press release. Newspeople remain silent when it comes to asking questions about Homeland Security funding and performance.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
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?
Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things. People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home. Have these ID requirements helped to keep cartel product from entering the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
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
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols, and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel-sourced product out of US communities.
Cartels respond to General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger by moving more product past border crossings, ports of entry and into the US:
“Authorities announced indictments Tuesday of 15 people from the Puget Sound region connected to a “violent and prolific” Mexican drug cartel trafficking conspiracy.”
“The United States Department of Justice arrested 19 people following an 18-month investigation of a drug trafficking organization tied to the CJNG cartel in Mexico.”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing/port of entry inspections during the 18 months these folks were under investigation.
Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust. Newspeople post this statement without asking any questions.
Our questions appear in bold type.
Port Angeles
Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin, cocaine and meth from entering Port Angeles?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound cocaine, meth or heroin?
“King said that inside the vehicle, detectives found 47.4 grams of heroin, 4 grams of cocaine, 1.2 grams of methamphetamine, three sets of digital scales, $3,000 in $20 and $100 bills in Harris’ purse, a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in her purse, unused plastic baggies, and “crib notes” that appeared to list drug sales.”
When will a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security be able to keep heroin, cocaine and meth from entering Port Angeles?
Is General Milley confident that CBP is able to keep cartel product out of US communities?
Any word on General Milley’s pledge to clobber the cartels?
Will there be less need for an Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) after General Milley’s plan prevents cartels form moving product into the US?
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
“Customs officers stopped a blue 2000 Freightliner with British Columbia tags towing a trailer with Oklahoma plates as it attempted to pass through outbound inspection lanes May 9. The officers found five handbags in the back of the trailer that contained 132 pounds of cocaine, worth $3 million in street value.”
Any word on how the $3 million worth of cocaine got past General Milley’s DOD, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into WA?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
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 and DOD funding and performance?
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols, and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel-sourced product out of US communities.
In the news-
After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:
A major drug bust is reported as a highly successful team effort, after cartel manages to move product past General Milley’s DOD, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx:
“Taking a million dollars’ worth of deadly drugs off the street is critical at this time, when isolation and fear make substance users ever more vulnerable. A team of investigators and attorneys demonstrated remarkable dedication, following investigative leads to this successful conclusion, despite the added dangers of enforcement during a crisis of this magnitude, and I commend them.”
Taking deadly drugs off the street after cartel was able to move product past DOD and the US Dept. of Homeland Security.
Well done guys.
“A long-term investigation into a narcotics trafficking operation in New York City, with distribution throughout the Northeast, led to the seizure of approximately 120,000 glassine envelopes of suspected heroin/fentanyl worth over a million dollars, as well as $25,000 cash and drug packaging materials.”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during this long-term investigation. Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border and ports of entry about the weak links in their process? Any newspeople available to do a follow-up with General Milley?
“Traffickers market their drugs like businesses, branding their product with stamps to attract users, like ’24 Black Mamba’; or use an ‘Antrax’ stamp to designate origins and reference enforcer gangs of the Sinaloa Cartel.”
Will the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor be shut down after General Milley’s plan prevents cartels form moving product into the US?
“Customs officers stopped a blue 2000 Freightliner with British Columbia tags towing a trailer with Oklahoma plates as it attempted to pass through outbound inspection lanes May 9. The officers found five handbags in the back of the trailer that contained 132 pounds of cocaine, worth $3 million in street value.”
Any word on how the $3 million worth of cocaine got past General Milley’s DOD, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into WA?
“A culmination of several factors, many of them related to the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, are suspected driving forces behind a boom in heroin overdoses in recent weeks, local law enforcement and health officials said last week.”
Zero questions from newspeople:
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound heroin?
Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine from arriving on the Olympic Peninsula?
At one time, having a driver’s license meant that you were OK to drive a vehicle on public roads. Each of the 50 states figured out how to best create polices related to their DMV, along with alcohol and tobacco sales to adults age 18-20.
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
The press is very good about asking questions and providing thorough reporting whenever a sports story develops:
Why doesn’t this style of reporting cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, or the Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars?
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?
Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:
“Agents have arrested 71 people at the Spokane bus depot this year, more than twice as many as they averaged in prior years. None were “alien” smugglers or drug traffickers, as the Spokane Sector’s press office admitted in an interview.”
Is the immigration enforcement crackdown, hassling people at bus stations and requiring REAL ID at the airport at all relevant in keeping cartels from moving product into hometown, USA?
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
In 2008, the US Border Patrol came to Jefferson County, WA and set up suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry.
At a local Border Patrol forum a lady asked:
“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”
US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.
Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.
Question about providing ID is at 0:35
Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.
State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Why are Border Patrol arrest statistics secret at Port Angeles?
Go and ask the FBI for Chicago bank robbery statistics. You’ll get the numbers. They won’t tell you that statistics/public records must be withheld because stats would assist bank robbers if they were shared with the public.
What other law enforcement agencies, anywhere in the US maintain secret arrest statistics?
Washington State Patrol shares DUI arrest statistics on social media here:
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area?
Newspeople,
Why did the Blaine Sector Weekly US Border Patrol blotter go extinct?
When is the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol made an arrest of any kind?
Any arrests connected to cross-border maritime traffic?
When local USBP staffing went from four to 42 agents, what increase in arrests and apprehensions was achieved?
Suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry:
Did the use of these checkpoints in Jefferson and Clallam Counties result in the seizure of any inbound heroin or meth?
What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping meth and heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep meth from entering the Puget Sound area:
Every 12 months, the US Department of Homeland Security gets another $40 billion in taxpayer funds.
If the drug war excuse now, is that migrant surges are diverting attention away from cartel traffic-remember that heroin was a problem in US communities prior to the recent migrant surges. Heroin is still here and now meth has taken hold.
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:
Puget Sound area update:
Let’s get away from the politician talk.
Heroin crisis: A situation involving illegal product moved from outside the US into local communities. The US Dept. of Homeland Security has jurisdiction at the border, border crossings & ports of entry.
With a budget of $40.6 billion-how is the US Dept. of Homeland Security doing at keeping heroin away from local communities?
Opioid crisis: Term favored by the press & politicians to describe the abuse of product which may be stolen from Grandma’s medicine cabinet-also a very serious issue.
Accurate reporting allows people to learn how to prevent future incidents.
Anytime there is a plane crash-a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Was the aircraft fueled with opioids before it crashed? Was it running on heroin?
Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.
What part of the story is missing?
Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping heroin and meth from arriving in the Puget Sound area?
Hey-with all this talk of freedom-can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) and her REAL ID down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
Terrorists must not be trying very hard.
The more tortuous inspection procedures become out at the airport-the more I wonder what prevents terrorists from disrupting security in that crowded part of the airport just outside of the screening checkpoint.
What stops hardcore terrorists from blowing themselves up in crowded airports just prior to showing ID or being face scanned at security checkpoints?
Terrorists have access to hundreds of crowded public places in the US-free of federal supervision, screening, scanning, pat downs, etc., why aren’t they blowing themselves up at these locations?
Looks like a decade of checking passports/enhanced and Real IDs at the border has not kept bad guys from moving product into the Puget Sound area.
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:
Since 911, have people been at risk out at the airport because there has not been any requirement for REAL ID in order to fly within the United States?
When you finish your Armistice Day tributes, maybe you could ask some questions on this.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Love to see more in the way of newspeople out asking questions. Get away from posting the press release handed down from whatever agency was involved in the latest bust.
Go and ask the FBI for Chicago bank robbery statistics. You’ll get the numbers. They won’t tell you that statistics/public records must be withheld because stats would assist bank robbers if they were shared with the public.
What other law enforcement agencies, anywhere in the US maintain secret arrest statistics?
Washington State Patrol shares DUI arrest statistics on social media here:
The large drug bust story is always reported as a big success. This, after drug traffickers are somehow able to move product past National Guard Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- before product arrives in Hometown, USA.
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:
The drug war is especially fascinating because preventing bad people from coming here to do bad things became a bigger priority after 911.
We’re told that we are in a life and death struggle in the War on Terror. Bad people will come here to destroy our American way of life if we don’t send The Troops to fight in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2009, we need a special ID to go have lunch in Canada and then return home.
Every 12 months, the US Department of Homeland Security gets another $40 billion in taxpayer funds.
If the drug war excuse now, is that migrant surges are diverting attention away from cartel traffic- remember that heroin was a problem in US communities prior to the recent migrant surges. Heroin is still here and now meth has taken hold.
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep bad guys from moving 50 pounds of methamphetamine into Oak Harbor:
Is the local meth situation linked in any way with the US/Canada border?
“It is comprised of law enforcement from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations, Border Patrol, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.”
Question for newspeople:
Has local Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations been able to intercept any meth headed to Whidbey Island, or do they react after product arrives in local communities?
Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth from entering the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area?
Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat
Back in 2014:
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Questions for newspeople:
Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Real ID
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents. Any similar effort after a big drug bust?
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities:
“Federal, state and local law enforcement fanned-out throughout the Puget Sound region Wednesday, arresting 17 people – two from Auburn, another from Pacific – in connection with multiple counts of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran said.”
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?
Love to see more in the way of newspeople out asking questions. Get away from posting the press release handed down from whatever agency was involved in the latest bust.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?
Why is South Dakota dealing with a methamphetamine epidemic if the gateway drug marijuana is not legal there?
Idaho Too
May 22nd 2019 CBS 2 News
Idaho remains hardline on hemp
“However in Idaho, state law continues to treat hemp the same as marijuana and any trace of THC in a substance is illegal.”
“But the bill to legalize hemp was introduced in the conservative legislature when many Idaho lawmakers grew increasingly concerned as surrounding states legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana.”
“Moscow Police Department Chief James Fry, who was in the audience Monday, said he is also requesting a drug dog from the Moscow City Council for his department.”
We’ll ask a few of our own here. Our questions appear in bold type.
Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area?
“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.” What about the other half?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?
Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
Possibly of interest-
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Newspeople,
Why did the Blaine Sector Weekly US Border Patrol blotter go extinct?
When is the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol made an arrest of any kind?
Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?
Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions.
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.
The Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket
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?
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin/meth trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Several LE officers question the man with the camera. They request ID.
