The made for TV press and both major parties seem to be good with more of the same.
What the two major parties will not fight about:
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end, wasteful Homeland Security spending, the drug war, federal prohibition of marijuana, treating 18-20 year old adults as 2nd class citizens, an ongoing glorification of military service, and newspeople who take a pass on asking questions on these issues.
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?
Always reported as a highly successful team effort/drug bust after cartels move product past US Troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols, REAL ID and federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept of Homeland Security-then, on into state and local jurisdictions:
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:
Questions newspeople will not ask:
General Milley,
Did you show lack of confidence in a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security when you announced a Dept. of Defense role in the drug war on April 1st, 2020?
Any newspeople available to ask for clarification on these wild CBP claims?
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?
Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?
Newspeople remain silent.
A 28 minute news video featuring paid spokespeople complimenting themselves on another really successful team effort/drug bust after cartels move product past National Guard Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept of Homeland Security-then, into Tulare County:
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.
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
Prison security protocols, staff & supervisors failed to prevent large-scale drug shipments from entering the facility?
“The affidavit makes no mention of how drugs entered the prison and whether any corrections officers were involved in the conspiracy.”
“Crystal meth imported from Mexico has proliferated in Michigan because it’s considered an inexpensive, safer alternative to heroin, according to the Michigan State Police.”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing/port of entry inspections during this “years-long” investigation?
Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
Imagine 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 years.
What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
How long before a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security with the world’s most powerful DOD out front, is able to keep large-scale drug shipments from arriving at Alger Correctional Facility?
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
Newspeople seem to avoid asking questions related to big drug busts. Posting the latest press release is typical. Our questions appear in bold type.
After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
How long before a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security with the world’s most powerful DOD out front, is able to keep methamphetamine from entering Bucks County?
Will there be less need for a Drug Strike Force if General Milley’s plan takes hold?
“The Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force and the Bensalem Township Police Department have charged the leader and 16 employees of a methamphetamine trafficking “empire” that operated for at least three years in and around Bucks County.”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing/port of entry inspections during the last three years, while these folks were moving about 20 pounds of methamphetamine every week.
Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
Imagine 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 years.
What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
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
Here, in the US it was a heroin problem, then, a problem involving opioid lawsuits, then it’s a meth problem, then meth making ingredients are restricted at local stores, then it’s a cartel meth problem, then a border wall must be built, then the US Armed Forces are going to stop traffic at sea, then we hear of fentanyl-laced heroin involved in fatal overdoses in the Seattle area.
After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a 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
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
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement without asking any questions.
Our questions appear in bold type.
After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:
April 1, 2020 C-SPAN
Did General Milley show a lack of confidence in a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security and their ability to keep cartel product out of US communities when he made this bold commitment to go after cartels?
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
A symbol of newspeople repeatedly posting press releases and asking zero questions while making pleas for more support, donations and paid subscriptions.
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 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.
“Customs and Border Protection agents on marine patrol apprehended the Canadians unloading 547 pounds of “B.C. bud” marijuana off the Deep Creek area about halfway between Port Angeles and Neah Bay at about 1:30 a.m. Monday, authorities said.”
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:
If releasing info about arrests helps the bad guys, why was the public promptly notified of the May 31, 2010 arrests described at the top of this page?
“Several agencies partnered to intercept a drug shipment from Canada Monday, May 11, that contained nearly 500 pounds of marijuana, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
“U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Port Angeles Station in coordination with Air and Marine Operations, Bellingham Air and Marine Branch, and Homeland Security Investigations interdicted a narcotics smuggling load on Monday, which had originated in Canada.”
May 12, 2020 US Border Patrol Acting Chief Patrol Agent Tony Holladay
“Blaine Sector’s Port Angeles Station, CBP’s AMO and HSI seized 496 pounds of marijuana that was smuggled across the U.S./Canada maritime border yesterday morning. Always vigilant! #Teamwork #HonorFirst”
If releasing info about arrests will help the bad guys, why was the public promptly notified of the May 11, 2020 arrests described above?
Two incidents, almost exactly 10 years apart, both involving very similar quantities of marijuana.
Since Sept. 11th, 2001, are these the only two cross-border arrests made by the Port Angeles Border Patrol?
Are legal marijuana rules and restrictions in Washington State, so complicated that the black market continues to thrive?
Questions newspeople will not ask:
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
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?
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
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?
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 heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and meth out of US communities.
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
General Milley, the DEA says they still have big problems:
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 heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and meth out of US communities.
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?
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
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:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Now, General Milley delivers a bold speech describing bold action.
Every 12 months, the US Department of Homeland Security gets another $51.6 billion in taxpayer funds.
If the drug war excuse now, is that COVID-19 is somehow working to the advantage of cartels-remember that heroin was a problem in US communities prior to COVID-19. Heroin is still here and now meth has taken hold.
“The deadline to obtain a REAL ID, federally mandated identification that will be needed for passengers to board aircraft, will be extended until October 1, 2021 — a year past the current deadline, according to the Department of Homeland Security.”
If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?
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
“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?”
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
Because freedom comes from decades of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
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.
The people of Minnesota need services in the Horn of Africa for Operation Enduring Freedom:
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, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security and a large CBP force at Port Angeles fail to keep high grade methamphetamine from flooding Pacific Northwest neighborhoods.
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?
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
When the news is created by federal employees, public agencies are seeking to avoid any awkward/real questions from the press:
“The above is a press release from the DEA. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its content and encourages our readers to personally verify any information they find may be overly biased or questionable. The publication of this press release does not indicate an endorsement of its contents.”
Federal agencies get their wish when newspeople post the agency press release without asking any questions.
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
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.
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Emotion and misunderstanding gets in the way of understanding that these suspicionless bus boardings were taking place away from border crossings and ports of entry. If the bus takes you from the US to Canada, you will still stop at the border coming and going to be cleared to enter the other country.
Same country that will make a big deal of celebrating freedom and independence on July 4th.
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
Should Joe Sixpack and the family be stopped and questioned when they drive through Spokane?
Has a more aggressive CBP approach led to any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?
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 does not kick in until October 1, 2020.
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.
Border Wall
February 20, 2020 KTVZ
DEA launches major meth crackdown as record amounts flood Northwest
“The New Zealand Drug Intelligence Bureau has warned two of the world’s biggest drug cartels could be trying to infiltrate our police and Customs services to corrupt their staff.”
Emotion and misunderstanding often gets in the way when people approach the camera and say “You do not have permission to film me.” People standing on a public sidewalk will also be told that they may not film whatever they can see.
Told to stop filming at 3:13
6:50 recording without my consent is against the law:
The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.
A country that probably brags about freedom more than anywhere else on the globe.
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.
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
“The New Zealand Drug Intelligence Bureau has warned two of the world’s biggest drug cartels could be trying to infiltrate our police and Customs services to corrupt their staff.”
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:
Still trying to figure out why the Super Bowl features a large CBP/public affairs show of force each year, while a larger number of fans attend the Daytona 500 and the event is not used to promote CBP.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
“Although the general public doesn’t hear about cartels living here in Jacksonville, every time we seize a significant amount of methamphetamine, that is coming from a cartel in Mexico,” Dubet said.
“Dubet attributed the price decrease to large supplies on hand that have been mass produced. And even though it’s smuggled thousands of miles, when it arrives here in Northeast Florida, it’s still 100% pure, he said.”
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 meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
While the DEA reports a big cartel meth problem in Florida, HSI is also in Florida to promote their own image Re: preventing criminal activity.
When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:
Major takedown update at 1:20
“We arrested two individuals who attempted to sell six counterfeit NFL Super Bowl 54 T-shirts…”
“Although the general public doesn’t hear about cartels living here in Jacksonville, every time we seize a significant amount of methamphetamine, that is coming from a cartel in Mexico,” Dubet said.
“Dubet attributed the price decrease to large supplies on hand that have been mass produced. And even though it’s smuggled thousands of miles, when it arrives here in Northeast Florida, it’s still 100% pure, he said.”
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 meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
While the DEA reports a big cartel meth problem in Florida, CBP is also in Florida to promote their own image Re: preventing criminal activity.
When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:
Major takedown update at 1:20
“We arrested two individuals who attempted to sell six counterfeit NFL Super Bowl 54 T-shirts…”
“Comments are turned off”
1:00 Newspeople ride along to promote CBP. No questions asked about cartels moving product into US communities.
No CBP inspection of rail shipments entering the US?
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel from moving meth by rail into Canada:
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.
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.
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Getting ready for the big game, newspeople get their chance to ask questions. They play the role of federal law enforcement/US Armed Forces public affairs staff instead.
“There is no specific credible threat right now,” said Brian Swain, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service in South Florida, who is serving as the federal coordinator for Super Bowl security this year. “I’m confident in our security plan.”
No Credible Threat?
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.
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.
Love to see newspeople ask:
If special games require special security-what keeps regular games safe? Crowd size/capacity is similar at several stadiums.
The folks who can’t keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA will be keeping the big game safe:
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:
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?
Newspeople remain silent.
A 28 minute news video featuring paid spokespeople complimenting themselves on another really successful team effort/drug bust after cartels move product past National Guard Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept of Homeland Security-then, into Tulare County:
“Operation Despacito began in April 2017, as investigators tracked the Iowa-based distribution cell known for methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and cocaine trafficking.”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the 32 months these folks were under investigation. Do the good guys who made the local busts notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
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?
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.
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US:
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
“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?
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:
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.
“Fentanyl seizures at America’s ports of entry have increased almost five-fold since 2016. That year, the Office of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported seizing 596 pounds of the synthetic opioid. By 2019, seizures were up to 2,545 pounds.”
When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find stories from the US free press that ask questions about this big bust.
How did the 1.7 tons of meth enter the US?
Were US troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security at all relevant in keeping 1.7 tons of meth out of Long Beach?
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.
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 story is always reported as a big success after cartels are 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 the drugs end up in Hometown, USA:
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 defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
How does it make sense to have The Troops in Iraq & Afghanistan-working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, while cartels continue to move product into US communities?
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:
“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.
A three-year legal battle to publish government documents reveals that no matter which political party or personality is at the wheel, Dept. of Defense/War on Terror credibility has been squandered.
“…no new laws were passed mandating more government transparency or accountability with its military operations, no war crimes tribunals took place, no new policies were put into place. No one even got fired.”
“The Iraq war isn’t some event that happened in the past; everything about it is still here with us, right now.”
“The pejorative “conspiracy theory” has been such a useful weapon in inoculating the herd from dissident wrongthink that the propagandists do everything they can to avoid tainting their brand, even if it means refraining from using words for the things that they refer to.”
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
If sending US troops to Iraq & Afghanistan was meant to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, why do cartels continue to move product into Hometown, USA?
Welcome Home Troops
Don’t worry- The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
US Troops at the border, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, border wall efforts and the Post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, etc.) appear to have played no role in preventing these crimes:
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.
This press release features no questions from newspeople:
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.
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.
The made for TV press and both major parties seem to be good with more of the same.
