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 public affairs/law enforcement personnel 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.
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?
Hey-newspeople, we all want to stay safe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why are we told that American rights and freedoms are somehow connected to decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas?
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
What sort of track record does the DEA have in keeping meth out of American 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 out of 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?
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?
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 meth out of Boone County, Arkansas:
Jun 14, 2019 KYTV News
Prosecuting attorney gives new details about large meth bust in Boone County, Arkansas
Federal government swings into action after meth moves past federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- then on into Boone County, Arkansas.
These busts can get real big when criminal activity is allowed to develop over a period of six years.
Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the 6 years 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?
Love to see newspeople ask:
Were federal authorities at the border notified during this 6-year ongoing investigation?
Did the meth traffickers get fast track screening at the border so as not to disrupt this 6-year ongoing investigation?
If the meth 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 6 years. What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
Special Report: Pure Meth Imported By Mexican Drug Cartels Threatens Arkansans
“What we’re seeing coming from Mexico is a better, quality product. It’s almost 99-percent pure. It’s better quality, there’s more of it, it’s cheaper,” said Dak Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas.
If K-9 screenings and vehicle inspections for customized switches and compartments are effective when conducted by law enforcement authorities in Montana- why don’t these same practices work at the border?
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
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.”
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 drug cartels out of Ohio:
Federal agents swing into action after large quantities of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl move past federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- then on into Northeast Ohio.
What role does local CBP staffing and infrastructure play in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area? (Not asking if they react after product arrives in local communities.)
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.
Some will say that migrant surges on the southern border work to the advantage of cartels.
Love to see newspeople ask:
What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?
Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the U.S. prior to migrant surges?
Port Angeles WA, is a small town, heavily fortified with CPB staff. Massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fails to keep heroin out of town.
Question for newspeople:
What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping meth and heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
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?
“…the methamphetamine being produced is top-of-the-line product from Mexico, arriving in Jamestown through the U.S. Postal Service.”
Rail Shipment
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:
“Ontario Provincial Police said they found 180 kilograms of meth during their investigation, which began when employees at four different Ford dealerships reported suspicious bags inside tires that were in the trunks of new Fusion cars.”
“Every day 4,500 trucks pass, necessarily with usually minimal inspection, through three legal entry points along the U.S.-Mexico border. Any wall would be irrelevant to interrupting drug shipments.”
“…DEA wrote, adding that a “majority of the flow” happens at ports of entry. Those legal crossings would obviously still happen even if a wall spanned the entire border.”
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:
State-run media lets us know that a National Guard Counterdrug program has been in place in all 50 states since the mid 1990s.
The program started as an effort to eradicate marijuana grows.
At 4:06 we learn that the US Dept. of Homeland Security made a request that the National Guard fill capability gaps in key areas of the US:
When the news is created by people in uniform, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press. It looks like newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.
“…the National Guard Bureau operates five counterdrug schools that provide training in drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. These schools trained more than 41,400 law enforcement officers, community-based organization members, and military personnel in the fiscal year 2017.”
“…11 full-time airmen and soldiers are embedded in various law enforcement agencies around the state, including the DEA, Customs and the Delaware State Police.”
“A drunken driver steps out of his vehicle after being pulled over. He says he has a weapon, reaches in his pocket and pretends to pull out a gun.”
What does this scenario have to do with drug control policy or the National Guard?
We were told earlier that the National Guard role is limited to analyzing evidence and air support?
“In 2017, 345 people died of overdoses in Delaware. The health department expects last year’s number, which has not yet been finalized, to surpass that due to the increase in drugs laced with the potent synthetic drug fentanyl.”
Another state-run media update:
Prescription Drug Take Back:
0:28 “…collected more than 9,600 pounds of prescription medications…”
A huge success for the legal drug dealers- they sold more than 9,600 pounds of prescription medications to people who did not need them.
Have National Guard counterdrug efforts resulted in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?
What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?
“He requested support from the 248th Aviation Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, who had similar equipment.”
The people of Missouri needed services in Iraq:
“As the 248th ASB’s deployment was ending, the partnership passed onto the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Missouri Army National Guard.”
The people of Illinois needed services in Iraq:
“To me at least, it felt like it was something that has a lasting effect here,” said Illinois Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Johnson, B. Company powertrain shop chief.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Arizona need services in Afghanistan absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
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.
Why does the US Dept. of Homeland Security tell us that thousands of terrorists were stopped last year at the border if the wars are keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?
The Claim:
Jan 4th, 2019 McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Bellingham Herald
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
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?
Why does the US Dept. of Homeland Security tell us that thousands of terrorists were stopped last year at the border if the wars are keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?
The Claim:
Jan 4th, 2019 McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Bellingham Herald
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
Looks like life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns.
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?
Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money
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.”
Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything.
If public meetings were held on Whidbey Island & people were asked to state their top law enforcement priorities- would a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat show up anywhere on the list?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound heroin?
Even one time?
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?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound 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
Suspicionless checkpoints
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
State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.
“Inexpensive meth from Mexico is pouring into our state in record amounts and high purity, killing our citizens, destroying our families, and clogging our justice system.”
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Federal cash for Montana after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:
Special IDs, US troops in distant lands, US troops at the southern border, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, suspicionless checkpoints, big drug busts, Homeland Security grant money, massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats fail to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Credibility in need of repair.
Newspeople need to chuck the hometown pride and get out and ask more questions.
Why does the US Dept. of Homeland Security tell us that thousands of terrorists were stopped last year at the border if the wars are keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?
The Claim:
Jan 4th, 2019 McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Bellingham Herald
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
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?
“The Border Patrol has refused repeated requests by the Peninsula Daily News — including those made under the Freedom of Information Act — for arrest totals for the Port Angeles station, which covers a territory that includes Clallam and Jefferson counties.”
Go and ask the FBI how many bank robberies took place last year in Portland, OR. You’ll get the numbers. They won’t tell you that statistics/public records must be withheld because they would assist bank robbers if they were released.
Any other law enforcement agencies anywhere in the US that maintain secret arrest statistics?
Washington State Patrol shares DUI arrest statistics on social media here:
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
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?
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?
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?
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
No matter what political party or personality is in power, federal prohibition of marijuana remains in place.
Same country that staged a big celebration of smaller/limited government earlier this month:
Trade, travel, friendship, business, jobs, economy and a top ally to the north. Across the border- a country that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking The Troops for freedoms, and fighting undeclared/unwon wars for freedom.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, private liquor sales, interracial marriage, federal regulations on toilet fixtures, gay marriage, gas cans for your lawn equipment, gas for your lawn equipment, etc. All of these are completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands.
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 Department of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
Took a ferry ride and went to see my sister yesterday. At the end of our visit she pointed out the new flag she had placed at the front of her home and asked why she didn’t see one when she came to visit us on July 4th. I was able to provide her with some answers.
Bait and switch on incentives used to get people to stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces
No matter what political party or personality is in power, there are ongoing moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Undeclared/Unwon Wars That Never End
No matter what political party or personality is in power, the wars roll on.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
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 Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2009, we need a special ID to go have lunch in Canada and then return home.
Seems like strict post-911 security protocols, the War on Terror, and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security would be a drug cartel’s worst nightmare.
No matter what political party or personality is in power there is no shortage of cartel-sourced meth or heroin anywhere in the US.
What role does Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure play in keeping heroin and meth away from the Olympic Peninsula? (Not asking if they react after product arrives in local communities.)
If special ID works to keep bad guys out- how are cartels moving product into US communities in 2018?
Seems like strict post-911 security protocols & the War on Terror would be a drug cartel’s worst nightmare. What does our a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security have to say about all this?
So critical to the safety of America- the badass terrorists we are supposed to stay scared of have until Oct. 1, 2020 to make use of a weaker standard:
Forced separation of migrant children from their parents, National Guard troops, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep meth out of Ohio:
“…Congress enacted the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act in 2006, which regulated the sale of certain over-the-counter drugs, like pseudoephedrine, used in cooking meth.”
“What everybody is doing now is buying the cheap Mexican meth, and not cooking anymore,” says Vinton County prosecutor Trecia Kimes-Brown.
“They are more violent,” says Ryan Cain, the lead detective on counternarcotics for the county. He says in a rural county with a culture of hunting, it’s not uncommon to encounter meth users who are hallucinating — and carrying a gun.
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for your many years of service in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Local authorities swing into action after $2.1 million worth of methamphetamine moves past National Guard troops, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then, on into Fayette County.
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.
State-run media update:
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