Imagine a school district wanting to expand staff and facilities and, at the same time- suppressing public information Re: the number of students enrolled, teachers on staff and number of students graduated in the past 36 months.
Take a look at a US Border Patrol station that established a working relationship with the press:
The people of Erie, PA did not have to submit a FOIA request to find out what justified the expansion of their local Border Patrol station-
No public information/security conflict at the U.S. Border Patrol station (not sector) in Erie, PA.
Erie Station- similar to Port Angeles in that it is separated from Canada by water.
Note: reports of the expansion at Erie include numbers of arrests out of that station:
“The Border Patrol operations in Erie, nearly six years old, include more than 30 agents who apprehended 588 illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2008-09.”
“The Border Patrol’s apprehensions in the Erie area have grown steadily, from 332 in fiscal 2006-2007 to 588 in 2008-09 to 305 so far in 2009-10.
Of those apprehended so far this fiscal year, 136 were individuals found by other law enforcement agencies and turned over to the Border Patrol.”
Some will say- if the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles was left alone to do its job- priorities would be properly addressed.
Under the old rules- to include suspicionless checkpoints & bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry, language interpretation for the US Forest Service, language translation for local law enforcement agencies, full, pre-sequestration funding and mysterious federal traffic stops away from border crossings and ports of entry- has the Border Patrol at Port Angeles stopped any heroin from entering the US?
Has the Border Patrol at Port Angeles stopped any Latin American immigrants from illegally entering the US?
Maybe it’s time for investigative journalists to make appointments, schedule interviews and ask some questions. Suggested topics here: News tip/story idea
If no answers are available, please do a story describing the working relationship you have with the Washington State Patrol, local sheriffs departments and city police departments. Any denied FOIA requests generated by these agencies? Please compare to the Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
It’s not just those with an illegal alien fetish who don’t question the Border Patrol-
Newspeople give heroin traffickers a pass.
A heroin problem in a local community results in tearful and emotional coverage.
Zero reporting on why post 911 security protocols fail to keep heroin out of the US.
Newspeople avoid asking tough questions about heroin traffickers.
Domestic heroin trafficking makes a mockery of all war on terror crime fighting efforts, tactics, tools, & technologies.
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.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
Read about secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests & a Border Patrol whistleblower investigation that resulted in further suppression of information here.
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Terrorists-
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
No matter what people are rooting for the Border Patrol to do- not much is happening.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Newspeople-
Newspeople give heroin traffickers a pass.
A heroin problem in a local community results in tearful and emotional coverage.
Zero reporting on why post 911 security protocols fail to keep heroin out of the US.
Newspeople avoid asking tough questions about heroin traffickers.
Domestic heroin trafficking makes a mockery of all war on terror crime fighting efforts, tactics, tools, & technologies.
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.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Newspeople-
Newspeople give heroin traffickers a pass.
A heroin problem in a local community results in tearful and emotional coverage.
Zero reporting on why post 911 security protocols fail to keep heroin out of the US.
Newspeople avoid asking tough questions about heroin traffickers.
Domestic heroin trafficking makes a mockery of all war on terror crime fighting efforts, tactics, tools, & technologies.
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.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Alternative media- happening on this side of the pay wall:
Operating a camera in a public place.
Heroin flows in while folks with cameras get hassled-
Local USBP whistleblower investigation results in further suppression of information. A proper investigation will reveal the truth- where is the report?
Heroin-
What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from the Olympic Peninsula?
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Some will say- if the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles was left alone to do its job- priorities would be properly addressed.
Under the old rules- to include suspicionless checkpoints & bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry, language interpretation for the US Forest Service, language translation for local law enforcement agencies, and full, pre-sequestration funding- has the Border Patrol at Port Angeles stopped any heroin from entering the US?
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Maybe it’s time for investigative journalists to make appointments, schedule interviews and ask some questions. Suggested topics here: News tip/story idea
If no answers are available, please do a story describing the working relationship you have with the Washington State Patrol, local sheriffs departments and city police departments. Any denied FOIA requests generated by these agencies? Please compare to the Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
Domestic heroin trafficking makes a mockery of all war on terror crime fighting efforts, tactics, tools, & technologies.
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.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
This DHS story cries out for investigative reporting:
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
The people of Erie, PA did not have to submit a FOIA request to find out what justified the expansion of their local Border Patrol station-
No public information/security conflict at the U.S. Border Patrol station (not sector) in Erie, PA.
Erie Station- similar to Port Angeles in that it is separated from Canada by water.
Note: reports of the expansion at Erie include numbers of arrests out of that station:
“The Border Patrol operations in Erie, nearly six years old, include more than 30 agents who apprehended 588 illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2008-09.”
“The Border Patrol’s apprehensions in the Erie area have grown steadily, from 332 in fiscal 2006-2007 to 588 in 2008-09 to 305 so far in 2009-10.
Of those apprehended so far this fiscal year, 136 were individuals found by other law enforcement agencies and turned over to the Border Patrol.”
How does the gunboat protect the ferry if a bad guy is already onboard? The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Sentries & watchstanders unable to prevent lone bumbler from penetrating US Coast Guard base- then smoking marijuana in the CO’s quarters aboard 210-foot cutter Active- not to be discovered until hours later at morning colors.
A huge part of this seemed to be network newspeople playing the role of federal and Boston PD public affairs personnel while they promoted the script they were handed.
The message: Stop asking questions. Wait for further instructions.
Related: If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day.
Oddities?
More than 400 soldiers were on site for routine purposes. Many people see this as a good thing.
Disregard all photos not released at an official press conference. Just watch TV and you’ll know what to think. Step away from these instructions and you may be labeled as a conspiracy theorist.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
The local paper in Port Angeles has upgraded their web format once again. Several stories from their news archives are no longer viewable. Some stories are viewable in the new format. Unfortunately, comments have been stripped away. Might be a good time for some updated reporting.
No land border with Canada.
Several commenters have taken issue with this statement. Maybe sharing no land border with Canada helps to explain why so few USBP arrests happen here.
Urban legend: The US Border Patrol stopped the Millennium Bomber at Port Angeles-
No cross-border USBP arrest has happened here in more than 8 years:
No arrests linked to the US/Canada border since May 31st, 2010.
Still no justification provided by elected officials or the US Border Patrol for an upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility.
March 2017-
“The Port Angeles Border Patrol Station was staffed with 42 agents as of 2013 with a coverage area that includes Clallam and Jefferson counties. The contingent had grown from four agents in 2006.”
Note- event took place in Nov & investigation has been completed and shared with the public.
Please compare to the local Border Patrol whistleblower investigation which took more than a year to complete & resulted in further suppression of information:
Imagine a school district wanting to expand staff and facilities and, at the same time- suppressing public information Re: the number of students enrolled, teachers on staff and number of students graduated in the past 36 months.
Under the old rules- to include suspicionless checkpoints & bus boardings, translation assistance and a fully funded program-
Has the Port Angeles Border Patrol stopped any Spanish-speaking people from illegally entering the US?
How may arrests have taken place that are connected in any way to the US/Canada border?
Zero reporting on secret arrest statistics & a total of 2 arrests connected to the US/Canada border.
The US Border Patrol at Port Angeles has stopped 2 people from illegally crossing into the US. That incident took place more than 2 years ago.
May 31st, 2010-
Two amphibious Canadian marijuana smugglers are captured on a remote Olympic Peninsula beach by the US Border Patrol.
Still no justification provided by elected officials or the US Border Patrol for an upgrade in staff requiring a new $11.9 million, 50 agent facility at Port Angeles- an area sharing no land border with Canada.
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
Is the US Border Patrol the only law enforcement agency making use of these bizarre and arbitrary reporting procedures?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
March 2012- Weekly US Border Patrol arrest reports posted here.
For an extended period of time the weekly blotter was posted at the link above. No weekly blotter since Jan 18th, 2013.
It is unfortunate that the American people seem to want to support the troops, but lack a basic understanding of public policy related to the troops.
To be fair- public policy in this area can be confusing- even to people who did time in uniform.
This confusing article seems to indicate that people in highly respected and specialized units, or people involved in high-profile operations would be eligible for a different benefit package than the average people who were in average units over the years. Investigative reporters may not have had a clear understanding of public policy in this case.
This very popular marketing device for a US auto manufacturer is not connected in any way to public policy:
Take a look at comments below the video and you will see that people truly feel connected to supporting the troops by watching a made for TV car commercial.
The First Lady has made an effort to support military families. Unfortunately- these efforts appear to be completely unrelated to public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
No definite benefit package is offered for people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Honest management of public information could improve the situation.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Security policies?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
Suspicionless checkpoints on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula- away from border crossings and ports of entry-
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
At that same forum a lady asked:
“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”
US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.
Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.
Question about providing ID is at 0:35
Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senator McCain speaks about military healthcare benefits-
There was a time when Moms & Dads, friends, relatives, folks at church and school- and people with years of military experience- encouraged a younger generation to take a favorable look at making a career of the US Armed Forces.
Even if there was another draft- people would be drafted for an enlistment- not a career.
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Security policies?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
“While testifying under oath, Officer Michael Reichert admits to planting drugs or drug scents on cars in hotel parking lots for K9 “training” without notifying the owners.”
Background:
Sensitive Dept. of Homeland Security documents released to the public at a garage sale-
Question to ask:
How do sensitive DHS documents leave the workplace without being signed out for official business?
“We’ve had decades of studies and experience with alcohol,” said Washington State Patrol spokesman Dan Coon. “Marijuana is new, so it’s going to take some time to figure out how the courts and prosecutors are going to handle it. But the key is impairment: We will arrest drivers who drive impaired, whether it be drugs or alcohol.”
Marijuana is new?
Nonsense.
Medical marijuana has been here since 1998.
Has I-692 caused problems on the highways?
If this is an honest concern- what has the state been waiting on?
People have been able to get behind the wheel after using marijuana for decades.
This would remain so- even if recreational use of marijuana never became legal.
Under the old rules- to include suspicionless checkpoints, bus boardings & providing language assistance to local law enforcement agencies & the US Forest Service-
Has the Port Angeles Border Patrol stopped any Spanish speaking people from illegally entering the US?
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works. Over the years some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Why the effort to suppress questions?
The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:
General McChrystal says there is no need for the sort of weapon that stayed in the trunk of a car? while the Connecticut school shooting took place- here in CONUS:
The January 9th edition of The Port Townsend Leader features a statement by Chief Patrol Agent John C. Bates of the Blaine USBP sector.
This statement can be found on page A-9 of the print edition which will be on sale locally for one week.
It is unfortunate that this statement is not available in the Leader’s web edition which is offered free of charge. Keeping a statement made by a public official out of the web edition suppresses discussion and limits readership Re: public policy issues that impact the local community.
Did Chief Bates select just one local paper for his statement, or did this statement go out to several newspapers?
The statement from Chief Bates also includes a link to the USBP 2012-2016 Strategic Plan for border security.
This might be a good time for The Leader to assign a reporter and follow-up with some questions.
Please ask Chief Bates about secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests & whistleblower investigations that result in further suppression of information.
The US Border Patrol limited questions at the recent grand opening of the $11.9 million, 50 agent facility at Port Angeles:
