The formal, opening ceremony may not have been the best time to address the media Re: local, US Border Patrol history. The Border Patrol is free to use their web site or hold a press conference to keep the public informed- at any time.
Local law enforcement agencies set the example in sharing public information with the public.
State and local LE agencies do not conduct DUI/suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.
2008-
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 later in 2008– possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.
“The whistleblower, Christian Sanchez, was stationed at a Port Angeles, Washington office staffed by over 40 employees – an office where there was insufficient work for the prior crew of four.”
US Border Patrol maintains a working relationship with the press:
US Border Patrol, Erie station-
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.”
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
Authoritarian airport CEO shut down by the law after he orders camera to be shut off-
No permission, application process, permits, insurance policy or ID required.
Please see 09:39
“He doesn’t have to show you his identification.”
“Just so you know- he’s not doing anything wrong.”
Utah State Trooper has been contacted by at least 40 people claiming she wrongfully arrested them on DUI or drug charges.
“Public Service Announcement & Traveler Warning for anyone driving through Southern Illinois: While testifying under oath, Officer Michael Reichert admits to planting drugs and drug scents on cars in hotel parking lots for K9 “training” without notifying the owners. He then lets unsuspecting motorists drive away with drug scents still on their vehicles. Drug sniffing K9s can detect drug odors for hours, if not days after being planted. See supporting links and documents below.”
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
This concept has completely broken down Re: the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
The Port Angeles Border Patrol Story-
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.
Energy is high- Questioning the Border Patrol in 2008-
Energy is low- Questioning the Border Patrol in 2012-
Our free and independent press recently informed us on Olympic Peninsula US Border Patrol operations.
The article reads like paid advertising or something produced by US Border Patrol public relations.
Most of the photos used in the article were provided by the federal government.
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
“The whistleblower, Christian Sanchez, was stationed at a Port Angeles, Washington office staffed by over 40 employees – an office where there was insufficient work for the prior crew of four.”
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.
Look for reports that provide USBP arrest statistics for sectors- not stations. This reporting format makes it difficult for the public to understand what is going on at the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station.
Don’t look for local journalists to question this manipulation of public information.
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.”
Those agencies are assisted by people with the advantage of a press credential who do not ask questions.
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.
Ask yourself- why doesn’t the local car dealership have 42 sales people on staff?
Why doesn’t the local real estate office expand to a 50 agent facility?
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.
“The whistleblower, Christian Sanchez, was stationed at a Port Angeles, Washington office staffed by over 40 employees – an office where there was insufficient work for the prior crew of four.”
Those agencies are assisted by people with the advantage of a press credential who do not ask questions.
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.
Ask yourself- why doesn’t the local car dealership have 42 sales people on staff?
Why doesn’t the local real estate office expand to a 50 agent facility?
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.
“The whistleblower, Christian Sanchez, was stationed at a Port Angeles, Washington office staffed by over 40 employees – an office where there was insufficient work for the prior crew of four.”
This hard-hitting interview was an opportunity to answer most FAQs.
Serious subject matter- covered like an elementary school field trip down to the fire station- except- students might come up with some intelligent or interesting questions at the fire station.
What questions went unasked?
1) 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.
2) “Terrorists” (If they really are out to get us) can communicate just like teenagers- they can wait in line and ride the ferry just like anyone else. What would stop terrorists from riding the ferry and alerting each other if they see a US Coast Guard escort or Washington State Patrol dogs sniffing cars prior to loading?
3) If a terrorist wanted to get their boat dangerously close to a ferry- they could just put it on a trailer and drive it on- what would prevent this?
4) What stops terror strikes on the days US Coast Guard gunboats are not providing escorts on any given route or Washington State Patrol dogs are not on duty at any given terminal?
Video promoting the drug war-
Another report treating viewers as if they are part of an elementary school field trip:
“In the new Senate report, investigators found that with the lack of oversight, fusion centers spent money wildly, including a San Diego fusion center that bought 55 flat-screen televisions at a cost of $75,000 to watch the news and display calendars.”
Welcome Home Troops
Ever notice that the surveillance society, fusion centers, war on terror crime fighting tactics, license plate scanners, monitoring of e-mails and text messages, tracking of cell phones, use of drones, etc. seems to fail at stopping hardcore bad guys?
The federal government must have magic crime fighting powers to stop terrorists. The magic powers don’t work on crimes like bank robbery or drug trafficking.
If the federal government has the crime fighting skills to wipe out all major terror strikes since 911- why wouldn’t they use those skills to shut down other categories of violent crimes?
Why does the federal government maintain a Homeland Security police state that can’t keep heroin and cocaine from entering the US?
The people who move heroin & cocaine into N. America do so free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Talks about legalizing marijuana while including restrictions that leave prohibition and the drug war in place for adults age 18-20, those who want to grow a plant at home, possess more than an ounce, or possess marijuana from non-state sanctioned outlets.
Talks about placing high taxes on legal marijuana.
Dealers, traffickers and cartels are good with this idea.
Ask yourself- why doesn’t the local car dealership have 42 sales people on staff?
Why doesn’t the local real estate office expand to a 50 agent facility?
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.
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.
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.
More than a year has passed:
Port Angeles Border Patrol whistleblower- Investigation status unknown.
Oct 2012- Port Angeles Border Patrol- whistleblower update:
“The whistleblower, Christian Sanchez, was stationed at a Port Angeles, Washington office staffed by over 40 employees – an office where there was insufficient work for the prior crew of four.”
Look for reports that provide USBP arrest statistics for sectors- not stations. This reporting format makes it difficult for the public to understand what is going on at the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station.
Don’t look for local journalists to question this manipulation of public information.
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.”
Discussions on local news web sites reveal an almost fetish-like concern Re: the arrest of illegal aliens- “WHAT PART OF ILLEGAL DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND???”, etc.
Very little in the way of acknowledging that people are not illegally entering the US via the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
If local arrests are not connected in any way to the US/Canada border- maybe every Port Angeles sized town- all across America- should have its own 50 agent US Border Patrol station?
Show of hands- how many smaller government folks are OK with having the Border Patrol around to act as a federal reserve force for local law enforcement agencies?
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
Keeping heroin from crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca-
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.
If local arrests are not connected in any way to the US/Canada border- maybe every Port Angeles sized town- all across America- should have its own 50 agent US Border Patrol station?
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.
The formal, opening ceremony may not have been the best time to address the media Re: local, US Border Patrol history. The Border Patrol is free to use their web site or hold a press conference to keep the public informed- at any time.
Local law enforcement agencies set the example in sharing public information with the public.
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.
This local story has been developing for years now. There has been plenty of time for people with the advantage of a press credential to schedule appointments, do interviews & ask questions.
Show of hands- how many smaller government folks are OK with having the Border Patrol around to act as a federal reserve force for local law enforcement agencies?
Veterans Day is for honoring veterans. Memorial Day is for honoring those who died in wars. Sept 11th is for honoring the victims and heroes of 911- a time to remember how the nation pulled together in the days following the event.
Commenting on newspaper web editions-
The story has to do with the tenth anniversary of 911, a large number of troops lost in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, or a federal park ranger gunned down in Washington State. Many comments asking for or offering prayers for the families who have suffered a loss, etc. (praying to the same god who watched over as the tragedy unfolded?) Someone posts a public policy question or comment related to the story-
“This isn’t the place for your political views, we don’t want to hear your comments about the war, or gun control, have some respect for the families, this is not the time”, etc.
Hey folks- this is a news site- not a church service. I would never scold anyone for offering prayers- why the effort to suppress ideas?
Looks like this info is no longer available on the DEA website.
Interesting that the DEA would post info indicating that they’ve got a big job to do. Over at DHS- the message is more like- we’ve got a handle on it all-
Never forget-
“…one vulnerability or gap anywhere across the globe has the ability to impact security thousands of miles away.”
Looks like some vulnerabilities and gaps are present here:
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.
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
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.
Did newspeople in the San Diego area place national security at risk by making this report?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
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.
Perhaps the new USBP outreach program will take time to explain why- in the whole wide world of law enforcement work- does the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station tell us they can’t report arrests because that would help the bad guys- yet crimes handled by local law enforcement agencies & the FBI are reported as public information?
Look for reports that provide USBP arrest statistics for sectors- not stations. This reporting format makes it difficult for the public to understand what is going on at the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station.
Don’t look for local journalists to question this manipulation of public information.
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.”
Where else in law enforcement are arrest statistics kept secret? Not here.
Perhaps the new USBP outreach program will take time to explain why- in the whole wide world of law enforcement work- does the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station tell us they can’t report arrests because that would help the bad guys- yet crimes handled by local law enforcement agencies & the FBI are reported as public information?
Two total arrests involving cross-border traffic for the land and sea based Homeland Security forces stationed at Port Angeles.
More than a year later- what are the results of the whistleblower investigation Re: fraudulent overtime claims at the Port Angeles USBP station?
Olympic Peninsula reporters are not asking questions.
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.
Never forget-
“…one vulnerability or gap anywhere across the globe has the ability to impact security thousands of miles away.”
Looks like some vulnerabilities and gaps are present here:
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.
SOURCES: U.S. NATIONAL DRUG INTELLIGENCE CENTER REPORT 2011, THE U.S. NATIONAL SEIZURE SYSTEM, AND THE JUSTICE IN MEXICO PROJECT
If the federal government has the crime fighting skills to wipe out all major terror strikes since 911- why wouldn’t they use those skills to shut down other categories of violent crimes?
War on terror crime fighting tactics, the surveillance society, fusion centers, drones, license plate scanners, Behavior Detection Officers, tracking cell phones, reading text messages- none of it appears to work to stop crimes like bank robbery or drug trafficking.
This local story has been developing for years now. There has been plenty of time for people with the advantage of a press credential to schedule appointments, do interviews & ask questions.
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
This concept has completely broken down Re: the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
I created a facebook page to encourage discussion Re: The US Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
Why is this situation unusual or of interest?
A new $9.8 million, 50 agent US Border Patrol station for an area sharing no land border with Canada-
Still no justification provided by elected officials or the US Border Patrol for an upgrade in staff requiring the 50 agent facility.
Press coverage that reads like paid advertising or something produced by US Border Patrol public relations-
Most of the photos used in this article were provided by the federal government.
Secret arrest statistics and a denied FOIA request-
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.”
Suspicionless checkpoints away from border crossings and ports of entry-
Where else in the US has the Border Patrol staged checkpoints- then later abandoned the idea?
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.
“Jones asked a Peninsula Daily News reporter to interview only Border Patrol personnel selected by the agency and to confine interviews of selected personnel to topics concerning the station’s opening.”
This local story has been developing for years now. There has been plenty of time for people with the advantage of a press credential to schedule appointments, do interviews & ask questions.
Unfortunately- local reporters are not in the habit of doing so.
Just the ticket for the day terrorists abandon the sneak attack (Oklahoma City, 911, USS Cole, US Marine barracks Beirut, etc.) and go with a good old fashioned shoot-out between the good guys and the bad guys.
If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry- how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?
Training scenario-
Are the bad guys allowed to fire on the good guy’s boats and helicopters?
No hostages, bewildered passengers or suicide bombers in the mix?
How about the bad guys drive a vehicle from the car deck onto the good guy’s boat as they pull up?
This hard-hitting interview was an opportunity to answer most FAQs.
Serious subject matter- covered like an elementary school field trip down to the fire station- except- students might come up with some intelligent or interesting questions at the fire station.
What questions went unasked?
1) 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.
2) “Terrorists” (If they really are out to get us) can communicate just like teenagers- they can wait in line and ride the ferry just like anyone else. What would stop terrorists from riding the ferry and alerting each other if they see a US Coast Guard escort or Washington State Patrol dogs sniffing cars prior to loading?
3) If a terrorist wanted to get their boat dangerously close to a ferry- they could just put it on a trailer and drive it on- what would prevent this?
4) What stops terror strikes on the days US Coast Guard gunboats are not providing escorts on any given route or Washington State Patrol dogs are not on duty at any given terminal?
