Bellingham Border Patrol Mystery

Rare & Mysterious Port Angeles Border Patrol Arrests

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

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

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

I’m not going to argue with you.

September 19, 2020 //

We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

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.

Here is a small independent media team out asking questions.

At 10:03 we see that a mesh stunt mask is OK for entry into the facility.

A chance to respond with honesty is met with:

I’m not going to argue with you.

Alternative media is also good about keeping an active comment section up & running. There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

You can always read letters to the editor.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

In sports culture, reporters are free to ask hard questions and write stories about teams, players, managers and coaches.

After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.

In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.

Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?

Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to his press secretary for answers? Presidents do so on a daily basis. Professionals are hired to provide only the desired version of answers to questions.

Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

More here:

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

Information Suppression Update

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Working waterfront – Anacortes

Categories Alternative Media, Information Suppression Specialists, Just don't talk about it, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Conspiracy Theory?

September 11, 2020 //

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:

Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned

Best case scenario-elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.

Fire Investigation Protocols Re: 911

More here:

19 Years Later – Don’t Look For Newspeople To Consider The Aftermath of 911

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

Nothing Gets Past CBP

Kitsap and Island County Meth & Heroin

Always Reported as a Highly Successful Team Effort – The Big Puget Sound Drug Bust

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Port Angeles/Blaine Drug War Scam – Zero Questions From The Press

What I Like About Local Government

Rare & Mysterious Port Angeles Border Patrol Arrests

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.

Possibly of interest:

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Washington State Ferry Ride

Traffic leaving ferry advised to take a fuel-efficient double the distance route to get to downtown Coupeville:

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

Categories Conspiracy Theory, Honest management of public information, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

September 10, 2020 //

Not just Trump or any specific news company:

Information Suppression Update

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

19 Years Later – Don’t Look For Newspeople To Consider The Aftermath of 911

Losing The Original Message?

Any 3rd or 4th Party Candidates Invited to the Made For TV Presidential Debate Stage?

Both major parties are good with:

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.

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Watching the waves at Fort Ebey

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Losing The Original Message?

September 9, 2020 //

Sept. 9, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Group of residents call for removal of BLM banner from South Whidbey High School

Some may associate the message now with riots, arson, mob violence, personal injuries, blocking traffic, property damage, destruction of businesses and loss of life during protests.

Suppressing public opinion:

Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Possibly of interest:

Dave Discusses Politics and Race

Racial Hatred

If We Hear The Sound of Freedom…

If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, or kneel…

Too Many Extremes – More Honesty – No LE Resignations?

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- Plt 3049 MCRD SD September, 1979

Rantz: Gov Inslee refuses in-person debate with Republican Culp

Election Season – A Free and Honest Society?

September 1, 2020 //

Welcome Home Troops

Election season is very much about political parties, political personalities and group identities.

The big election season is not very much about discussing and asking questions about things that do not change no matter what political party or personality is in power.

Information Suppression

KTTH Aug 30, 2020

The Hill Aug 27, 2020

Pelosi says there shouldn’t be any debates between Biden and Trump

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

Various newspspers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.

Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?

Liberty And Justice For All?

Two major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

Local press:

Hometown pride running high. High enough to stop asking questions?

“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”

Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?

Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

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.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

“I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Any 3rd or 4th Party Candidates Invited to the Made For TV Presidential Debate Stage?

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople who have stoped asking questions.

Please Dispose of Properly

Categories Armistice Day, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Veterans support all candidates 2012!, Voting

Love to see more of Biden answering live questions from reporters

August 23, 2020 //

We are missing out on a traditional campaign season because of virus concerns.

The press can do live interviews over the web. Let’s see it happen.

Biden reading from a script?

More here:

Does the made for TV news media perform like paid actors?

Any 3rd or 4th Party Candidates Invited to the Made For TV Presidential Debate Stage?

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Another Month With An R at Captain Thomas Coupe Park – Site Visit

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Voting

Information Suppression Update

August 13, 2020 //

From Reclaim The Net

Aug 12, 2020 Facebook blocks links to Kamala Harris parody website

“You can’t post this. This URL goes against our community standards on spam,” says Facebook.

SNL has a fun tradition of portraying elected officials of both major parties.

It’s been going on for decades.

I’m for letting individuals decide on whatever content they are interested in.

More information suppression:

Looks like Sound Publishing has removed all old comments and shut down the opportunity to post new comments on all of their newspaper web editions?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

July 15, 2020 //

# 1 The Drug War

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?

Billions of dollars are spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Drug War Scam – Newspeople Remain Silent

Kitsap and Island County Meth & Heroin

Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:

Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced product out of the US?

Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.

The Dept. of Defense makes a move to get in on the act:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Cartels respond to General Milley’s big DOD crackdown by moving more product into WA

July 28th 2020 KOMO News

15 people from Puget Sound indicted in Mexican drug cartel trafficking conspiracy

July 28th 2020 KOMO News

Lynnwood couple busted after being found with up to $23M worth of illicit fentanyl

July 13, 2020 KIRO7 News video:

Mexican cartels funneling meth to Washington state during pandemic

Meth & heroin update:

July 20, 2020 Spokesman Review

Airway Heights correctional officer charged with smuggling drugs to prisoners

July 20, 2020 KXLY

Airway Heights guard arrested, accused of smuggling drugs into prison

“Investigators say the COVID-19 crisis helped their investigation because visitors and outside volunteers have not been allowed in the prison since March. That means anyone bringing in contraband must have been DOC employees, according to the complaint.”

More here:

A bold pledge from DOD, and CBP social media posts fail to keep fentanyl and black tar heroin away from Seattle

Port Angeles/Blaine Drug War Scam – Zero Questions From The Press

Always Reported as a Highly Successful Team Effort – The Big Puget Sound Drug Bust

What I Like About Local Government

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

# 2 Enhanced background checks required for guns since 2014

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

Will the press ever do a follow up on the enhanced background check requirements that have been in place for years now?

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

Newspeople Show Little Curiosity Unless It’s A Sports Story

# 3 Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

Image above: 7/15/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Distance learning idea:

Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

Whidbey Earth Day

When Things Get Back To Normal

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

# 4 An ongoing glorification of military service

Local press:

Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?

Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

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?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

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.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Any 3rd or 4th Party Candidates Invited to the Made For TV Presidential Debate Stage?

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Early winter morning- Point Wilson, Washington

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Armistice Day, Drug War, Gun Control, Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, School teachers not asking questions, Voting

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

April 22, 2020 //

April 21, 2020 South Whidbey Record

Publisher: A message to newspaper’s readers

“What hasn’t changed is our commitment to community journalism, and keeping our readers informed. Now more than ever, we’re seeing new subscribers, and our website traffic is through the roof. People are craving information about their community. The newspaper has become one way of staying connected.”

I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

Whidbey Earth Day

Distance learning idea:

Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

Recommendations to bring in more subscribers:

Set up phone or video interviews and do a podcast with local experts and elected officials who can let us know what to expect Re:

State Parks on Whidbey: Mixed Messages On What Is An Emergency

Island County WA elected a new Sheriff more than a year ago. I’m not seeing his name show up in the news related to public meetings, policy updates, press releases, public statements, etc. Maybe local newspeople can arrange for an interview?

Concealed Carry Processing Suspended

Digging a bucket of clams places people at risk?

Please set up a telephone interview with a representative from WDFW to let us know what to expect.

Podcast 3 Closing All Recreational Fishing & Shellfishing Statewide

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

More here:

Body found inside SUV after fire, explosion in Woodinville

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Lonely beach-just north of Perego’s Lagoon

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Restricted Activities

Newspeople Show Little Curiosity Unless It’s A Sports Story

March 20, 2020 //

Several examples:

March 5, 2020 KCPQ

Sounds pretty serious. Mob hit? Cartel job?

Any follow up of any kind from newspeople anywhere?

Please post in comments if you have updated info.

Gunfire on the ferry:

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

“…WSP Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. By that time, WSF crews had already secured the suspect, who had boarded the vessel by vehicle.”

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

Not my idea to promote the concept that riding safely on the ferry requires gun boat escorts, SWAT teams and K-9s on the job to detect explosives.

If a guy decides to fire a gun during a 60 minute ferry crossing and WSP waits to respond until the ferry arrives at Colman Dock, how is this security?

Will newspeople follow up and let us know if the guy who purposefully fired his handgun from the ferry had a concealed carry permit?

Did he pass any sort of background check?

Whatever happened to this guy?

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

Looks like frequent gun crimes are still with us.

Enhanced background checks approved back in 2014 have had time to take hold.

Any reporting or updates on this?

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

No Word on Enhanced Background Checks – No Comments Allowed

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?

More here:

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

Another month with an R status update:

Went out on 3/18/2020 to check on Monroe Landing.

Sewage drain pipe sign is still posted:

More here:

Monroe Landing – Site Visit

Out on 3/18/2020 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park. I found that the sign is still posted.

More here:

Site Visit – Captain Thomas Coupe Park

One or more sewage treatment plants are sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Is the sewage treatment plant sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

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.

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Gun Control, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed, School teachers not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Tulsi Gabbard – Information Suppression Update

March 12, 2020 //

On Twitter

March 6, 2020 W.J. Astore

Tulsi Gabbard Is Invisible!

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Beach walk – South Indian Island

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Just don't talk about it, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Voting

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

February 27, 2020 //

February 24, 2020 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County

“In consideration of how we voice our opinions in the modern world, we’ve closed comments on our websites. We value the opinions of our readers and we encourage you to keep the conversation going.”

Comments are shut down and we encourage you to keep the conversation going?

No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters, etc. These are rules that make sense.

Eliminating the opportunity for all to follow some basic rules and comment is information suppression.

Over the years, I’ve seen some really good points brought up in the comments section. Manage it, don’t ban it.

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. Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Newspapers Need Your Help

Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

A winter ride on the Keystone ferry

More Keystone:

Town swipes Keystone’s claim to fame — its ferry-route name

Keystone Ferry

Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations:

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, More discussion please

Island County Beaches Within A Recreational Shellfish Closure Area For A Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall

September 20, 2019 //

Several Island County beaches are closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

This information, provided by WDFW gives the impression that Island County sewage treatment plants may be sending unsafe product into local waters.

Specific WDFW beach information is posted in the links below.

Jefferson County memories of happy & healthy beaches:

Here is a photo of a low tide outing at the PORT TOWNSEND SHIP CANAL/PORTAGE CANAL

Back in Island County

Stewardship is a priority:

Sign below posted at Flintstone Park in Oak Harbor educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

The press is good for coverage on ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand openings, and project of the year awards.

Also:

“Teaching young people to care for the environment, specifically our Salish Sea, is critical to the future.”

Love to see more in the way of newspeople out asking questions about what is going on in the Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area.

More here:

Newspapers Need Your Help

Oak Harbor Waterfront

Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Image at top of page:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Sept. 20th, 2019.

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Is the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Oak Harbor, The Business of Keeping People informed

Newspapers Need Your Help

September 18, 2019 //

Sept. 16 Talk Radio 1210 WPHT

The Death of the Inquirer | What Can Newspapers Do To Keep Their Sinking Ships Afloat?

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.

Reader Comments:

Today, I am an online subscriber to a newspaper that is not especially good at getting out and asking questions. Lately, they are posting more articles where there is no opportunity for readers to post comments.

No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters- these are rules that make sense.

Eliminating the opportunity for all to follow some basic rules and comment is information suppression. Elimination of reader comments may eventually lead me to cancel my online subscription.

What about TV news, news radio, public radio, etc. Where are they when questions need to be asked?

Two stories that cry out for news reporting:

Love to see updated reporting from newspeople anywhere on local water quality impacted by Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Stewardship is a priority.

My questions:

Oak Harbor Waterfront

Zero questions from newspeople:

September 17, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sewage plant recognized as project of the year

Is it possible for an agency to nominate itself for this award?

Nomination form here.

Directions for submitting here.

Several Island County beaches are closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Zero questions from newspeople:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

Plenty of questions here:

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Does hometown pride get in the way of newspeople asking questions?

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Image at top of page:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Sept. 18th, 2019.

Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife OAK HARBOR BEACH PARK

“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams, Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

“Water Quality Comment: This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

New sewage treatment plant has been up & running for more than 10 months.

As the months go by, we’ll watch and see how local conditions change. We’ll look for newspeople to ask public policy questions Re:

How long has Oak Harbor been an unsafe location for recreational shellfish harvesting?

If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online more than 10 months ago- how was sewage being processed during the summer of 2018 or the year before?

When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?

If the old sewage treatment system was failing- when did it begin to fail?

Will the new sewage treatment plant allow for safe recreational shellfish harvesting at Oak Harbor? If not, why not?

How long will it take for recreational shellfish harvest conditions to become safe related to sewage treatment plant outfall?

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

December 4, 2018 //

My favorite public photography folks are polite, well-behaved, and tend to be quiet, or almost silent. Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.

Some people question post 911 protocols where everyone is seen as a suspect.

Some people question the idea that people are expected to yield the right of way Re: their peaceful/nonviolent and legal activities because terrorists might be planning to disrupt American culture. All the while thanking Troops for freedoms.

Positive interaction:

Single guy with a camera and early request to show ID and credentials:

Told to stop filming:

Independent/alternative media- out asking questions and told to stop filming at 2:46 and 5:12. Policy explained at 7:48. Entire video here:

Months later:

“A man whom Sunnyside police arrested for videotaping a SWAT team has received an $8,000 settlement, reports the Yakima Herald-Republic. After the man posted a videotape of his arrest on YouTube, police requested the charges be dropped and the man sued for the violation of his rights.”

“The city owned up to the mistake, and the police department has taken training on rights of civilians to film their actions. Better yet, the city’s insurance company, Washington Cities Insurance Authority, plans to recommend similar action to other cities it represents.”

“People have the right to film and take pictures of police actions in a public area, so long as they don’t physically get in the way or interfere with officers’ ability to carry out their duties.”

One guy with a camera. Early request to show ID:

Single guy with a camera and a request to show ID:

Public records protocols:

Told to leave a public library. Several videos here: Information Suppression Update

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

More here: News tip/story idea

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- Local salmon fishing season

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

November 2, 2018 //

Drug War

Senator Cantwell sets the tone. TV newspeople deliver a story to compliment the Senator’s programs.

Instead of asking public policy questions- the big effort here is to stage a takedown of a doctor who had already been run out of town.

Meth is a growing problem. Is the meth problem growing because of big companies or doctors overprescribing meds?

Questions that go unasked by newspeople:

When additional restrictions are placed on prescription drugs- what will prevent heroin-trafficking cartels from moving more product into local communities?

November 2, 2018 Seattle Times Feds say heroin, fentanyl remain biggest drug threat to US

Meth making supplies were restricted a few years back. No shortage today:

Feb. 13, 2018 New York Times Meth, the Forgotten Killer, Is Back. And It’s Everywhere.

“The cartels have inundated the market with so much pure, low-cost meth that dealers have more of it than they know what to do with.”

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:

Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana

“The U.S. Department of Justice announced its award to MHP Thursday, from its Office of Community Oriented Policing. The grant will fund additional troopers, equipment and training specifically to combat incoming meth trafficking. Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said in the statement that Montana’s meth is largely sourced from Mexico.”

Welcome Home Troops

Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

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.

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

More here:

News tip/story idea

If the US Dept. of Homeland Security was a College Football or NFL team, we’d have all the stats all the time. Is there some sort of Hometown Pride that gets in the way of newspeople asking questions in these areas?

“… their main interaction with the boating public: Boarding boats and checking for ID, getting a “vibe,” as Jeff P. called it, for what’s up.”

Question for newspeople:

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?

2011-

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

“Residents who filled the Port Angeles City Council chambers and lobby Tuesday night said they were fed up with the heroin epidemic in Clallam County and asked what is being done to stop opioid abuse and what they can do to help.”

2019-

“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound heroin? Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?

The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.

More here:

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

Categories Heroin, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

July 28, 2018 //

Detailed reporting and meaningful comments here:

Gamble backfires as Mariners lose to Angels 4-3 in 10 innings

“It was a risky play made by a desperate team that is well aware of its run-scoring issues over the past month and the current fight for a postseason spot that felt like an inevitability in June.”

What to do about Felix Hernandez after the Angels thrash the Mariners 11-5?

Reporters are free to ask hard questions and write stories about teams, players, managers and coaches in sports.

After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.

In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.

Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?

Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?

More here: Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Big drug busts

News video:

I-Team Exclusive: Inside Coachella Valley raid Operation ‘Narco Navigator’

The story is always reported as a big success. Zero questions asked about why cartels are somehow able to move product past National Guard Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- before the drugs end up in Hometown, USA.

US Dept. of Homeland Security

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2011-

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.

2013-

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

2019-

“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin? Even one time?

Newspeople, reporters and journalists are free to ask basic public policy questions and post updated reports at any time.

Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, and zero questions from the press.

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

More here: News tip/story idea

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 Troops

Local paper in a military town-

About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:

Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?

Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

War on Terror

Zero questions asked about why the National Guard is in Afghanistan absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

The people of Connecticut need services in Kuwait and Afghanistan:

CT National Guard Members Deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan

The people of Arizona need services for a year in “…Kuwait, which is near Iraq…”

Girl who cried ‘dada’ reminder of sacrifice at ceremony for 400 soldiers deploying to Kuwait

Did any newspeople show up to ask questions about undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

If The Troops were an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

More here: National Guard in Afghanistan

17 years after 911- we see that life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein/Osama bin Laden takedowns.

September 1st, 2018 The Washington Post:

Why you might soon undergo a body scan to ride the subway or bus

“An added layer of protection like this makes terrorists think twice about strapping a bomb to themselves,” Denver-based security consultant Autumn Harris said.

Ms. Harris has the final word. Zero follow up questions from the press.

Newspeople fail to ask:

What stops suicidal bombers from blowing themselves up just short of the crowded screening checkpoint?

Local water quality

June 15, 2018 South Whidbey Record:

“Mucking about in clamming class”

“Last year, signs went up closing the waters around Penn Cove to any shellfish harvesting because testing revealed high levels of paralytic shellfish poison. The biotoxin can potentially lead to fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans if consumed.”

“The Penn Cove ban has since been lifted.”

South Whidbey Record, which Penn Cove beach would you recommend for clam digging?

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health image updated June 16th, 2018.

Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

View Penn Cove water quality for clam digging using the Dept. of Health map at the bottom of this page.

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

Coupeville

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Several Island County beaches are closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Sports has tended to be a more honest part of American culture. Lately, well known players are involved in a marketing campaign featuring Salute to Service TV ads to fix the glorification of military service messages in our minds.

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

0:24

The purpose is to protect our freedoms:

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- Port Townsend Ship Canal

Categories Armistice Day, Heroin, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

State-Run Media Update:

February 21, 2018 //

In the news: CACI keeps $60M Army National Guard media support contract

“$60 million contract to help the Army National Guard develop and deliver marketing messages across media markets…”

More from the press: Sequim man sentenced in drug, gun case

Sorry- no time for newspeople to ask what sort of drugs were involved here.

Why does it matter?

The Drug War is based on public policy.

What methods are working?

What methods are failing?

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo- A symbol of the free press

Categories Heroin, Honest management of public information, Information Suppression Specialists, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, State-Run Media Update

Land of Information Suppression – Teacher Arrested for Questioning Public Policy

January 10, 2018 //

New York Times: Teacher Arrested at School Board Meeting After Questioning Superintendent Contract

Frequent updates here.

Welcome Home Troops

Update 1/19/18:

Vermilion Parish school board president resigns

More here:

Land of Information Suppression

Pledge Allegiance To Information Suppression

Information Suppression Update

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

“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.”

Pledge Allegiance To Information Suppression

October 6, 2017 //

Americans still do not have access to files related to the 1963 President John F. Kennedy assassination: ABC News: Will Trump allow release of secret JFK assassination papers?

In a free society, people should have an honest relationship with their government.

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

The American sports culture is a good example of open access to information.

After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.

In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.

Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?

Denied FOIA requests-

Is anything like a Public Records Request needed to learn more about how your favorite team is doing this season?

Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?

Maybe there would be less in the way of conspiracy theories related to government, if there was an attitude change about keeping people properly informed.

More here: Information Suppression Update

and here: Land of Information Suppression

Find us on facebook:

Underbelly of Oak Harbor

Too early for Halloween decorations?

Veterans Against the Glorification of Military Service

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

There was a gunfight, car chase and SWAT standoff. They found him in the attic

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, School teachers not asking questions

Lazy Newspeople and the Drug War

August 8, 2017 //

In the news:

“Police said they found a large amount of drugs and two rifles inside the vehicle.”

Sorry- no time for newspeople to ask what sort of drugs were involved here.

Why does it matter?

The Drug War is based on public policy.

What methods are working? What methods are failing?

Some “drugs” are domestic, such as marijuana and maybe meth.

Some drugs, like heroin or cocaine must get past strict post 911/War on Terror security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, and verification of passports/enhanced & Real IDs before they arrive in local communities.

Welcome Home Troops

Accurate reporting allows people to learn how to prevent future incidents.

Anytime there is a plane crash- a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.

Was the aircraft fueled with opioids before it crashed? Was it running on heroin?

More here:

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

Coast Guard comes home to Heroin at Port Angeles

Heroin in Washington’s 6th District – Welcome Home Troops

Heroin Racket Rolls On

Puget Sound Coastal Patrol Boats

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Find us on facebook:

Underbelly of Oak Harbor

Veterans Against the Glorification of Military Service

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

Coast Guard comes home to Heroin at Port Angeles

Photo- Looking for the Coupeville ferry

Categories Heroin, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

August 6, 2017 //

2014-

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

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?

If the Sheriff was interviewed & asked for his wish list- is there any possibility that it would include a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat?

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 anyone has info, please post in comments.

Recommendation-

Let the Sheriff & the people he serves set funding priorities for the Island County Sheriff’s Department.

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound heroin?

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?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here:

Heroin in Washington’s 6th District – Welcome Home Troops

Heroin Racket Rolls On

Puget Sound Coastal Patrol Boats

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Categories Heroin, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Whidbey Heroin – Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

July 7, 2017 //

In the news: Overdose antidote added to county opioid outreach team

Editorial: Life-saving Narcan should be available far and wide

Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.

What part of the story is missing?

Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?

If the State Patrol was awarded many additional millions of dollars each year to go after drunk drivers- & the problem got worse- would newspeople ask questions?

Would any investigation take place?

Any word on how heroin continues to move past strict post 911/War on Terror security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, and verification of passports/enhanced & Real IDs- then, on into local communities?

Newspeople remain silent.

Welcome Home Troops

2014-

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

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?

If the Sheriff was interviewed & asked for his wish list- is there any possibility that it would include a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat?

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 anyone has info, please post in comments.

Recommendation-

Let the Sheriff & the people he serves set funding priorities for the Island County Sheriff’s Department.

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound heroin?

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?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here:

Coast Guard comes home to Heroin at Port Angeles

Heroin in Washington’s 6th District – Welcome Home Troops

Heroin Racket Rolls On

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:

Find us on facebook:

Veterans Against the Glorification of Military Service

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

“Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told”

Photo- Looking towards the Bluff Trail

Categories Heroin, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

People in uniform give rights?

June 24, 2017 //

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.

Military town update:

“Show support by attending base open house”

“Which its public record requires some bravery … bravery which I was honored to exercise on behalf of the real heroes who give civilians that right — our troops!”

People in uniform give rights?

Left the above comment here and here. Both comments have been deleted- though they contained no hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacks on other commenters, etc.

Wonder how many other comments were deleted?

Voting-

Veterans love to get in on the self-promotion:

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

Hey school teachers– if veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

More here:

A Land of Make Believe

Lies & Propaganda of the Post-911 Era

Veterans Against the Glorification of Military Service

Find us on facebook:

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Categories Armistice Day, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions, Sound of Freedom

Secretive Law Enforcement Agencies are Un-American

April 5, 2017 //

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA-

A new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility, secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community & a Border Patrol whistleblower investigation Re: fraudulent overtime that resulted in further suppression of information- keep the focus on asking questions in these areas.

No cross-border USBP arrest has happened here in more than 6 years.

News links: News tip/story idea

Love to see newspeople ask:

Why did the Blaine Sector Weekly US Border Patrol blotter go extinct?

Has the Border Patrol at Port Angeles stopped any Latin American immigrants from illegally entering the US?

Has the Border Patrol at Port Angeles stopped any heroin from entering the US?

Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?

When is the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol made an arrest of any kind?

Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?

Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Arrest statistics are secret:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA-

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

Aug 2011-

“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”

“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”

March 2017-

“…the Border Patrol does not provide apprehension statistics and staffing levels for individual Border Patrol stations.”

No Secret Arrests Here:

“Dozens of arrests were made in a massive heroin investigation and roundup on Long Island Tuesday.”

“Nassau County police and DEA agents took at least 35 people into custody at more than a dozen locations across the county.”

Or here.

Or here:

Heroin-

April 3rd, 2017

Over 2 pounds of heroin move past a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security and roll up in Port Angeles:

Deputies seize heroin, meth, firearms and dozens of suspected stolen car keys

Frequent updates here.

Operation Macho Swagger-

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:

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from Port Angeles?

2011-

“… their main interaction with the boating public: Boarding boats and checking for ID, getting a “vibe,” as Jeff P. called it, for what’s up.”

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

Newspeople remain silent.

Denied FOIA requests-

Why are we told that Port Angeles Border Patrol arrest statistics must be kept secret? This is not standard protocol for American LE agencies.

Secret arrest statistics and denied FOIA requests do not enhance agency credibility.

Newspeople,

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.

More here:

Port Angeles Heroin – Homeland Security Vote of Confidence

Looking back- fraudulent overtime claims & the Port Angeles Border Patrol

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

State-run media update:

Find us on facebook:

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

Photo-

Amphibious landing- Blaine Sector

Categories Heroin, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

Land of Information Suppression

March 14, 2017 //

Alternative/independent media- out asking questions:

Popular culture is constantly thanking The Troops for defending American rights and freedoms. The video above is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations in distant lands.

Will the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-

Operating a camera in a public place:

More here: Information Suppression Update

Find us on facebook:

Sound of Freedom

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

Photo- A symbol of the free press & federal government credibility

Categories Honest management of public information, Information Suppression Specialists

Information Suppression Update

December 8, 2016 //

Alternative/independent media- out asking questions:

More here: Land of Information Suppression

Find us on facebook:

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

Photo- Nordland scene

Hillary Clinton hit a milestone today! And it wasn’t a good one!

Information Suppression Update

August 1, 2016 //

Secretary Clinton prefers to avoid press conferences.

In the news:

240 days and counting: Why Hillary won’t do press conferences

JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-

Similar items posted daily on facebook at:

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

Photo- Whidbey beach scene

Information suppression & your local news

Online Comment Sections in Local Papers Almost Dead?

July 7, 2016 //

The comment sections in local papers seem almost dead now.

The PT Leader frequently posts articles with more rules about commenting than comments actually posted.

Is it because of paywalls? Is it because people are not comfortable with the common requirement to use facebook for posting?

Is it because we live in a groupthink culture where people accept what they’re told?

Is it because school teachers aren’t asking questions?

Is it because newspeople set the tone by not asking questions? Too often- what we see are the posting of press releases from whatever agencies are involved in local events and incidents.

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

Several times over the past month I have had comments deleted from news sites.

My comments/questions contained no hate speech, foul language, threats of violence, insults towards others, etc.

What is going on?

More here:

Still asking questions on facebook at:

Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.