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Mainstream vs. Alternative Media

February 23, 2021 //
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A big election season has ended. A major cultural shift in politics has taken hold.

As the weeks go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Mainstream – Wars for Freedom

The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.

Local press:

“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.”

Altenative

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

 

Mainstream

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…”

Alternative

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Special Category

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

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

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?

 

Mainstream

Feb 22, 2021 Military.com

Navy Will Make All Sailors Reaffirm Oath to the Constitution in Extremism Stand-Down

Alternative

Newspeople avoid asking questions, so we’ll ask a few here.

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

 

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.

Do public schools still teach about Armistice Day?

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

 

Mainstream – The Health of Local Waters

Jan 22, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Town mayor updates residents with annual address

“This coming year is all about stormwater,” Hughes said.

“A big rainstorm in February 2020 sent “hundreds of gallons” of water rushing through the sewer plant.”

“The mayor shared that the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance.”

“We always want to do as much as we can to protect the Cove,” Hughes said.

Alternative

If the wastewater treatment plant operators received an award from the Department of Ecology for outstanding performance, why do some local beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

 

Mainstream

Feb 16, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Small fish, big barriers: A county confronts climate change

“…workers are putting the finishing touches on Oak Harbor’s most expensive investment ever, a $150 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. Mayor Robert Severns takes pride in the purity of the water that the plant releases into Puget Sound.”

“Our citizens are paying higher rates as a result of that. It saves shellfish and salmon,” he said.

November 6, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off | Negotiations with Navy over connecting to sewer have ceased

“This facility is built to last the next 50 years while putting high-quality water back into the Puget Sound.”

“The high cost of this facility comes from the Washington State Department of Ecology and its requirement regarding the removal of nutrients to stringent levels in order to protect endangered marine life in our Puget Sound.”

Alternative

If the purity of the water the plant releases into Puget Sound saves shellfish and salmon, why are local beaches closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?

Oak Harbor City Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

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

Source: WDFW

More here: Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press

 

That list of things the government is not too good at:

Staying out of, winning, or shutting down undeclared wars in distant lands.

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.

Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

The mainstream press will tell us this is somehow linked to defending American rights and freedoms?

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.”

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

 

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

Mainstream

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

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

Alternative

Veterans give rights?

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.

 

Mainstream Media And 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?

What We Have Now

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

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

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.

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

Feb 22, 2021 KRGV

Wife of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ arrested on US drug charges

Alternative

Has arresting top celebrities in the drug war ever resulted in any shortage of cartel product, anywhere in the US?

Newspeople remain silent.

Federal Agents Swing Into Action – Zero Questions From Newspeople

 

Special Category

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Away from any border crossing or port of entry:

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

 

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product in Hometown, USA?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.

The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.

 

Mainstream

Snohomish 2015

Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.

Seattle media: Heroin busts could finance police construction in Snohomish

Possibly of interest:

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

Proud Tradition – The People of WA Need Services In The Middle East

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Libbey Beach

 

Categories Alternative Media, Armistice Day, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Marketing Partnership Update

February 5, 2021 //
0

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

We are the best at militarized pageantry for pro sports events.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Feb 4, 2021 WTSP

NFL and Tampa Bay Buccaneers thank service members at MacDill Air Force base

 

Related:

Security Theater

US Armed Forces – Protecting the Constitution and Democracy?

 

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

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

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Super Bowl security

Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media

February 2, 2021 //
0

February 2, 2021 Lew Rockwell

America’s Trust in the Mainstream Media Hits an ALL-TIME LOW and “Journalists” Are Shocked

By Robert Wheeler

“But, there is some good news.”

“For the first time, most Americans do not trust the mainstream media”

 

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy, and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales while lining up for federal bailout cash.

 

What I see in local papers:

Shaming and scolding alternative and social media while backing off from asking questions and reporting the news.

September 28, 2016 Whidbey News-Times

Social media a digital version of ‘telephone’ | In Our Opinion

“Inaccurate or misleading information is still rampant in the community. Misinformation morphs until the original information becomes unrecognizable.”

“A journalist’s responsibility is to report facts, not rumors, not hearsay. We rely on official sources and verify information before it’s printed.”

“When there is an escalated news situation such as this weekend, readers must ask themselves, do they want minute-by-minute updates, likely rife with misinformation and unverified facts, or do they want clear, concise and accurate information? We hope it’s still the latter.”

Recommendation for local papers:

Try harder to report the news.

Be in the habit of asking questions.

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

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

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.

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

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

 

Do they want minute-by-minute updates?

“A journalist’s responsibility is to report facts, not rumors, not hearsay. We rely on official sources and verify information before it’s printed.”

Here are some examples of local stories unrelated to minute-by-minute updates.

Plenty of time here for the local paper to dig in & ask questions:

Image above: 1/23/2021

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

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.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.

Underreported news stories are curious.

Maybe the press should be better about asking questions if they are going to line up for federal bailout cash.

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

More here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

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 Support Local News on Whidbey Island

 

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.”

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.

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

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?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here:

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Reporting the facts?

2016

“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?

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

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

Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

 

Related:

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

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

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as local authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Security Theater

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

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 Alternative Media, An eye on the health of local waters, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Security Theater

February 1, 2021 //
0

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

We’ve been blogging about it for years now.

The press fails to ask questions, our questions appear in bold type.

If special games require special security-what keeps regular (pre-COVID) games safe?

Jan 29, 2021 WFLA News video

Air defense around Tampa increases ahead of Super Bowl LV

 

Jan 30, 2021 Orlando Weekly

The feds will deploy a nuke-sniffing helicopter to Tampa for upcoming Super Bowl

In the past, the folks who are unable to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US have been entrusted to provide Super Bowl security.

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Away from the big game:

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep 1,950 pounds of cartel product from arriving in Denton County, Texas-far from any border crossing or port of entry:

Jan 27, 2021 The Dallas Morning News

DEA’s Dallas office announces seizure of $45 million in meth, heroin — its largest bust ever

“The drugs — 1,950 pounds valued at $45 million — were sniffed out by a dog during a traffic stop involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer in Denton County on Oct. 8, the DEA said. They had been stashed inside a secret compartment of the truck.”

“Chávez said the meth was smuggled across the U.S.-Mexican border by traffickers working with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG.”

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

What stops terrorists from going 2 states over and driving a truck across the playground at a daycare center?

We’d love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Away from any border crossing or port of entry:

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

 

What sort of air defense has been set up for cars waiting in lines for COVID testing in Los Angeles?

 

Another stadium. Another security story:

Feb 1, 2021 CBS News

Anti-vaccination protests temporarily shut down Dodger Stadium mega vaccination site

“Hundreds of cars were backed up at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium on Saturday after the coronavirus vaccination super site temporarily shut down due to a few dozen anti-vaccination protesters, the mayor’s office confirmed on Sunday.”

Was security in place before problems developed? Article above leaves us guessing.

Discussion of Dodger Stadium mob at 16:21

 

Post 911 Ferry Terminal Security

October 3rd 2014 KOMO News

Man dead after driving through barricade, into water at ferry dock

“Witnesses said the driver appeared to be going 30 to 35 miles per hour, according to Wilson.”

 

January 25, 2018 KIRO 7

Driver dies after vehicle plunges off Anacortes ferry dock

Dive teams and a tow truck recovered a woman’s body from the water at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal on Thursday afternoon.
She drove through a barrier into the water around 9:30 a.m., bringing ferry service to a halt.
There was no ferry at the dock when the crash happened. Washington State Patrol says the woman drove down a road meant for loading and unloading the ferry at a high rate of speed, rammed the white Jeep Cherokee she was driving through a traffic arm, and plummeted into the water.

Any security protocols in place on this day around 9:30 a.m.?

Photo above

Taxpayer funded message seen on local ferry ride.

Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system not to leave backpacks or packages unattended during ferry crossings.

Meanwhile-on the car deck-cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, etc. are left unattended during ferry crossings.

On occasion, the press will do a story on a ferry security drill.

If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry-how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?

Washington State Ferry Ride

 

Dec 23, 2020 Skagit Valley Herald

Woman goes into water from Guemes ferry dock, body found on Lopez beach

“It’s not known whether she jumped into the water, or slipped and fell in, San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs said Dec. 18.”

The ferry was tied up for the night, and the ferry crew was gone. The far end of the ramp was dark and grainy in the film. “She disappeared from view,” Krebs said. “She walked down the ramp and never came back.”

Any restrictions on entry to this ferry dock after hours?

Krebs said investigators found identification on Bent’s body. Anacortes Police Capt. Dave Floyd said San Juan County Sheriff’s investigators contacted his department the day her body was found and “asked us to check shoreline areas for her vehicle. We found it at the terminal.”

Related:

High Terror Alert Fails To Keep Cartel Product Out

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

Mixed Messages On Transportation Security/Firing Gun From the Ferry Update

Washington State Ferries Security – Looking for Clarification

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of the press backing away from asking questions while playing the role of federal public affairs staff.

 

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

What role do 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats play in keeping heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl from entering Port Angeles?

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

 

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Super Bowl security

High Terror Alert Fails To Keep Cartel Product Out

January 29, 2021 //
0

Newspeople fail to ask questions. Our questions appear in bold type.

 

Jan 27, 2021 ABC 7 Chicago

DHS issues rare alert for ‘heightened threat’ of domestic terror attack after Capitol riot

“Exactly three weeks after a mob of domestic terrorists attacked the U.S. Capitol, the national temperature is still so high that Homeland Security officials on Wednesday warned all Americans of the ongoing threat to their safety.”

What was the alert level prior to Jan 6th?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep 1,950 pounds of cartel product from arriving in Denton County, Texas-far from any border crossing or port of entry:

Jan 27, 2021 The Dallas Morning News

DEA’s Dallas office announces seizure of $45 million in meth, heroin — its largest bust ever

“The drugs — 1,950 pounds valued at $45 million — were sniffed out by a dog during a traffic stop involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer in Denton County on Oct. 8, the DEA said. They had been stashed inside a secret compartment of the truck.”

“Chávez said the meth was smuggled across the U.S.-Mexican border by traffickers working with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG.”

Do drug sniffing dogs play any role in keeping cartel product from crossing into the US?

 

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?

What We Have Now:

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

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

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

 

Federal authorities unable to keep meth from arriving in Chicago:

‘Operation Crystal Shield’: DEA sees record number of meth seizures in Chicago

“Operation Crystal Shield” is a nationwide effort that launched last February to stop the distribution and transportation of meth by specifically targeting transportation hubs and drug cartels.

 

Feb 20, 2020 Drug Enforcement Administration

DEA announces launch of Operation Crystal Shield

“Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States.”

Has meth availability been reduced anywhere in the US due to these efforts?

 

In Idaho, federal authorities participate in Enhanced Emphasis Highway Patrol.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to let us know what this means.

Jan 29, 2021 Big Country News

Multi-Agency Enhanced Emphasis Highway Patrol Leads to Seven Arrests; Police Seize Meth, Heroin, Fentanyl and Firearms

 

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

We’d love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Away from any border crossing or port of entry:

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

 

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger prevented cartel product from entering WA?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

 

Mixed messages:

COVID will slow down drug cartels.

June 22, 2020 Los Angeles Magazine

The Pandemic Is Making It Way Harder for Cartels to Manufacture Drugs and Launder Money

 

Cartels not slowed down?

Sept. 4, 2020 FOX News

Meth floods across US-Mexico border during coronavirus pandemic

 

Jan 26, 2021 Daily Mail

Mexican cartels adapted to COVID-19 security restrictions to flood New York with methamphetamine and fentanyl as DEA reveals seizures spiked in 2020

 

Dec 17, 2020 CDC

Overdose Deaths Accelerating During COVID-19

“Synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) appear to be the primary driver of the increases in overdose deaths, increasing 38.4 percent from the 12-month period leading up to June 2019 compared with the 12-month period leading up to May 2020.”

What role do opioid lawsuits play in reducing overdose deaths?

 

Port Angeles CBP

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, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats 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

 

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

 

What role do 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats play in keeping heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl from entering Port Angeles?

Jan 28, 2021 Peninsula Daily News

Muzzled puppies found during drug arrest

 

Jan 29, 2021 KONP

TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG, POTENTIAL ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES

 

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

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

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

 

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Related:

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

DOD Nowhere To be Found On 911 – US Dept. of Homeland Security Missing on 1/6/21

Zero Questions From Newspeople – Security For The Big Game

Welcome Home Troops

 

The Press

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

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 Support Local News on Whidbey Island

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.

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

 

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

South entrance-Port Townsend Ship Canal

 

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Best In The Business

January 20, 2021 //
0

Here is a video that has not been removed yet:

Not that I am against Presidents or members of any political party.

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

At Oak Bay Starfish, we’d love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions. This topic comes up often:

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

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

 

Also, this week:

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Department of Defense news/social media posts

When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.

“A/SD Chris Miller speaks about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how the DOD continues to build an environment honoring his legacy.”

We are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by forcing people to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then lying and telling them that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.

Will the press show up to ask any questions?

 

U.S. Central Command

“B-52H crews conduct second Middle East presence patrol of 2021 as key part of CENTCOM’s defensive posture.”

Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:

Did the advantage of US air power or DOD social media posts allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

Related:

DOD Nowhere To be Found On 911 – US Dept. of Homeland Security Missing on 1/6/21

Nowhere To be Found On 911 – Still Really Good At Social Media Posts

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

Categories Armistice Day, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Weak Minded Culture

Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society

January 1, 2021 //
0

An important component of a free societiy is that different people believe diiferent things and are able to act on their beliefs.

Here’s an example:

Some parents are OK with public schools. Some want to send their children to private schools. Some want to homeschool their kids. People get to move off in different directions. This is a safety valve.

People choose different churches to attend, or attend no church at all. This is a safety valve.

Voting can act as a safety valve but voting is not changing the scene.

We don’t ask voters to pick the two most popular churches and make plans for government to eliminate the rest because they may be spreading misinformation.

 

Suppressing choices

Years ago, it was understood that some people preferred to smoke. Some preferred to be vegan. Some preferred to eat meat. Some preferred electric cars, some preferred a powerful truck to pull a horse trailer.

A live and let live attitude seems to be fading.

There has been talk of getting rid of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and discussion of prohibiting legal firearms.

 

Suppressing businesses

People agreed to rules when they applied for a business license.

The rules are changing to something the business owner never agreed on.

Imagine owning and operating an apartment complex.

The government says you must let a few dozen people stay in your apartment complex without paying rent. The government will decide when this new policy will change back to the agreed upon legal structure of the past.

 

Are tax obligations reduced when business activity is restricted?

Do property taxes go down when fleets of school buses sit idle and students remain at home?

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to avoid asking questions, while lining up for federal bailout cash.

People go to alternative media because small town papers and TV newspeople have moved away from asking questions.

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

 

Dec 31, 2020 reason

Eviction Moratoriums Are Transforming From Emergency Stopgaps to Permanent Programs

“Imposing eviction moratoriums by executive fiat, as many governors have done, has always been legally dubious…”

 

Dec 23rd 2020 KOMO News

Gov. Inslee extends state’s eviction moratorium

“Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has again extended the state’s eviction moratorium, this time through the end of March.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

Have any arrangements been made to cover property owner’s costs for mortgages, taxes, repairs, maintenance, water, trash pickup, sewer, insurance, etc.

Who pays to have the apartment complex dumpster emptied if the property manager cannot collect rent?

Had an interaction on Twitter and was told:

“You realize that’s part of the utility bill in WA? Services can’t be shut off during the pandemic, @yeomalt.”

Love to see the press provide more details on the updated situation.

How does the trash company get paid for services?

Killing Incentives in WA

 

“One person should not have indefinite power to make decisions affecting every aspect of our lives…”

 

December 30, 2020 KING 5 News

Gov. Inslee extends COVID-19 restrictions until Jan. 11

Masks have been widely used & accepted.

Bars, restaurants, grocery stores and fitness centers had mask and sanitation protocols in place months ago. They are not trying to toss masks. They are trying to stay open the way they already have been in recent weeks.

Restaurants that have followed protocol must end indoor dining. Not restaurants that have served alcohol to minors, or caused food poisoning, but all restaurants. Even the very best restaurants.

People want to keep their businesses open, but may not do so, even if they follow rules that have been previously established. All restaurants, no matter how well they follow protocol must end indoor dining.

Restricted Activities – Guilty Until Proven Innocent

 

The Science

 

People have earned a right to be skeptical

In Washington State, government is trusted to do the right thing:

Nov 30, 2020 OregonLive

Auditor: Washington state agency head slowing investigation into massive unemployment fraud

“…Investigation into massive fraud resulting in the theft of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.”

 

Why are voters presented with issues on the ballot that may not be legally decided by voters?

Every vote counts?

October 15, 2020 Crosscut

WA Supreme Court rules $30 car tab initiative is unconstitutional

“For the third time in state history, a measure promising to cut car-tab taxes to $30 a year has been blocked by Washington state courts.”

 

Public Safety Dealbreaker

Washington State Patrol yields the right of way to protests on I-5.

July 5, 2020 KIRO 7

Death of I-5 protester sparks end of nighttime freeway protests

“But the Washington State Patrol looked the other way, even setting up barriers during the nearly three weeks of nighttime protests on the freeway.”

After enabling criminal conduct, WSP will no longer enable criminal conduct:

“Blocking a freeway is a crime and no longer are we going to enable that criminal conduct to continue,” said State Patrol Capt. Ron Mead, who made the decision to no longer close the interstate. “We are not going to be allowing protesters to access the freeway unimpeded, and there are consequences for criminal conduct.”

“State Patrol had shut down the interstate 19 nights in a row in response to protests, said Capt. Mead, who oversees the agency’s district that includes King County. For weeks, troopers operated in response to protesters’ movements, shutting down a stretch of the interstate when it looked as if protesters would enter the roadway.”

 

May 12th, 2020

“The construction project wasn’t delayed by the coronavirus pandemic; it was considered essential since it was state funded.”

Got it.

The state took money from some people, and gave it to some other people.

If your construction crew is working on a project based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for services, you might have to stay home for a while.

 

Governor Inslee,

Telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.

Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?

 

Jan 1, 2021 Questionable Authority

Clash At The Capitol! Blue Line Backers Attack Activist Over Speech After Blue Line Attacks Them

“On the 12/20/20 in Salem Oregon constitution loving activists and freedom fighters gathered at the Oregon State Capitol building to have their voices heard during a rare in person legislative session. A small contingent of people had a peaceful plan to get inside the building with some help from politicians. As usual the politicians came through for the corporation rather than the people. Policy enforcers were called in and barred the people from entering the building. Only some press, politicians and of course their staff and the enforcers were allowed in. This caused a clash between the people and the blue line enforcement gang. After was all done and settled an a freedom activist attempted to burn a blue line flag as a symbolic gesture and was attacked by “patriots” and self proclaimed veterans who I’m sure would claim they fought for these rights.”

12:47

Attempt to burn blue line flag:

Discussion of the role of law enforcement in a free society

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Related:

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

One Size Fits All Society Experiment

A one size fits all society?

One Size Fits All Society

No Contact Drive Thru – Magic Tray Update

WA COVID-19 Oddities Blog

Now People Don’t Want to Listen About Not Traveling for Thanksgiving

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

A Free & Honest Society? – Thanks Brandi Kruse

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Various Versions of Hometown Pride

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Restricted Activities, School teachers not asking questions

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

December 29, 2020 //
0

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Independent/alternative media.

Out asking questions:

Alternative media goes positive:

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy, and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales while lining up for federal bailout cash.

Got it.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell promotes federal assistance for small newsrooms.

My podcast:

 

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

 

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.

Related:

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

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

A Free & Honest Society? – Thanks Brandi Kruse

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Various Versions of Hometown Pride

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Low tide near Deception Pass

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, School teachers not asking questions

A Free & Honest Society? – Thanks Brandi Kruse

December 26, 2020 //
0

Dec 24, 2020 Brandi Kruse

“For the record, you have every right to record the police from a sidewalk.”

Comments indicate Brandi’s post is controversial.

Operating a camera in a public place is controversial?

Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

Dec 24, 2020 The Dallas Morning News

Man sues Keller officers after he was arrested, pepper-sprayed in what he says was retaliation

The mayor said Keller police initiated an internal affairs investigation into the case, which found that Shimanek arrested “an individual for an offense that was not committed.”

 

Reccomendations to calm down American culture:

Just be honest.

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy/operating a camera in a public place. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

School teachers:

Individual rights should be taught and understood as a requirement for high school graduation.

Individual rights in a culture that can’t stop bragging about freedoms

School teachers:

Just Be honest.

Are you more likely to have small children memorize and recite a pledge of allegiance to a flag than teach them about limited government powers?

Operating a camera in a public place:

 

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

 

Today

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

 

Freedom comes and goes

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.

 

 

Related:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Various Versions of Hometown Pride

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Bluff Trail

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Categories Armistice Day, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, School teachers not asking questions

Tried to stay out of it. Posting news-related items

December 19, 2020 //
0

Reached max saturation about mid-December. Thinking I would be more at peace if I took a break form sharing/posting and commenting on Twitter Re: news-related items.

Hard to stay away.

Maybe I can post just once a week?

The desire is to live in a free and honest society.

The conflict is in turning it off and calling it out.

 

Calling it out:

People get their information from the TV, political parties and political personalities.

The press tends to promote what they are told.

The press tends not to question it.

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.

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

The press functions like an advertisement for public policy.

Promoters-not questioners.

 

The press is good with 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?

What We Have Now

A $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

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

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

 

Lessons Learned?

Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.

Any similar effort after a big drug bust?

Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.

 

Snohomish 2015

Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.

Seattle media: Heroin busts could finance police construction in Snohomish

 

Opioid lawsuit update:

Dec. 19, 2020 SFGATE

Overdose deaths far outpace COVID-19 deaths in San Francisco

 

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

Dec 16, 2020 Q13 Fox

“Overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to rise at an alarming rate in the Puget Sound region,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.

Federal agents swing into action after heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine move past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into a multi-state area:

Eleven people indicted in drug trafficking conspiracy in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties

An advertisement for public agencies:

“This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.”

“The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tacoma Residence Office in partnership with Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET), Kent Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, SeaTac Police Department, Tacoma Police Department, Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF), the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In addition these law enforcement agencies assisted with the arrests and search warrants executed today: DEA Seattle Special Response Team, Seattle Field Division Office Groups, DEA Bellingham Resident Office, DEA Yakima Resident Office, DEA Spokane Division Office, DEA Riverside Resident Office, Riverside Sheriff’s Department, Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, Pierce County SWAT, Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, Bremerton Special Operations Group, Washington State Patrol SWAT, Everett Police Department, Everett Police Department Violet Offender Task Force, Internal Revenue Service, Snohomish County SWAT and TNET, which is comprised of Lakewood, Puyallup, Auburn, and Kent Police Departments, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The investigation was supported by the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the DEA Special Operations Division.”

 

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

 

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.

 

We’d love to see newspeople asking questions.

State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts

CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

 

Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in keeping deadly fentanyl from arriving in Eastern Washington?

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

 

Dec 22, 2020 Radio Pacific, Inc

CUTTER ACTIVE RETURNS TO PORT ANGELES AFTER MASSIVE COCAINE INTERDICTIONS

“The Coast Guard Cutter Active returned to its homeport of Port Angeles Friday following a 46-day deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and unloaded 4,200 kg of cocaine worth $159 million.”

“The Active’s crew patrolled over 10,000 total nautical miles off the coast of Central America, deployed with an armed Coast Guard helicopter crew that specializes in Airborne Use of Force and drug-interdiction missions, helping the Active search for, detect and stop, drug smuggling vessels.”

Do these efforts play any role in keeping meth and heroin from entering the Olympic Peninsula?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

A cycle that repeats:

June 15, 2017 Coast Guard comes home to Heroin at Port Angeles

 

Has General Milley’s bold pledge to clobber the cartels played any role in keeping cartel product from entering the US?

Would the DEA be out of work if General Milley was going to act on his pledge to clobber the cartels?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

COVID

If a COVID-19 vaccination is a good idea (not challenging it here) why the big sell?

Dec 15, 2020 19thnews

“Of course women of color were among the first to get vaccinated”

It’s like a moment of silence has been called for. It’s like man first landing on the moon anytime someone in whatever zip code gets the first vaccination.

 

People have earned a right to be skeptical.

Dec 16, 2020 KIRO Radio

WA analyst: State mislabeled some drug, injury deaths as COVID related

“We found cases of people who on the death certificates died from meth overdose, from alcoholic liver disease…”

“…a number of elderly individuals died after a fall and sustaining, you know, blunt force injuries in a fall.”

 

 

The people of Ohio need services in support of U.S. European Command:

Dec 20, 2020 FOX 8 News

Soldier send off: Deployment ceremony held for Ohio Army National Guard unit

Any members of the press available to ask:

Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of troops?

Reporting The News by Press Release

 

Dec 20, 2020 News 5 Cleveland

Just 5 days before Christmas, about 50 soldiers from Ohio Army National Guard deploy for 1 year

The European Deterrence Initiative, which the soldiers are being deployed to serve in, is meant to “enhance the U.S. deterrence posture, increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, support the collective defense and security of NATO allies, and bolster the security and capacity of U.S. allies and partners.”

Did the advantage of NATO allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

 

December 20, 2020 Peninsula Daily News

LETTER:Sound of Freedom

“The young pilots who fly the EA-18 Growlers out of NAS Whidbey are part of our military that keeps our country safe and free.”

The idea that military aircraft are somehow linked to American freedoms calls for more discussion.

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?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our 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.

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Created a new category to make a transition away from 2020. This category is meant to look at positive images and memories that have nothing to do with news, politics, TV, public policy, political parties, etc.

View this new category here.

 

Music is another way to enjoy a positive look at the world.

 

News-related content:

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

Now People Don’t Want to Listen About Not Traveling for Thanksgiving

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Restricted Activities – Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Central Control & WA Lockdowns

One Size Fits All Society Experiment

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

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

 

Categories Armistice Day, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Restricted Activities

Now People Don’t Want to Listen About Not Traveling for Thanksgiving

November 24, 2020 //
0

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

 

Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?

 

JFK documents are still sealed.

 

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

 

The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.

 

We are told that our freedoms are defended by troops engaged in undeclared wars that have nothing to do with our freedoms.

 

Messages on the web are being censored.

Please see 9:00

 

A 9 year investigation into a cartel that is still moving product into the US:

Nov. 24, 2020 Los Angeles Times

Massive stash of cartel cash, drugs and ammo seized from Otay Mesa truck yard

“The initial investigation into the cartel began in 2011, when authorities thought they were dealing with a small-scale drug distribution cell in National City and Chula Vista.”

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts

CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in keeping deadly fentanyl from arriving in Eastern Washington?

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

 

Now people don’t want to listen about not traveling for Thanksgiving.

The authority of their 2nd grade teacher making them pledge allegiance to the flag is wearing off.

Nov 24, 2020 AP News

Millions stick to Thanksgiving travel plans despite warnings

 

Related:

FOIA Requests And Secrecy Are For Govt. Not Sports

War on Cartels? – Newspeople Remain Silent

Not Real News Roundup? – The Press Is Weak

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

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

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople not asking questions, even during long election seasons.

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople Remain Silent, Restricted Activities, US Department of Credibility

FOIA Requests And Secrecy Are For Govt. Not Sports

November 24, 2020 //
0

People would be called conspiracy theorists if they wanted this much info about public policy, actions taken by government, US wars, school shootings, history just before and after 911, etc.

Please see 5:51

In sports, people demand to know the rules and that they are followed every time.

Public policy/government:

You may submit a FOIA request and it may be denied.

 

Blaine Sector/War on Terror

Nov 20, 2020 KUOW

Border officials lied about targeted stops of Iranian Americans back in January

“Last January, 277 people, many of them U.S. citizens or permanent residents with Iranian heritage or ties to the Middle East, were stopped by border agents, records obtained by the Council for American Islamic Relations in Washington and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project found.”

“The two groups sued for the documents.”

No lawsuit required for detailed information on sports.

“Shortly after reports of people being detained at the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection tweeted that the reports were false.”

 

Montana CBP/War on Potential Unspecified Crimes/Speaking Spanish While Shopping At Convenience Store

Nov 24, 2020 ABC News

2 detained for speaking Spanish settle border patrol lawsuit

 

Blaine Sector/War on Drugs

Near Blaine – Two incidents in May – A total of $5.5 million worth of cocaine enters Washington State – The press responds with zero questions:

Second incident

May 27, 2020 Bellingham Herald

$2.5 million in cocaine found in commercial truck crossing into Canada near Blaine

“The Canadian Border Services Agency announced that it seized 20 kilograms of suspected cocaine found in a commercial truck attempting to cross the border from the U.S. at the Pacific Highway port of entry Commercial operation earlier this month near Blaine.”

“It is the second significant drug bust at the Blaine border crossing this month.”

“On May 9, an anonymous tip led U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pacific Highway Truck Crossing to find an estimated $3 million in cocaine in a commercial truck heading to Canada. Officers believe the driver of the truck is connected to a large international drug trafficking organization”

Any word on how the cocaine made it into WA before the attempted transport into Canada?

More here:

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

 

State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts

CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in keeping deadly fentanyl from arriving in Eastern Washington?

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

 

The press asks questions Re: public policy-

Austin Jenkins N3 Olympia-based Statehouse Correspondent

“I have been asking @GovInslee and @WADeptHealth why WA has a 25% cap on grocery stores (OR has 75%) and what the science is to justify. I think they’re done with me.”

“We’ve done our best to address your question with the information we have … We have nothing further to add.”

 

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

 

Related:

War on Cartels? – Newspeople Remain Silent

Not Real News Roundup? – The Press Is Weak

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

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

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Amphibious landing – Blaine Sector

 

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople Remain Silent

Not Real News Roundup? – The Press Is Weak

November 21, 2020 //
0

Love to see the mainstream press establish a better reputation for asking questions.

 

I follow several newspapers on Twitter. Yesterday, a couple of them helped us out with this:

Nov 20, 2020 The News Tribune

Not real news roundup: Debunking theories on dead people voting, mob boss ballot fraud

“These stories were all shared widely on social media this week. That doesn’t make them true. Here are the facts.”

Across the nation, several newspapers have gone with this theme. View them here.

 

I would love to be able to go to the mainstream press and see newspeople asking questions and doing more in the way of investigative stories.

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

Elimination of reader comments (this is the trend in the Puget Sound area) also works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

 

Newspeople have stopped asking questions.

Puget Sound area 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

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

Reporting The News by Press Release

Senator Cantwell claims that local press is a policeman on the beat against misinformation

WA COVID – Press Release Style of News Reporting

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

 

Newspeople are cheerleaders for telling everybody to get out and vote

People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

 

The Press Is Weak

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Image above: 11/21/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

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.

 

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

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

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

The press release style of news reporting means that statements are prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, news conference, etc. Newspeople post these statements without asking any questions.

Cartels Respond to General Milley’s Big DOD Crackdown

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

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

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

 

5:50

The web can be used to spread truth.

Misinformation has been around since before the internet.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Point Partridge

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Categories Alternative Media, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Weak Minded Culture

WA COVID – Press Release Style of News Reporting

November 16, 2020 //
0

The Governor’s office tells us what to expect in the way of new COVID restrictions. The Puget Sound area press passes along whatever the message is from the Governor without asking any questions for clarification or to attemp to keep the public better informed.

Questions for newspeople:

How did the science tell us that a 75% reduction in grocery store services was required?

People will be waiting in long lines, in bad weather just to enter a grocery store. What is the medical advantage here?

Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?

Social distancing rules have been in place and have been followed in grocery stores for months now. I have not seen any retailer that let up on mask wearing and social distancing protocols. If grocery stores have been doing their part, why pound them with a 75% reduction in grocery store services?

 

Various Comments Online

I have been reading comments online. Many comments go something like this:

“It’s your fault for not wearing a mask in previous months.”

“I hope the anti-maskers are happy now.”

“A mask is better than a ventilator!”

“A mask is better than a grave.”

Since first required, I have worn a mask each time I have entered a post office, bank, grocery store, retail outlet, etc.

Not disputing the mask requirement, but telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.

Special construction projects are approved:

May 12th, 2020

“The construction project wasn’t delayed by the coronavirus pandemic; it was considered essential since it was state funded.”

Got it.

The state took money from some people, and gave it to some other people.

If your construction crew is working on a project based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for services, you might have to stay home for a while.

Love to see the press go and ask some questions.

Related:

75% reduction in grocery store services all across WA

Hey Grandma

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

WA Voting – Did the science say marijuana jobs were essential?

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

 

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

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

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Restricted Activities, Weak Minded Culture

Paycheck Protection Program Supports Local News Outlets

November 4, 2020 //
0

Nov 3, 2020 The Astorian

Our View: Keep small newsrooms alive

“The moment the dust settles after the election, Congress and the White House must renew the Paycheck Protection Program to continue supporting jobs at local news outlets, as well as at the host of business advertisers on which communities and newspapers depend.”

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

Elimination of reader comments (this is the trend in the Puget Sound area) also works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

 

Newspeople have stopped asking questions.

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

Newspapers are suppressing or eliminating online comment sections. A forum for individual thought is not part of the plan. Newspapers are getting away from asking questions related to public policy while telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

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

 

The Press Is Weak

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Image above: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.

Underreported news stories are curious.

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

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.

 

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

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

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

The press release style of news reporting means that statements are prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, news conference, etc. Newspeople post these statements without asking any questions.

Cartels Respond to General Milley’s Big DOD Crackdown

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

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

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

 

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

Newspeople need to step up their game.

Senator Cantwell claims that local press is a policeman on the beat against misinformation

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

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

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

Censorship – Newspapers Suppressing or Eliminating Online Comment Sections

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

Reporting The News by Press Release

 

 

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

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

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

November 1, 2020 //
0

Senator Cantwell claims that local press is a policeman on the beat against misinformation

Local Trails:

Two Bluff Trails

 

October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times

Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets

“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”

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: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

 

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

 

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

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

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

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

 

Newspeople need to step up their game.

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

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

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

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

WA Voting – Did the science say marijuana jobs were essential?

 

 

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

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

 

Categories Alternative Media, An eye on the health of local waters, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Podcast, WA Credibility

Senator Cantwell claims that local press is a policeman on the beat against misinformation

November 1, 2020 //
0

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

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

October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times

Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets

“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”

 

Misinformation or just avoiding reports on various topics?

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

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: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

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

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Newspeople need to step up their game.

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

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

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

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

WA Voting – Did the science say marijuana jobs were essential?

 

 

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.

“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”

“The name change will help eliminate confusion visitors may find when they research ways to travel to Whidbey Island.”

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 Alternative Media, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Weak Minded Culture

Will it be OK to camp on the sidewalk?

October 31, 2020 //
0

Oct 30, 2020 KOMO News

Oregon could become 1st US state to decriminalize hard drugs

“In what would be a first in the U.S., possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, LSD and other hard drugs could be decriminalized in Oregon under a ballot measure that voters are deciding on in Tuesday’s election.”

 

Oct 29, 2020 KOMO News

Seattle City Council hears proposal to expand drug injection sites

 

What We Have Now

A $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

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

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration

Another couple billion dollars spent every 12 months on an a federal agency that takes credit for big drug busts after cartels move product past federal agents staffing border crossings, ports of entry and the area between ports of entry.

Would the DEA be out of work if General Milley was going to act on his bold pledge to clobber the cartels?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Cartels respond to General Milley’s big DOD crackdown, DEA social media posts, and future postage stamp release by moving more product into the US.

Federal agents swing into action after 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Riverside County.

Riverside County does not share a border with Mexico.

Oct 14, 2020 KTLA 5

2,224 pounds of meth tied to Sinaloa cartel seized in Riverside County, the largest haul in DEA history

 

Drug Enforcement Administration:

National Take Back Day Results

Results: October 2019 18th National Take Back

Total Weight Collected: 882,919 lbs. (441.5 Tons)

 

Drug Take Back Day

A huge success for the legal drug dealers-they sold 882,919 lbs.of prescription medications to people who did not need them.

 

DEA Keeps Halloween Scary with exclamation point at the end of each sentence:

“Halloween Drug Laced Candy Alert! Make sure you check your children’s candy for drug laced items!”

 

State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts

CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in keeping deadly fentanyl from arriving in Eastern Washington?

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

 

Back to camping on the sidewalk

Shutting down the scam played by the above agencies, with the help of the press seems like a good idea.

What is the plan to keep this situation from getting worse?

Related:

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Miss America & The DEA vs. Drug Cartels

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

 

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

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

 

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Ongoing Breakdown of Society, Politics is something I no longer take seriously, Post 911 Homeland Security Spending Spree, Post 911 security efforts- unable to keep illegal drugs out, Questioning Failed Programs, State-Run Media Update

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

October 30, 2020 //
0

November 12, 2020 ABC 7 Chicago

Black Friday 2020: From Walmart to Best Buy here are the deals for holiday shopping

 

Nov 12, 2020 WCBD News 2

NATION & WORLD NEWS

Did you make Santa’s 2020 naughty or nice list? Check here

 

Nov 11, 2020 Fox 8 News Cleveland

Free Popeyes Chicken Sandwich? This is how you can get one

 

November 10, 2020 The Sun

Farmer Boys adds fried chicken sandwiches to menu

 

Oct 28, 2020 News 5 Cleveland

Hard seltzers for the holidays? Bud Light hopes so

 

Oct 22, 2020 Bellingham Herald

The much-maligned mullet is back. And there’s a national contest to find the best one

 

Oct 28, 2020 Fox News

Wendy’s is giving away new chicken sandwich for free for 2 weeks

Wendy’s just released its new ‘Classic Chicken Sandwich’ last week

 

Oct. 30, 2020 KBTX News 3

McDonald’s to bring back the McRib nationwide

 

Giant grocery chain update:

Oct 30, 2020 WKRN

LOCAL NEWS

Kroger releases list of top-selling Halloween candy in Middle Tennessee

 

Looking for a story to report on update:

Oct 30, 2020 KUOW Public Radio

“What are your plans for Election day–or the day after? Are you taking the day off work, getting out of town? And would you be willing to share your story with KUOW? Let us know and a KUOW reporter will get in touch.”

 

Senator Cantwell is concerned for local news organizations:

October 28, 2020 Seattle P-I

Senator Cantwell calls out big tech companies for hurting local news organizations

“The report predicts that local newspaper revenue will be down 70% by the end of the year compared to what it was 20 years ago.”

“Broadcasting is facing similar losses, with advertising revenues down more than 40% in the past two decades.”

 

News Tip/Story Idea:

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: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

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

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

Related:

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Our buyers inspect and select only the leanest cuts of meat for the grill-

 

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Information Suppression Specialists, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Weak Minded Culture

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

October 29, 2020 //
0

October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times

Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets

“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”

 

October 28, 2020 Seattle P-I

Senator Cantwell calls out big tech companies for hurting local news organizations

“The report predicts that local newspaper revenue will be down 70% by the end of the year compared to what it was 20 years ago.”

“Broadcasting is facing similar losses, with advertising revenues down more than 40% in the past two decades.”

 

The Press Is Weak

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Sept. 28, 2020 FOX 7 Austin

Friends, family say goodbye to Texas National Guard soldier deploying overseas

During the Vietnam War, US troops were sent to Vietnam.

Today, the Texas National Guard is sent to the U.S. Central Command Area in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of troops?

Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever

 

The press is also good for telling everybody to get out and vote.

People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.

 

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.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

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.

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

 

Independent/alternative media

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.

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.

 

Mainstream Press

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

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, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

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

Comments are turned off.

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

More here:

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

 

0:40

We’re going to have one company to make all the bombs, TV shows and deliver the news:

Years ago, reader comments were also a feature of TV news web pages. That seems to be all gone now.

 

Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople

Local press:

“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

 

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: 10/29/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

More here:

Not Climate Change

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

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

 

Distance learning idea:

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

 

WA voters approved enhanced background checks for firearms back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Newspeople, please update us on this.

Oct. 26, 2020 The Seattle Times

Homicides, assaults with firearms spike in King County, reflecting national trend, prosecutors say

 

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.

 

Has General Milley’s big DOD/cartel crackdown played any role in keeping fentanyl, meth or heroin from entering the Puget Sound area?

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Newspeople remain silent.

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

Miss America & The DEA vs. Drug Cartels

Cartels Respond to General Milley’s Big DOD Crackdown

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

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

CBP Social Media Posts

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

Social Media Feelings Are Weak/Group Identities Are Favored As Long As What You Are Thinking Is Agreeable

No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters, etc.

Still not good enough:

October 29, 2020 DAVID CRARY AP National Writer

Girl Scouts tweet, then delete post about Amy Coney Barrett

American popular and political culture insists on dividing people up into groups-then assigning a separate value to each group.

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

Categories Alternative Media, Homeland Security is a scam, Hometown Pride, Information Suppression Specialists, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed, Weak Minded Culture

Miss America & The DEA vs. Drug Cartels

October 27, 2020 //
0

Miss America Camille Schrier

“I am grateful to work beside #DEA in educating the public on the dangers of drug misuse, living a substance-free life, as well as celebrating the creation of this historic stamp.”

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Would the DEA be out of work if General Milley was going to act on his bold pledge to clobber the cartels?

Cartels respond to General Milley’s big DOD crackdown, DEA social media posts, and future postage stamp release by moving more product into the US.

Federal agents swing into action after 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Riverside County.

Riverside County does not share a border with Mexico.

Oct 14, 2020 KTLA 5

2,224 pounds of meth tied to Sinaloa cartel seized in Riverside County, the largest haul in DEA history

 

Drug Enforcement Administration:

National Take Back Day Results

Results: October 2019 18th National Take Back

Total Weight Collected: 882,919 lbs. (441.5 Tons)

 

Drug Take Back Day

A huge success for the legal drug dealers-they sold 882,919 lbs.of prescription medications to people who did not need them.

 

CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in keeping deadly fentanyl from arriving in Eastern Washington?

Related:

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

Cartels Respond to General Milley’s Big DOD Crackdown

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

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

CBP Social Media Posts

Nothing Gets Past CBP

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

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople not asking questions related to public policy and suppressing or eliminating online comment sections while telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

 

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Information Suppression Specialists, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Censorship – Newspapers Suppressing or Eliminating Online Comment Sections

October 19, 2020 //
0

The press is good for telling everybody to get out and vote.

People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.

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.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

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.

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

 

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?

Looks like various US newspapers made use of this statement. See them here.

 

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.

 

Independent/alternative media

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.

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.

 

Mainstream Press

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

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, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

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

Comments are turned off.

More here:

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

 

Years ago, reader comments were also a feature of TV news web pages. That seems to be all gone now.

Related:

Reporting The News by Press Release

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

News Reporting by Press Release

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

I’m not going to argue with you.

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Dystopian Leanings

Conspiracy Theory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

 

Soon:

Leaving WordPress

Also maintaining our companion blog for now: Old Man Blog

Still active on Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

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

Reporting The News by Press Release

September 29, 2020 //
0

Sept. 28, 2020 FOX 7 Austin

Friends, family say goodbye to Texas National Guard soldier deploying overseas

During the Vietnam War, US troops were sent to Vietnam.

Today, the Texas National Guard is sent to the U.S. Central Command Area in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.

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

Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of troops?

 

The press is also good for telling everybody to get out and vote.

People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

 

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

Related:

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

News Reporting by Press Release

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

I’m not going to argue with you.

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of the press asking questions.

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Voting

Bellingham Border Patrol Mystery

September 21, 2020 //
2

Sept. 20, 2020 Bellingham Metro News

Bellingham Border Patrol Station Vandalized by Protesters

“The Ferndale Border Patrol Station located 8 minutes west of Bellingham International Airport was heavily vandalized by a group of apparent Protesters at around 3:30 PM on Saturday September the 19th 2020.”

“Border Patrol Agents along with Federal Protective Services retreated inside the fence and watched as the protestors in all black began spray painting the sign. Agents did not respond and after about 2 hours the protestors all left“

The press seems to have moved away from asking questions.

Our questions appear in bold type.

Were state and local law enforcement agencies called to assist?

Is the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office available to assist with this type of incident?

Is the Washington State Patrol available to assist with this type of incident?

 

CBP puts on a big show at the Super Bowl, what is their plan to protect the Ferndale Border Patrol Station?

 

CBP is one of the more mysterious law enforcement agencies operating in Washington State.

Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions related to Port Angeles CBP.

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, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats 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

 

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

 

Newspeople avoid asking questions by going with a press release style of news reporting.

A statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement. No questions asked:

Sept. 4, 2020 KONP Award-winning news/talk station serving the north Olympic Peninsula

DEA, OPNET PARTICIPATE IN MAJOR BUST OF AREA DRUG TRAFFICKERS

“…one member of the drug trafficking organization (identified as 24 year-old Lionel Gonzalez-Torres of Burlington, WA), was providing large quantities of meth and heroin to the Olympic Peninsula.”

Question for newspeople:

Does Port Angeles CBP play any role in keeping meth and heroin from entering the Olympic Peninsula?

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

If a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was preventing cartel product from arriving in American communities, why would General Milley need to launch Operation Macho Swagger?

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger prevented cartel product from entering WA?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Related:

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

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

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 //
0

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.

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

 

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:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

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 //
0

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

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

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

 

 

 

 

 

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 //
0

Related:

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?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

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.

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

 

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 //
0

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.

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

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…

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

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

 

Categories Information Suppression Specialists

Election Season – A Free and Honest Society?

September 1, 2020 //
0

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

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

 

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.

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

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?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

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

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.

 

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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 //
0

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Coupeville

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

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
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