8 Months In – Cheerful Social Media Posts With Plenty of Exclamation Points

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Stewardship is a priority:

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

Background:

Oak Harbor Splash Park – Water Quality & Conservation

More here:

Local Shellfish Aren’t Celebrating

“…the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle.”

“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Border Patrol contingent shrinks on Peninsula

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

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

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

Cross-Border Maritime Traffic – Newspeople Remain Silent

July 7, 2019 //

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Port Angeles

June 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

“Lindsay said agents are focused on getting a handle on cross-border maritime traffic in partnership with the Coast Guard, Canadian authorities, state and local law enforcement agencies and tribal law enforcement officials to interdict smuggling and other illegal activities.”

Island County

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.”

Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?

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?

Patrol boats fail to keep bad guys from moving product into Bremerton and Port Angeles:

July 5, 2109 Kitsap Sun

Detectives seize over $900,000 worth of drugs in Bremerton bust

July 5, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Two arrested, heroin and methamphetamine seized at Port Angeles motels

July 6, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Sheriff’s Office: Port Angeles man arrested with more than $11,000 in narcotics

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:

Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area?

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

Possibly of interest-

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

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

More here:

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

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

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

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

Photo-

Watching for cross-border maritime traffic on an early winter morning- Point Wilson, Washington

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Oak Harbor Splash Park – Water Quality & Conservation

June 30, 2019 //

Newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions. Our questions appear in bold type.

June 25, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Soak up the fun at launching of Shipwreck Shores

“The waterside splash pad, dubbed Shipwreck Shores, features a pretend shipwreck, a craggy stream and plenty of squirting water. It utilizes clean city water — not treated water from the treatment plant nor reused water.”

From comments:

“Since the multi million dollar facility is state of the art and you are supposed to be able to drink the water after treatment…..shouldn’t they use that water at the splash park?”

Article makes no mention of local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfall.

Clean City Water?

Is the state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant sending unsafe product into local waters?

June 28, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

City asks for reduced water use

From comments:

“…reduce their water usage by 10 percent…shorter showers, turn off water while brushing teeth, let lawns go dormant in the summer, water plants deeply and less often, fix leaks and flush toilets less”

“Yes, and be sure to go the Grand Opening of the City of Oak Harbor’s “Shipwreck Shores” water splash park where all such reductions will be summarily dismissed and ignored.”

Will Clean City Water be used to operate the Splash Park in the months ahead? How clean is the product leaving the sewage treatment plant outfall?

Image at top of page:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated June 30, 2019.

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

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

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

More than seven months ago:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

More here:

Local Shellfish Aren’t Celebrating

“…the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle.”

“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee struggles to get speaking time in first Democratic presidential primary debate

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

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

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

TV Helps You To Think

June 27, 2019 //

KOMO News

June 26, 2019 The Seattle Times

Will Governor Inslee advocate for reducing environmental impacts by shutting down undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

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

Newspeople- please let us know.

More here:

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

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?

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

News Tip/Story idea:

Whidbey Island

New sewage treatment plant in operation since 11/15/18.

WDFW:

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

Local Shellfish Aren’t Celebrating

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

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, The Business of Keeping People informed

Local Shellfish Aren’t Celebrating

June 26, 2019 //

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated June 26, 2019.

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

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

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

June 25, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Soak up the fun at launching of Shipwreck Shores

From comments:

“Since the multi million dollar facility is state of the art and you are supposed to be able to drink the water after treatment…..shouldn’t they use that water at the splash park?”

Article makes no mention of local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfall.

We’re not seeing any signs of improvement in more than 7 months.

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Stewardship is a priority:

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

More than seven months ago:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

More here:

“…the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle.”

“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Border Patrol contingent shrinks on Peninsula

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

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

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

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

June 24, 2019 //

June 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

“Border Patrol staffing totaled four agents in 2006. They worked in undersized quarters in downtown Port Angeles — in what’s now the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building.”

“The station had 42 personnel when ribbon-cutting ceremonies marked the headquarters’ opening Sept. 14, 2012.”

“Increased presence of Border Patrol agents between 2006-2010 sparked protests over such practices as the agency setting up checkpoints on U.S. Highway 101 to apprehend illegal immigrants and controversy over construction of the new headquarters to house more agents.”

Newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions.

We’ll ask a few of our own here. Our questions appear in bold type.

Newspeople,

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

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

Any arrests connected to cross-border maritime traffic?

When local USBP staffing went from four to 42 agents, what increase in arrests and apprehensions was achieved?

Why are Border Patrol arrest statistics secret at Port Angeles?

Elsewhere, when there’s something to brag about- the public is promptly notified:

Border Patrol K-9 Sniffs out Cocaine Hidden in Dashboard

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry:

Did the use of these checkpoints in Jefferson and Clallam Counties result in the seizure of any inbound heroin or meth?

Getting a handle on cross-border maritime traffic:

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

2011-

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

2013-

2015-

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

2017-

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

2019-

KING 5 News

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.” What about the other half?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Possibly of interest-

The Border Patrol has worked against itself on the Olympic Peninsula.

Secret arrest statistics and denied FOIA requests do not enhance agency credibility. Local law enforcement organizations avoid all this by establishing working relationships with the press.

It’s time for journalists to make appointments, schedule interviews and ask some questions. Suggested topics here: News tip/story idea

If no answers are available, please do a story describing the working relationship you have with the Washington State Patrol, local sheriffs departments and city police departments. Any denied FOIA requests generated by these agencies? Please compare to the Border Patrol at Port Angeles.

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

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

More here:

Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

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

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

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

Photo-

Watching for cross-border maritime traffic on an early winter morning- Point Wilson, Washington

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

“…the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle.”

June 22, 2019 //

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated June 22, 2019.

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

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

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

June 21, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Operators working to de-stink dryer at sewage treatment plant

“The plant went online last fall — and was odor-free, at least on the outside — but the dryer has been the last piece of the puzzle. The city purchased the complex machine from a company in Germany and even sent a technician on a tour of German plants that use the technology.”

Article makes no mention of local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfall.

We’re not seeing any signs of improvement in more than 7 months.

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

More than seven months ago:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

More here:

“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Report: Mexican drug cartels bringing pure meth to Northwest Arkansas

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

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

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

6 Year Meth Investigation – Welcome Home Troops

June 16, 2019 //

US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep meth out of Boone County, Arkansas:

Jun 14, 2019 KYTV News

Prosecuting attorney gives new details about large meth bust in Boone County, Arkansas

“The 14th Judicial District prosecuting attorney said the drug bust is the largest meth bust in the western district of Arkansas, and the second largest in the whole state.”

“This last phase of the operation lasted a little over a year and a half, and this 149 pounds was part of this last phase of this investigation,” said Chief Chris Graddy.

“Sheriff Mike Moore said this was just one phase of a six-year investigation, and more than 100 people have been charged over that time period.”

“The prosecuting attorney said this bust would not be possible without the work of local law enforcement and the help of the federal government.”

Federal government swings into action after meth moves past federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- then on into Boone County, Arkansas.

Outstanding team effort guys.

“Not only did we get this methamphetamine off the street, we took cash from the bad guys that’ll be used to fight drugs, we took vehicles from the bad guys that’ll be used to fight what’s happened,” Ethredge said.

“The methamphetamine that’s being dealt with by law enforcement today that we’re prosecuting is not being made locally,” Ethredge said. “It’s being imported. We know from this particular case exactly how the traffic of this meth came in from this community: where it came out of Mexico, the line it took to get here.”

These busts can get real big when criminal activity is allowed to develop over a period of six years.

Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the 6 years these folks were under investigation.

Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?

Love to see newspeople ask:

Were federal authorities at the border notified during this 6-year ongoing investigation?

Did the meth traffickers get fast track screening at the border so as not to disrupt this 6-year ongoing investigation?

If the meth traffickers were given a pass at the border- would that have tipped them off as to the investigation- or would that have been seen as standard protocol?

Imagine that LE authorities observe a shoplifter or bank robber in action. Instead of going in to make an arrest they back off and conduct an investigation that goes on for 6 years. What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.

April 28, 2019 Region 8 News

Apr 25, 2019 KNWA News

Special Report: Pure Meth Imported By Mexican Drug Cartels Threatens Arkansans

“What we’re seeing coming from Mexico is a better, quality product. It’s almost 99-percent pure. It’s better quality, there’s more of it, it’s cheaper,” said Dak Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas.

“Kees says cars with homemade compartments carry pounds of meth at a time from the southern border across state lines.”

Vehicles with customized compartments?

Same tactic in Montana:

“Task force officers are also learning that vehicles with aftermarket switches and compartments are also being used to cross the border into Mexico and come back up to Montana, likely several times.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

If K-9 screenings and vehicle inspections for customized switches and compartments are effective when conducted by law enforcement authorities in Montana- why don’t these same practices work at the border?

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

More here:

K-9 Screenings After Meth Moves Past $40.6 Billion US Dept. of Homeland Security

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

Please Dispose of Properly

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

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

Photo- A symbol of drug war efficiency and newspeople playing along by not asking any questions.

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Jet Noise Protects Your Right To Protest?

June 12, 2019 //

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.

June 7, 2019 South Whidbey Record

Letter: Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve are not doing right thing

“I agree with Mayor Hughes, so I will spare readers of what I think of factions of citizens booing those who put their lives and health on the line to train to protect our right to protest our government on their accustomed training grounds used by jets since 1967.”

1965

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

Was it the Viet Cong that restricted rights to freedom of speech or expression in public schools?

JUNE 10, 2019 TIME

High School Students’ Graduation Speeches Keep Getting Censored. But They’re Seen by Millions Anyway

“In 1965, a young Iowa middle schooler named Mary Beth Tinker decided to wear a black armband to school to protest the war in Vietnam. She was suspended for doing so, eventually leading to 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. In a 7-2 decision, the court found that students at public schools maintain their First Amendment right to free speech.”

Do the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.

How does this work?

Black people were still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory.

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

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.

Hey school teachers–

If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

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

“If “Men died for your right to vote!”, how did we manage to elect politicians after the Fall of Saigon in 1975?”

1967

Did the Dept. of Defense play any role in defending American rights and freedoms?

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

Hometown Pride

“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?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?

Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

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

Armistice Day – Six Months Out

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

Possibly of interest:

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom

Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

The Best Parking Spots

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

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

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

Photo-

Lonely beach- just north of Perego’s Lagoon

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Veterans Day Propaganda

“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels…” – Puget Sound Update

June 11, 2019 //

Image at top of page:

Whidbey Island

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated June 11th, 2019.

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

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

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

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Suquamish

June 9, 2019 Kitsap Daily News

Suquamish Tribe hosts seafood bake for tideland owners

“Shellfish are very sensitive to pollution levels, so it took the sustained effort of the Tribe in collaboration with state and local governments, the U.S. Navy, and interested members of the public to significantly reduce sewage input into Puget Sound.”

Back on Whidbey Island

More than six months ago:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

More here:

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

“Gov. Kristi Noem has pushed for increased funding to combat South Dakota’s methamphetamine epidemic…”

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

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

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

No Prescription Required For Cartel Products Update

June 10, 2019 //

Jun 9, 2019 Aberdeen News

South Dakota sees fewer opioid prescriptions

“…drug overdose deaths are on the rise. Summerer said as opioids become increasingly harder to obtain, “more people turn to meth and other drugs to help relieve pain.”

Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:

In South Dakota, Marijuana is a Gateway Drug

Feb. 14, 2019 Argus Leader

Gov. Kristi Noem: Industrial hemp ‘opening the door’ to legalized marijuana in South Dakota

Gov. Kristi Noem:

“She said she’s heard from social workers, addiction treatment counselors and families hurt by addiction that marijuana is a gateway drug — and that industrial hemp will open the door to marijuana distribution in South Dakota.”

Why is South Dakota dealing with a methamphetamine epidemic if the gateway drug marijuana is not legal there?

Idaho Too

May 22nd 2019 CBS 2 News

Idaho remains hardline on hemp

“However in Idaho, state law continues to treat hemp the same as marijuana and any trace of THC in a substance is illegal.”

“But the bill to legalize hemp was introduced in the conservative legislature when many Idaho lawmakers grew increasingly concerned as surrounding states legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana.”

“Idaho legislators who vowed never to legalize marijuana believed legalizing hemp would open the door for pot.”

Apr 11, 2019 Idaho State Journal

Senator: Marijuana is ‘the elephant in the room’ as lawmakers work to restrict initiatives process

“Although Idaho is surrounded by states that have legalized marijuana in some form, the Legislature in 2013 passed a resolution, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, declaring the state should never legalize marijuana for any use.”

“It doesn’t reduce drug use — it increases drug use, and any place that they’ve had it, it goes from marijuana … to heroin problems and meth problems and all sorts of different things.”

April 06, 2019 Idaho Statesman

Idaho did its part; Congress now must react to fentanyl crisis in our nation

“It is almost never prescribed by doctors in this country, but our communities are now in danger of being flooded with fentanyl being manufactured in China and smuggled across our borders, especially with the help of Mexican drug cartels.”

May 21, 2019 Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Sheriff’s office seeks vehicles, drug dog

“Besst told the Daily News the drug dog would help combat the increased use of heroin and methamphetamine in the county.”

“Highway 95 is a huge corridor north and south for bringing drugs into our county, plus across the state.”

“Moscow Police Department Chief James Fry, who was in the audience Monday, said he is also requesting a drug dog from the Moscow City Council for his department.”

“He said there is a heroin epidemic in the region.”

Why are Idaho communities now in danger of being flooded with fentanyl if the gateway drug marijuana is not legal there?

Why is Idaho dealing with a heroin epidemic if the gateway drug marijuana is not legal there?

More here:

What Do Conservatives Believe In?

Industrial Hemp – Gateway Drug?

Welcome Home Troops – Drug Cartels Moving Product Into Ohio

Massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fails to keep meth and heroin out of town:

Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

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

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

Photo-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth

Shipwreck Shores – Zero Questions From Newspeople

June 2, 2019 //

Looking for updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Image at top of page:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated June 2nd, 2019.

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

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

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

In the news:

May 24, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Splash park name decided in contest

“The splash park will be named Shipwreck Shores.”

“The name was supposed to represent Oak Harbor heritage, city life or the environment.”

Stewardship is a priority:

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

More than six months back:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Recent project cost update:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

More here:

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

“…we honor the memories of those who died protecting our freedom…”

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

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

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

Armistice Day – Six Months Out

May 27, 2019 //

In the news:

May 24, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Letter: Please put ‘Civility First’ Memorial Day weekend

May 24, 2019 WSFA 12 News

‘It’s not about picnics’: A war widow has a message for Americans on Memorial Day

“Now Rachel wants Americans to know that Memorial Day isn’t just a day off work, or a time to party with friends. It’s a solemn day to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.”

“It’s not a day to have a picnic. It’s the day to remember those who have given their lives so we can have a picnic. I see the flags flying half mast and this is a way we show them we remember,” she says.

US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.

Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?

Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?

Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?

May 26, 2019, The Associated Press

Mike Pence: West Point grads should expect to see combat

“Vice President Mike Pence told the most diverse graduating class in the history of the U.S. Military Academy on Saturday that the world is “a dangerous place” and they should expect to see combat.”

“Some of you will join the fight against radical Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns:

May 23, 2019 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin National Guard soldiers return home from 10-month deployment in time for Memorial Day

The people of Wisconsin needed services in “…15 locations spread across Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.”

U.S. service members are now stationed in 170+ countries overseas.

Same country that will stage a big celebration of smaller/limited government on July 4th.

Congressman Derek Kilmer

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

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

January 7, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Boeing reaches out to help military members and their families

Do the folks who reach out to help military members and their families also advocate for phasing out undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

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

“This Memorial Day, spare us the flyover jets, flag-wielding honor guards, and other patriotic mush of 21st-century popular culture. Instead, I’d submit that now—after 18 years of endless, ineffective war—it’s a time for nuance, for a collective national self-assessment.”

Danny Sjursen – A retired U.S. Army Major

“At professional sports events, the once-modest singing of the national anthem has been overshadowed by flyovers from fighter jets, field-sized flags and uniformed troops on parade. Airport loudspeakers blare expressions of gratitude for the troops, and flight attendants call attention to uniformed military members aboard planes.”

The best way America can honor its fallen soldiers is to create fewer of them

Danny Sjursen – A retired U.S. Army Major

May 25, 2019 KDKA-TV News – CBS Pittsburgh

Deals, Discounts And Freebies: Memorial Day Discounts For Veterans

May 24, 2019 USA Today

Free food and Memorial Day deals for active military and veterans Monday

We’re the very best at symbolism.

Possibly of interest:

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom

Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

The Best Parking Spots

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

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

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

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?

Drug trafficker faces prison sentence

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- Big Driftwood at Fort Ebey

Categories Armistice Day, Federal Holidays, Just Be Honest, National Guard, Veterans Day Propaganda

Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

May 23, 2019 //

Newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions.

We’ll ask a few of our own here. Our questions appear in bold type.

Is local CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Puget Sound area?

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

May 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

“A man who law enforcement officials have called the primary illicit drug supplier on the North Olympic Peninsula pleaded guilty in federal court this week and faces up to 20 years in prison.”

“Orozco-Cruz, Elizabeth Ann McKean and Jessica Elen Christman were all arrested last year after a year-long Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team and Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into Orozco-Cruz’s drug trafficking organization, which officials believed was the primary supplier of Mexican-produced heroin and methamphetamine on the Olympic Peninsula.”

Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the 12 months these folks were under investigation.

Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?

May 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Warrant roundup nets unexpected drugs, authorities say

“PORT ANGELES — At least 20 people were arrested Tuesday and Wednesday in an arrest-warrant roundup in the Port Angeles area, unexpectedly netting a woman law enforcement said had more than $67,000 worth of heroin and methamphetamine in her apartment.”

The primary illicit drug supplier on the North Olympic Peninsula was taken off the street last spring:

May 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Drug trafficker faces prison sentence

Looks like the major takedown involving the primary illicit drug supplier on the North Olympic Peninsula last year, did not result in any shortage of meth or heroin at Port Angeles?

Question for newspeople:

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

2011-

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

2013-

2015-

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

2017-

2019-

KING 5 News

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.” What about the other half?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Possibly of interest-

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

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

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

Newspeople,

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

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

Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?

Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

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

More here:

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

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

Please Dispose of Properly

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

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

Photo- A symbol of the free press, federal government credibility and newspeople asking questions.

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:

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

Oak Harbor Waterfront

May 21, 2019 //

Went out today to take a look.

Image above and below: Is this the sewage treatment plant outfall described by WDFW?

Love to see updated reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife OAK HARBOR BEACH PARK

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

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

View current Washington State Dept. of Health status/shellfish safety map at the bottom of this page.

More than six months back:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

Stewardship is a priority:

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

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Image below:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated May 19th, 2019.

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

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

Back in 2017, Island County Public Health posted a sign at the Coupeville Wharf about restrictions on recreational shellfish harvesting. I saw no warning signs today (5/21/19) at Oak Harbor or at Monroe Landing.

Image below taken on March 24, 2019 Penn Cove site visit.

WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:

More here:

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

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

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

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

An eye on the health of local waters – Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls

May 19, 2019 //

Looks like Whidbey sewage treatment plant outfalls are impacting local waters.

What we can expect as time goes on?

Love to see reporting from newspeople anywhere in the Puget Sound area, also updates from public agencies and volunteer groups with an eye on the health of local waters.

Oak Harbor

Image at top of page:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated May 19th, 2019.

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

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

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

Six months back:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

See Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018 here.

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

Coupeville

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

More here:

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

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

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

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

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

May 9, 2019 //

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople get out and ask questions about why:

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

Source: WDFW

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

Oak Harbor

New sewage treatment plant in operation since Nov 15th, 2018.

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

Source: WDFW

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Article indicates the cost of the project is $149 million.

More here:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Hands on hearts: Loyalty Day Parade celebrates patriotism in Brinnon

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

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

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018.

We’re not seeing any signs of improvement over the past 5 months.

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

Updated recreational shellfish safety map at bottom of page.

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

Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom

May 1, 2019 //

April 28, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

“Ernie Muir, a lifetime member of the Brinnon VFW Post who served in the Army in Vietnam in 1967-68, said the event is mostly for the kids.”

“It’s good for the kids to get to know some of the local veterans they see around,” Hough said. “It gives them a little understanding of freedom.”

Pledge of Allegiance

Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.

When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided 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?

Are veteran’s organizations working to restore these freedoms?

Will the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to take a stand against dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens?

As always, newspeople play along by not asking any questions. No need to disrupt a celebration and parade during the school day. Maybe ask questions after school is out for the year. Just make time to ask, so the kids can have a better understanding of how overseas military operations will relate to their freedoms.

Not picking on Brinnon. The idea that overseas military operations or military jet training over Coupeville are linked to American rights and freedoms is commonly promoted in American culture.

A little understanding of freedom?

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.

Hey school teachers–

If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

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

“If “Men died for your right to vote!”, how did we manage to elect politicians after the Fall of Saigon in 1975?”

If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?

Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

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

Are the folks promoting loyalty OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

More here:

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Role Models & Lies About Freedom

A Land of Make Believe

Hero?

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

National Guard in Afghanistan

Military Messaging

U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom

Montana’s Drug Superhighway: How traffickers conceal carloads of drugs from police

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-

Veterans are in the best position to understand that 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.

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, School teachers not asking questions, Sound of Freedom, Veterans Day Propaganda

K-9 Screenings After Meth Moves Past $40.6 Billion US Dept. of Homeland Security

April 28, 2019 //

Federal agents swing into action after meth moves past strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then, on into Montana:

February 14, 2019 KRTV News video:

Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:

K-9 screenings and vehicle inspections for customized switches and compartments are effective when conducted by law enforcement authorities in Montana.

Why don’t these same practices work at the border?

April 25, 2019 KNWA News video:

Special Report: 99-Percent of Arkansas Meth Smuggled From Mexico Via Interstates

“…cars with homemade compartments carry pounds of meth at a time from the southern border across state lines.”

Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections when the cars with the homemade compartments rolled up.

Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?

May 22, 2018 CBS Denver:

Police: Rookie K-9 Finds 60 Pounds Of Meth In First Drug Bust

“Officers called in Rye for a more thorough search and the K-9 discovered “two hidden compartments” where the rest of the drugs were stored.”

March 15, 2019 The Fresno Bee News video:

Police, DEA seize nearly 70 pounds of cartel meth. It may be Fresno’s biggest bust

“…a search dog found 11 pounds of meth stashed near a wheel well.”

No inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

Feb 27, 2019 Times Colonist

Police find meth smuggled into Canada through new Ford cars built in Mexico

“Ontario Provincial Police said they found 180 kilograms of meth during their investigation, which began when employees at four different Ford dealerships reported suspicious bags inside tires that were in the trunks of new Fusion cars.”

“Police said the cars were built at Ford’s assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, before being put on northbound trains.”

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:

More here:

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

Please Dispose of Properly

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

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

Photo- A symbol of the free press, federal government credibility and newspeople asking questions.

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea

April 20, 2019 //

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018.

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

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

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

Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into local waters?

Frequent updates to the recreational shellfish safety map are posted at the bottom of this WDFW page.

Previous month:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

We’re not seeing any signs of improvement over the past 5 months.

Prior to Earth Day 2020, we’ll watch and see how local conditions change. We’ll look for newspeople to ask public policy questions Re:

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

If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online in November of 2018, how was sewage being processed last summer?

When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?

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

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

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

Over at Penn Cove-

Images taken on March 24, 2019 site visit.

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.

More here:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Senator Collins Attends 286th Combat Service Battalion Hero Send Off Ceremony

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

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

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

U.S. Senator Susan Collins – More Lies About Freedom

April 18, 2019 //

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.

Looks like Newspeople didn’t show up to ask any questions before, during, or after the hero send off ceremony, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.

April 14th, 2019 Press Release from the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins

70 Bangor-based Maine National Guard soldiers are deploying to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve

“There is no cause more noble than preserving America’s freedom…”

No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.

Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.

Sending the National Guard to Poland is somehow linked to American rights and freedoms?

“Just this week at an Appropriations Committee hearing with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Senator Collins praised the Maine National Guard’s role in the State Partnership Program to prepare Montenegro for accession to NATO and discussed the importance of the 286th’s deployment to Europe.”

Senator Collins,

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

WABI News video

Send-off ceremony held for Maine National Guard unit deploying to Poland

1:27

“…Preserving America’s freedom…”

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Maine need services in Poland absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Not just Senator Collins:

Jan 1st 2019 Military.com

New Acting SecDef Shanahan Pledges to Carry Out Trump’s Policy Agenda

Acting Secretary of Defense:

“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions,” Shanahan said, and “our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”

Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

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.

Protect Our Freedoms?

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.

Hey school teachers–

If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

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

“If “Men died for your right to vote!”, how did we manage to elect politicians after the Fall of Saigon in 1975?”

If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?

Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

More here:

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Role Models & Lies About Freedom

A Land of Make Believe

Hero?

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

National Guard in Afghanistan

Military Messaging

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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-

A symbol of freedom, federal government credibility, school teachers and newspeople not asking questions.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions, Sound of Freedom, Veterans Day Propaganda

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

April 17, 2019 //

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

Does hometown pride cause newspeople not to ask questions?

Oak Harbor

New sewage treatment plant in operation since Nov 15th, 2018.

Love to see newspeople ask questions on the water quality impact of Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant outfalls.

The colors on the recreational shellfish safety map are telling:

Oak Harbor asks Navy to pay $39 million to connect to city sewer system

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Zero questions from newspeople on why:

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

Source: WDFW

Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into local waters?

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?

“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”

Coupeville

“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.

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

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

Love to see newspeople get out and ask questions about why:

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

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

Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

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

Brinnon

Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom

Union

Congressman Derek Kilmer

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

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

With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?

Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

Port Angeles

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

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

Washington’s 6th congressional district

Question for newspeople:

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

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

Island County

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.”

Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?

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?

Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

Local stories where newspeople seem to refrain from asking questions:

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

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

Photo- How long would it take to walk to the Welcome To Oak Harbor sign?

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Heroin, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

Port Angeles CBP – Keeping Meth Out of Town?

April 14, 2019 //

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?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

Local meth news stories here.

Newspeople,

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

2011-

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

Massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fails to keep heroin out of town:

2013-

2015-

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

2017-

2019-

KING 5 News

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.”

Love to see newspeople ask: Have Port Angeles based Homeland Security patrol boats been used to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

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

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

More here:

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Welcome Home Troops

Suquamish Tribe accuses Navy of spilling raw sewage into Puget Sound

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

Puget Sound Water Quality

March 30, 2019 //

Kitsap County – Several Temporary Spills

March 28, 2019 KING 5 News video:

March 29, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Navy sewage spills targeted in lawsuit by local nonprofit

“Every time it’s a different excuse, a little like, ‘the dog ate my homework,'” he said.

“The task force included Kitsap Public Health District records it said it had received for spills totaling 184,000 gallons in 11 incidents between 2016 and earlier this month. The biggest spill in the list, 84,000 gallons, occurred at Bangor on Jan. 22, 2018; the next biggest, 80,000, happened at the shipyard on Aug. 13, 2018.”

US Navy: “We’re committed to being good stewards of the environment and that has never changed in our nearly 130 years in the Pacific Northwest.”

March 5, 2019 2019 Q13 NEWS Video:

Thousands of gallons of sewage dumped into Sinclair Inlet — again

Over at Oak Harbor & Penn Cove

A situation that appears to be routine or ongoing. Zero questions from newspeople.

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”

Image above:

Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018.

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

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

Welcome Home Troops

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

Love to see newspeople ask some questions on this.

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

If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online in November of 2018- how was sewage being processed prior to that time?

When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?

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

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

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

Looks like the sewage treatment plant issue may be seen as routine or ongoing. Any sense of urgency in reporting details or background on this?

Routine or ongoing? So much so, that WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:

Image source: Photo posted by WDFW here.

Over at Penn Cove

A situation linked to the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.

Penn Cove site visit March 24, 2019:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

More here:

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

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

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

Photo at top of page:

The Seal Rock oyster

Categories Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Oak Harbor, The Business of Keeping People informed

No Matter What Political Party Or Personality Is In Office

March 27, 2019 //

What stays the same no matter what political party or personality is in power?

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end

Feb 25th, 2019 Fox News

Father, son deployed to Afghanistan with Arizona Army National Guard

Newspeople who do not ask questions

Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Arizona need services in Afghanistan absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

The Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket

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

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

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

Cartels vs Wall

Talk Of Border Walls As Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

A secretive, wasteful, & ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

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

More here:

Trump officials exaggerate terrorist threat on southern border in tense briefing

A dishonest US Dept. of Homeland Security

The Claim:

Jan 4th, 2019 McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Bellingham Herald

“Homeland Security officials are now saying that 3,755 known or suspected terrorists were stopped trying to entering the U.S. by land in FY 17.”

Questioning The Claim:

Love to see newspeople ask:

Did sending US troops to Iraq & Afghanistan play any role in keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?

Have the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan played any role in keeping thousands of terrorists from showing up at the border?

Newspeople could have started questioning these big claims from DHS almost a year ago.

Jan 24th, 2018

Secretary of Homeland Security:

The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”

With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin/meth trafficking cartels continue to move product into various parts of the US?

Jan, 2018 Fox News

Meth, cocaine overdoses rise as Mexican cartels sidestep anti-opioid crackdown

More here:

A Secretive, Wasteful, Dishonest & Ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security

The ongoing glorification of military service.

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?

More here: Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Federal prohibition of marijuana

Guantanamo prison

“…they swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution.”

What is ethanol fuel and why is it bad for your small engine outdoor power equipment?

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

Promotion of Corn Ethanol

2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: AVOID ETHANOL IN SMALL ENGINES

Mechanics see ethanol damaging small engines

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

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

Photo- Whidbey scene

Categories Armistice Day, Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Questioning Failed Programs, School teachers not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

March 22, 2019 //

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?

March 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Kilmer praises SAFE Boats, talks border security

“Go SAFE Boats,” penned Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat, on an inside panel of a 41-foot Coastal Interceptor Vessel bound for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.

Also in Congressman Kilmer’s district:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

Newspeople,

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

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

Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?

Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

More here:

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

Question for newspeople:

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

2011-

2013-

2015-

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

2017-

2019-

KING 5 News

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.”

Love to see newspeople ask: Have Port Angeles based Homeland Security patrol boats been used to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

March 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Forum provides overview on opioid use in Kitsap

“Prescription opioid sales are declining. More people are accessing treatment for dependence to opioid drugs.

But as of 2017, overdose deaths from drugs like heroin and fentanyl remained elevated.”

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

What part of the story is missing?

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

More here:

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

Cartels vs Wall

Talk Of Border Walls As Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Bremerton Homeland Security Jobs Program

Puget Sound Coastal Patrol Boats

Possibly of interest:

Washington State Ferry Ride

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

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

Photo at top of page:

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.”

Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?

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?

Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, The Business of Keeping People informed

US Navy on Whidbey Island

March 17, 2019 //

I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I know it is a larger concern based on where people are situated on Whidbey or elsewhere in the region; Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, B.C., Port Townsend, etc.

Some of the points made by Navy supporters don’t generate much in the way of good public relations:

The base has been here since WWII. Navy crews will not be able to operate safely without training operations conducted on Whidbey Island.

Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.

Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.

The US has vast holdings in the form of bombing ranges, missile test ranges, federal lands appropriate for nuclear weapons testing, etc. War games and military training might be conducted in these areas without bothering anyone.

Some examples:

Naval Air Facility El Centro

Yakima Training Center, WA

“NAS Fallon serves as the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center.”

National Training Center, Fort Irwin

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms

China Lake, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division

Barry Goldwater Range Complex

“The range complex is the nation’s second largest military reservation and has been used by military pilots since September 1941.”

White Sands Missile Range

NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE

UTAH TEST & TRAINING RANGE

Naval Auxillary Landing Field San Clemente Island

Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR)

It’s The Sound of Freedom!

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.

Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.

How does this work?

Do the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Hey school teachers–

If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Hometown Pride

Local paper in a military town-

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

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

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

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

How do The Troops defend The Constitution?

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

More here: How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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.

More here:

Sound of Freedom?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

Gov. Kristi Noem: Industrial hemp ‘opening the door’ to legalized marijuana in South Dakota

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, School teachers not asking questions, Sound of Freedom, Veterans Day Propaganda

Industrial Hemp – Gateway Drug?

March 16, 2019 //

Feb. 14, 2019 Argus Leader

Before the veto- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem:

March 11, 2019 The Seattle Times

Gov. Noem vetoes bill legalizing industrial hemp production

“…it would make law enforcement’s job more difficult and could be a first step to eventually legalizing recreational marijuana.”

“At least 41 states have enacted hemp growing and production programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.”

Meth

Federal cash for South Dakota after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:

Nov. 1, 2018 Argus Leader

Federal government sends $1M to South Dakota to combat meth trafficking

Mar 4, 2019 KOTA TV

Governor Noem starts to tackle meth epidemic

March 1, 2019 Argus Leader

Noem: Making South Dakota an example to the nation

“It was my goal to listen and learn, but to also begin developing the expectation that South Dakota can, and will, be a leader in innovative policies that will serve as an example to other states and the federal government.”

“First, I met with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar about adding flexibility to existing federal programs in South Dakota so we can combat our meth epidemic.”

Mar 1, 2019 Rapid City Journal

Governor addresses goals for her administration on statewide tour

“Noem said the state’s farmers and ranchers are still struggling in spite of weathering tough economic times fraught with low commodity prices and foreign tariffs on U.S. goods.”

“She said moving agriculture development representatives within the ag department to the state economic development department would give ag reps better access to economic development tools.”

“I also want our economic development team to know and have a passion for agriculture,” she said.

Days later- Governor Noem would veto a bill allowing South Dakota to produce Indsutrial Hemp.

“With the use of methamphetamine exploding among younger people, Noem said she will expand funding and resources to increase education, prevention, intervention and treatment options and hire four highway patrol officers to specialize in meth programs and two Department of Criminal Investigation officers to key on stopping the flow of the drug into the state.”

“Opioids are a big problem in South Dakota. I don’t want to distract from that, but overwhelmingly our problem is meth,” she said.

Governor Noem, if South Dakota is a nationwide leader in stamping out gateway drugs like marijuana and Industrial Hemp, why the meth epidemic in South Dakota? Meth is prohibited at both the federal and state levels of government.

More here:

What Do Conservatives Believe In?

Gov. Noem vetoes bill legalizing industrial hemp production

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

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

Categories Just Be Honest, Marijuana, Meth, Sound of Freedom

What Do Conservatives Believe In?

March 12, 2019 //

Personal responsibility, limited government, free enterprise, and individual liberty?

Is the freedom talk just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?

Industrial Hemp

March 11, 2019 The Seattle Times

“…it would make law enforcement’s job more difficult and could be a first step to eventually legalizing recreational marijuana.”

“At least 41 states have enacted hemp growing and production programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.”

Mar 14, 2019 Rapid City Journal

OPINION: Hemp veto seems futile

“The only problem it presents is for South Dakota’s unique-in-the-nation ingestion laws, which make it a felony to have any amount of THC in your bloodstream.”

As Noem explained: “It would create uncertainty for prosecution under our ingestion statute because the source of THC is placed in doubt when industrial hemp products that contain small amounts of THC, such as cannabidiol or CBD, are legalized. As governor, I will not leave it to our courts to interpret how this bill impacts our prohibition on the active ingredient in marijuana, and I do not believe the Legislature intended to complicate enforcement of our ingestion statute in this way.”

Pledge of Allegiance

Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.

When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided 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?

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end

Absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war- the people of South Dakota need services in the Middle East:

November 27, 2018 KNBN-TV Rapid City

Pierre National Guard unit to deploy to Middle East

“The unit first deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013.”

Hey- smaller government conservatives:

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

Veterans Day Assemblies

Gather up the students and send them to a school event where they will “…learn first- hand that freedom is not free.”

“Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, as Veterans Day at the South Dakota State Fair, calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.”

How about the freedom to legally grow Industrial Hemp?

With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?

Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

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, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, 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.

More here:

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part