Archives for category: Just don’t talk about it

I think of myself and others as individuals. Not as members of a group.

American popular & political culture insists on dividing people up into groups- then assigning a separate value to different groups.

Political experts have been reaching out to latino, black, Asian American, and women voters. Surely, members of a specific group would think, act & vote as one?

Discrimination is common in 2023. The US federal government is OK with much of it.

Parking pass for federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan:

Regular people- $80 annual pass
Military- free
Seniors- $80 lifetime pass & $20 for the annual pass
4th Grade Pass- free

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series

 

Selective Service registration for men only.

 

Scholarships that are awarded only to women.

 

Women’s colleges

 

Federal support for Women-Owned Businesses

 

Alcohol prohibition for adults age 18-20.

Both major political parties are now OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.

Those who are 18-20 years old are placed in a land of the free holding pattern.

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?

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

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

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


Another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations in distant lands:

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

1967

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

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

The race issue.

I feel like racial tension is higher today than at anytime in my life.

I did some time in the Marines. One of the best parts of it was living and working with people from all 50 states, some foreign countries and every color under the sun.

Interracial marriage was quite common. People were family oriented and loving their kids.

Head over to the daycare facility at any military base. You will see kids of all colors playing together without any regard for what color they are, or what color their Mom or Dad is.

This good news about loving families will not show up on the TV.

Those Moms and Dads will not be interviewed for a TV news story related to any of this.

Random thoughts:

Did President Obama work on race issues during his time in office?

America now seems very much about identity politics. Do black mayors and chiefs of police have a better record for controlling violence and police abuse in their cities?

Do women who are mayors and chiefs of police have a better record?

Has there ever been any news reporting on this?

 

News media and law enforcement:

Yahoo News January 5, 2023

“The suspect is described as an African American male in his 20′s with a skinny build, approximately 5′08″ in height.”

WIBW September 21, 2021

“The suspect is described as a African American male with light skin.”

Authorities identify the family heritage of an unknown person?

If a black person is visiting, or has moved to the US from Canada, Jamaica, England, Africa, or Australia, at what point are they considered African American?  

 

January 6, 2023 by wjastore Bracing Views

The Fight Over the Speaker of the House

“Let’s take a quick look at the new House Minority Leader. CNN praised Jeffries as “the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress.” That’s truly what matters, right? Diversity. More Black faces in high places. Or more women at the top. Or more LGBTQ+ and so on.

“But what if “diversity” results in no meaningful policy changes? What if diversity, as my wife puts it, is mainly an optical illusion?”

 

Possibly of interest:

Cultural Honesty

Democrats – A Generalization

Some people would consider sports to be a part of the entertainment industry.

Various sports, music concerts, movies, plays, motorsports and comedy clubs sell tickets at different prices for different artists, acts and events.

Separate Sports Leagues, Equal Pay and US Army

Pay Equity

Racial Hatred

Good People – Democrats

People Function As Individuals

Huge Emphasis On Race/What Color People Are

 

Photo-

Photo- Plt 3049 MCRD SD September, 1979

 

The issue is not limited to any single platform, public personality or media outlet.

The general trend has been to suppress voices of dissent and provide news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.

Love to see the press get out and interview people on various sides of any issue.

I want to know what various people are thinking on various issues.

 

Jan 3, 2022 KOMO News

Joe Rogan encourages move to new social media app after Twitter bans GOP lawmaker

Several comments here.

KOMO and some of the commenters make it more about personalities and less about what people think of ongoing information suppression.

Not too many years ago, American society was much less about information suppression.

Social media is big on it now.

Today, newspeople show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

 

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

Today, TV newspeople tend to report only one side of the story.

Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

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

 

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions.

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?

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

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

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

Coupeville

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

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

Source: WDFW

 

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

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

Source: WDFW

 

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor City Park

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

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

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

Source: WDFW

Daily status reports here:

Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

 

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

Distance learning idea:

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

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

Related:

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

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

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

Independent Press Needs Federal Cash?

 

A few public policy questions newspeople will not ask:

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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A symbol of information suppression and newspeople who show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

 

Federal, civilian workers must take an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution:

Oct 24, 2019 Federal News Network

The oath of office and what it means

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

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

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

2:30

In 8 conflict areas.

Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:

1:14

Both major parties are good with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

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

Think of a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

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

Mainstream vs. Alternative Media

 

Related:

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

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

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

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

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

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

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

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

School teachers taught us about:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

1967

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

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

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Image source:

truther1333

 

 

 

 

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

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

Here is a small independent media team out asking questions.

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

A chance to respond with honesty is met with:

I’m not going to argue with you.

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

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

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

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

Got it.

You can always read letters to the editor.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

More here:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

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

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

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

TV Newspeople Or Paid Actors?

Information Suppression Update

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Working waterfront – Anacortes

 

Never Forget

The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.

Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.

 

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

We haven’t won a war since.

 

Considering the aftermath of 911

Since 911, have people been at risk out at the airport because there has not been any requirement for REAL ID in order to fly within the United States?

Mar 23, 2020 USA Today

Travelers get a break: REAL ID deadline extended to Oct. 1, 2021, due to coronavirus

 

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

 

We fight over there, so we don’t have to fight here.”

 

Did American culture begin to overemphasize and glorify military service after 911?

Local press:

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

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

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

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

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

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

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

 

1967

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

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

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

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

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

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

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

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

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

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

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

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

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

 

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

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

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

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

Just Be Honest.

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

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Puget Sound After 911

Does a routine ferry ride require a gunboat escort?

Is it seen as controversial for people to legally obtain weapons?

 

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

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

I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.

 

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

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

Don’t look for newspeople to ask any questions on this.

Related:

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

Washington State Ferry Ride

Washington State Ferries Security

 

Cartels Move Product Into the US

People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home. Have these ID requirements helped to keep cartel product from entering the US?

Don’t look for the press to go and interview the US Dept. of Homeland Security and ask any questions on this.

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

 

I was thinking that 911 should have been a drug trafficker’s worst nightmare. The US Dept. of Homeland Security- a whole new federal department-was created to stop terrorists and prevent another 911.

What happened?

 

Sept. 5, 2020 Fox News

Meth floods across US-Mexico border during coronavirus pandemic

Part of the article describes cartel product seized at the border. Part of the article talks about product that gets past federal agents at the border.

“The extremely potent meth smuggled from Mexico contributes to more deaths in San Diego County than opioids.”

 

Aug 31, 2020 KOB 4 News Video

US Attorney for New Mexico blames Mexican meth ‘superlabs’ for state’s growing violent crime

Federal agents swing into action after meth from Mexico moves past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then, on into New Mexico:

Federal authorities are seizing larger amounts of drugs in the state, and Anderson said there are a few reasons why.”

“I think it’s the cost and it’s also a function that the fact that tremendously greater amounts of it are being produced in what we call the super labs in Mexico,” he said. “I think for many years our meth was made locally, was made in much smaller quantities. That has largely been eclipsed by the mass production and cheap production that we’re seeing coming from Mexico.”

 

State-run media update:

Jun 3, 2020 DEA NewYork

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

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

 

Border Wall update:

Sept 4, 2020 Maui Now

$4 Million In New Federal Funds To Help Hawai‘i Respond to Meth Crisis, Opioid Misuse

 

Nov 12, 2019 Honolulu Civil Beat

Meth Deaths Soar in Hawaii Even As Opioids Grab Public Attention

“Historically, crystal meth in its purest and most potent form came to the islands from markets in Asia and the Pacific as documented by the Hawaii’s Ice Age reporting series that Civil Beat and Hawaii Public Radio published five years ago.”

Now, much of it is manufactured in Mexico and makes its way to Hawaii through states like California and Nevada, says Callery.”

 

July 28, 2019 Big Island Now

Why Have There Been No Meth Lab Busts in Hawai‘i in 15 Years?

“Lt. Serrao explained, “We have no evidence to support the manufacturing of meth on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.” He believes this is due to the decreased availability of pseudophedrine, which makes clandestine manufacturing difficult.”

“Lt. Serrao said most of Hawai‘i’s meth is produced in Mexico and California. The meth is commonly shipped here by way of shipping containers, Fed Ex and the US Postal Service.”

 

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:

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

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?

How are post 911 terrorists kept out while meth comes in?

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, rare and mysterious cross-border arrests, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

 

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

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

Even one time?

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

 

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

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

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

DEA, OPNET PARTICIPATE IN MAJOR BUST OF AREA DRUG TRAFFICKERS

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

Question for newspeople:

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

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

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

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

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Related:

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

Nothing Gets Past CBP

Kitsap and Island County Meth & Heroin

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

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

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

What I Like About Local Government

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

Rare & Mysterious Port Angeles Border Patrol Arrests

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

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

 

 

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A symbol of newspeople asking questions.

 

On Twitter

 

March 6, 2020 W.J. Astore

Tulsi Gabbard Is Invisible!

 

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

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

 

 

 

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Beach walk – South Indian Island

 

Seeing a bit more of the get tough, make plans to pack up & leave response to people who have concerns about their communities.

Several comments here about feeling unsafe in Oak Harbor:

“Get self defense training for both of you. Transients are world wide don’t live in fear.”

“Sounds like you should move to somewhere in the middle of Canada.”

My take:

If parts of Oak Harbor take on a reputation for not being family friendly- people may make other plans in terms of dining out, shopping, etc.

Do not want to see this happen because it would impact hard-working people who operate or are employed by local businesses.

Concerns here about speeding in S. Whidbey neighborhoods:

“Time to move!”

Concerns here Re: N. Spokane crime:

“Move if you don’t like it”

I appreciate people who offer up some creative thinking in terms of improving life in various communities.

 

Find us on facebook:

Underbelly of Oak Harbor

Veterans Against the Glorification of Military Service

The Pompous Veteran

High levels of reverence for the flag?

Meanwhile, Heroin-Trafficking Cartels Move Product into Washington State

Groupthink Alternative

US Department of Credibility

Oak Bay Starfish

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

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

and Sound of Freedom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

Photo: Whidbey scene.

 

 

DSC_0005 (2) Patriot Police Captain: My Oath To The Constitution Has No Expiration

Captain Higgins,

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

“According to Capt. Clay Higgins with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office officers searched Thomas’ home on Prairie Rhonde Road and found 150 potted marijuana plants…”

“The oath I took never expires”, etc.
Many veterans refer to their oath of enlistment Re: defending the constitution- when & how do The Troops act on behalf of the executive branch of government to defend the constitution?

How is US foreign policy connected to defending the constitution?

 

Similar items posted daily on facebook at:

Groupthink Alternative

US Department of Credibility

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

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

and Sound of Freedom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

Photo- Oak Harbor parking mayhem

 

DSC_0298 For more than 4 decades I have had appropriate respect for LE officers. Still do today.

How does buying lunch for LE people or having your 8 year old make them a card address the many videos showing people shot while complying with officer’s commands, or shot while running away in a non-threatening manner after getting pulled over for a broken brake light.

Not against doing nice things for LE personnel. I am against violence directed at LE personnel. Where’s the discussion?

 

Similar items posted daily on facebook at:

Groupthink Alternative

US Department of Credibility

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

Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.

and Sound of Freedom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

 

 

 

Photo- Kalaloch South Beach

 

DSC_0043_005

I think of people as individuals, not as members of a group.

 

If a man works for minimum wage, does a woman work for less than minimum wage?

 

Name a job where women are paid less than men & I’ll name two jobs where women are paid the same.

In the case of a job where women are paid less- is that situation linked in any way to public policy?

 

Photo- Port Townsend scene

 

 

Veterans Day is for honoring veterans. Memorial Day is for honoring those who died in wars. Sept 11th is for honoring the victims and heroes of 911- a time to remember how the nation pulled together in the days following the event.

 

Commenting on newspaper web editions-

The story has to do with the tenth anniversary of 911, a large number of troops lost in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, or a federal park ranger gunned down in Washington State. Many comments asking for or offering prayers for the families who have suffered a loss, etc. (praying to the same god who watched over as the tragedy unfolded?) Someone posts a public policy question or comment related to the story-

“This isn’t the place for your political views, we don’t want to hear your comments about the war, or gun control, have some respect for the families, this is not the time”, etc.

Hey folks- this is a news site- not a church service. I would never scold anyone for offering prayers- why the effort to suppress ideas?

 

Troop suicides.

Multiple National Guard deployments to distant lands- absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

A Homeland Security police state that can’t keep heroin and cocaine out of the US.

Grand opening of a $9.8 million, 50 agent US Border Patrol station at Port Angeles- access restricted “only to media with credentials and invited guests

The time never seems right for answers to serious public policy questions.

 

Photo- Kitty litter scoop for popcorn at dive bar.

 

 

 

Your DOD propaganda update:

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff motivates USA basketball teams

 

General Dempsey –

Since you are on top of your game- can you please share your thoughts on this recent report:

INVASION OF THE DRUG CARTELS

 

Possibly of interest:

Legends of the War on Terror

Military suicides

 

 

Photo- Mount Baker from the 49th St. overlook at Port Townsend

 

 

US foreign policy goals and objectives are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms.

 

Your vote is critical in this key election year.

 

Safety concerns require that arrest statistics must be kept secret.

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

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

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

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

 

The Department of Homeland Security is in the business of keeping terrorists out of the US.

‘Uptick’ in heroin use seen on North Olympic Peninsula

 

Marijuana is more harmful than prohibition.

 

Gunboats are required to protect ferry boats on Puget Sound.

 

Your favorite politician has a plan to create jobs and clean energy.

 

Fusion centers can stop the sorts of violent crimes Americans have been familiar with for decades.

 

 

Photo- Lake Crescent, WA

 

Perhaps four handguns could have saved thousands on 911?

 

American culture is OK with lies told about US foreign policy and where military service fits into our way of life.

Somewhere after 911- many patriotic Americans seem to have embraced the idea that “The Troops” are fighting to protect our rights and freedoms– as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

 

Memorial Day 2012-

“Memorial Day used to be held on May 30 regardless, and was moved to the last Monday in May in 1968 to create a three-day annual weekend. Interestingly there are those who oppose the weekend idea and advocate its return to fixed date, including the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW). In the Eighties Hawaiian Senator Daniel Inouye, himself a WWII veteran, introduced legislation (unsuccessful) to return the original date. The idea is that if Memorial Day was not simply a long weekend holiday for going to the beach and grilling, more Americans might actually realize that it has a deeper and much more somber meaning.”

Perhaps less Americans are buying into the idea that overseas military operations are somehow connected to American rights and freedoms.

Perhaps some question a departure from the old tradition of a formal congressional declaration of war prior to sending the troops into combat.

Perhaps some see that Post 911 efforts to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland- still are unable to keep illegal drugs out.

Some may have come to the point where they just think of it as a Fake War on Terror.

 

“Let us never forget those who bravely gave their life blood or paid the ultimate price so we can have our freedom and the right to vote.”

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.

 

How about the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984– it stripped the 50 states of the “freedom” to set their own minimum drinking age- where were “The Troops”?

 

Memorial Day 2011-

“…take this time to recognize those currently serving in the Armed Forces as they continue to fight to protect the liberties that we have come to appreciate.”

 

Memorial Day 2009-

Still more than 2 weeks away and here is a letter that reminds us of the meaning of this important day.

The letter writer and several of those who commented made mention of the troops “fighting for our freedom.”

When we were told that our concealed carry permit was void on local, federal National Parks lands– did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send out “The Troops” to restore American rights and freedoms?

Any support from The Department of Defense Re: various state’s efforts to legalize marijuana?

Are The Joint Chiefs of Staff working to reverse a federal ban on online poker games?

Are “The Troops” standing in the way of warrantless searches of homes and apartments?

How about Delayed-Notice Search Warrants?

How about a federal law that requires social security numbers to be submitted for fishing licenses? A totalitarian- guilty until proven innocent scheme to track down dead beat dads– as if digging a bucket of clams has anything to do with child support payments.

 

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

 

When we return from an undeclared war or military conflict without a victory- what becomes of American rights and freedoms?

 

One person wrote: “…spend this Memorial Day honoring those who have defended your right to have an opinion on this matter.”

As if we are wards of the state or mindless drones– somehow dependent on people in military uniforms to enable us to think or to have an opinion.

 

If the troops are fighting for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

 

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?

 

How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?

Many veterans refer to their oath of enlistment Re: defending the constitution- when & how do The Troops act on behalf of the executive branch of government to defend the constitution?

 

If the US Armed Forces are somehow connected to defending the constitution- how did public policy serve up due-process-free assassinations?

 

Never Forget-

The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.

Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.

 

People who question US foreign policy on newspaper websites are told:

“You wouldn’t have the freedom to post your nonsense if people were not giving their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom”, etc.

Some will say people in uniform “give” http://www.iwvpa.net/provincecm/ us our freedoms- totally disregarding the concept of inalienable rights.

Others will say we’d be speaking a language or practicing a religion not of our choosing- if not for veterans:

“Support your troops.  Support all military,” Mowl said. “If it wasn’t for them, you wouldn’t be here.  It’s the same as the World War II vets – if it weren’t for them, we’d be speaking German now.”

The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing?

Doubt it.

 

The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now trying to pacify the locals in the Greater Middle East.

We’ve got such a good handle on the situation- National Guard units are doing multiple tours in distant lands– absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

 

We’re not in the habit of winning decades of undeclared wars overseas– why would we think they have any bearing on the language we choose to speak- or on American rights and freedoms in any sense?

 

Public policy stands in the way of freedom- a situation completely unrelated to military operations in distant lands.

Military service is honorable. In some cases, it provides 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.

Best thanks for a veteran-

Reach for an honest understanding of US foreign policy.

USMC ’79-’99

 

 

Mainstream American culture does not promote open discussion of various issues-

 

Reaching for an honest understanding of US foreign policy.

 

Commenting on newspaper web editions-

The story has to do with the tenth anniversary of 911, a large number of troops lost in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, or a federal park ranger gunned down in Washington State. Many comments asking for or offering prayers for the families who have suffered a loss, etc. (praying to the same god who watched over as the tragedy unfolded?) Someone posts a public policy question or comment related to the story-

“This isn’t the place for your political views, we don’t want to hear your comments about the war, or gun control, have some respect for the families, this is not the time”, etc.

Hey folks- this is a news site- not a church service. I would never scold anyone for offering prayers- why the effort to suppress ideas?

 

What stops terrorists from blowing themselves up in any crowded public place- just this side of the K-9 units, body language experts, body scanners and pat downs?

Plenty of news about scanners and pat-downs out at the airport- little discussion of how these steps prevent terrorists from harming others.

 

State budget crisis- possible solutions

 

Politicians figured out that ending the draft & pretending to honor The Troops for a few moments at major sporting events would make it all good.

Today- The Troops are told that DOD (separate from VA funding) has run out of cash to pay for traditional military healthcare benefits used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq-

Seen any rage?

 

Conspiracy Theory-

More information is better- this is how science and medicine works. Over the years some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist- why the effort to suppress ideas?

 

Successful Politicians-

They are very sophisticated  at avoiding uncomfortable questions and discussions (03:36)-

 

News networks-

A few years ago, John Stossel had a drug war panel discussion featuring Paul Chabot- a narcotics officer.
An audience member asked Mr. Chabot-

If it took a constitutional amendment to authorize federal prohibition of alcohol- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal “War on Drugs?”

Mr. Chabot provided a fascinating answer which was available for an extended period of time on You Tube.
The video is no longer available because the news network objected to the posting.
If the network sells advertising & desires the largest possible number of viewers- why would they object to a panel discussion video being posted on the web?

 

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Stop using tax money for ongoing Washington National Guard deployments to distant lands– absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

 

Two Star General required to supervise 15 people in Thailand? (04:27)

 

Instant, non-experimental jobs program/revenue generator requiring zero tax dollars-

Allow Washington farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.

 

Meanwhile- good citizens pay their taxes, (just like my parents did in the 60s and 70s- when State Parks seemed to be doing just fine) purchase annual parking passes for State Parks, (2 currently valid annual passes in my household- one for each vehicle) and watch parks crumble anyway.