US Funds The Armed Forces As If We Are A Socialist Country?

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

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

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

“…from the time the United States was founded, through the entire 19th century, and until the early part of the 20th century, the American people did not have a national anthem or a Pledge of Allegiance.”

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

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

Photo-

A symbol of a Dept. of Defense with a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949 and the lies about freedom that are used to promote it.

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Sound of Freedom

Kneeling during ball game flag rituals was frowned upon

May 30, 2020 //

Non violent protest please.

August 7, 2019 Jacob G. Hornberger

Welfare-Warfare State “Freedom” and “Patriotism”

More here:

Flag Idolatry Means Never Having to Ask Questions

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

A Critical Time To Trust The Government

“Individuals who don’t participate should not have their porch light on or answer the door during candy giveaway hours. According to Gallipolis Police Chief Jeff Boyer, most people who are participating will be obvious.”

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, School teachers not asking questions

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

May 30, 2020 //

Way before COVID-19:

Halloween 2019

In the news:

Gallipolis, Ohio

Local authorities dictate a one hour window for trick-or-treat time 2019. For some reason, Halloween will be observed exactly one week in advance of October 31st.

Your family will start at 5:30 and be done for the year at 6:30 p.m.

“The Gallipolis Police Department recently announced times for Trick-or-Treat set for the Gallipolis.”

“The annual event will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. All drivers are reminded to be cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.”

This is not an event held over at the mall, town square or dentist’s office:

Much of the article above includes detailed safety tips such as dressing the kids up in reflective gear so they look like a county road maintenance crew. It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.

For more about safety, please visit our safety tips page:

Halloween Safety Tips 2019

More here:

Stay in your homes and wait for further instructions.

Whidbey Island

May 29, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Conflicting mask proclamations in Langley clarified

“Fortunately, the mayor is giving special permission to cast off those facial binds while eating.”

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions:

The Lessons of the Afghanistan Papers

Over in Spokane, a picnic at a park:

“The city of Spokane Valley sent the organizer of a picnic a letter telling her not to have the picnic. The city cited King Inslee’s orders over his realm as the reason we can’t picnic. Come join us at Valley Mission Park in Spokane Valley 5/30/20 11-2.”

Freedom and Independence from a powerful, central government?

Dec 17, 2019 The Atlantic

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

More here:

Unsustainable Military Spending

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

“Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country.”

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:

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

Freedom from lies about freedom?

May 26th, 2020 Congressman Derek Kilmer

Honoring Our Heroes

“And because of that sacrifice and commitment, you and I are able to enjoy the freedoms we share as Americans.”

Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.

Congressman Kilmer,

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.”

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

May 26, 2019

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?

Congressman Kilmer,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

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?

More here:

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

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

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

Bail set at $100,000 for Forks man

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Federal Holidays, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Restricted Activities

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

May 28, 2020 //

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?

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust. Newspeople post this statement without asking any questions.

Our questions appear in bold type.

Port Angeles

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin, cocaine and meth from entering Port Angeles?

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

May 27, 2020 Peninsula Daily News

“Bail of $100,000 was set Tuesday for a Forks man who allegedly tried to swallow a bag of heroin that could have killed him while he was being arrested outside Walmart east of downtown Port Angeles.”

“King said that inside the vehicle, detectives found 47.4 grams of heroin, 4 grams of cocaine, 1.2 grams of methamphetamine, three sets of digital scales, $3,000 in $20 and $100 bills in Harris’ purse, a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in her purse, unused plastic baggies, and “crib notes” that appeared to list drug sales.”

When will a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security be able to keep heroin, cocaine and meth from entering Port Angeles?

Is General Milley confident that CBP is able to keep cartel product out of US communities?

Any word on General Milley’s pledge to clobber the cartels?

Will there be less need for an Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) after General Milley’s plan prevents cartels form moving product into the US?

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

More here:

Rare & Mysterious Port Angeles Border Patrol Arrests

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

Second incident

May 27, 2020 Bellingham Herald

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

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

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

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

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

What about General Milley’s pledge to clobber the cartels?

When will a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security be able to keep cocaine out of WA?

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:

First incident

May 14, 2020 KIRO 7 News

$3 million worth of cocaine seized at US-Canadian border

“CBP officials said they referred a tractor-trailer driven by a Canadian citizen for additional examination during an outbound inspection.”

May 14, 2020 Washington Examiner

Man nabbed smuggling $3M worth of cocaine into Canada from the US

“Customs officers stopped a blue 2000 Freightliner with British Columbia tags towing a trailer with Oklahoma plates as it attempted to pass through outbound inspection lanes May 9. The officers found five handbags in the back of the trailer that contained 132 pounds of cocaine, worth $3 million in street value.”

Any word on how the $3 million worth of cocaine got past General Milley’s DOD, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into WA?

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

Why no similar effort in the drug war?

Newspeople remain silent.

Cartel responds to General Milley by moving more product into the US

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

Photo-

A symbol of newspeople repeatedly posting press releases instead of asking any questions.

Please Dispose of Properly

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

A Critical Time To Trust The Government

May 28, 2020 //

WA lost hundreds of millions of dollars to scammers

May 24, 2020 The Seattle Times

How missed ‘red flags’ helped Nigerian fraud ring ‘Scattered Canary’ bilk Washington’s unemployment system amid coronavirus chaos

“By the time the fraud was recognized, scammers had made off with “hundreds of millions of dollars,” ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine acknowledged Thursday.”

“All of that happened despite a $44 million software upgrade at ESD that was supposed to help detect such fraud.”

Every vote counts?

March 26, 2020 Whitman County Gazette

$30 car tabs on hold, again

“I-976 was supposed to go into effect Dec. 5, but has been held up by the city of Seattle and King County officials who have filed suit to prevent its implementation.”

Trust in law enforcement

May 26, 2020 reason

Minnesota Man Dies After Video Shows Cop Pressing Knee to His Neck for Nearly 8 Minutes

“…pressing his knee into the side of Floyd’s neck while he’s on the ground and handcuffed.”

More flags, military jet flyovers, and an increased use of the word hero will make it all good.

Whidbey waters and sewage treatment plant outfalls

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

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

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

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

More here:

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

A good time to safeguard trust in the press too.

1:25 News crew busted for lecturing about masks while not wearing them:

0:34

I feel like a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

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

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

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

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

Photo-

A symbol of credibility at all levels of government.

Categories Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Just Be Honest

May 25, 2020 //

We wouldn’t have the freedom to have a campfire if Saddam Hussein was still in power.

Another of many examples where freedoms may come & go-completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of 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?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

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?

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Voting

Discussion of the role of law enforcement in a free society

May 11, 2020 //

Update:

More here:

K-9 unit finds more than $2.7 million of heroin inside car batteries during traffic stop

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

Photo-

Fort Ebey

Categories More discussion please, Newspeople Remain Silent, Restricted Activities

Cartel responds to General Milley by moving more product into the US

May 11, 2020 //

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 and DOD funding and performance?

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

US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols, and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel-sourced product out of US communities.

In the news-

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Away from border crossings and ports of entry:

May 20th 2020 News 4 San Antonio

A major drug bust is reported as a highly successful team effort, after cartel manages to move product past General Milley’s DOD, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx:

May 08, 2020 Drug Enforcement Administration

Coronavirus-stamped heroin/fentanyl glassines seized in the Bronx: Six individuals charged

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan:

“Taking a million dollars’ worth of deadly drugs off the street is critical at this time, when isolation and fear make substance users ever more vulnerable. A team of investigators and attorneys demonstrated remarkable dedication, following investigative leads to this successful conclusion, despite the added dangers of enforcement during a crisis of this magnitude, and I commend them.”

Taking deadly drugs off the street after cartel was able to move product past DOD and the US Dept. of Homeland Security.

Well done guys.

“A long-term investigation into a narcotics trafficking operation in New York City, with distribution throughout the Northeast, led to the seizure of approximately 120,000 glassine envelopes of suspected heroin/fentanyl worth over a million dollars, as well as $25,000 cash and drug packaging materials.”

Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during this long-term investigation. Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border and ports of entry about the weak links in their process? Any newspeople available to do a follow-up with General Milley?

“Traffickers market their drugs like businesses, branding their product with stamps to attract users, like ’24 Black Mamba’; or use an ‘Antrax’ stamp to designate origins and reference enforcer gangs of the Sinaloa Cartel.”

“I applaud the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for their diligent work on this investigation.”

Will the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor be shut down after General Milley’s plan prevents cartels form moving product into the US?

May 14, 2020 KIRO 7 News

$3 million worth of cocaine seized at US-Canadian border

“CBP officials said they referred a tractor-trailer driven by a Canadian citizen for additional examination during an outbound inspection.”

May 14, 2020 Washington Examiner

Man nabbed smuggling $3M worth of cocaine into Canada from the US

Any word on how the $3 million worth of cocaine got past General Milley’s DOD, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into WA?

Newspeople remain silent.

May 27, 2020 Bellingham Herald

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

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

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

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:

May 13, 2020 Sequim Gazette

Local law enforcement seeing rise in overdoses

“A culmination of several factors, many of them related to the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, are suspected driving forces behind a boom in heroin overdoses in recent weeks, local law enforcement and health officials said last week.”

Zero questions from newspeople:

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

Even one time?

May 7, 2020 My Clallam County

CLALLAM OVERDOSES SPIKED UP SINCE PANDEMIC SHUTDOWN

“Clallam County law enforcement and fire personnel responded to 8 known heroin overdoses in January through March of this year. In the month of April alone, that number spiked to 19.”

“More fentanyl in the local drug supply may also be contributing to the overdoses. OPNET detectives say information from multiple sources suggests there is an increased volume of fentanyl in the local methamphetamine and heroin supply.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine from arriving on the Olympic Peninsula?

More here:

Pentagon Going After Cartels Update

Podcast 2 Pentagon Taking On Drug Cartels

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

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

Air Force flyover to honor healthcare workers Friday in Western Washington

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

Photo-

Looking north towards the Bluff Trail

Categories Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

May 8, 2020 //

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

May 7, 2020 Q13 NEWS

Same news source that tells us face masks are required on Whidbey Island, when, really they mean masks are required in the city of Langley. Check your local geography guys.

Why Now?

Not much good news from the undeclared wars overseas.

Sporting events have been shut down.

Its been a while since Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper reminded us that our Service Members are fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.

This is a great time for an ongoing militarization of non-military events, and we are the very best at militarized pageantry.

In the news:

April 29, 2020 USA Today

“…the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds conducted multiple flyovers in New York and New Jersey to cheer on frontline workers.”

US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

Press plays the role of US Armed Forces public affairs staff:

April 29, 2020 KTVO Television

“PILOT’S VIEW: The Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flew over NYC Tuesday as a tribute to first responders and essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were cameras inside a few of the cockpits, here’s a look at what the pilots saw.”

The National Guard is in on it too.

The National Guard has also been in the news recently for their work in supporting local food banks.

Some people may prefer to have churches and private charities run food banks.

When the national guard isn’t helping to support food banks, they are involved in various operations in distant lands.

The people of Iowa need services in one or more locations which may include 20 nations in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries. Also in the Republic of Kosovo:

May 6, 2020 The Messenger

Iowa National Guard units to deploy overseas

“About 330 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat team will deploy in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Central Command is made up of 20 nations in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries.”

“An additional 400 Iowa National Guard soldiers received mobilization orders to support NATO’s ongoing Kosovo Force mission in the Republic of Kosovo.”

This can all be a little confusing for the average person, so maybe the flyovers will help to solidify pride and a patriotic spirit.

More here:

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Liberty And Justice For All?

CBS denies staging scene of lengthy coronavirus testing line

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

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

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions

Grand Rapids COVID-19 Testing Tent – No Questions Asked?

May 7, 2020 //

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 The Washington Times

“CBS News has denied faking a scene of novel coronavirus testing in Michigan by padding the drive-thru line with clinic workers to make the health center look busier than it was, as alleged in a Project Veritas expose released Wednesday.”

“In a statement to the Washington Times, CBS News denied that the crew staged such a scene, which would be a clear breach of journalistic ethics.”

“The network said that nobody involved with the story featuring on-camera reporter Adriana Diaz was aware that anyone in the line was a clinic employee, but discovered after contacting Cherry Health that at least one staffer was involved in padding the line.”

“The segment, called “Michigan Ramps Up Testing” and introduced by “CBS Morning News” host Gayle King, focused on the importance of expanded testing as the state seeks to reopen after shutting down vast swaths of the economy for the coronavirus.”

Did CBS ask questions on the day they showed up in Grand Rapids to report on this story?

Were no questions asked Re:

How many people arrived for testing on that day?

From how far away were some of these people traveling to be tested?

What was the average wait time after arriving for testing?

Did CBS interview any of the people who came to be tested on that day?

Did CBS obtain or review any records of testing conducted on that day?

If CBS had asked more basic questions, in order to inform the public, CBS may have had a better understanding of the situation before they aired the story.

May 6, 2020 WOOD TV8 News Video

Expert: Accusations of staged COVID-19 test line fodder for doubters

“This just provides more reason for people to doubt what they see on the news — and not just on CBS — but this doesn’t do anybody any good,” Tompkins told News 8. “The viewer, who already is skeptical, or maybe even cynical, now is able to point to this to say, ‘Oh wait, those lines aren’t real.’”

“CBS removed the Grand Rapids video from its online report, but as of Wednesday evening did not include information about the change to the story on its website.”

May 6, 2020 The Washington Post

CBS News edits testing story after Project Veritas exposes clinic’s line-stuffing ploy

From Project Veritas:

MAY 06, 2020 Project Veritas

CBS News This Morning’ Aired Faked COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Site Line of Cars

MAY 06, 2020 Project Veritas

CBS NEWS BLAMES CHERRY HEALTH CLINIC FOR STAGING FAKE COVID-19 TEST LINE, TAKES DOWN STORY FROM YOUTUBE

Possibly of interest:

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

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

Categories Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions

DOD Symbolism vs. Track Record

April 29, 2020 //

We are the very best at militarized pageantry.

In the news:

April 29, 2020 USA Today

“…the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds conducted multiple flyovers in New York and New Jersey to cheer on frontline workers.”

US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

Press plays the role of US Armed Forces public affairs staff:

April 29, 2020 KTVO Television

Drug War

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

General Milley, the DEA says they still have big problems:

April 28th 2020 KABB FOX 29 News video:

DEA: Operation Crystal Shield

“According to the DEA, almost all the methamphetamine consumed in the U.S. comes from Mexico, where it’s produced on an industrial scale and smuggled across the border.”

“The cartels in Mexico are flooding the domestic illegal drug market with methamphetamine,” said Special Agent Sorianello.

General Milley,

How will ships, aircraft and troops in the Caribbean & eastern Pacific keep cartels from moving product into US communities?

Looks like more time will be needed for DOD to keep cartel product from showing up away from border crossings and ports of entry:

April 29, 2020 KPBX-FM

Ohio County Prosecutor: Pandemic Puts More Stress On Families Dealing With Addiction

“Kimes-Brown says the county is still struggling with what she calls a “horrible” meth problem and is also seeing more abuse of fentanyl and carfentanil. “The fentanyl use is deadly,” she says.”

US Ports of Entry

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

Pentagon Going After Cartels Update

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

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:

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

A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

More here:

Podcast 2 Pentagon Taking On Drug Cartels

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

“Please don’t eat tide pods or inject yourself with any kind of disinfectant.

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

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

Photo-

Low tide day – Port Townsend Ship Canal

Categories Armistice Day, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

No Contact Drive Thru – Magic Tray Update

April 26, 2020 //

I enjoy the occaisional trip to get fast food. I’m glad these places are open.

Normal food handler protocols are OK with me, even now.

A new TV ad campaign promotes touch free service at the drive thru.

Old protocol:

Staff member hands over a sack of food to customer, after customer pays with cash, coin, or card.

New protocol:

Staff member places sack of food on tray and extends tray towards customer, so that customer may take sack of food from tray.

Does the tray kill germs?

In some cases the person who placed the sack of food on the tray is also the cashier.

The cashier is constantly handling cash, coins, and credit or debit cards.

None of this will keep me away. Just wondering how many TV viewers see the magic tray as a plus.

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

Photo-

Out camping after extended happy hours.

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

Categories More discussion please

Welcome Home Troops

April 25, 2020 //

Apr 23, 2020 WA Emergency Management

If you do need help with #COVID19 issues, we have lots of resources at https://coronavirus.wa.gov

Just don’t make a bad situation worse.”

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

Photo-

Watching the waves at Fort Ebey

Categories More discussion please

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

April 24, 2020 //

Image above: Sign posted at Coupeville Wharf on 4/2/2020.

Image above: 4/22/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

We are told that stewardship is a priority:

Sign below educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Has there ever been a news story to inform the public on the Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area?

Looks like a significant area.

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Image above:

Coupeville

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

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

Image above:

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

Site Visit – Another Month With An R at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

Image above:

I found this sign posted on 4/2/2020 at the west end of Penn Cove. The sign has been there long enough to become faded from the weather.

WDFW has posted this permanent sign showing a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove. The dark shaded area indicates a location that is unsafe for clam & oyster harvest.

Interesting that the part of the cove farthest from open waters is the part where the water is cleaner.

This sign remains in place even during the driest months of the year.

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

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

More here:

Distance learning idea:

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

When Things Get Back To Normal

Whidbey Earth Day

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?

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

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

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Distance Learning, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed, Signs

Whidbey Earth Day

April 22, 2020 //

Image above: 4/22/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

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

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

Site Visit – Another Month With An R at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

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

More here:

Distance learning idea:

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

When Things Get Back To Normal

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?

Message from the editor: Our journalism needs your support

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

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Distance Learning, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

April 13, 2020 //

Please check the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map for an updated status on local beaches.

April 12, 2020 Everett Herald

Several newspapers from around the nation have recently made the same request.

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

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Background:

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

Coupeville

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

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

Site Visit – Another Month With An R at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

More here:

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

Back in 2017, Island County Public Health posted a sign at the Coupeville Wharf about restrictions on recreational shellfish harvesting.

Why no warning sign on 4/2/2020?

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

When Things Get Back To Normal

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?

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

Also, please lose the guilty until proven innocent prohibitions on posting comments in various local papers.

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

More here:

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

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

Photo at top of page-

Another green color day over in Jefferson County

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Distance Learning, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed

When Things Get Back To Normal

April 11, 2020 //

Image above: 4/11/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Maybe when things get back to normal, the press will ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Maybe when things get back to normal, we’ll hear from one or more government agencies, elected officials or volunteer organizations who are seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into Penn Cove.

Unfortunately, questions are not being asked, even under normal conditions.

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

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

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

Site Visit – Another Month With An R at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

Image above:

I found this sign posted on 4/2/2020 at the west end of Penn Cove. The sign has been there long enough to become faded from the weather.

WDFW has posted this permanent sign showing a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove. The dark shaded area indicates a location that is unsafe for clam & oyster harvest.

Interesting that the part of the cove farthest from open waters is the part where the water is cleaner.

This sign remains in place even during the driest months of the year.

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

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

More here:

Distance learning idea:

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

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

Whidbey Earth Day

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?

Coronavirus: Chicago liquor sales curfew in effect across city

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

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Distance Learning, More discussion please, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed

Stay-at-home, except when purchasing liquor up until 9 p.m.

April 10, 2020 //

In the news:

April 9, 2020 ABC 7 Chicago

“Liquor sales in Chicago are no longer allowed after 9 p.m. per a curfew put into effect by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.”

“The order will remain in effect for the duration of the state’s stay-at-home order.”

Whidbey Island

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions:

Mixed Messages On What Is An Emergency

San Diego

More here:

Podcast 3 Closing All Recreational Fishing & Shellfishing Statewide

Possibly of interest:

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

Podcast 3 Closing All Recreational Fishing & Shellfishing Statewide

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

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

Categories More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Restricted Activities

Mixed Messages On What Is An Emergency

April 7, 2020 //

Two images above taken at Fort Ebey this afternoon.

If you called 911 to report an emergency and described why the local state park is shut down, would the operator agree that this situation involves an emergency?

There is a parking area just outside this gate at Fort Ebey. The parking area outside the gate (on State Parks land) remains open & unrestricted. Access to trails from this parking area remains open & unrestricted.

I exchanged a wave with a ranger driving a State Parks vehicle yesterday at this spot.

I spoke about local State Parks access at 9:31 on this page.

We left Fort Ebey and drove down to the beach at Ebey’s Landing State Park:

The parking lot was completely shut down. Just south of the parking lot, people were parked next to the beach and enjoying a nice beach day, just like always.

No restricted parking or access at Driftwood County Park

No restricted parking or access at Libbey Beach County Park

More here:

Whidbey Island

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions:

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

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

Categories More discussion please, Restricted Activities

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

April 6, 2020 //

Recent site visits:

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

Image above: 4/2/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

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

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

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

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

Site Visit – Another Month With An R at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

Image above:

I found this sign posted on 4/2/2020 at the west end of Penn Cove. The sign has been there long enough to become faded from the weather.

WDFW has posted this permanent sign showing a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove. The dark shaded area indicates a location that is unsafe for clam & oyster harvest.

Interesting that the part of the cove farthest from open waters is the part where the water is cleaner.

This sign remains in place even during the driest months of the year.

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

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

More here:

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?

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

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

Photo at top of page-

Another green color day over in Jefferson County

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Distance Learning, More discussion please, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed

Podcast 3 Closing All Recreational Fishing & Shellfishing Statewide

April 5, 2020 //

Many interesting comments follow this post on Twitter:

WDFW

“Starting midnight tonight, March 25, we’re temporarily closing recreational fishing & shellfishing statewide in response to
@GovInslee’s order directing Washingtonians to stay home & stay healthy to limit the spread of coronavirus.”

Whidbey Island

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions:

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

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

Photo-

The Seal Rock Oyster

Categories More discussion please, Restricted Activities

Podcast 2 Pentagon Taking On Drug Cartels

April 5, 2020 //

We’re going to be kicking some ass.

US Ports of Entry

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

Pentagon Going After Cartels Update

My take:

National Drug Take Back postponed

Drug Take Back Day

A huge success for the legal drug dealers-they sold nearly 13 million pounds of medication to people who did not need it:

Apr 2, 2020 The Intelligencer

“Since 2010, nearly 13 million pounds of unwanted, expired or unused medication have been collected through drug take back days.”

Fred Reed November 12, 2019

Let’s Invade Mexico!

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

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

Categories More discussion please

Podcast 1 US Census

April 5, 2020 //

Thoughts on the US Census:

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

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

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

Photo-

A winter walk of the Bluff Trail

Categories More discussion please

Pentagon Going After Cartels Update

April 4, 2020 //

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?

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

In the news-

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

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

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

Now, General Milley delivers a bold speech describing bold action.

Every 12 months, the US Department of Homeland Security gets another $51.6 billion in taxpayer funds.

If the drug war excuse now, is that COVID-19 is somehow working to the advantage of cartels-remember that heroin was a problem in US communities prior to COVID-19. Heroin is still here and now meth has taken hold.

May 17, 2013 Q13 News

October 23, 2019, Q13 News video:

‘The Pacific Northwest is drowning in methamphetamine:’ 17 arrested in major drug trafficking operation

Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?

Newspeople remain silent.

Stars and Stripes April 1, 2020

Pentagon deploys ships, aircraft and troops to Caribbean, eastern Pacific to help stop drug traffickers

“Drug cartels are taking advantage of the United States focus on responding to the coronavirus outbreak, Trump said, and America needs to return to stopping the flow of drugs.”

Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:

Was there any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US prior to the coronavirus outbreak?

What was the plan to keep cartels out 6 months ago?

How will ships, aircraft and troops in the Caribbean & eastern Pacific keep cartels from moving product through US ports of entry?

Has the US been at risk without ships, aircraft and troops in the Caribbean & eastern Pacific?

If the Dept. of Defense holds the keys to keeping cartel product out of the US, why wasn’t this plan put into action years ago?

US Ports of Entry

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

Deadline to get a REAL ID pushed back at least a year due to coronavirus

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

Welcome Home Troops

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

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

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

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

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

REAL ID

Get ready to enjoy your $6.4 trillion worth of War on Terror freedom over at the airport with your REAL ID card.

March 26, 2020 CNN

“The deadline to obtain a REAL ID, federally mandated identification that will be needed for passengers to board aircraft, will be extended until October 1, 2021 — a year past the current deadline, according to the Department of Homeland Security.”

If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?

Border Wall

If a border wall will keep cartels out, why the need for ships, aircraft and troops in the Caribbean & eastern Pacific?

Newspeople have stopped asking questions.

Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release

Border Wall Update

Drowning in Meth

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

Away from Border Crossings and Ports of Entry

Please Dispose of Properly

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

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

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

Photo-

A symbol of various agencies sending various messages and newspeople not asking questions.

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

Recruiters Questioning Military Policy Update

March 28, 2020 //

March 28, 2020 Military.com

‘We Are Putting Lives in Danger’: Recruiters Urge Boot Camp Closures Amid Pandemic

Update:

March 30, 2020 Military.com

Marine Corps Closes Parris Island Boot Camp to New Recruits as COVID-19 Cases Spread

Possibly of interest:

Public Confidence

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

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

Categories More discussion please

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

March 23, 2020 //

A man on the moon in 1969. Church, Boy Scouts, patriotism, pledge of allegiance, the WWII generation in charge. Signing up for the Marines.

Families with married parents and maybe a stay at home Mom. It was common for your friends to have 3 or 4 brothers and sisters.

It started out with a positive sense of American culture.

Much has changed.

Over the past 40 years or so, both major parties have taken turns in power. A wide variety of political personalities have occupied the White House.

What’s new?

People haunted by healthcare concerns.

It’s been this way for years now. It was this way prior to the current news Re: COVID-19.

People haunted by student loan debt.

Homelessness and drug addiction to the extent that people are living in tents on city sidewalks.

Children might go hungry when school is out?

March 13, 2020 CNN

The coronavirus pandemic is closing schools. How will kids eat?

“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?”

More discussion and news coverage please.

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

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

School teachers and newspeople who are OK with promoting this urban legend.

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?

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

There were none.

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

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

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

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

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

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

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

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

WA Secretary of State:

“Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

“Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

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

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

Any newspeople available to ask:

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?

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.

After the Cold War:

The Cold War had ended. DOD was happy with their all volunteer military.

Look what they did with it.

The Cold War Had Ended

A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

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

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

More here:

Unsustainable Military Spending

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release

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:

Newspeople who have stopped asking questions.

Newspeople who show no curiosity.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Monroe Landing:

The sewage drain pipe sign is still posted.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park:

I found that the sign is still posted.

More here:

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

Much in the way of voting over the decades since that man landed on the moon.

TV newspeople tell us that we are in a key election season again. Lots of coverage. Another panel of experts, another debate. More voting.

Stay tuned for more of the same.

Being positive is a good thing. Emotions can be based on experience.

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

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

Photo-

Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego

Jun-Sep 1979

Categories Armistice Day, Drug War, Glorifying military service, Homeland Security is a scam, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed, Politics is something I no longer take seriously, Questioning Failed Programs, School teachers not asking questions, US Department of Credibility, Veterans Day Propaganda

Newspeople Show Little Curiosity Unless It’s A Sports Story

March 20, 2020 //

Several examples:

March 5, 2020 KCPQ

Body found inside SUV after fire, explosion in Woodinville

Sounds pretty serious. Mob hit? Cartel job?

Any follow up of any kind from newspeople anywhere?

Please post in comments if you have updated info.

Gunfire on the ferry:

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

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

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

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

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

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

Did he pass any sort of background check?

Whatever happened to this guy?

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

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

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

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

Looks like frequent gun crimes are still with us.

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

Any reporting or updates on this?

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

No Word on Enhanced Background Checks – No Comments Allowed

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

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

More here:

Another month with an R status update:

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

Sewage drain pipe sign is still posted:

More here:

Monroe Landing – Site Visit

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

More here:

Site Visit – Captain Thomas Coupe Park

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

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

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

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

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

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

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

Are Public Assistance Programs Working?

March 13, 2020 //

In the news:

March 13, 2020 The Seattle Times

Inslee expands coronavirus K-12 school closure, 250-person gathering ban, across Washington

“…school districts here have begun planning for ways to get core services, such as food, to families.”

“…looking for ways to get meals to students in need, such as bussing meals to neighborhoods where lots of students live.”

March 13, 2020 WHSV

Schools scramble to feed students after coronavirus closures

“Kiyana Esco needs free school lunches and breakfasts to feed her six children. But with schools shutting down over coronavirus concerns, she’s scrambling to pick up the meals, care for her kids and keep her job.”

Thank you WHSV, for acknowledging that we are talking about a federal free and reduced school breakfast and lunch program. The press often calls it a free lunch program. The average person, who has no kids in school may not realize that breakfast is also part of the program.

March 13, 2020 CNN

The coronavirus pandemic is closing schools. How will kids eat?

“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?”

Former Lunch Lady here.

I do not object to public assistance programs. The press should make an effort to keep the public informed on how these programs are working.

Again, I am not against public assistance programs, but did the WWII generation rely heavily on public school districts to feed their kids?

100 years ago, did families rely on school districts to feed their children to such an extent that, if school was shut down, school districts would scramble to fill busses with food and send it out into the neighborhoods?

Voluntary action:

February 25 Fox News

Ohio church pays off lunch debt for students at 11 school districts

Love to see newspeople ask:

If a family’s household income level qualifies for free & reduced breakfast and lunch at school, wouldn’t they also qualify for various other publicly funded food assistance programs?

Do free and reduced breakfast and lunch meals consumed at school reduce what a family receives or qualifies for each month in publicly funded food assistance?

If school shuts down, does the family still qualify for publicly funded food assistance? If food assistance programs remain in place outside of school-why would children be at risk of going hungry?

If the programs aren’t working-let’s hear all about it.

Meaningful Work

Tax money-which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs-also goes for bombing Iraq and Afghanistan.

Helping others by donating to churches or private charities, food banks, etc. can avoid these conflicts.

Donors are free to opt out if a charity misbehaves.

People could keep more of their own money to donate to causes of their choosing if the federal government was not taking it to pay for wasteful programs.

More here:

Helping others by donating

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 Just Be Honest, Lunch Lady, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Questioning Failed Programs

Tulsi Gabbard – Information Suppression Update

March 12, 2020 //

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March 6, 2020 W.J. Astore

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

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

March 4, 2020 //

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

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

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

May 26, 2019

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

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?

March 3, 2020

Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.

Congressman Kilmer,

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.”

Congressman Kilmer,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Feb 28, 2020 WPSD Local 6

Second lady Karen Pence visits Fort Campbell

“It is our priority to come alongside you and your children so that our military service members can stay focused on their mission and remain ready to fight and protect our freedom.”

Feb 17, 2020

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper:

“This Presidents Day, let us never forget the extraordinary men and women serving our Country. As we remember our founders that formed our great Nation, we also remember our Service Members fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.”

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

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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

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

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

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

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

Just Be Honest.

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

More here:

Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”