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:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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 2 or 3 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 and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation. A wide variety of political personalities have occupied the White House.
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
Some may have become skeptical along the way.
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?
Since last July 4th:
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store. Maybe the concept of Armistice Day had not gone completely extinct.
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:
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.
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
DEA Announces Launch of Methamphetamine Initiative
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.
Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release
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
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Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego
Jun-Sep 1979
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
4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea
“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”
School teachers,
Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?
More here:
Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish
Another month with an R status update:
Went out on 3/18/2020 to check on Monroe Landing.
Sewage drain pipe sign is still posted:
More here:
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
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Nordland Transit Center
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.”
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.
Related:
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:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Welcome Visitors
Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden
Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.
On Twitter
March 6, 2020 W.J. Astore
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Beach walk – South Indian Island
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 security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
More here:
Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area
“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Unsustainable Military Spending
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Whidbey agriculture – no hurry to change
A view from the Bluff Trail
In parts of the Puget Sound area, there are ongoing concerns related to maintaing a local military presence for training purposes.
Some may feel like more is better.
Some may feel that the Navy should make plans to leave the area:
My take:
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Not complaining, not trying to get the Navy to leave. Not trying to shut down training.
I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I know it is a larger concern based on where people are situated on Whidbey or elsewhere in the region; Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, B.C., Port Townsend, etc.
I am not anti-government, anti-military or anti-law enforcement.
The US Armed Forces should be promoted in honest ways.
One of the messages we see goes something like this:
NAS Whidbey has been here since WWII. Navy crews will not be able to operate safely without training operations conducted on Whidbey Island.
Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.
Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.
The US has vast holdings in the form of bombing ranges, missile test ranges, federal lands appropriate for nuclear weapons testing, etc. War games and military training might be conducted in these areas without bothering anyone.
June 21, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Sound Off: Anti-jet noise activists’ narrative not rooted in reality
“Navy personnel and their young families are among our most committed and vibrant community members. In addition to ensuring a superlative national defense, they perform countless hours of community service and involvement.”
A superlative national defense?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
July 30, 2019 The Seattle Times
Navy on Whidbey Island is a matter of ‘national security’
Have NAS Whidbey jets operated in any war won by the US?
March 1, 2020 Peninsula Daily News
Navy eyeing SEALs training at state parks
From comments:
“Small price to pay for your freedom you seem to take for granted…”
Local press and hometown pride:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Military Town – Letter to the Editor:
Every day except on 911.
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.”
Secretary Esper,
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.”
Secretary Esper,
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?
Again, the US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
More here:
“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Unsustainable Military Spending
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?
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
Recently, I have been seeing a few Promoted Tweets relating to the B-52 Bomber:
“There is only one right choice to power the B-52…”
A mixed bag of comments may follow these posts:
“Tell me, in what conflict in the last 59 years has your technology been used to actually protect citizens of our country? Because from where I sit it looks like you’re nothing but merchants of death whose profits depend on how much innocent blood is spilled in foreign lands.”
I make no attempt to mute these tweets. I see them as an opportunity to think about the message.
“The B-52 has been in active service with the USAF since 1955.”
In the news:
Feb 15, 2020 The War Zone
B-52 Bomber Spotted Flying Low Just Off Somali Coast (Updated)
Feb 17, 2020 defenceWeb
US Air Forces flies B-52 over Somalia on East African mission
Has the B-52 been able to strike targets in any war won by the US?
Past DOD Spending
Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes
Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds
Past DOD Results
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.
Related:
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Unsustainable Military Spending
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Looking towards the Bluff Trail from Hill Road
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
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.”
Not just the Second Lady of the United States
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.”
Secretary Esper,
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.”
Secretary Esper,
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?
If undeclared/unwon wars continue over the next 50 years, will Americans still believe these wars are for freedom?
Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
More here:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Unsustainable Military Spending
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Looking down towards Hill Road from the Bluff Trail
We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.
Alternative media is 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.
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.
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.
Related:
Land of Information Suppression
February 24, 2020 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County
Comments are shut down and we encourage you to keep the conversation going?
No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters, etc. These are rules that make sense.
Eliminating the opportunity for all to follow some basic rules and comment is information suppression.
Over the years, I’ve seen some really good points brought up in the comments section. Manage it, don’t ban it.
I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of investigative reporting & newspeople asking questions. Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
Related:
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A winter ride on the Keystone ferry
More Keystone:
Town swipes Keystone’s claim to fame — its ferry-route name
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations:
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Random thoughts on American culture and politics.
Our questions appear in bold type.
People are divided, and sometimes it looks like this can be based on emotion and misunderstanding.
Greyhound bus changes policy
The bus company now says “…that it does not consent to unwarranted searches on its buses…”
Emotion and misunderstanding gets in the way of understanding that these suspicionless bus boardings were taking place away from border crossings and ports of entry. If the bus takes you from the US to Canada, you will still stop at the border coming and going to be cleared to enter the other country.
“Spokane is 97 miles — as the crow flies — from an international border. That puts it within the 100-mile interior enforcement zone where Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol’s parent agency, claims heightened powers over residents and travelers alike.”
From comments:
“Arrest drivers. Seize their drivers. Fine the company.
@GreyhoundBus needs to obey law enforcement.”
Same country that will make a big deal of celebrating freedom and independence on July 4th.
In 2008, the US Border Patrol came to Jefferson County, WA and set up suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry.
At a local Border Patrol forum a lady asked:
“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”
US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.
Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.
Question about providing ID is at 0:35
Should Joe Sixpack and the family be stopped and questioned when they drive through Spokane?
Has a more aggressive CBP approach led to any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?
No CBP inspection of rail shipments entering the US?
“Police say they found 180 kilograms of meth during the investigation.”
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:
REAL ID deadline is approaching.
If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911? The new REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel does not kick in until October 1, 2020.
Love to see newspeople schedule an interview with the US Dept. of Homeland Security & ask:
Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Border Wall
February 20, 2020 KTVZ
DEA launches major meth crackdown as record amounts flood Northwest
“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.”
What will change after spending big cash on a wall?
Will a US border wall keep cartels from moving product into New Zealand?
Feb 23, 2020 Newshub
Mexican drug cartels Sinaloa and CJNG could try to corrupt NZ Customs and police – report
“The New Zealand Drug Intelligence Bureau has warned two of the world’s biggest drug cartels could be trying to infiltrate our police and Customs services to corrupt their staff.”
“Now there is confirmation that the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Mexican crime groups are supplying drugs to New Zealand, and police say they even have members working in Aotearoa as go-betweens with local gangs.”
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Emotion and misunderstanding often gets in the way when people approach the camera and say “You do not have permission to film me.” People standing on a public sidewalk will also be told that they may not film whatever they can see.
Told to stop filming at 3:13
6:50 recording without my consent is against the law:
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.
More here: Operating A Camera In A Public Place
A country that probably brags about freedom more than anywhere else on the globe.
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.
Paid spokesperson update-
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.”
Secretary Esper,
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.”
Secretary Esper,
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?
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.
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.
More here:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A view of Point Wilson to the north.
The thanks for your service slogan is now being used in banking and retail settings. People are trained to repeat this phrase on the job.
Filling out some sort of application online may generate the phrase.
Nov 09, 2017 Psychology Today
Should You Say “Thank You for Your Service”?
“Acknowledge Veterans for their service by saying a simple: “Thank you for your service.” Whether that’s on Facebook, a text message, a phone call, a letter, or an in-person greeting, a basic acknowledgment can go a long way.”
My take:
I respond in an outwardly pleasant way when I am presented with this phrase.
I would much rather that people reach for an honest understanding of US foreign policy, and skip the phrase. To me, the phrase is a reminder, that as a culture, we do not question undeclared/unwon wars that never end.
When do we get to vote on all this? The Psychology Today article avoids these questions and doesn’t show any hint of an Armistice Day vibe.
The Armed Forces are overemphasized in American culture.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms.
Growing up in the 60s & 70s-veterans were all around-church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad-who did time in the Navy in the 50s-but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains, discounts, head of the line privileges at the airport, etc.
New traditions
Both major parties take turns in the White House. When it’s their turn to stage a State of the Union address, both parties will have veterans as guests at SOTU events. When did this tradition begin? Were WWII veterans invited as special guests to SOTU events in the 60s and 70s?
In the 60s and 70s, were WWII veterans invited to be honored at pregame ceremonies out at the ball park?
These days, WWII veterans are sought out to be guests of honor at ball games, parades, etc.
Some of these events seem to go off pretty well. In some cases, rather than honoring veterans, it looks like these guys are being used for marketing and promotional events, staged to benefit something other than veterans.
0:12 the man is barely conscious when greeted by team owner Jerry Jones:
Love to see the press get out & away from the special occasions and marketing events to interview WWII veterans on what they think of undeclared/unwon wars that never end.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Militarized parking lots are another new tradition.
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards shutting down failed wars that never end.
Sort of looks like dividing people up into groups. No such thing related to veterans and special parking spots when I was a kid.
Back in those days, there were 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.
Now this:
January 05, 2020 WDTV 5 News
New reserved parking spots for veterans
“The parking spaces are being called, “superhero parking” and are reserved for veterans, active duty members, and
first respondents.”
“Mall management was unable to give any comment as to why this new trend has begun.”
Well, thanks mall management. Your business and marketing efforts attract the attention of the local news media. It’s your chance to deliver a statement that would create a free advertisement for your retail location. You are caught completely off guard. You have nothing to say.
We’re back into a major election season.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
It will take more than a thanks for your service for things to change.
Related:
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Unsustainable Military Spending
Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Various states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands. Each one claims that military operations overseas are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms:
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
Maryland Freedoms Found In The Middle East?
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Nordland Transit Center
In the news:
February 4, 2020 South Whidbey Record
Exhibits, parade mark 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage
February 4, 2020 CNN Female lawmakers wear white to continue State of the Union tradition
“Many female Democratic lawmakers arrived at Tuesday’s State of the Union address dressed in white to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women first having the right to vote.”
19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women’s Right to Vote (1920)
“Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote.”
“World War I began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and lasted until 1918.”
Promoting the idea-
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:
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.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
More here:
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Right To Vote is Protected by the U.S. Armed Forces?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Looking north towards the Bluff Trail
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Looks like newspeople have made a commitment not to show any sense of curiosity.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Examples:
Gun Control
January 22, 2020 KUOW
Less than 24 hours after shooting, it’s ‘business as usual’ in downtown Seattle
“It was the third shooting in two days in the same area of downtown Seattle. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said that there is nothing to suggest that the three incidents are related.”
January 22nd 2020 KOMO News
‘It was sheer panic’: 1 dead, 7 wounded in downtown Seattle shootout
“Two 24-year-old men with criminal records later were identified as suspects by police. Both were still at large as of Thursday morning. Both were considered armed and dangerous.”
Jan. 10, 2020 The Seattle Times
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 roll on.
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
Lies about freedom
State Representative Julie Casimiro says troops are sent to distant lands to protect American rights and freedoms.
As if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
January 21, 2020 GoLocalProv
RI National Guard Head to the Middle East – They Deserve Our Gratitude
State Representative Julie Casimiro:
“They left on Monday, January 20th for an 11-month assignment in the Middle East at a time of international uncertainty and unrest. They left to protect our freedoms and our country.”
“These Citizen Soldiers sacrifice so much for their love of country and for that we owe them a lifelong debt of gratitude. They will miss many “firsts” in their families, holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and Thanksgiving to protect our rights, freedoms and international security.”
Protecting our rights and freedoms?
More discussion please.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Rhode Island need services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Congressman Derek Kilmer tells us:
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
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?
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?
Related: How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
Meth in the Puget Sound area
January 21, 2020 KIRO7
50 pounds of meth seized during Bellingham traffic stop
October 23, 2019, Q13 News video:
Is Port Angeles CBP at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA
An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.
The press is good with the Drug War
December 8th, 2018 The Daily World
Five county bust hits Mexican drug cartel
Drug pipeline ‘has been shut down:’ Statewide bust nets 29 arrests, guns, drugs
More than a year later, is there any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?
“The dangerous pills containing fentanyl flowing through this pipeline operated by this Western Washington distribution network has been shut down,” Keith Weis, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, said in a statement.
Next time the DEA tells the press that a drug pipeline has been shut down, will reporters ask questions, or simply put out another press release?
Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:
Zero questions from newspeople:
Local meth news stories here.
Local heroin news stories here.
Plenty of questions here:
Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree
More here:
Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release
Press Plays The Role of Armed Forces & Homeland Security Public Affairs Staff
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
Local water quality
Back in 2017, Island County Public Health posted a sign at the Coupeville Wharf about restrictions on recreational shellfish harvesting.
Several Island County beaches are now closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.
View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.
One or more sewage treatment plants 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
Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?
Stewardship is a priority:
Sign below educates the public on local waters.
Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area
Went out to take a look
I saw no warning signs on 5/21/19 at Monroe Landing.
Image below taken on a March 24, 2019 Penn Cove site visit.
WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:
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.
Lack of News Reporting Hurts Newspaper Subscriptions?
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of the press asking questions.
Image source/photo credit:
January 21, 2020 SouthCoastToday
R.I. National Guard unit deploys to Middle East
“The deployment of the 115th is part of a scheduled rotation of deployments overseas, according to the Guard’s news release.”
“Spartan Shield is U.S. Central Command’s means to deter regional aggression and stabilize countries within the region. From Egypt to Pakistan, Kazakhstan to Yemen, the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility is strategically important as well as volatile.”
As always, looks like members of the press were not available to show up and ask why the people of Rhode Island need services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.
January 21, 2020 GoLocalProv
RI National Guard Head to the Middle East – They Deserve Our Gratitude
State Representative Julie Casimiro:
“They left on Monday, January 20th for an 11-month assignment in the Middle East at a time of international uncertainty and unrest. They left to protect our freedoms and our country.”
“These Citizen Soldiers sacrifice so much for their love of country and for that we owe them a lifelong debt of gratitude. They will miss many “firsts” in their families, holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and Thanksgiving to protect our rights, freedoms and international security.”
Protecting our rights and freedoms?
More discussion please.
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?
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
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.
Various other states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands:
Maryland Freedoms Found In The Middle East?
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
Related:
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
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
January 15, 2020 Capital Gazette
Gov. Larry Hogan welcomes home Maryland National Guard at BWI Airport
“Gov. Larry Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford welcomed 150 soldiers from the Army National Guard’s 244th vertical construction company Wednesday after being deployed for almost one year to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.”
“They have been deployed for over 300 days and protecting our freedoms, so I just want to thank them,” Rutherford said. “They are making sure we are safe here in America. These soldiers are Marylanders that we can be very proud, and it is important that we are here to welcome them home.”
Protecting our freedoms?
More discussion please.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Maryland needed services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Love to see newspeople ask:
Lt. Gov. Rutherford,
While the troops were away, 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.”
Related:
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
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
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Welcome Visitors
Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden
Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.
Alternative media
OK with asking questions:
January 8, 2020 Cato Institute
“The Suleimani killing was something new under the sun. It marked the first time an American president has publicly ordered the assassination of a top government official for a country we’re not legally at war with.”
Mainstream media
Newspeople interviewing newspeople:
Will reverting to WWII uniforms help to smooth things out?
Another hard-hitting news segment:
More here:
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
30 years later – newspeople still not asking questions: 1990 Desert Shield All Over Again
Both Major Parties & Several Presidents
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
Fox & Friends Think Tank Update
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of freedom, federal government credibility and of the press that plays along by not asking any questions.
The local press is out to sample the can-do attitude maintained by VFW members in Oregon and the new airlift wing commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Out to the VFW to see what local members have to say:
January 8th 2020 KTVL News 10
Veterans near Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base reflect on rising tensions with Iran
“…Karen Johnson a retired U.S. Army Colonel who served in Operation Desert Storm…”
Johnson said the threat of an attack on U.S. soil is always looming and said: “this is what we train for.”
“It’s an ever-present danger, not just for what happened yesterday, look at the world trade centers, I was there before it was bombed, so it’s been ongoing, they tried to attack that years ago, I believe it was in the 1980s and we intercepted that,” she said.
“Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173d Fighter Wing which is a part of the air education and training command that supports training for F-15 jets for the air national guard and the u-s air force.”
A training base:
Though they do occasionally deploy individuals in support of combat operations around the globe, Jennifer D Shirar, a spokeswoman for the base, said there are no current plans to deploy pilots or any support personnel. She added that the base is currently focused on “their F-15 training mission.”
“Duane Whitehead, a former Combat Engineer who served in the Vietnam War, and is quartermaster at the V.F.W. Post 1383 and V.F.W. District 5, said he also feels that Kingsley Field provides security for all in the area.”
“I feel Klamath Falls is secure because of the 173rd Air force, they’re always on their striker training sessions, they always keep training in everything incase we do go to war,” he said.
Over to Joint Base Lewis–McChord:
January 10th 2020 KOMO News
JBLM’s new airlift wing commander preps troops for Middle East
Troop movements are highlighted:
Away from the VFW halls, change of command ceremonies and TV news studios, regular people may reflect on what has changed since 1990.
There has been much Dept. of Defense action in the Middle East since 1990.
Desert Storm did not serve to prevent 911.
National Guard units are doing multiple tours in distant lands, absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war:
Typical state governors will say that their national guard troops are overseas defending American rights and freedoms:
January 4th 2020 WCHS
West Virginia National Guard members return home
“The 821st Horizontal Construction Company returned home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East.”
“During their deployment, the soldiers carried out various missions and tasks in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.”
“West Virginia Governor Jim Justice was on hand to greet the soldiers as they returned.”
“On behalf of all West Virginians, Cathy and I want to welcome home all the brave men and women who have been overseas defending freedom,” Justice said in a news release.
Defending Freedom?
More discussion please.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of West Virginia needed services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Love to see newspeople ask:
Governor Justice,
While the troops were away, 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.”
An early memory of TV news hype
I was at Camp Pendleton in 1990 when the Desert Shield buildup began to develop.
One day after work, I went home and watched the local TV news.
A TV news reporter was on the beach at Camp Pendleton where things were loud & noisy. He spoke loudly into the microphone and announced:
“These Marines are training for The Gulf!”
This sort of routine training had been going on at Camp Pendleton for decades. It had nothing to do with recent developments overseas.
Now, it’s 2020
Regular people might have their own concerns, related to:
A Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars that goes back to 1949.
A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
The National Guard needs more people to stay:
January 8, 2020 The Telegraph
National Guard offering $20K bonus to soldiers and lump sum salary payouts for re-enlistments
“But while the Illinois National Guard is enjoying success in recruiting and retention, the Army National Guard as a whole is struggling to reach that same success, according to Donald.”
Unlike active duty folks, these guys need to have a regular job and place to live back home when not helping DOD squander credibility in distant lands:
July 26, 2019 Chicago Tribune
“’Daddy, are you going to send me things from Afghanistan?’” O’Neill said his son asked. “And I’m like, ‘Of course, bud. I’ll send you stuff.’”
“O’Neill, a father of four who lives in suburban La Grange, is among an estimated 400 members of the Illinois Army National Guard who will be leaving this weekend to begin a more than yearlong deployment to Afghanistan…”
“O’Neill’s family sold their home in Chicago’s western suburbs to downsize to a one-bedroom apartment to be closer to relatives who can provide support to his wife and children while he is away.”
“While the troops should be credited for fulfilling a patriotic duty, they face a daunting task because of how few American servicemen and women are serving in a country with a population of more than 34 million, Pape said.”
Sign up to serve the people of Illinois, then head for Afghanistan. Can’t blame people for questioning this scenario. Might want to validate the use of National Guard troops in distant lands.
Regular people might ask:
Are giant flag rituals at football games enough to sustain all this?
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.
More here:
Both Major Parties & Several Presidents
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
Fox & Friends Think Tank Update
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Near Point Partridge
Did the advantage of leveraging leading-edge technology or Department of Defense social media posts allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
Also: The Strategic Depth of the Joint Force
More here:
Fox & Friends Think Tank Update
Both Major Parties & Several Presidents
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Port Hadlock Transit Center
Constitutional limitations on government discussed at 1:03
More here:
Both Major Parties & Several Presidents
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Watching the storms at Keystone
What were they saying back in October?
President Trump 14:30
The Middle East is less safe, less stable, less secure:
Professor Emeritus and retired Colonel Andrew Bacevich 19:45
The mess that is the Middle East today has been created by both parties and several Presidential administrations:
More here:
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Port Hadlock Transit Center
Growing up in the 60s & 70s-veterans were all around-church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad-who did time in the Navy in the 50s-but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals-it’s a proud thing:
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.
Now this:
January 05, 2020 WDTV 5 News
New reserved parking spots for veterans
“The parking spaces are being called, “superhero parking” and are reserved for veterans, active duty members, and
first respondents.”
“Mall management was unable to give any comment as to why this new trend has begun.”
Well, thanks mall management. Your business and marketing efforts attract the attention of the local news media. It’s your chance to deliver a statement that would create a free advertisement for your retail location. You are caught completely off guard. You have nothing to say.
November 5, 2019 DOGOnews
Veterans Day Celebrates Our Real-Life Superheroes
“Always wanted to meet a real-life superhero? Then you are in luck for November 11 is Veterans Day, an opportunity to thank the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who often risk their lives to protect our freedom.”
Protect freedom?
More discussion please.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
Related:
Most people do no time in the military-they don’t want to.
There seems to be a quiet guilt about this, so American popular and political culture almost worships those who do.
You don’t have to look too far to find comments that refer to the troops as “heroes.”
Some are.
No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.
Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
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
January 4th 2020 WCHS
West Virginia National Guard members return home
“The 821st Horizontal Construction Company returned home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East.”
“During their deployment, the soldiers carried out various missions and tasks in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.”
“West Virginia Governor Jim Justice was on hand to greet the soldiers as they returned.”
“On behalf of all West Virginians, Cathy and I want to welcome home all the brave men and women who have been overseas defending freedom,” Justice said in a news release.
Defending Freedom?
More discussion please.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of West Virginia needed services in the Middle East, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Love to see newspeople ask:
Governor Justice,
While the troops were away, 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.”
Related:
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Not Invited To The Made For TV Debates
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
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
It was this way prior to Donald Trump.
The idea is to live in a free and honest society.
School teachers and the mainstream press can help with this, but they mostly aren’t about asking questions.
The Press
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
Veterans Day was established in 1954, after Armistice Day was tossed out. The DOD track record for winning undeclared wars has been lousy since the Dept. of Defense was established in 1949.
Local press:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
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.
School Teachers
What about school teachers? Do they have a part in teaching students about government structure and the honest role of the US Armed Forces?
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?
Veterans like to get in on the act:
April 28, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
Hands on hearts: Loyalty Day Parade celebrates patriotism in Brinnon
“Ernie Muir, a lifetime member of the Brinnon VFW Post who served in the Army in Vietnam in 1967-68, said the event is mostly for the kids.”
“It’s good for the kids to get to know some of the local veterans they see around,” Hough said. “It gives them a little understanding of freedom.”
Pledge of Allegiance
Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Are veteran’s organizations working to restore these freedoms?
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good. Will the press ask questions? Will school teachers ask questions? Will traditional veterans groups ask questions?
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.
Growing up 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.
Related:
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Not Invited To The Made For TV Debates
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Too Many Lies From The Freedom Promoters
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of elected officials and public schools telling lies about freedom and of the press that plays along by not asking any questions.
Regular politician update:
Governor Lee tells us that sending the Tennessee National Guard to Kosovo is somehow linked to our freedom and liberties.
As always, the press plays along by not asking any questions:
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
Supporters of major political parties react to the possibility of more war with discussions that seem to be very much about political parties and personalities and very little about constitutional principles and limits placed on government by the constitution:
Political Parties and Personalities – Just Be Honest
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, etc.
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Alternative candidate. Will not be invited to the made for TV debates:
It’s hard to tell what the major political parties believe in. This is one reason why it’s hard to get excited about voting or watching the staged and scripted debates on TV.
Alternative media continues to ask questions:
The standing Army is ready to go:
January 4, 2020 KTLA
“April Shumard said she was at work on New Year’s Eve and he was watching their five children when he texted her that he had to rush to base. He wasn’t sure if it was a drill or a deployment. She said her husband has been in the military since 2010 and has already deployed twice to Afghanistan.”
My thoughts when I heard of the embassy response:
Very confident in the people available to respond to this.
Thoughts on standing Armies:
US Armed Forces in 160+ countries around the world.
Love to see the regular politicians and TV newspeople take a close look at the Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars since DOD was established in 1949.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Maybe a giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Will reverting to WWII uniforms help to smooth things out?
Another hard-hitting made for TV news segment:
Related:
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Too Many Lies From The Freedom Promoters
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Port Townsend scene
The people of Tennessee need services in Kosovo:
Jan 3, 2020 WSMV News4 Nashville
Gov. Lee visits with National Guard soldiers before deployment
“On behalf of 7.7 million Tennesseans we are forever grateful for your service and sacrifices that you and your families are willing to make for our great state. Thank you for protecting our country, our way of living, our freedom and our liberties that we enjoy every day.” said Lee. “Maria and I will keep you and your families in our daily prayers.”
“They are part of a NATO-led international peacekeeping force known as Kosovo Force (KFOR) that has been serving in the region since 1999.”
As always, the press plays along by not asking any questions.
Sorry,
No newspeople available to ask:
How did our freedom and our liberties that we enjoy every day get over to Kosovo?
Background:
Kosovo
The longest peacekeeping mission in NATO history.
U.S. forces have been there since 1999.
US Army:
“Working again in concert with European allies, U.S. forces entered Kosovo in June 1999 with the primary objective of bringing peace to that troubled land.”
Governor Lee,
Various American freedoms may have come & gone since US troops were sent to Kosovo in 1999.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, sports betting, bump stock ban, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
Are any of these freedoms linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, sending National Guard troops to Kosovo, or the outcome of military operations overseas?
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Did the advantage of NATO allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented won or shut down?
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.
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.
More here:
Political Parties and Personalities – Just Be Honest
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Too Many Lies From The Freedom Promoters
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of elected officials telling lies about freedom and of the press that plays along by not asking any questions.
It’s hard to tell what the major political parties believe in. This is one reason why it’s hard to get excited about voting.
As the nation heads towards the possibility of more war, the discussion is very much about political parties and personalities and very little about constitutional principles and limits placed on government by the constitution.
Some people get away from discussing politics because things can turn tense and ugly. Comment sections on the web can be like this.
Some families avoid discussing politics.
What about school teachers? Do they have a part in teaching students about government structure and the honest role of the US Armed Forces?
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?
Hey school teachers,
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.
Not here to say that most of what the Dept. of Defense touches turns to crap, but, if The Troops were an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Related: A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Veterans like to get in on the act:
April 28, 2019 Peninsula Daily News
Hands on hearts: Loyalty Day Parade celebrates patriotism in Brinnon
“Ernie Muir, a lifetime member of the Brinnon VFW Post who served in the Army in Vietnam in 1967-68, said the event is mostly for the kids.”
“It’s good for the kids to get to know some of the local veterans they see around,” Hough said. “It gives them a little understanding of freedom.”
Pledge of Allegiance
Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Are veteran’s organizations working to restore these freedoms?
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good. Will the press ask questions? Will school teachers ask questions? Will traditional veterans groups ask questions?
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.
More here:
Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens: Federal Prohibition Of Tobacco Sales To Adults Age 18-20
Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Too Many Lies From The Freedom Promoters
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Port Hadlock Transit Center
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
The idea is to live in a free and honest society.
The mainstream press can help with this, but they mostly aren’t about asking questions.
The press is very good about asking questions and providing thorough reporting whenever a sports story develops:
Dec. 29, 2019 The Seattle Times
Why doesn’t this style of reporting cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, or the Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars?
Topics like healthcare, immigration, climate change, impeachment, gun, control, and sports get plenty of coverage.
I tend to be fascinated with topics that are underreported in the news. I wonder why the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers, big city papers, and TV news folks seem to have certain topics they stay away from. These are the issues I like to blog about.
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.
All time favorite urban legend:
The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.
As if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
The press will avoid questioning this idea. They may even take time to promote it.
Local paper:
“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?
Congressman Derek Kilmer tells us:
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
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?
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?
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
Local water quality
Several Island County beaches are closed for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
This appears to be a routine/ongoing situation.
View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.
One or more sewage treatment plants 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
Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?
Stewardship is a priority:
Sign below educates the public on local waters.
Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area
Back in 2017, Island County Public Health posted a sign at the Coupeville Wharf about restrictions on recreational shellfish harvesting. I saw no warning signs on 5/21/19 at Monroe Landing.
Image below taken on a March 24, 2019 Penn Cove site visit.
WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:
Is Port Angeles CBP at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?
US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA
An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
Plenty of questions here:
Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?
Why are Border Patrol arrest statistics secret at Port Angeles?
March 19, 2014 Sequim Gazette
Agent counters allegations of ‘boredom’
“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”
“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”
Go and ask the FBI for Chicago bank robbery statistics. You’ll get the numbers. They won’t tell you that statistics/public records must be withheld because stats would assist bank robbers if they were shared with the public.
What other law enforcement agencies, anywhere in the US maintain secret arrest statistics?
Washington State Patrol shares DUI arrest statistics on social media here:
“Our #WSP District 8 troopers removed 1,429 impaired drivers from the roads in 2018.”
“Here is a breakdown of what it looks like in each of our 7 counties.”
Elsewhere, when CBP has something to brag about-the public is promptly notified:
Border Patrol K-9 Sniffs out Cocaine Hidden in Dashboard
Border Patrol Stops Drug Smuggler on I-8
Border Patrol Agent’s Public Safety Check Turns into Heroin Bust
Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions.
Local press tells us that the area is drowning in meth:
October 23, 2019, Q13 News video:
Still looking like newspeople are forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance:
Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat
Back in 2014:
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Questions for newspeople:
Has there been any post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey Island?
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Any members of the free press available to show up and ask why the people of West Virginia need services in an unknown overseas location absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Dec 26, 2019 WOWK News video:
West Virginia Army National Guard sings “Country Roads” to boost holiday spirit
Related:
Lack of News Reporting Hurts Newspaper Subscriptions?
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Military Town – Hometown Pride
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 $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep meth from entering the Puget Sound area:
Newspeople play along by not asking questions.
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
The Seal Rock oyster
Check out the water quality over at Seal Rock here.
Compare to various Island County beaches here.
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
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.”
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine. Why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition on the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20?
Related:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
A symbol of four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms.
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
Our questions appear in bold type:
We are frequently told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting to protect American rights and freedoms:
“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”
“For now, the skies above the Olympic Peninsula belong to the Navy’s mission of defending freedom. What that sounds like is up for debate.”
Congressman Derek Kilmer:
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?
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?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Is the freedom talk just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?
Canadian baby boomers being banned from U.S. for admitting they used pot years ago, lawyer says
Candidates,
What effort have you made to end federal prohibition of marijuana?
Candidates,
American freedoms may come & go.
Some examples:
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
Are these freedoms linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas?
Candidates,
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.
Do you find any fault in these statements?
Candidates,
Every 12 months, the US Department of Homeland Security gets another $40 billion in taxpayer funds.
Dec 18, 2019 ABC7 Eyewitness News
‘Meth is king in California’: Golden State is major hub for Mexican drug cartel activity, DEA says
How does it make sense to have The Troops in Iraq & Afghanistan-working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, while cartels continue to move product into US communities?
Oct 23, 2019 Q13FOX
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:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Right To Vote is Protected by the U.S. Armed Forces?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
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 $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep meth from entering the Puget Sound area:
Newspeople play along by not asking questions.
Here’s a guy that will not be invited to ask questions at the Presidential Debates:
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Low Tide at Coupeville
