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Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

May 23, 2019 //
0

Newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions.

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

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

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

 

May 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Drug trafficker faces prison sentence

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

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

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

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

 

May 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Warrant roundup nets unexpected drugs, authorities say

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

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

May 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Drug trafficker faces prison sentence

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

Question for newspeople:

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

2011-

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

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

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

2019-

KING 5 News

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

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Possibly of interest-

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

 

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

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

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

 

Newspeople,

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

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

Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?

Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

 

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

More here:

Port Angeles CBP – Keeping Meth Out of Town?

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

News tip/story idea

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Please Dispose of Properly

 

 

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

Oak Harbor Waterfront

May 21, 2019 //
0

Went out today to take a look.

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

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

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife OAK HARBOR BEACH PARK

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

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

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

 

More than six months back:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running

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

 

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

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

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

 

Stewardship is a priority:

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

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Image below:

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

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

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

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

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

 

Coupeville

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

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

 

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

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

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

More here:

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

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

 

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

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

 

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

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

May 19, 2019 //
0

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

What we can expect as time goes on?

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

Oak Harbor

Image at top of page:

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

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

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

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

Six months back:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running

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

 

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

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

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

 

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

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

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

 

Coupeville

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

Source: WDFW

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

 

More here:

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

 

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

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

 

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

Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall – Zero Questions From Newspeople

May 9, 2019 //
0

Coupeville

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

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

Source: WDFW

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

 

Oak Harbor

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

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

Source: WDFW

 

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

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

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

More here:

Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

 

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

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

 

 

 

Image above:

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

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

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

Updated recreational shellfish safety map at bottom of page.

 

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

Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom

May 1, 2019 //
2

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?

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

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

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

A little understanding of freedom?

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

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

Hey school teachers–

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

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

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

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

More here:

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

Glorifying Military Service

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

A Land of Make Believe

Role Models & Lies About Freedom

Hero?

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

Liberty And Justice For All?

Military Messaging

National Guard in Afghanistan

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

Military Town – Hometown Pride

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Veterans are in the best position to understand that in some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

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

 

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

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

April 28, 2019 //
0

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

February 14, 2019 KRTV News video:

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

Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:

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

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

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

 

April 25, 2019 KNWA News video:

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

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

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

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

 

May 22, 2018 CBS Denver:

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

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

 

March 15, 2019 The Fresno Bee News video:

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

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

 

No inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

Feb 27, 2019 Times Colonist

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

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

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

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

More here:

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

Port Angeles CBP – Keeping Meth Out of Town?

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

Please Dispose of Properly

 

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

Earth Day 2019 – News Tip/Story Idea

April 20, 2019 //
0

Image above:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Previous month:

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running

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

 

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

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

 

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

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

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

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

When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?

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

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

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

 

Over at Penn Cove-

Images taken on March 24, 2019 site visit.

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

More here:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

 

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

 

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

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

 

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

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

April 18, 2019 //
0

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Collins,

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

 

WABI News video

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

1:27

“…Preserving America’s freedom…”

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

 

Not just Senator Collins:

Jan 1st 2019 Military.com

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

Acting Secretary of Defense:

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

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

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

Protect Our Freedoms?

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

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

Hey school teachers–

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

More here:

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

Glorifying Military Service

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

A Land of Make Believe

Role Models & Lies About Freedom

Hero?

US Navy on Whidbey Island

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

Liberty And Justice For All?

Military Messaging

National Guard in Afghanistan

 

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, school teachers and newspeople not asking questions.

 

 

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

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

April 17, 2019 //
0

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

Does hometown pride cause newspeople not to ask questions?

 

Oak Harbor

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

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

The colors on the recreational shellfish safety map are telling:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

Oak Harbor Waterfront

 

In the news:

May 14, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

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

Zero questions from newspeople on why:

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

Source: WDFW

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

 

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

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

Military Town – Hometown Pride

 

Coupeville

“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”

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

Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.

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

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

 

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

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

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

Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

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

 

Brinnon

Loyalty Day – A little understanding of freedom

 

Port Angeles

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Port Angeles CBP Staffing & Infrastructure – Newspeople Remain Silent

Port Angeles CBP – Keeping Meth Out of Town?

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

News tip/story idea

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

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

 

Washington’s 6th congressional district

Question for newspeople:

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

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

 

Island County

2014

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

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

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?

Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

Related:

Local stories where newspeople seem to refrain from asking questions:

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

Port Angeles CBP – Keeping Meth Out of Town?

April 14, 2019 //
0

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

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

Local meth news stories here.

 

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

Newspeople,

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

2011-

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

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

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

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

2019-

KING 5 News

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

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

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

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

Even one time?

 

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

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

More here:

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

News tip/story idea

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Welcome Home Troops

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

 

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

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

 

 

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

Puget Sound Water Quality

March 30, 2019 //
0

Kitsap County – Several Temporary Spills

March 28, 2019 KING 5 News video:

Suquamish Tribe accuses Navy of spilling raw sewage into Puget Sound

March 29, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Navy sewage spills targeted in lawsuit by local nonprofit

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

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

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

March 5, 2019 2019 Q13 NEWS Video:

Thousands of gallons of sewage dumped into Sinclair Inlet — again

 

Over at Oak Harbor & Penn Cove

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

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running

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

 

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

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

 

Image above:

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

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

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

Welcome Home Troops

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

Love to see newspeople ask some questions on this.

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

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

When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?

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

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

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

 

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

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

Image source: Photo posted by WDFW here.

Over at Penn Cove

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

Penn Cove site visit March 24, 2019:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

More here:

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo at top of page:

The Seal Rock oyster

 

 

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

No Matter What Political Party Or Personality Is In Office

March 27, 2019 //
0

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

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end

Feb 25th, 2019 Fox News

Father, son deployed to Afghanistan with Arizona Army National Guard

 

Newspeople who do not ask questions

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

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

 

The Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket

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

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

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

Cartels vs Wall

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

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

 

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

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

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

More here:

News tip/story idea

 

A dishonest US Dept. of Homeland Security

The Claim:

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

Trump officials exaggerate terrorist threat on southern border in tense briefing

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

Questioning The Claim:

Love to see newspeople ask:

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

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

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

Jan 24th, 2018

Secretary of Homeland Security:

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

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

Jan, 2018 Fox News

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

More here:

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

 

The ongoing glorification of military service.

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

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

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

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

 

Federal prohibition of marijuana

 

Guantanamo prison

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

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Promotion of Corn Ethanol

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

2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: AVOID ETHANOL IN SMALL ENGINES

Mechanics see ethanol damaging small engines

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo- Whidbey scene

 

 

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

Puget Sound Homeland Security Industrial Complex

March 22, 2019 //
0

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

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

March 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Kilmer praises SAFE Boats, talks border security

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

Also in Congressman Kilmer’s district:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

Newspeople,

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

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

Any arrests connected to the US/Canada border?

Any arrests connected to a Homeland Security mission?

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

More here:

News tip/story idea

Question for newspeople:

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

2011-

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

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

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

2019-

KING 5 News

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

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

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

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

Even one time?

 

March 21, 2019 Kitsap Sun

Forum provides overview on opioid use in Kitsap

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

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

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

What part of the story is missing?

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

More here:

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

Cartels vs Wall

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

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Bremerton Homeland Security Jobs Program

Puget Sound Coastal Patrol Boats

Possibly of interest:

Washington State Ferry Ride

 

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

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

 

 

Photo at top of page:

Whidbey Island

2014-

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

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

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?

Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

 

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

US Navy on Whidbey Island

March 17, 2019 //
0

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some examples:

Naval Air Facility El Centro

Yakima Training Center, WA

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

National Training Center, Fort Irwin

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms

China Lake, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division

Barry Goldwater Range Complex

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

White Sands Missile Range

NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE

UTAH TEST & TRAINING RANGE

Naval Auxillary Landing Field San Clemente Island

Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR)

 

It’s The Sound of Freedom!

 

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

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

 

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

How does this work?

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

Hey school teachers–

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

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

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

 

Hometown Pride

Local paper in a military town-

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

“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?

 

How do The Troops defend The Constitution?

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

More here: How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

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

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

More here:

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

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

What Do Conservatives Believe In?

March 12, 2019 //
0

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

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

Industrial Hemp

March 11, 2019 The Seattle Times

Gov. Noem vetoes bill legalizing industrial hemp production

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

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

Mar 14, 2019 Rapid City Journal

OPINION: Hemp veto seems futile

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance

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

When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.

Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end

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

November 27, 2018 KNBN-TV Rapid City

Pierre National Guard unit to deploy to Middle East

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

Hey- smaller government conservatives:

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

Veterans Day Assemblies

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

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

How about the freedom to legally grow Industrial Hemp?

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

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

Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?

 

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

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

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

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

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

More here:

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

Freedoms Completely Unrelated To Jet Noise Over Coupeville

 

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

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

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of freedom, living in an honest society, federal government credibility and newspeople, school teachers and veterans not asking questions.

 

 

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

Ongoing Breakdown of Society

March 7, 2019 //
0

The AIDS epidemic of the 1980s brought advances in medicine and public education about safe sex and avoiding high risk behaviors.

March 5, 2019 NBC News

HIV-positive man in U.K. is 2nd known adult worldwide to be cleared of the AIDS virus

The homelessness and drug addiction problems of today seem to roll on without solutions. Communities with their heart in the right place and lots of tax money to spend are not keeping up.

Seattle

November 3, 2018 The Seattle Times

Seattle homelessness spending tops $90 million

Autumn 2018 City Journal

Seattle Under Siege

“It wasn’t always this way. When I spoke with Eleanor Owen, one of the original cofounders of DESC, she explained that the organization’s mission has shifted over the years from helping the homeless to securing government contracts, maintaining a $112 million real-estate portfolio, and paying a staff of nearly 900.”

“It’s disgraceful,” she said. “When we started, we kept our costs low and helped people get back on their feet.”

“In Houston, local leaders have reduced homelessness by 60 percent through a combination of providing services and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for street camping, panhandling, trespassing, and property crimes.”

Feb 28, 2019 KIRO Radio

Dori: Man arrested in Seattle arson case a homeless frequent offender

Like something out of a third world country:

Sept. 26, 2018 KIRO Radio

Woman mauled by dogs at RV camp begs Seattle City Council for help

Port Angeles

March 6, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Rayonier site fire accidental, authorities say

“Boston said homeless people frequently stay on the property and appear to have gravitated to the sheltered area where the fire occurred.”

Port Townsend

Good citizens lose access because of violators:

February 17, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Port of Port Townsend cites vandalism for restroom lockup

What other types of facilities might restrict daytime access to the public because of vandalism?

Schools, parks, banks, post offices, grocery stores, libraries, transit facilities, bus stops, shopping malls?

More here: Port Townsend Violators Cause Many To Be Locked Out

Whidbey Island

February 20, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Into ‘the pit:’ No one knows what to do with all of the garbage, needles in homeless encampment

Port Angeles Heroin and Methamphetamine

January 30, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Meth use alleged at site of 3 homicides; $3.5 million bail set

Background:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

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

What part of the story is missing?

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

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

Even one time?

More here:

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA News tip/story idea

 

Love to see newspeople ask:

What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?

No inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

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

Just last month: How did 1.7 tons of meth for outbound shipment enter Long Beach California?

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

 

A few towns obviously have people who work together to set priorities and make a positive impression for visitors:

Nice & Tidy

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning – Point Wilson, Washington

 

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, Ongoing Breakdown of Society, The Business of Keeping People informed

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

March 1, 2019 //
0

US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel from moving meth by rail into Canada:

Feb 27, 2019 Times Colonist

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

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

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

 

State-run media update Feb 1, 2019

HSI special agents:

“CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

How are terrorists and their weapons kept out by checking retail items after they show up at a mall in Atlanta?

Did the confiscated items make it through any port of entry?

How do you keep terrorists and their weapons out if there is no inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

 

State-run media update Mar 1, 2019

“Thank you @CBP for 16 years for securing our borders and ports of entry!”

Has securing our borders and ports of entry resulted in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?

 

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.

 

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Welcome Home Troops

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

 

Related:

Just last month: How did 1.7 tons of meth for outbound shipment enter Long Beach California?

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo- Point Partridge Light

 

 

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

National Guard Fighting Drugs At Home & Wars In Iraq & Afghanistan

February 26, 2019 //
0

State-run media lets us know that a National Guard Counterdrug program has been in place in all 50 states since the mid 1990s.

The program started as an effort to eradicate marijuana grows.

At 4:06 we learn that the US Dept. of Homeland Security made a request that the National Guard fill capability gaps in key areas of the US:

When the news is created by people in uniform, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press. It looks like newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.

More news from people in uniform:

Wyoming National Guard partners with police in drug fight

“…the National Guard Bureau operates five counterdrug schools that provide training in drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. These schools trained more than 41,400 law enforcement officers, community-based organization members, and military personnel in the fiscal year 2017.”

“The Guard members are limited to analyzing evidence collected by law enforcement agencies, but once warrants and evidence are secured, the analysts provide a valuable service with the collected data.”

“Additionally, Smith said the Guard’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and crews may be called upon to support law enforcement from the air. When President Ronald Reagan started the program, military aircraft were often used to eradicate crops of marijuana.”

Feb. 25, 2019 The News Journal

Delaware National Guard has behind-the-scenes role in fight against drugs

“…11 full-time airmen and soldiers are embedded in various law enforcement agencies around the state, including the DEA, Customs and the Delaware State Police.”

February 22, 2019 WHYY

Delaware National Guard steps in to help fight drug trafficking, addiction

“A drunken driver steps out of his vehicle after being pulled over. He says he has a weapon, reaches in his pocket and pretends to pull out a gun.”

What does this scenario have to do with drug control policy or the National Guard?

We were told earlier that the National Guard role is limited to analyzing evidence and air support?

“In 2017, 345 people died of overdoses in Delaware. The health department expects last year’s number, which has not yet been finalized, to surpass that due to the increase in drugs laced with the potent synthetic drug fentanyl.”

Another state-run media update:

Prescription Drug Take Back:

0:28 “…collected more than 9,600 pounds of prescription medications…”

A huge success for the legal drug dealers- they sold more than 9,600 pounds of prescription medications to people who did not need them.

Have National Guard counterdrug efforts resulted in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Welcome Home Troops

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Wars In Iraq & Afghanistan:

Army National Guard trains Iraqi engineers

The people of Iowa needed services in Iraq:

“He requested support from the 248th Aviation Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, who had similar equipment.”

The people of Missouri needed services in Iraq:

“As the 248th ASB’s deployment was ending, the partnership passed onto the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Missouri Army National Guard.”

The people of Illinois needed services in Iraq:

“To me at least, it felt like it was something that has a lasting effect here,” said Illinois Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Johnson, B. Company powertrain shop chief.

 

Feb 25th, 2019 Fox News

Father, son deployed to Afghanistan with Arizona Army National Guard

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

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

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

Feb. 25, 2019 The Wall Street Journal

“The U.S. war in Afghanistan has been going on for so long that the newest recruits weren’t alive when it started”

More here: National Guard in Afghanistan

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo- On watch at Fort Ebey

 

 

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

Records Keeping and Gun Violence

February 16, 2019 //
0

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

Love to see newspeople asking more questions here. Our questions will appear in bold type.

February 14, 2019 KING 5 News

Washington state’s backlog of gun records may go from bad to worse

“Currently, there are 550,000 gun purchase paper forms awaiting manual entry; covering handgun purchases made approximately within the last three years.”

“That means law enforcement officers who access the database can’t be sure it reflects whether or not an individual citizen has access to guns. Before making arrests or serving warrants, police and deputies often use the state database to look up whether the person they are looking for owns a firearm.”

November 7, 2018 KING 5 News

Half-million handgun records missing from Washington database

“The backlog means that pistols purchased at Washington gun stores as far back as three years ago have not been entered into the system.”

Legal guns come from various sources other than being purchased at WA gun stores.

Many people own guns that have been passed down in families or were purchased new in decades past.

People who own guns move here from out of state.

How would any of these firearms show up in a WA State database?

 

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014. Did Initiative 594 contribute to the database backlog? Has Initiative 594 reduced incidents of gun related violence anywhere in Washington State? Any reporting or updates on this?

When is the last time the Washington State Department of Licensing gun registration database was running without a backlog?

Back in 2014 – Initiative 594 – Attempting to comply:

In Seattle- gang members are not showing up to comply with strict background check protocols approved by voters in Nov of 2014.

Aug, 2015-

Police say much of the rise in gun violence in Seattle area due to gangs

Related:

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Working Waterfront – Anacortes

 

 

Categories Gun Control, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On

February 15, 2019 //
0

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

February 14, 2019 KRTV News video:

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

“Billings serves as the host agency for HIDTA, but it’s a multi-jurisdictional task force composed of local officers from city, county and federal organizations such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Homeland Security.”

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

“The task force is federally funded through grants from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.”

Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana

“The U.S. Department of Justice announced its award to MHP Thursday, from its Office of Community Oriented Policing. The grant will fund additional troopers, equipment and training specifically to combat incoming meth trafficking. Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said in the statement that Montana’s meth is largely sourced from Mexico.”

 

Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:

K9 screenings and vehicle inspections for customized switches and compartments are effective when conducted by law enforcement authorities in Montana.

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

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

Don’t worry-

The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

Welcome Home Troops

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

Related:

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Border Wall Credibility Update

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Categories Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

How did 1.7 tons of meth for outbound shipment enter Long Beach California?

February 11, 2019 //
0

State-run media update:

February 7, 2019 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. and Australian Authorities Intercept 1.7 Tons of Meth Bound to Australia from LA/Long Beach Seaport

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

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find stories from the US free press that ask questions about this big bust.

How did the 1.7 tons of meth enter the US?

Were US troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security at all relevant in keeping 1.7 tons of meth out of Long Beach?

 

February 8, 2019 Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Police allege $1.29bn ‘tsunami of ice’ seizure shows Mexican cartels are targeting Australians

How were “powerful and violent” Mexican drug cartels able to move a “tsunami of ice” into Long Beach, California?

 

February 8, 2019 The Straits Times

Massive drug bust exposes cartel ties between Mexico and Australia

“The investigation appeared to reveal cooperation between Mexican cartels and Australian biker gangs, developing what the authorities say is a worrying new vector for drugs to arrive to Australia.”

 

Will the big Long Beach bust result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

January 31, 2019 ABC7 Chicago

Meth deaths skyrocket as new drug cartel fueled threat hits Chicago area streets

“DEA Chicago Special Agent in Charge Brian McKnight says his agents have seen a local shift from the homemade dirty street product to extremely pure meth imported by cartels from Mexico.”

Related:

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

Leadership In The Classroom – Truth is Controversial

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

South entrance- Port Townsend Ship Canal

 

 

 

 

Categories Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, The Business of Keeping People informed

Newspeople Remain Silent – Missing A Chance To Ask Questions

February 8, 2019 //
0

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

Local stories where newspeople seem to refrain from asking questions:

Another month with an R

Background: Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Background: Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Whidbey Island

2014-

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

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

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?

Background: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

 

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

More here:

Does hometown pride cause newspeople not to ask questions?

Tangled Up In Hometown Pride?

Leadership In The Classroom – Truth is Controversial

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo- The Seal Rock oyster

 

 

 

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

Leadership In The Classroom – Truth is Controversial

February 5, 2019 //
0

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

Feb 2, 2019 Omaha World-Herald

Student journalists testify in favor of bill that would give student publications greater freedom

“Speaking today makes me nervous for my job security,” said Lori Larson, the North Platte High School journalism teacher.

“I do not want to dumb down the curriculum just to make everything look great,” she said.

“Proponents of LB 206 argued that young journalists should be taught to speak truth to power, not that it’s OK to censor.”

Love to see more press freedom for hometown pride-oriented small town papers, large newspapers and TV news folks. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

Local stories where questions go unasked:

Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

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

If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online in November- how was sewage being processed last summer or last year?

 

Feb 3, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Troopers use CPR, naloxone to save a life

A life and death situation. No time for newspeople to report later on what drug or drugs were involved here.

The press informs less on opioids – more on salads:

CBS News Jan 25, 2019

Whole Foods recalls products with spinach due to salmonella risk

Very specific info on what to avoid and how to stay safe.

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Related:

Public School Lockers- teaching students to have a chip on their shoulder

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning- Point Wilson, Washington

 

 

 

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

Press Informs Less On Opioids – More On Salads

February 4, 2019 //
0

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

Feb 3, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Troopers use CPR, naloxone to save a life

A life and death situation. No time for newspeople to report later on what drug or drugs were involved here.

 

Jan 24th, 2019 WVXU Cincinnati

Health Officials Warn Of Overdose ‘Spike’ In Hamilton County

Sorry,

No time for newspeople to ask what sort of drugs are involved here.

 

Jan 20, 2019 EMS1.com

Seattle health officials urge safer drug use after 7 overdoses in one day 

“Seven people reportedly overdosed in North Seattle on Thursday alone, and public-health officials warn it may indicate that stronger-than-usual drugs are in the area.”

Are the drugs described in the articles above, cartel products? Are they prescription meds? Meds requiring a prescription are highly regulated & controlled.

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions to keep people informed on drug control policy and to educate the public towards avoiding the risks associated with drug abuse.

The Drug War is based on public policy.

What methods are working? What methods are failing?

 

Heroin

Let’s get away from the politician talk.

Heroin crisis: A situation involving illegal product moved from outside the US into local communities. The US Dept. of Homeland Security has jurisdiction at the border, border crossings & ports of entry.

With a budget of $40.6 billion- how is the US Dept. of Homeland Security doing at keeping heroin away from local communities?

Opioid crisis: Term favored by the press & politicians to describe the abuse of product which may be stolen from Grandma’s medicine cabinet- also a very serious issue.

Accurate reporting allows people to learn how to prevent future incidents.

Anytime there is a plane crash- a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.

Was the aircraft fueled with opioids before it crashed? Was it running on heroin?

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

What part of the story is missing?

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

 

Opioid Epidemic

Senator Cantwell sets the tone. TV newspeople deliver a story to compliment the Senator’s programs.

Instead of asking public policy questions- the big effort here is to stage a takedown of a doctor who had already been run out of town. No info on how to keep your family safe. No questions asked about heroin or fentanyl. No questions asked about US Dept. of Homeland Security efforts to keep cartel products out of local communities.

Meth is a growing problem. Is the meth problem growing because of big companies or doctors overprescribing meds?

Questions that go unasked:

When additional restrictions are placed on prescription drugs- what will prevent heroin-trafficking cartels from moving more product into local communities?

More here:

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

 

Salads

CBS News Jan 25, 2019

Whole Foods recalls products with spinach due to salmonella risk

Very specific info on what to avoid and how to stay safe.

 

USA TODAY Dec. 17, 2018

Farm linked to romaine E. coli outbreak recalls red, green leaf lettuce, cauliflower

“The recall is for the three types of produce that were grown in particular fields and harvested between Nov. 27-30, the company said. None of the recalled products has tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.”

Related:

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

The Business of Keeping People informed

Fentanyl – What part of the story is missing?

 

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

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

 

 

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

TV Newspeople Not Asking Questions

February 2, 2019 //
0

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

Getting ready for the big game, newspeople get their chance to ask questions. They play the role of federal public affairs personnel instead.

0:15 No credible threat:

No credible threat?

If the good guys can tell what the bad guys will do before they do it- surely, these powerful crime fighting tools will be used to shut down gang and cartel activity, heroin trafficking, bank robberies, mass casualty shootings, etc.

0:25 No credible or specific threats:

More here: No Credible Threat

The folks who can’t keep meth and heroin-trafficking cartels from moving product into various US communities are keeping the Super Bowl safe:

US CBP helicopters fly in to support massive Super Bowl security plan

Love to see newspeople ask:

If special games require special security– what keeps regular games safe? Crowd size/capacity is similar at several stadiums.

What prevents terror strikes at hundreds of events & locations unsupervised by federal authorities?

CBS News video:

Super Bowl 2019: F-16 fighter jets will patrol the sky as part of massive security operation

Love to see newspeople ask: What stops terrorists from going 2 states over and driving a truck across the playground at a daycare center?

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

“Outside, low-flying helicopters swooped over the downtown. On the ground, police dogs sniffed visitors to some hotels and other buildings.”

Welcome Home Troops

“Over 1,000 Homeland Security officers work to secure Super Bowl LIII”

When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:

“CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

How do you keep terrorists and their weapons out by checking retail items after they show up at a mall in Atlanta?

Did the confiscated items make it through any port of entry?

 

Jan 24th, 2018

Secretary of Homeland Security:

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

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

 

Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?

Possibly of interest:

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo- La Conner waterfront

 

Categories Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, No Credible Threat, Super Bowl security, The Business of Keeping People informed

Made for TV

January 25, 2019 //
0

And newspapers, social media & public radio.

Jan 24th, 2019 WVXU Cincinnati

Health Officials Warn Of Overdose ‘Spike’ In Hamilton County

Sorry,

No time for newspeople to ask what sort of drugs are involved here.

 

Related:

The Drug War is based on public policy.

What methods are working? What methods are failing?

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Border Wall Credibility Update

Attention spans are short:

The Business of Keeping People informed

 

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

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

 

 

 

Categories Heroin, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed

Border Wall Credibility Update

January 20, 2019 //
0

We’ve been told to go along with a number of steps in order to keep us safe in the post 911 era.

Real ID

Prior to 911 we could go have lunch in Canada- then return home with just a standard driver’s licence.

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

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?

More here: WA – Real ID

 

US Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria

Jan 16, 2019 ABC News video:

Senator Lindsey Graham explains that wars are meant to keep us safe at 1:40 here.

Jan. 17, 2019 Washington Examiner

Congressman Dan Crenshaw:

“We go there so that they don’t come here. It’s that simple.”

Why does the US Dept. of Homeland Security tell us that thousands of terrorists were stopped last year at the border if the wars are keeping bad people from coming here to do bad things?

The Claim:

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

Trump officials exaggerate terrorist threat on southern border in tense briefing

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

Big claims from DHS from almost a year ago.

Jan 24th, 2018

Secretary of Homeland Security:

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

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

Looks like life wasn’t meant to change after the big Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden takedowns.

 

DEA and ports of entry

Jan 8, 2019 NBC News

“The DEA says the vast majority of hard drugs from Mexican cartels come into the U.S. through legal ports of entry, which wouldn’t be affected by a wall.”

“According to a 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment by the DEA, Mexican drug cartels “transport the bulk of their drugs over the Southwest border through ports of entry (POEs) using passenger vehicles or tractor trailers.”

 

US Troops at the US/Mexico border

Jan. 14, 2019 New York Times

Pentagon Extends Troop Deployment at Mexican Border Through September

Will these efforts result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

 

A $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security

Senator Graham,

What does the US Dept. of Homeland Security do with the $40.6 billion they get every 12 months?

 

Cartels moving product into various parts of the US

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

Jan. 3, 2019 Fox News

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

Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money

2014-

Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:

Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”

“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”

Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything.

If public meetings were held on Whidbey Island & people were asked to state their top law enforcement priorities- would a Homeland Security-funded patrol boat show up anywhere on the list?

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound heroin?

Even one time?

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here: Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

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

Question for newspeople:

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

2011-

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

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

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

2019-

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

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

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Possibly of interest-

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

 

Suspicionless checkpoints

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

State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.

Check your state here.

Were suspicionless checkpoints conducted in Jefferson County, WA able to intercept any inbound heroin?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here: Saying No to the federal government

 

Montana

Jan 17, 2019 KULR TV News Video:

Attorney General Tim Fox cites meth problem, calls for border security

“Inexpensive meth from Mexico is pouring into our state in record amounts and high purity, killing our citizens, destroying our families, and clogging our justice system.”

Welcome Home Troops

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

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

Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana

“The U.S. Department of Justice announced its award to MHP Thursday, from its Office of Community Oriented Policing. The grant will fund additional troopers, equipment and training specifically to combat incoming meth trafficking. Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said in the statement that Montana’s meth is largely sourced from Mexico.”

 

Summary:

Special IDs, US troops in distant lands, US troops at the southern border, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, suspicionless checkpoints, big drug busts, Homeland Security grant money, massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats fail to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Credibility in need of repair.

Newspeople need to chuck the hometown pride and get out and ask more questions.

More here:

Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Port Angeles Heroin – Newspeople Remain Silent

WA – Real ID

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

News tip/story idea

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

Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth

Away From The Border

Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On

17 Years Past 911 – Welcome Home Troops

Fentanyl – What part of the story is missing?

 

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

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

 

 

 

Categories Armistice Day, Heroin, Homeland Security is a scam, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol, Proud War on Terror, Questioning Failed Programs, The Business of Keeping People informed

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

January 8, 2019 //
0

A secretive, wasteful, and ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

August 2, 2011 Seattle Times

Border Patrol agent says Port Angeles ‘Black Hole’

“The agency is building a $5.7 million headquarters at 110 Penn St. in Port Angeles that can house up to 50 agents.”

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

More here:

News tip/story idea

 

Denied FOIA requests:

September 16, 2012 Peninsula Daily News

Response promised soon on Border Patrol agent’s claims about ‘black hole,’ misuse of federal funds

“The Border Patrol has refused repeated requests by the Peninsula Daily News — including those made under the Freedom of Information Act — for arrest totals for the Port Angeles station, which covers a territory that includes Clallam and Jefferson counties.”

 

Arrest statistics are secret:

March 19, 2014 Sequim Gazette

Agent counters allegations of ‘boredom’

“When asked how many agents there are, Romero said there are 20,000 agents nationwide but did not give local figures.”

“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 how many bank robberies took place last year in Portland, OR. You’ll get the numbers. They won’t tell you that statistics/public records must be withheld because they would assist bank robbers if they were released.

Any other law enforcement agencies anywhere in the US that 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.”

 

An Ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security:

Question for newspeople:

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

2011-

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

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

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

2019-

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

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

Newspeople remain silent.

Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?

Possibly of interest: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

 

A dishonest US Dept. of Homeland Security:

The Claim:

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

Trump officials exaggerate terrorist threat on southern border in tense briefing

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

Questioning The Claim:

Love to see newspeople ask:

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

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

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

Jan 24th, 2018

Secretary of Homeland Security:

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

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

Jan, 2018 Fox News

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

 

Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?

Jan. 4, 2019 USA Today

Trump’s DHS requests more support from military troops along U.S.-Mexico border

Will these efforts result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

 

Possibly of interest:

Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo- Ruby Beach

 

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

Thousands Of Terrorists Stopped Last Year At The Border?

January 7, 2019 //
0

The Claim:

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

Trump officials exaggerate terrorist threat on southern border in tense briefing

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

Questioning The Claim:

Love to see newspeople ask:

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

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

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

Jan 24th, 2018

Secretary of Homeland Security:

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

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

Jan, 2018 Fox News

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

 

Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?

Jan. 4, 2019 USA Today

Trump’s DHS requests more support from military troops along U.S.-Mexico border

Will these efforts result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

 

Possibly of interest:

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

Opioid or Heroin? Meth or Amphetamine?

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Dept. of Defense Lies About Freedom

 

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

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

 

 

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

TV News Content

January 5, 2019 //
0

Local TV news video staged to show us a ferry “struggling to leave the dock.”

Alternative weather info here: Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog

Local TV news station shares an in-studio pep rally ahead of the NFL playoffs.

Really no problem with the fun.

Love to see a balance with newspeople asking more in the way of basic public policy questions.

A couple of news story ideas here:

 

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

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

More here: News tip/story idea

Related: Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

 

News Tip/Story idea:

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

November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running

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

November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times

Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online

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

Image above:

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

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

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

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

More here: Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo- Keystone ferry inbound.

“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”

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

Related: Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

 

Categories Coupeville Ferry, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, The Business of Keeping People informed
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