As the months go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?
Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.
We are the very best at militarized pageantry for pro sports events.
Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
US fighter jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning undeclared wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
A society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.
A society where voices of dissent are not authorized.
We have been using these at home for several years now.
My impressions:
They do not last for years on end. I changed one the other day and used a standard bulb form an old lamp as a replacement. The standard bulb weighed much less. That means that the same number of LED bulbs use more energy when packed in the back of a big smokey truck. The truck picks them up at the Port of Tacoma after they arrive from China, then heads out to some giant distribution warehouse in Atlanta GA.
Light bulbs used to be made in places like Ohio or Indiana. Across the street from where they made TVs.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Did the press attempt to ask questions at a more appropriate time?
If I was a member of the press I would ask public policy related questions at an appropriate time. If questions were not answered, that would become the story.
My questions appear in bold type. To be fair, the issues of concern have been in place no mater what political party of personality has occupied the White House and no matter who the First Lady has been.
If I was a member of the press, I would ask, at an appropriate time:
What can we expect in terms of undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady-even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang. At 2:33 Dr. Jill Biden is thanked.
“Comments are turned off.”
Military Benefits
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.
Maybe go ahead and skip the VIP photo ops and cross-country visits where the press is kept at a distance.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Recommendation:
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.
If I was a member of the press, I would ask, at an appropriate time:
What can be done in terms of public policy/congressional action to ensure people keep the benefits they thought they were earning by doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.
Got it.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Throw in social media restrictions and it’s time to ask if we live in a free and honest society.
A big election season has ended. A major cultural shift in politics has taken hold.
As the weeks go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?
Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.
Do the best ideas take hold through voluntary action and an honest demand for services?
Why is the force of government required to spread ideas if those ideas make the best sense?
An old favorite:
0:51
“Well, if it made a lot of sense, we wouldn’t need to subsidize it or mandate its consumption.”
The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions. Instead of waiting on the mainstream press, people go out & ask their own questions:
Nov 12, 2020 General Milley explains an oath to the Constitution:
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady-even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang. At 2:33 Dr. Jill Biden is thanked.
Dr. Biden will visit Puget Sound area military installations:
“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?”
Newspeople have moved away from asking questions since I was 18.
School breakfast & lunch program? More discussion and news coverage please.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.
Any lessons learned from the Vietnam War?
Instead of putting those lessons to work, the idea that the troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms seems to be the primary theme today.
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
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:
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
Major takedown at 1:20
“We arrested two individuals who attempted to sell six counterfeit NFL Super Bowl 54 T-shirts…”
“Comments are turned off”
Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
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
Alternative Media
Alternative media continues to be good about asking questions.
Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.
Got it.
Alternative media is good about maintaining open comment sections.
I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
“The silver lining: The Seventh Circuit ruling in our favor. Huff v Reichert is now published and precedent within the Seventh Circuit and pursausive throughout the United States. The flimsy excuses used as reasonable suspicion by Reichert were deemed invalid and the court re-affirmed that police officers have rules to abide by just like everyone else.”
Love to see an end to suspicionless road blocks and checkpoints.
At a checkpoint- away from any border crossing or port of entry- the US Border Patrol stopped a legal medical marijuana user with a legal amount of medical marijuana. He was a passenger in a car:
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?
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?
What We Have Now:
A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.
Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
A big election season has ended. A major cultural shift in politics has taken hold.
As the weeks go by, we can see that there is a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?
Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Newspeople avoid asking questions, so we’ll ask a few here.
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.
If the purity of the water the plant releases into Puget Sound saves shellfish and salmon, why are local beaches closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall?
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
Mainstream
One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:
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.
Mainstream Media And The Drug War
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?
What We Have Now
A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.
Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check:
“I am so proud of this unit,” said Brig. Gen. Dan Dent, Commanding General of the Washington Army National Guard. “I am proud of the way they have been trained, proud to again deliver them to a mob site, trained to the highest possible standard, proud of them for upholding that tradition.”
Your hometown troops have been sent to support undeclared/unwon wars for the last 20 years. You might be General material if you can make this sound like a good thing.
Remember, unlike the active duty military, these guys must maintain a place to live and a regular job back in their hometown area.
Questions for newspeople:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
Newspeople remain silent.
Any members of the free and independent press available to show up and ask:
Is there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of WA National Guard troops?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Federal agents swing into action after large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl move past federal agents manning a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into Colorado.
$49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security Vote of Confidence:
Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the almost two years these folks were under investigation. Do the good guys who made the local busts notify the good guys at the border and ports of entry about the weak links in their process?
Were federal authorities at the border notified of this ongoing investigation?
Did traffickers get fast track screening at the border so as not to disrupt this ongoing investigation?
If the traffickers were given a pass at the border-would that have tipped them off as to the investigation-or would that have been seen as standard protocol?
Imagine that LE authorities observe a shoplifter or bank robber in action. Instead of going in to make an arrest they back off and conduct an investigation that goes on for almost 2 years. What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
I know, I know-It takes time to build a case against the really big drug traffickers.
This time next year-will there be any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US? Has any city, county or state jurisdiction been able to cleanup their drug problem using these methods?
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Newspeople,
Did the advantage of US Troops at the border, the big El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security play any role in preventing these crimes?
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press.
We’d love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
In another State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Post, CBP tells us:
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
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
If they taught about the Constitution, people might ask:
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
If they taught about the Constitution, people might ask:
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution?
2:30
In 8 conflict areas.
Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:
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.
People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.
I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local newspaper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.
Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.
View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.
Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.
Underreported news stories are curious.
Maybe the press should be better about asking questions if they are going to line up for federal bailout cash.
Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?
Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?
I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
“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 anyone has info, please post in comments.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
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?
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
How do the troops defend the Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself-is there someone at the table-in those high level planning sessions-who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
2:30
In 8 conflict areas.
Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:
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 U.S. Department of Defense has asked Illinois to assist federal and local agencies in this continued effort, and Maj. Gen. [Rich] Neely and I are ready to ensure that the state of Illinois continues its proud legacy of protecting our democracy,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said in a statement announcing his activation of about 500 Guardsmen for the Capitol mission.
If our democracy is protected by the US Armed Forces, how come American women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
“Approximately 70 members of the Colorado Army National Guard are heading to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield in the first deployment for Colorado Infantry since World War II, when then-Lt. Col. Felix Sparks led the 157th Infantry Regiment to the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.”
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Colorado need services in distant lands, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
“Exactly three weeks after a mob of domestic terrorists attacked the U.S. Capitol, the national temperature is still so high that Homeland Security officials on Wednesday warned all Americans of the ongoing threat to their safety.”
What was the alert level prior to Jan 6th?
Newspeople remain silent.
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep 1,950 pounds of cartel product from arriving in Denton County, Texas-far from any border crossing or port of entry:
“The drugs — 1,950 pounds valued at $45 million — were sniffed out by a dog during a traffic stop involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer in Denton County on Oct. 8, the DEA said. They had been stashed inside a secret compartment of the truck.”
“Operation Crystal Shield” is a nationwide effort that launched last February to stop the distribution and transportation of meth by specifically targeting transportation hubs and drug cartels.
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
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
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:
I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
Will an older generation encourage a younger generation to do time in the US Armed Forces in the years ahead?
The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have grown up in a family where Dad was a WWII veteran.
The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have been WWII veterans.
A Draft?
If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Before making any plans to start up a draft, let’s get the press to find out from elected officials how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
It feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
The effort to stamp out misinformation in social media does not apply to major TV networks promoting the idea that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
Never really understood the concept of having gunboat escorts for ferries on Puget Sound.
I do not advocate for increased security on Washington State Ferries. I am simply trying to make sense of ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages. Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system not to leave backpacks or packages unattended during ferry crossings.
Meanwhile-on the car deck-cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, etc. are left unattended during ferry crossings.
I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.
Maybe security personnel are present at some specific terminals each day. Over the past 20 years, dozens of round trip crossings from various terminals indicate that in many cases- no security screening takes place prior to boarding ferries.
What is the point in having gunboats escorting ferries if terrorists are free to put their boat on a trailer and drive it onto the ferry?
If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry- how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?
What we get now is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Has anyone ever seen any member of the press ask questions on this?
If sending US troops to Iraq and Afghanistan and creating a $49.8 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security was meant to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?
Freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
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.
The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning undeclared wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.
How does the USA plan to attract young people to sign up in the years ahead?
Military Benefits – Bait and Switch
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
The plan is to save cash by reducing the traditional DOD military benefits that were on the table when people began doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.
Football games are also used to honor veterans:
0:12 the man is barely conscious when greeted by team owner Jerry Jones:
Everyone seems to love it. When the made for TV event is over, veteran’s benefits may be up for grabs again.
Recommendation:
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see it if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
A symbol of federal government credibility and followers of both major parties, elected officials, newspeople and school teachers not asking questions.
“It’s unclear at this time what job LeVine is taking with the new administration, but she has served as an ambassador for the U.S. government in the past.”
Why are voters presented with issues on the ballot that may not be legally decided by voters?
“But the Washington State Patrol looked the other way, even setting up barriers during the nearly three weeks of nighttime protests on the freeway.”
After enabling criminal conduct, WSP will no longer enable criminal conduct:
“Blocking a freeway is a crime and no longer are we going to enable that criminal conduct to continue,” said State Patrol Capt. Ron Mead, who made the decision to no longer close the interstate. “We are not going to be allowing protesters to access the freeway unimpeded, and there are consequences for criminal conduct.”
Not disputing the mask requirement, but telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.
January of 2021
In the entire history of Washington State, how many times has any group attempted to breach a gate at the governor’s mansion because they were unsatisfied with public policy?
Which Governors have been in office when this has happened at any time in history?
Will elected officials and the press acknowledge that things may be different now?
Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
This is the trend in the Puget Sound area.
Newspapers are suppressing or eliminating online comment sections. A forum for individual thought is not part of the plan. Newspapers are getting away from asking questions related to public policy while telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.
We are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by forcing people to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then lying and telling them that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
We are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by forcing people to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then lying and telling them that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.
Operating a camera in a public place is controversial?
Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.
The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy/operating a camera in a public place. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.
School teachers:
Individual rights should be taught and understood as a requirement for high school graduation.
Are you more likely to have small children memorize and recite a pledge of allegiance to a flag than teach them about limited government powers?
Operating a camera in a public place:
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
Today
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
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.
Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?
Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?
I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
Reached max saturation about mid-December. Thinking I would be more at peace if I took a break form sharing/posting and commenting on Twitter Re: news-related items.
Hard to stay away.
Maybe I can post just once a week?
The desire is to live in a free and honest society.
The conflict is in turning it off and calling it out.
Calling it out:
People get their information from the TV, political parties and political personalities.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Snohomish 2015
Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.
“Overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to rise at an alarming rate in the Puget Sound region,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.
Federal agents swing into action after heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine move past federal agents manning a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security-then on into a multi-state area:
“This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.”
“The Coast Guard Cutter Active returned to its homeport of Port Angeles Friday following a 46-day deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and unloaded 4,200 kg of cocaine worth $159 million.”
It’s like a moment of silence has been called for. It’s like man first landing on the moon anytime someone in whatever zip code gets the first vaccination.
The European Deterrence Initiative, which the soldiers are being deployed to serve in, is meant to “enhance the U.S. deterrence posture, increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, support the collective defense and security of NATO allies, and bolster the security and capacity of U.S. allies and partners.”
Did the advantage of NATO allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
The idea that military aircraft are somehow linked to American freedoms calls for more discussion.
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
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.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Created a new category to make a transition away from 2020. This category is meant to look at positive images and memories that have nothing to do with news, politics, TV, public policy, political parties, etc.
People would be called conspiracy theorists if they wanted this much info about public policy, actions taken by government, US wars, school shootings, history just before and after 911, etc.
Please see 5:51
In sports, people demand to know the rules and that they are followed every time.
“Last January, 277 people, many of them U.S. citizens or permanent residents with Iranian heritage or ties to the Middle East, were stopped by border agents, records obtained by the Council for American Islamic Relations in Washington and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project found.”
Newspeople are cheerleaders for telling everybody to get out and vote
People could do a better job of voting if they were better informed.
Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.
Got it.
The Press Is Weak
People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.
Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.
Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?
Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?
Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.
Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.
Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
The press release style of news reporting means that statements are prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest bust/federal grant money award, news conference, etc. Newspeople post these statements without asking any questions.
A $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.
Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.
US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to prevent cartel product from arriving in the US.
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?
In the news:
November 18th 2020 Marine Glisovic KATV News Video
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
“Unfortunately, influential voices in Washington are presenting a false choice between staying in Somalia forever or empowering evil terrorists. Al Shabab is a clear threat, but it is a regional threat that presents no direct threat to the American homeland.”
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
The Governor’s office tells us what to expect in the way of new COVID restrictions. The Puget Sound area press passes along whatever the message is from the Governor without asking any questions for clarification or to attemp to keep the public better informed.
Social distancing rules have been in place and have been followed in grocery stores for months now. I have not seen any retailer that let up on mask wearing and social distancing protocols. If grocery stores have been doing their part, why pound them with a 75% reduction in grocery store services?
Various Comments Online
I have been reading comments online. Many comments go something like this:
“It’s your fault for not wearing a mask in previous months.”
“I hope the anti-maskers are happy now.”
“A mask is better than a ventilator!”
“A mask is better than a grave.”
Since first required, I have worn a mask each time I have entered a post office, bank, grocery store, retail outlet, etc.
Not disputing the mask requirement, but telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.
The state took money from some people, and gave it to some other people.
If your construction crew is working on a project based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for services, you might have to stay home for a while.
Requesting permission from a giant federal government to celebrate independence from a giant federal government update:
