Has any WA gun control measure or public policy effort of the past 20 years slowed down the gunfire between say, Everett and Tacoma?
What works? What fails?
The weak-minded culture expects very little from its newspeople.
Newspeople remain silent.
2026 – Homeland Security Making A Difference
The post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, Homeland Security grant money, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, best advances in REAL ID and AI technologies, etc.) appears to have played no role in preventing the crimes described above.
Look the other way and get ready to celebrate USA 250.
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
The “Thanks for Your Service” phrase was not yet in style. The decades of undeclared/unwon wars that came after the lessons of Vietnam would bring the phrase into commonplace use.
More products were made in the US. Cool, US made cars were still on the road.
We were in a period of Cold War Era peacetime stability. The US Armed Forces were on the back burner-right where they are supposed to be.
Politics was less toxic. Whatever US President was elected, your life still went on.
A gallon of gas was more affordable and it was less likely to destroy a small engine.
People fixed and repaired home related items. Remember TV repair shops?
The hardware store was not Home Depot.
The small delis and bakeries that came before Subway were up and running.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
Bicycle paper routes for kids were not seen as unsafe or controversial. Halloween was similar at the time.
Kids were more physically fit.
Ads for meds on TV had less in the way of gruesome side effects.
People were less haunted by healthcare payment concerns.
People were less haunted by student loans.
People worked minimum wage jobs as entry level teens. They earned their promotions up and away from minimum wage as they put in their time and took on more responsibility.
Gun violence seemed to happen less often. For sure this was true in the Seattle area.
Less homelessness back then.
Newspeople seemed to be more about asking questions.
Radio stations and personalities seemed to be of better quality. Much of what we have now seems automated.
Reality TV was The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.
Feeling The Energy – USA 250
Back home:
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
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.
Concerns here are much less about WWII and before. Much more about the US Dept. of Defense era.
The US Dept. of Defense was created in the late 1940s.
DOD has a long history with undeclared wars.
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.
Democracy Nonsense
If we live in a democracy (many people say so), when do we vote on decades of undeclared/unwon DOD wars?
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Department of War/DOD & Armistice Day
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.
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store. Maybe the concept of Armistice Day had not gone completely extinct.
Growing up in the 60s & 70s- veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
Both major political parties are now OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.
Why do elected officials and high level DOD civilians speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Any elected official or retired elected official who tells us The Troops were sent to protect American rights and freedoms needs to explain how those rights and freedoms are any different today because US troops were sent to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Macho Swagger
Watch Secretary of War Pete Hegseth takes thrilling fighter jet ride with ‘Top-Gun’ pilots:
The Department of Defense was established in 1949. What part of DOD history involved US troops sent to locations where the constitution was threatened?
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.
It feels like a society where honest and meaningful ideas stand up to questioning and discussion, but the questioning and discussion rarely takes place.
US Troops were sent into life and death situations in the aftermath of 911.
For this reason it is important to ask questions and develop a feel for what is real and what is honest.
Various big companies will remind us that they support veterans and The Troops. Always wonder if any of those companies advocate for less in the way of undeclared/unwon wars. Maybe these big companies are more about expanding their marketing footprint.
“Together, let’s remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We honor their courage and give thanks for their sacrifice.”
The marketing department left out the word freedom. This is a good thing.
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.
Now, get on down to visit your local loan officer to see what sort of new loan contract you can qualify for.
The Department of Defense was established in 1949. What part of DOD history involved US troops sent to locations where the constitution was threatened?
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.
It feels like a society where honest and meaningful ideas stand up to questioning and discussion, but the questioning and discussion rarely takes place.
US Troops were sent into life and death situations in the aftermath of 911.
For this reason it is important to ask questions and develop a feel for what is real and what is honest.
If we live in a democracy (many people say so), when do we vote on decades of undeclared/unwon DOD wars?
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Department of War/DOD & Armistice Day
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
The 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.
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store. Maybe the concept of Armistice Day had not gone completely extinct.
Growing up in the 60s & 70s- veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
The Department of Defense was established in 1949. What part of DOD history involved US troops sent to locations where the constitution was threatened?
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.
It feels like a society where honest and meaningful ideas stand up to questioning and discussion, but the questioning and discussion rarely takes place.
US Troops were sent into life and death situations in the aftermath of 911.
For this reason it is important to ask questions and develop a feel for what is real and what is honest.
“We’re supposed to believe that any commitment of troops to a battlefield constitutes protection of freedom and that’s all there is to it. It’s considered ungrateful, if not disloyal, to even wonder if a particular war really had anything to do with protecting freedom.”
In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.
They believed it and their parents and grandparents believed it.
Those who did may have wished to hand down a better version of the modern American society to their kids and grandkids.
Today-
Standards have deteriorated. The troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
Emergency/crisis/chaos mode is what we get now.
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars, maintaining the barracks or managing federal contracts related to TRICARE.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
I am in the oldest group and my patriotism is at an all time low.
I finished my time in the Marines in 1999 with a solid attitude and a patriotic spirit. The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
The USA has taken a dive in the post 911 era.
From 2004
“Today, however, the Congress has relinquished its delegated powers, giving the President license to do whatever he and his office determine that they can get away with. Consequentially, the presidential and legislative oaths to the Constitution have just turned into a great photo op on inauguration day.”
“It is a sad and hard realization for a grunt who loves the Marine Corps to admit that the organization is not used in the preservation of liberty, and has not been used toward that end for a very long time.”
Mainstream Media Functions Like Paid Actors Reading A Script
Americans do not live in a free and honest society. Today, the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script:
Would any newsperson ever ask:
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
US jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?
Currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?
Armed Forces Recruiting – 1980s
Part of what made it work:
In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.
They believed it and their parents and grandparents believed it.
Those who did may have wished to hand down a better version of the modern American society to their kids and grandkids.
Today-
Standards have deteriorated. The troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
Emergency/crisis/chaos mode is what we get now.
Macho Swagger
Watch Secretary of War Pete Hegseth takes thrilling fighter jet ride with ‘Top-Gun’ pilots:
The US Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. Is it understandable that young people and their parents and grandparents would take a dim view on all this?
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
Both major political parties are now OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.
Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
Not really a fan of group identities. Yesterday, I ran across one that is new to me: Generation Jones.
I land at about the middle of this group. I had no parent returning from WWII. I was too young for Vietnam. Too young for Woodstock. I was not born in the 40s. This feels like a better fit than Baby Boomer.
I thought growing up in the last century was a pretty good deal. Ditto for adult life.
The WWII generation set up a modern society that seemed to be working pretty well. Still room for improvement, but mostly, things seemed to be up and running. The post-911 era has not gone well.
Several years back, I started the Old Man Blog category. It involves thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
Not here 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.
Shopping On Base & Staying At Base Lodging Locations
CNBC
From comments:
“I’m a veteran myself and I’m not going to spend money at AAFES especially when I can get it cheaper at another retailer. Trust me the government has plenty of money to take care of active duty members if they really wanted to.”
“Bottom line is the Nex/BX is not cheaper than Walmart, Dollar General or Amazon!
Even with the “tax free” savings it’s still not cheaper than most retail stores! Even billing on base is higher than local hotels.”
“The brands at the px are often too premium for the active service member. Need a strainer for your spaghetti? The only option is Cuisinart, which is very nice, but also 40 dollars. A tv or other electronics? The only choice is samsung, sony, or apple. The prices for the merchandise is competitive but there are absolutely no low or mid tier brands for anything”
“It’s not just the Navy Exchange, AAFES is military wide. Nobody shops at the Exchange anymore. It was Supposed to be Cheaper than civilian stores but it’s Not. The only advantage is no tax, but items are often More expensive than at Walmart.”
“They overcharge you to thank you for your service . I know for a fact the little daypacks are twice what amazon charges for the same thing .”
“My personal opinion – the military has gone SOFT. Military stores. Military hotels. Military marinas, tennis courts, golf courses, loans, time off… so much bureaucracy and unnecessary overhead and waste.”
“Guys have to fight in Iran, so let it provide goods to their family in low price!”
If you are great at retail, why would you work for the federal government?
Recent Experience
NEXCOM Hospitality Group
For several years now, we have been happy Navy Lodge customers.
We are happy with the local staff. Good people are on the job. We know that local people are not forcing the changes we see.
Change should be in the form of obvious improvements (If NEXCOM is bragging) not setbacks.
Random changes we have seen:
Handsome tall ship logo is being replaced with sterile branding that shows nothing in the way of artistic design.
Towel rack by the sink that worked well in our room was removed and placed below sink level at the front of the counter. You may not stand upright and make use of the new towel rack.
Leave the rack in place if there is a reason for it and add the original rack again so people have an option.
Old style luggage carts that work well have been replaced with small, cramped aluminum frame carts that hold less and are difficult to use. What happened to the old carts? They were built to last.
The old Navy Lodge had decent coffee in the morning. New, NEXCOM Hospitality Group coffee is served from a compact vending machine and is some of the worst coffee I have ever tasted.
Do NEXCOM Hospitality Group executives drink this coffee?
A slick, photo magazine has been placed in the room to market NEXCOM.
We went to the NEX to buy a coffee pot. We wanted a basic/inexpensive model. We found high end pricey models. The original intent of shopping on base was to provide basic needs for people on a budget?
The troops would never be seen shopping at Costco, Walmart, or WinCo if prices on base were the better deal. No slick promotional photo-ad marketing magazine required.
If cutbacks must be made, I’d rather just hear the truth, not:
“NEXCOM Hospitality Group is rebranding its portfolio of Navy Lodge and Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) properties to reflect best commercial practices, elevate the guest experience, work more efficiently…”
“As we embark on this journey to modernize our brand, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality to our service members, their families and all who serve our country…”
“…a strategic decision to align our services with modern hospitality standards, ensuring that we continue to provide unparalleled comfort and support to our military community…”
“We are confident that this focus will help enhance guest satisfaction and brand loyalty…”
Turn the clock back 45 years. It’s 1981. The base commissary is well thought of and is a solid benefit to those who did 20 years in uniform. Go there to shop and you will see WWII veterans, Korean War veterans, Vietnam War veterans and anyone else who stayed for 20 years.
This benefit is an incentive for active duty people to show up for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
People who did time in uniform during the last century will remember Base Auto Hobby Shops. I used them on various US bases from the early 80s until the shop at NAS Whidbey was shut down a few years back.
It appears that all Navy base shops in the Puget Sound area are now shut down.
I will agree with the idea that modern cars require less work under the hood to keep them on the road.
In some cases, people used base auto hobby shops to restore or fix up old cars. It was a good way to chill out.
Maybe less veteran suicides back then. Maybe no recruiting crisis and no need to raise the enlistment age limit to 42. Maybe no need to put automatic draft registration in place.
In the old days, registering for the draft was like the old version of voting. You had to take certain steps to make it work.
Old Man Blog category:
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars, maintaining the barracks or managing federal contracts related to TRICARE.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Many comments are posted with the article. People have different attitudes about what is going on here.
The WWII generation set up a modern society that seemed to be working pretty well during the last century. Still room for improvement, but mostly, things seemed to be up and running. The post-911 era has not gone well.
Failed Drug War
Some version of REAL ID has been required at border crossings and ports of entry since 2009.
More cartel drug overdose deaths now, or before REAL ID?
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
Think back to a time before the US Dept. of Homeland Security was established in 2002. This giant federal agency now has more than two decades of experience and lessons learned in working to prevent cartel product from entering the US. More overdose deaths now, or before DHS?
We’re not impressed.
Credibility squandered, enthusiasm dried up.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Old Man Blog category:
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
Americans were told that they faced a life and death situation after 911. If certain actions were not taken, terrorists could come to America to disrupt our way of life and attempt another 911.
If all this was a life and death situation that required sending the troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn’t it be important to ask a few public policy questions about what was going on?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
Above: Grays Harbor – looking south towards Westport.
From 1976 Bicentennial To USA 250
TV Ads
Today, overweight people are hired to do TV Ads for pharmaceutical drugs used to achieve weight loss.
More here:
Breaking Points
Back in 1976, people shown on TV seemed less likely to be overweight. Something like the ship’s crew seen on the The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, or Reality TV when I was a kid:
50 years from adolescent males backpacking on overnight Boy Scout outings to role models for profit on TV and reaching for injections and pills in order to deal with being fat.
USA 250
Same country that stages a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government each July 4th.
The USA has a big 250 year birthday coming up in 2026.
I remember being in school for the bicentennial in 1976.
It will be strange to watch the celebrations this year because we are experiencing an ongoing breakdown of society that has been going on for years now, no matter what political party or personality is in office. Today, both major parties serve up a version of politics that is more extreme than what we saw in 1976.
Celebrating USA 250 includes acknowledging the post 911 era.
Gambling
I am OK with people making the choice to gamble. It seems that gambling has a much bigger place in our lives now than it did at the bicentennial in 1976.
Back then, gambling was done in Atlantic City, Reno NV, Las Vegas and some locations that had horse racing. State lotto games seemed to be mostly unheard of.
Today, state lotto games are common. Gambling casinos are common in the state where I live. Multi-state lotto games pay out huge prizes. Game rules are manipulated over time so that jackpots can grow bigger than ever.
I used to enjoy reading an article related to sports and some team or Indy Car driver I was interested in. Sports writers would do great work in covering teams, players, coaches, history, etc.
I go to the web today to read a sports story and often find info that is geared towards betting which is of no interest to me.
We watched a small number of NFL games on TV this past season. I was surprised to see sports betting adds coming at us with the game. Seems odd for what some may have once considered to be family viewing time. Mixing a sports league with betting ads seems a little off.
Grab your smart phone and sign up now to get some free cash and get started. Bet on an unlimited number of games this week.
Family Time
“Hey Grandpa, show me how to use your fucking phone to bet on these upcoming games.” Show me how to be a good consumer by ordering more hot wings with cinnamon bread twists, dipping sauce and liters of pop. Show me how to use your smartphone to talk to the appliances here in the fucking house.
Old Man Blog category:
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
Above: Working each week to support community recycling efforts.
In the past, bake sales, car washes and raffles were used to raise money for school projects.
Back in the 90s, catalogs were sent home for friends and family to order candles and other small items (Made in China) from the giant catalog company in the tall office building in Chicago. The big middleman took a cut of the school donations so that educators and parents could minimize the human interactions that may serve as lessons for students on their way to becoming well-adjusted adults.
Small town, USA once featured raffles where educators, Moms and Dads or students went out and explained themselves to the WWII veteran who owned the hardware store. He donated a new toaster in exchange for a little free advertising and he set a tone of goodwill in the community. The gas station would donate a free tank of gas. The grocery store would donate a gift card, a coupon for a car wash, or movie tickets could be in the mix.
Today, the college educated people who run public school districts get together and decide to have machines take care of what used to involve human interaction.
Families may live hours apart. Maybe they haven’t seen or heard from each other in years. Maybe it’s all a big dysfunctional stew.
Maybe the text seems like soliciting tips at a restaurant.
The USA has taken a hard dive since the US 1976 Bicentennial.
1976 came less than a decade past the first Moon landing in 1969. The news was more trusted then. Newspeople showed more in the way of initiative and curiosity in asking questions at the time.
We found a period of Cold War-era peacetime stability. The US Armed Forces were strong and ready and on the back burner, right where they are supposed to be.
Moms and Dads were in charge of families.
Law and order was a positive thing. The LE image was more professional back then.
The F.B.I. was a TV show that aired from 1965–1974.
These guys hit the streets wearing a suit and tie.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
“Today, however, the Congress has relinquished its delegated powers, giving the President license to do whatever he and his office determine that they can get away with. Consequentially, the presidential and legislative oaths to the Constitution have just turned into a great photo op on inauguration day.”
“It is a sad and hard realization for a grunt who loves the Marine Corps to admit that the organization is not used in the preservation of liberty, and has not been used toward that end for a very long time.”
Plans For A Big Celebration This Year Come At A Difficult Time
Just in the past 12 months, things have fallen short.
Kristi Noem deployed her ass kicking drug war road show and public affairs crackdown back in March.
Mar 20, 2025:
US Dept. of Homeland Security
This giant federal agency now has more than two decades of experience and lessons learned in working to prevent cartel product from entering the US.
There was no Dept. of Homeland Security in 1976.
More overdose deaths now, or before DHS?
Noem’s efforts have been backed up by big budgets, US troops at the border, Dept. of War strikes on narcoterrorist drug boats, ICE crackdowns and the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations.
Which community will be first to announce that local drug addicts are having any problem finding their cartel product of choice due to any federal drug war effort?
Any shortage of cartel product in any of these communities?
By Alex Halverson – Seattle Times business reporter
Jan. 20, 2026
From comments:
As Microsoft jams all its AI slop into copilot, which nobody asked for or wants, its CEO says “More industries need to use this slop.”
I’m just a basic consumer. I have been curious about AI over the past couple of years only because it is so heavily promoted. It feels like good ideas catch on because of honest consumer demand and that they will move ahead without a giant sales and marketing effort.
The word artificial isn’t very attractive. I’m wanting less artificial in my life.
Many consumer products are advertised, and people may opt in or out. AI seems almost to be force-fed.
I was happy with the internet 20 years ago. These days, I cringe a little bit when new software updates arrive. For me, changes will often make things different, but not more simple and easy to use.
Old Man Blog category:
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
“Of the “Gen Z” population—consisting of people born between 1997 and 2012—some recent estimates have indicated that only around one in four is eligible for military service.”
Any college or pro football coach would have been fired a dozen times over for what DOD has done with the US Armed Forces during the fake GWOT era.
Four-star officers and high level DOD civilians built careers made of undeclared/unwon wars. Now they must mastermind ways to recruit a new generation.
Unfortunately, DOD spent the past 30 years or so, squandering credibility in distant lands and here at home.
Some will say obese teens and young adults are to blame for the big recruiting crisis. Thousands of young, intelligent and athletic Americans participate in college athletics each year. Certainly, they would qualify to enlist- no rehab/prep program required.
Why are these people not showing up at the recruiting office?
Any questions from newspeople?
Thousands of American families have now had a loved one who did one or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
“Today, however, the Congress has relinquished its delegated powers, giving the President license to do whatever he and his office determine that they can get away with. Consequentially, the presidential and legislative oaths to the Constitution have just turned into a great photo op on inauguration day.”
“It is a sad and hard realization for a grunt who loves the Marine Corps to admit that the organization is not used in the preservation of liberty, and has not been used toward that end for a very long time.”
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
“The Trump administration believes you don’t have the right to record Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in public. This stance is both factually wrong and an attempt to chill free speech by conflating it with violence.”
Minneapolis News
Valhalla VFT
Alternative media gets it done:
Kristi Noem describes the federal version of events:
WatchlistTYT
WatchlistTYT
Alternative media not yet shut down by DHS:
The Jimmy Dore Show
What Others Are Saying
A counterpoint:
Washington Gun Law
Mark Dice
Limited Powers
Law enforcement authorities in the US have limited powers away from border crossings and ports of entry.
In a free society- young people would understand this prior to graduating from high school.
It would be as well understood as memorizing a pledge to a flag.
Nothing about this knowledge is about being disrespectful or interfering with law enforcement operations.
We are hoping things begin to calm down inside and outside US borders. This is important because now is the time for a big America 250 celebration all across the US and we don’t want an ongoing (since I left high school 4.5 decades ago) breakdown of society to get in the way of all that.
WatchlistTYT
The Young Turks
Judge Napolitano – Judging Freedom
To set the right mood for America 250 celebration events in the months ahead, please meditate on press briefings provided by Karoline Leavitt.
Former Minnesota Governor:
The Rational National
Puget Sound Area Updates/Ongoing Breakdown Of Society
KIRO 7 News
KOMO News
Armed Forces Recruiting – 1980s
Part of what made it work:
In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.
They believed it and their parents and grandparents believed it.
Those who did may have wished to hand down a better version of the modern American society to their kids and grandkids.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
By MICHAEL R. SISAK and DAVID B. CARUSO
The Associated Press
Dec. 20, 2025
“At least 16 files disappeared from the Justice Department’s public webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein — including a photograph showing President Donald Trump — less than a day after they were posted, with no explanation from the government and no notice to the public.”
Face the Nation
Brian Tyler Cohen News
The Jimmy Dore Show
Valhalla VFT
Just Be Honest
This could be a slogan for government to live by, no matter what political party or personality is in power.
The US federal government has been involved in decades of various events where records were sealed or redacted and files were kept secret.
Federal credibility is squandered over a period of decades. Now, people are scolded for wanting to be honestly informed on government activities. Well done. Something to get proud about.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Old Man Blog category:
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
American freedoms come and go and appear to be completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
“…reclassifying marijuana will not legalize medical use unless and until the Food and Drug Administration approves specific cannabis-based products as prescription drugs—an iffier and more distant prospect.”
The federal government prefers that legal drug dealers of their choosing supply Americans with their meds.
Chronic Side Effects
May cause thoughts of death or suicide which may be permanent and can be fatal.
Hey, good news-
Grandpa is feeling better now that he has quit smoking.
He is feeling well enough to participate in a TV ad for the meds he took.
When you go to stay with Grandpa this summer, just know that he may be experiencing:
“Hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions”
Imaginary Scenario:
In the months ahead, President Trump uses ICE raids to shut down legal marijuana sales in various states.
Justification is as follows:
Federal policy does not allow for the legal sale or use of marijuana.
Cartels profit from marijuana. Cartels have been designated as terrorist organizations.
Marijuana became legal in various US locations in recent years. Since that time, drug addicts have been seen camping on the sidewalks of some US cities.
Each state will be held responsible for eliminating permits to operate marijuana stores. Federal aid and funding for various programs will be cut off for any state hesitating to comply.
Internet providers, alternative media sources and web-based businesses will be penalized for questioning or posting any voice of dissent Re: federal marijuana policy. The same would apply to mainstream TV and news media outlets, but they moved away from asking questions related to public policy some years back.
An example of the questions to be banned:
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?
Crackdown Continues
Urinalysis drug testing for all who receive any form of federal pay or retirement checks. Ditto for people receiving any form of federal disability income, student loans, VA disability, GI Bill home loans, etc.
Emphasis on Patriotism and Loyalty
Daily pledge of allegiance at all pubic and private business and job sites will be required.
This was a good idea in the 3rd grade during the Cold War era. It is a good idea today.
Each state will be responsible for enforcing compliance at any private place of business.
Federal aid and funding for various programs will be cut off for states failing to comply.
As time goes on, the consumer choices we have are becoming more restricted by a combination of government and big business policies, not Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden or the next bad guy DOD will be going after in distant lands.
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
The USA has a big 250 year birthday coming up in 2026.
I remember being in school for the bicentennial in 1976.
It will be strange to watch the celebrations next year because we are experiencing an ongoing breakdown of society that has been going on for years now, no matter what political party or personality is in office. Today, both major parties serve up a version of politics that is more extreme than what we saw in 1976.
I would expect a modern society to gently improve over time. This is not the case here.
A 20 year old today has a much steeper hill to climb than I did when I was 20 in 1980.
Leaving a better world to the next two generations would have been my choice.
US Semiquincentennial – Expect More Lies About Freedom
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?
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
Emergency/crisis/chaos mode is what we get now.
Old Man Blog Category
Thoughts on changes in American culture relating to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s.
The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars, maintaining the barracks or managing federal contracts related to TRICARE.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
In past decades, people could do time in uniform, then return to the US with a feeling that they were living in the best country on the planet.
They believed it and their parents and grandparents believed it.
Those who did may have wished to hand down a better version of the modern American society to their kids and grandkids.
Today-
Standards have deteriorated. The troops return to an ongoing breakdown of society.
Both major parties have taken turns in power over the past 40 years or so. For sure, there is a chunk of public policy that has become worse, not better.
State Correctional Facility for the Detention of Criminally Insane Youth – Heavily Restricted Trick-or-Treat Division
The Stepfather
1987
Stepfather II: Make Room for Daddy
1989
My last house had a basement workshop. I like to work with my hands.
The blog below relates to those born roughly in the late 50s & early 60s. We may have experienced the golden age of trick-or-treating and Halloween fun.
The 60s and 70s were the days of church and charity bake sales, Cub Scout cake raffles, stay at home moms, three or four brothers and sisters, grandparent aged neighbors who created homemade treats like popcorn balls and enjoyed seeing kids they knew come by in costume.
Less food sensitivities and allergies, less concern about real life monsters harming kids who were out at play for hours at a time. Walking to the bus stop, bicycle paper routes, etc.
“Pit toilets overflow with human waste, garbage mars backcountry trails and illegal campfires threaten a bone-dry forest. Social media-driven crowds are flocking to Colchuck Lake, many underprepared for the trek. Search-and-rescue calls, including one for an Aug. 3 fatal drowning, tax county resources. Camping permits issued via an oversubscribed lottery mostly go unchecked.”
No problem folks. In recent years, the federal government has prioritized big cash for Ukraine, bombing the Middle East and conducting airstrikes on Somalia. Something has to give.
“Last year, the Forest Service employed 11 wilderness rangers to patrol the Enchantments and several thousand acres beyond in the Wenatchee River Ranger District. This year, the district is down to one as a result of Trump administration staffing cuts that followed a Biden-era hiring freeze on seasonal workers.”
Symbol of a culture that was once strong (Man On The Moon in ’69). A culture that is now weak. A culture that will yield the right of way to violators while pushing good citizens to the side & collecting big tax money all along the way.
