Common flashlight batteries remain locked up like diamond jewelry to keep drug addicts out.
The drug addicts that were not cut off by Kristi Noem and her giant and expensive Dept. of Homeland Security.
Seattle Scene
choeshow
Sealed Borders Fail to Keep Drugs Out
The big drug bust is always reported as a success after drug traffickers defeat all federal efforts to prevent cartel product from arriving inside the US.
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
No regard for who holds political power. No buddy system. No trading favors. No scolding or shaming of those who seek to expose the truth. A sense of urgency is in place in order to reveal the truth.
Any investigation after a giant and expensive DHS fails to keep cartel product form arriving in US communities?
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.
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 make the phrase commonplace.
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.
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.
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.
“Crowds gather on sidewalks, some openly using drugs while others sell stolen goods. The area has become one of Seattle’s most visible hotspots for crime, disorder, and overdose response.”
“…our seniors trying to navigate through crowds of people engaged in fentanyl use and sales, it’s just distressing.”
“Open drug use remains a common sight in some of Seattle’s hardest-hit neighborhoods…”
The Fantasy Newsperson Asks
Is the cartel drug situation in the greater Puget Sound area any different now than it was under Biden?
If Kristi Noem has sealed US borders why would suspected drug trafficking boats be a problem?
Since the Vietnam-Style Drug Boat Body Count has kept cartel drugs out, are Seattle area drug addicts having any problem finding their cartel product of choice?
Has any US community announced that first responders are finding less need for Narcan, buprenorphine, Naloxone, fentanyl test strips, or any similar product used in overdose response situations?
Is there any possibility that any DEA office or DEA budget will be downsized due to the success of all US Dept. of Homeland Security/Dept. of War efforts in recent months?
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?
Has any community anywhere in the US downsized or shut down any local drug task force, or narcotics enforcement team due to the success of Dept. of War strikes on narcoterrorist drug boats, ICE crackdowns and designating cartels as terrorist organizations?
Any questions from newspeople?
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
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.
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.
A symbol of the propaganda that makes it all work.
In The News
Looks like the big federal War on Drugs over the past year (Blowing up boats in foreign waters, big DHS budgets, taking out the leader of Venezuela, violent ICE operations, sealed borders, and designating cartels as terrorist organizations) has not delivered results in the Puget Sound area. Zero questions from newspeople on how all this fits together.
The ongoing breakdown of society rolls on. A quick glance at the KOMO home page tells the story.
“This is a drug-fueled camp. They live near the dealers – they live near the action, that’s why this camp exists in this area.”
We get big, ass kicking statements about sealing the border and treating cartels as terrorist organizations while cartel product still shows up in all 50 states.
How many elected officials have kids and grandkids age 17-42?
Isiah Factor: Uncensored
From comments:
“A 42 year old being ordered around by a 22 year old isn’t going to go well. I see nothing but headaches with this.”
“I served Marine Corps and husband retired Army.
Thankful our adult children decided not serve or serve in military or civil service.
We remember the Iraq wars and Afghanistan. 🫤”
Sentinel
What’s Going on With Shipping?
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.”
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.
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.
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?
Has any US community announced that first responders are finding less need for Narcan, buprenorphine, Naloxone, fentanyl test strips, or any similar product used in overdose response situations?
Is there any possibility that any DEA office or DEA budget will be downsized due to the success of all US Dept. of Homeland Security/Dept. of War efforts in recent months?
Has any community anywhere in the US downsized or shut down any local drug task force, or narcotics enforcement team due to the success of Dept. of War strikes on narcoterrorist drug boats, ICE crackdowns and designating cartels as terrorist organizations?
Any questions from newspeople?
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.
President Trump is taking his damage control messages on the road. His politics are not sustainable. One party going extreme encourages the other to go that way too. Voters rebel and want to replace one with the other.
Each major party serves up its own dose of cringe.
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.
Bad timing for a draft because The Joint Chiefs of Staff spent past years squandering credibility and prestige with undeclared/unwon wars and military operations for your freedoms.
They tried a draft during the Vietnam War. They ended up finding out they had to stop.
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Last time there was a draft, children were raised by the WWII generation, in families where Mom and Dad were married to each other.
What makes elected officials believe we have some sort of 1950s crop of citizens now who would comply with a draft?
Has the US ever won an undeclared war using a draft?
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.”
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.
What always got to us was the big, ass kicking statements about sealing the border and treating the cartels as terrorist organizations while cartel product still showed up in all 50 states.
Has any US community announced that first responders are finding less need for Narcan, buprenorphine, Naloxone, fentanyl test strips, or any similar product used in overdose response situations?
Is there any possibility that any DEA office or DEA budget will be downsized due to the success of all US Dept. of Homeland Security/Dept. of War efforts in recent months?
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?
Has any community anywhere in the US downsized or shut down any local drug task force, or narcotics enforcement team due to the success of Dept. of War strikes on narcoterrorist drug boats, ICE crackdowns and designating cartels as terrorist organizations?
Any questions from newspeople?
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.
Decades Past 911 – A Fake War On Terror
In recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
Below:
A total of 3 newspeople work this story on camera. Zero questions from any of them.
KOMO News
Imagine the TV newsperson, on camera, escorting the TSA official all the way to the back of the “be sure to arrive early line” and asking what keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at that point.
Year after year, more of the same. Similar cheerful videos, TV newspeople interviewing each other.
No voices of dissent. No passengers with questions about security theater will ever make it on air.
The Fantasy Newsperson Asks:
What keeps the terrorists with no ID of any kind from creating a disruption at the back end of the airport security screening line?
Guaranteed: No TV newsperson anywhere will ever ask this question. Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
Just Ask The DEA About Sealed Borders
Made for TV DEA spokesperson lets us know what to think.
Welcome Home Troops. Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Welcome Home Troops
Common flashlight batteries are now locked up like diamond jewelry:
Kristi Noem is sealing off the border. Any day now, cartel drugs will no longer be available anywhere in WA.
People will no longer need cash to support a drug habit. There will be no more need to steal, and we can all go back to how things were in the last century.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
“It was well documented last spring how furious Canadians were about President Donald Trump’s threats to annex their country as a “51st state.” They went “elbows up,” booing the U.S. national anthem, boycotting American booze and generally writing off the States for shopping trips or summer vacations.”
“Cars with Canadian plates coming southbound into northwest Washington dropped 39% in the first 365 days of Trump’s term, Jan. 20, 2025, through Jan. 19, 2026, as compared to the same time span a year earlier.”
“The trust has been broken,” Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward said…”
“Canadians look across the border and see “a population of easily distracted fools…”
No argument from Oak Bay Starfish.
Exhibit One:
The weak-minded culture expects very little from its newspeople.
Three on air personalities work the report below.
Live camera crew sent from Seattle to the middle of nowhere to stand in the dark and wait for flakes to fall update:
“…as of January 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost non-US residents $250 to obtain, more than triple the standard $80 which US residents will continue to pay.”
“Foreign tourists who don’t purchase the pass will pay a $100-per-person fee, in addition to the standard entrance fee, to enter 11 of the most visited national parks…”
“This announced price hike comes amid a decline in international tourism to the US, fueled by changes to tariff policies and crackdowns on immigration.”
The Interior Department’s statement also highlighted “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” for next year which includes Memorial Day, Fourth of July Independence Day weekend and June 14, “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”
“resident-only patriotic fee-free days”
Good news folks-
We are rationing out free access to federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan.
People who visit from distant lands probably don’t want or need the annual pass. Ditto for some who live here too. The day pass will be good enough.
The article fails to mention that people who want the day pass will now be required to show papers to establish citizenship?
Some of us may want to travel about inside the USA as anonymous persons.
The Oak Bay Starfish Take
American popular & political culture insists on dividing people up into groups- then assigning a separate value to different groups.
Step over here and show us your papers before entering the park.
How many passengers are in the vehicle? All US citizens? Please pull over into the inspection lane for a brief interview and REAL ID check.
Trade, Travel and Friendship
Some might say trade, travel and friendship (as much as possible) are good for the economy. This approach may help to avoid misunderstandings and wars.
What we get instead:
Tariffs/tariff threats, threatening Greenland, talk of making Canada the 51st state, increased entry fees at national parks for foreign visitors, etc.
Welcoming Visitors – USA Style – 2026
Friends and family or an exchange student visiting from Canada, Japan or Europe?
You’d like to have a good visit when you travel to see them. Plan to roll out the welcome mat when they visit here next summer.
A trip to a national park might be a chance to leave the pressures of the world behind for a few hours. Now, it will be a stop and ID event? Sort of like trying to enter a military facility?
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
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.
Symbol of a US press that has failed to keep people informed on public policy issues over the past 35 years or so.
Symbol of a US Presidential Administration and US Dept. of Homeland Security promoting the idea that borders have been sealed.
If Kristi Noem has sealed the borders why would suspected drug trafficking boats be a problem?
Since the Vietnam-Style Drug Boat Body Count has kept cartel drugs out, are Seattle area drug addicts having any problem finding their cartel product of choice?
Any questions from newspeople?
In The News
Here is a large Seattle Times article on copper theft that makes zero mention of how the problem may tie into illegal drug culture.
Other sources are OK with describing how drugs fit in here.
“Property crime feeds drug crime. Drug crime fuels more property crime. And the people running the city have spent years pretending these connections don’t matter.”
“We were told not to criminalize addiction, or over-police. Activists warned us not to prosecute unless absolutely necessary.”
“Most of these crimes are driven by the high price of copper, and many are committed by people who are looking to sell the metal to support their drug habits.”
“Because copper is usually priced much higher than other metals, it is a well-desired and profitable metal for people looking to feed their drug addiction.”
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: A photo I took back in May of 2025 showing the good as new sign advertising a restaurant and lounge not open in recent years.
Ongoing Breakdown of Society
It’s a shame that people look forward to a visit to the coast and may be disappointed with the reality of their stay compared to what they saw on a web page prepared by marketing/advertising and web sales staff.
Click on some of the sites and the first thing you see is a calendar to select the date you want to stay. No thanks. Not ready to purchase anything, just trying to do some homework.
The sites that do only reviews and no bookings are preferable.
“Recently, the city of Ocean Shores ordered the closure of the Shilo Inns Ocean Shores near the Chance a la Mer beach approach for numerous reasons and suspended all business licenses issued to Shilo Inns.”
“A water disconnect notice was sent on Jan. 16 with a due date of Jan. 23. Water service was subsequently shut off. According to the Grays Harbor County Assessor’s website, Shilo Inns owes $233,898 in property taxes. Current market value for the property is $12.9 million.”
“Tamez-McClain’s letter of additional findings included bed bug infestations in several rooms and more cleanliness problems and intimated that the hotel is allowing long-term occupancy exceeding 30 days.”
“According to Ocean Shores Mayor Frank Elduen, workers at the Shilo Inns Ocean Shores have not been paid in some time.”
Just Up The Street From Shilo
$6.3 million in federal cash for a used Ocean Shores hotel.
Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.
Possibly of interest:
Drive down to the former public parking area at Damon Point and see what Westport would look like today if efforts to maintain the coast were suspended decades ago.
At one time this location featured the Silver King Motel and the Marina View Restaurant next to the marina. Also, a grocery store, charter boat fishing, a boat lift and room to tie up 200 small boats.
“Last July, a Transient Accommodations Inspection Report prepared by the Washington State Department of Health indicated overflowing garbage, flies in the fitness room bathroom and spiders in guest laundry, lack of current boiler certificates, lack of adequate hot and cold water available to guests at all times, stained carpeting and mattresses and peeling wallpaper in certain rooms.”
Here on the coast, it is common for lodgings that appear to be no more than hotels or motels to describe themselves as a resort. What is a resort? What does it take to achieve this designation?
Just Up The Street From Shilo
$6.3 million in federal cash for a used Ocean Shores hotel.
Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.
Possibly of interest:
Drive down to the former public parking area at Damon Point and see what Westport would look like today if efforts to maintain the coast were suspended decades ago.
At one time this location featured the Silver King Motel and the Marina View Restaurant next to the marina. Also, a grocery store, charter boat fishing, a boat lift and room to tie up 200 small boats.
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?
“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.
“They’re also planning a second ball drop July 3, the eve of the nation’s birthday, “in the same beautiful style that Times Square knows how to do it,” Rios said.”
“It will mark the first time in 120 years there will be ball drop in Times Square that doesn’t occur on New Year’s Eve, she said.”
“President Donald Trump has also announced the “Freedom 250” initiative to coordinate additional events for the 250th anniversary.”
Get Ready To Celebrate
Get ready to celebrate what became of the federal government over the past 250 years.
“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.”
Reflect on 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.
Reflect on freedoms that diminish over time.
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.
Reflect on the reality that 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.
Reflect on the idea that, in recent years, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
Happy 250 USA
Bill Hicks: You are free to do as we tell you.
At 4:17 below, Bill Hicks delivers his message.
Reflect on a War on Terror that sends US troops to Iraq and Afghanistan to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure while cartels are able to move product into all 50 states:
Look for TV newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions related to US history such as:
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?
“A Christmas Eve jazz concert held annually for two decades at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was canceled by its host this year in protest of the addition of Donald Trump‘s name to the Washington, D.C., building.”
“But on December 18 and 19, 2025—in scenes more reminiscent of authoritarian regimes than the American republic—the sitting President and his handpicked loyalists renamed this storied center after President Trump.”
Trade, Travel and Friendship
Some might say trade, travel and friendship (as much as possible) are good for the economy. This approach may help to avoid misunderstandings and wars.
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.”
Above: Approved Flag Images
