If the US was turned into one giant military base it looks like many would be OK with that.
Several posts indicating that the event was no big deal & that people should be thankful for the sound of freedom/missions meant to keep us safe.
Very little in the way of questioning anything related to military forces which have been elevated to a higher status in American culture since the big 911 failure.
The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.
Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.
We’re not in the habit of winning decades of undeclared wars overseas- why would we think they have any bearing on American rights and freedoms?
One or two comments scolding others and reminding them that their right to post comments is protected by the people wearing a uniform.
Americans wouldn’t have the freedom to post comments on newspaper websites if people had not given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom?
Hey school teachers- where did this idea come from? 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?
If The Troops are fighting for your freedom to share ideas on the web why would you be scolded for doing so?
One or two comments indicating that the Army must do training.
One or two comments saying – back in my home town- we’re proud to be near military operational zones, etc.
The training is meant to keep us safe?
I still haven’t been able to figure out how the War on Terror works.
Heroin traffickers are frequently successful at what they do. If terrorists were just as interested in entering the US- it appears that federal departments and agencies would have no way to stop them.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as heroin traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Newspeople-
Newspeople give heroin traffickers a pass.
A heroin problem in a local community results in tearful and emotional coverage.
Zero reporting on why post 911 security protocols fail to keep heroin out of the US.
Newspeople avoid asking tough questions about heroin traffickers.
Domestic heroin trafficking makes a mockery of all war on terror crime fighting efforts, tactics, tools, & technologies.
911 should have been a drug trafficker’s worst nightmare. The US Dept. of Homeland Security- a whole new federal department- was created to stop terrorists and prevent another 911.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Don’t worry-
The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe-
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
Domestic heroin trafficking continues to serve as a US Dept. of Homeland Security report card-
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists. The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50:
Domestic heroin trafficking makes a mockery of all war on terror crime fighting efforts, tactics, tools, & technologies.
911 should have been a drug trafficker’s worst nightmare. The US Dept. of Homeland Security- a whole new federal department- was created to stop terrorists and prevent another 911.
Will the Joint Chiefs of Staff grant authorization to take our 20 year old (responsible adult) girlfriend down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Any support from The Department of Defense Re: growing a marijuana plant in the back yard?
How does the gunboat protect the ferry if a bad guy is already onboard? The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Many people have risked their ass in far off lands to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland.
Love to see a reporter ask The Joint Chiefs of Staff how all that can be justified while the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable keep heroin out of the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Sentries & watchstanders unable to prevent lone bumbler from penetrating US Coast Guard base- then smoking marijuana in the CO’s quarters aboard 210-foot cutter Active- not to be discovered until hours later at morning colors.
A huge part of this seemed to be network newspeople playing the role of federal and Boston PD public affairs personnel while they promoted the script they were handed.
The message: Stop asking questions. Wait for further instructions.
Related: If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day.
Oddities?
More than 400 soldiers were on site for routine purposes. Many people see this as a good thing.
Disregard all photos not released at an official press conference. Just watch TV and you’ll know what to think. Step away from these instructions and you may be labeled as a conspiracy theorist.
Asking for clarification/better info is not the same as offering up any sort of conspiracy theory.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
No union rep. No grandfather clause.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
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.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Instant, non-experimental jobs program/revenue generator requiring zero tax dollars-
Allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
Both major parties are OK with decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas, the drug war, and a homeland security police state that can’t keep heroin out of the US.
The train is running off the tracks. Every day it is something new:
It is unfortunate that the American people seem to want to support the troops, but lack a basic understanding of public policy related to the troops.
To be fair- public policy in this area can be confusing- even to people who did time in uniform.
This confusing article seems to indicate that people in highly respected and specialized units, or people involved in high-profile operations would be eligible for a different benefit package than the average people who were in average units over the years. Investigative reporters may not have had a clear understanding of public policy in this case.
This very popular marketing device for a US auto manufacturer is not connected in any way to public policy:
Take a look at comments below the video and you will see that people truly feel connected to supporting the troops by watching a made for TV car commercial.
The First Lady has made an effort to support military families. Unfortunately- these efforts appear to be completely unrelated to public policy.
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:
No definite benefit package is offered for people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Honest management of public information could improve the situation.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
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.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Security policies?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
Suspicionless checkpoints on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula- away from border crossings and ports of entry-
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
At that same forum a lady asked:
“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”
US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.
Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.
Question about providing ID is at 0:35
Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senator McCain speaks about military healthcare benefits-
There was a time when Moms & Dads, friends, relatives, folks at church and school- and people with years of military experience- encouraged a younger generation to take a favorable look at making a career of the US Armed Forces.
Even if there was another draft- people would be drafted for an enlistment- not a career.
911 should have been a drug trafficker’s worst nightmare. The US Dept. of Homeland Security- a whole new federal department- was created to stop terrorists and prevent another 911.
Why hasn’t the Department of Homeland Security been able to keep heroin out of the US?
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists. The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50:
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society-
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Security policies?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
“While testifying under oath, Officer Michael Reichert admits to planting drugs or drug scents on cars in hotel parking lots for K9 “training” without notifying the owners.”
Background:
Sensitive Dept. of Homeland Security documents released to the public at a garage sale-
Question to ask:
How do sensitive DHS documents leave the workplace without being signed out for official business?
“We’ve had decades of studies and experience with alcohol,” said Washington State Patrol spokesman Dan Coon. “Marijuana is new, so it’s going to take some time to figure out how the courts and prosecutors are going to handle it. But the key is impairment: We will arrest drivers who drive impaired, whether it be drugs or alcohol.”
Marijuana is new?
Nonsense.
Medical marijuana has been here since 1998.
Has I-692 caused problems on the highways?
If this is an honest concern- what has the state been waiting on?
People have been able to get behind the wheel after using marijuana for decades.
This would remain so- even if recreational use of marijuana never became legal.
Note- the headline reports the arrest- further into the article we see that prior to the arrest- people released themselves from a shipping container and wandered around the pier in the wee hours.
“Once again, CBP was on the scene as the first line of defense in cargo security and against dangerous illegal activity posing a threat to our nation’s security,” said Tom Hardy, CBP director of field operations for Seattle. “CBP screens 100 percent of all maritime containers that pose a risk for terrorism at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States.”
But not the containers used to transport human cargo?
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
How are terrorists kept out while heroin comes in?
It doesn’t matter what the situation is each year- The Super Bowl is the site of something like a Homeland Security Industrial Complex trade show for DHS employees, contractors, surveillance gear manufacturers, SWAT teams, etc.
Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel.
Show of hands- how many smaller government folks are OK with having the Department of Homeland Security around to act as a federal reserve force for local law enforcement agencies or the entertainment industry?
General McChrystal says there is no need for the sort of weapon that stayed in the trunk of a car? while the Connecticut school shooting took place- here in CONUS:
It looks like terrorists are not very active inside the US.
Random Thoughts-
Bank robbers and drug traffickers appear to try harder than terrorists.
No major terror strikes since 911? How did the federal government wipe out an entire crime category? Has this ever been done before?
There have been several attempts on the lives of US Presidents since the early 1960s, even the most intense security available has not been able to wipe out an entire crime category in this area.
Maybe they have caught terrorists, but they keep it a secret?
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Why hasn’t the US Department of Homeland Security been able to stop cocaine and heroin from crossing into the US?
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
Politicians tell us we are in a life and death struggle with terrorists who will not stop until they destroy the American way of life. If there is a military solution to this problem-why no draft?
Ever notice that the surveillance society, fusion centers, war on terror crime fighting tactics, license plate scanners, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, and social media sites, tracking of cell phones, use of drones, etc. seems to fail at stopping hardcore bad guys?
Here’s a few bad guys that made it past the screeners:
The federal government must have magic crime fighting powers to stop terrorists. The magic powers don’t work on crimes like bank robbery or drug trafficking.
How are terrorists kept out while heroin comes in?
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Why does the federal government maintain a Homeland Security police state that can’t keep heroin and cocaine from entering the US?
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
If the federal government has the crime fighting skills to wipe out all major terror strikes since 911- why wouldn’t they use those skills to shut down other categories of violent crimes?
Utah State Trooper has been contacted by at least 40 people claiming she wrongfully arrested them on DUI or drug charges.
“Public Service Announcement & Traveler Warning for anyone driving through Southern Illinois: While testifying under oath, Officer Michael Reichert admits to planting drugs and drug scents on cars in hotel parking lots for K9 “training” without notifying the owners. He then lets unsuspecting motorists drive away with drug scents still on their vehicles. Drug sniffing K9s can detect drug odors for hours, if not days after being planted. See supporting links and documents below.”
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Note- the headline reports the arrest- further into the article we see that prior to the arrest- people released themselves from a shipping container and wandered around the pier in the wee hours.
“Once again, CBP was on the scene as the first line of defense in cargo security and against dangerous illegal activity posing a threat to our nation’s security,” said Tom Hardy, CBP director of field operations for Seattle. “CBP screens 100 percent of all maritime containers that pose a risk for terrorism at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States.”
But not the containers used to transport human cargo?
How are terrorists kept out while heroin comes in?
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula-
Post 911 efforts to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland- still unable to keep illegal drugs out:
