Archives for category: Restricted Activities

Love to see newspeople ask:

When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?

 

Went to a favorite Asian restaurant yesterday. To go box/containers are made of 1970s style styrofoam. Take out bags are made of plastic.

Feels great. I do not have any fetish about using or going without plastic and styrofoam. That ends when big brother says you can’t/here is a deadline, etc.

 

In recent months-

Visiting/shopping at more than one Puget Sound area military installation:

Plastic bags are still readily available and in use. No extra fees/questions, etc.

Having/wanting a choice on plastic bags does not indicate a disregard for the planet.

 

Governor Inslee,

Please take a look at several Whidbey beaches that remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater. Not climate change.

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

 

Coupeville

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

 

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

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

Source: WDFW

Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?

 

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor City Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

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

Source: WDFW

 

More here:

WDFW Monitors Water Quality at Penn Cove

 

Governor Inslee,

Please take a look at:

Closed – WA Interstate 5 Rest Areas

 

Related:

Leave it cleaner than you found it-

Welcome Sportsmen!

 

 

 

 

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Seen at a Puget Sound area Farmers Market

 

COVID-19 vaccine mandate to enter restaurants and bars in Clallam and Jefferson counties.

Love to see the press get out and interview people on various sides of this issue.

 

My take: TV newspeople tend to report only one side of the story.

Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

I want to know what various people are thinking on various issues.

Today, voices of dissent, and their social media accounts, are suppressed.

This whole structure brings government messages into question.

 

I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.

 

Olympic Peninsula COVID-19 vaccine mandate:

Dec 19, 2021 Peninsula Daily News

Fix sought for proof-of-vaccination lawsuit

“Dr. Allison Berry, health officer for Clallam and Jefferson counties, issued a health order on Sept. 2 that requires customers of restaurants and bars to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.”

“The order, which took effect Sept. 4, was challenged in action filed in Clallam County Superior Court by six eateries in Sequim, Port Angeles and Joyce.”

“The plaintiffs are The Oasis Bar and Grill (doing business as Diamond Point Dreams), Kokopelli Grill and Coyote BBQ Pub in Port Angeles; Blondie’s Plate restaurant and Jose’s Famous Salsa and Salsa House Restaurant, both in Sequim; and Blackberry Cafe in Joyce.”

 

Dec 14, 2021 KONP

CLALLAM COUNTY VACCINE MANDATE COURT CASE WON’T BE HEARD LOCALLY

“A half-dozen local eateries have sought the injunction. They say it unconstitutionally targets a single industry and harms their freedom of commerce.”

Related:

TV News – Interview people from various sides of any issue?

One Size Fits All – County Restrictions On Bars And Restaurants

Road Trip Report – Mask Up For Watersports – WA COVID

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

COVID Restrictions Are Like Wearing A Seatbelt?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Salt Creek

12 miles west of Port Angeles

 

It’s clear that most of the WWII generation is gone now.

The WWII generation did a better job of running a modern society.

Nothing new about highway rest stops. They have been around for a long time now.

 

Oct. 15, 2021 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington closes several rest areas along Interstate 5 indefinitely due to vandalism, trash

“Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced the long-term closure of several rest areas between Everett and the Canadian border this week due to vandalism and ongoing maintenance issues.”

Long-term closure? No chance for a quick cleanup, ongoing State Patrol enforcement, maintenance & volunteer groups to keep rest stops cleaned up and ready to go?

49 other states operate highway rest stops. If I was Governor, I would insist on picking the top 3 states that are best at running rest stops and running WA rest stops in a similar manner until further improvements could be made.

These are federal highways. Publicly funded highway safety facilities will be shut down because of misbehavior? WTF?

“…some visitors have not been using the facilities for their intended purpose…”

Living at rest stops, illegal dumping, littering, vandalism and verbal threats against employees will keep gasoline tanker truck and HAZMAT transport operators from stopping to take a break for safety?

 

Oct. 15, 2021 Seattle Times

Five I-5 rest areas to close in Snohomish and Whatcom counties over trash, vandalism

“…another Snohomish County traveler mentioned filthy conditions in August, including sewage around the crowded RV waste-disposal areas, and suggested tighter State Patrol enforcement.”

A large number of comments follow the article.

From comments:

Also not mentioned is the fact that the state has a law enforcement agency responsible for policing the state and interstate freeways, including rest stops. Where is the WSP in this issue?

 

Oct 15, 2021 KING 5 News video:

Several rest areas along I-5 closed in Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties

 

Misbehavior will keep Mom & Pops, who are visiting from out of state, from getting a positive and welcoming impression of WA?

Welcome TF Home Troops

 

Related:

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Washington State Ferries & A Press Release Style Of News Reporting

Remain in your homes and wait for further instructions

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

Love to see the press get out and interview people on various sides of this issue.

Recently blogged on this:

TV News – Interview people from various sides of any issue?

How are bars and restaurants holding up on the Olympic Peninsula since proof of vaccination restrictions began on September 4th?

Let’s hear more from restaurant/tavern owners and patrons.

Alternative Media

We are big fans of Independent/alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

Alternative media is good about keeping an active comment section up & running. There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.

Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.

Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

Got it.

 

My personal preference would be to let business people make business decisions.

Let customers support or walk away from the businesses of their choosing.

 

Clallam and Jefferson counties:

Peninsula Daily News

Proof of vaccination required to enter Peninsula restaurants and bars since early Sept.

A Sept 30th visit to Port Townsend:

Road Trip Report – Mask Up For Watersports – WA COVID

 

Voices of dissent:

Sept, 16, 2021 Sequim Gazette

Sequim council opposes health restrictions 4-3

Port Townsend:

KING 5 News video interview with local pub owner:

Clallam, Jefferson counties requiring COVID-19 vaccination for indoor dining

 

Where does TV news come from?

 

King County

King County, Washington- Founded December 22, 1852

On February 24, 1986, the King County Council approved a motion to rename the county to honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.…”

 

KING 5 News

King County to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, gyms and events starting Oct. 25

An interesting collection of comments with this video:

Related:

Washington State Ferries & A Press Release Style Of News Reporting

COVID Restrictions Are Like Wearing A Seatbelt?

FDA Approved

One Size Fits All Society

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Our buyers inspect and select only the leanest cuts of meat for the grill-

 

Got into an interesting excahge here.

My take: TV newspeople tend to report only one side of the story.

Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

I want to know what various people are thinking on various issues.

Today, voices of dissent, and their social media accounts, are suppressed.

This whole structure brings government messages into question.

In the interaction above, I was told:

What other side should we be learning about besides the cdc or world health organization?”

My answer:

The idea that people who have already recovered from COVID have antibodies and natural immunity and may not require vaccination.

Here is a local story telling of about 40 people who work at a medical center who have declined the COVID vaccination and will loose their jobs.

TV newspeople-

This is a story all by itself.

People who work in and around the medical field who have been on the job over the past 18 months and reject the vaccine? Why not connect with a couple of these people and interview them?

October 17, 2021 Peninsula Daily News

Monday is state’s deadline for vaccine

“Berry said that at OMC in Port Angeles, out of 1,675 staff members, only about 40 had not fulfilled requirements as of last week and were at risk of termination.”

 

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Would it have helped for the press to present views from people other than the Dept. of Defense?

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

Concerns here are not specific to any political party, personality or group identity.

 

One Size Fits All Society

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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North of Perego’s Lagoon, looking towards Fort Ebey.

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

The crew shortage story is now more than 15 months old:

June 30, 2020 at 5:43 pm PDT
By Ryan Simms, KIRO 7 News video:

Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages

Today:

Oct 11, 2021 KOMO News

Washington State Ferries near full staffing by end of weekend, but delays still possible

More than 150 sailings were canceled from the San Juans Islands to the Central Sound Friday in an unprecedent day.”

“WSF said they are experiencing a severe staffing shortage due to an aging workforce, recruiting challenges, while feeling the impact of the global pandemic and now a vaccine mandate for state workers.”

The Puget Sound area includes several military bases. Has the US Navy delayed or canceled sailings because of crewing issues? Any chance that TV newspeople could go and do some interviews and ask these sorts of questions?

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

I am OK with the Washington State Ferries workforce protesting COVID mandates.

 

TV News

Would TV newspeople be willing to interview people from various sides of an issue?

Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency is involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

 

Random thoughts and questions newspeople seem to avoid:

Within WSF, what incentives are in place to keep customers happy?

Does the WSF HR Director get paid more to keep the system running smoothly?

Are crew member incentives in place for perfect attendance?

Extra pay, promotions, extra vacation days, earlier retirement?

15 months of poor play would be enough to get an NFL or college football coach fired.

Is there pressure on the WSF HR Director to do better?

 

Would TV newspeople be willing to interview people from various industries and public agencies on how they have handled the impacts of COVID?

HR policy away from WA government:

UPS aims to hire 100K ahead of ‘record peak holiday season’

Love to see TV newspeople ask: How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges? How have various industries and public agencies handled this? Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? Costco? Local fire dept?

Related:

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Keystone Ferry – inbound

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

Possibly of interest:

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Washington State Ferry Ride

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

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

 

Photo above-

Potlatch State Park – Hood Canal

More from Washington State Parks:

Shut Off The TV And Get Outside For A Bit

 

Port Townsend – Trip Report

We spent some time today waiting on the Keystone Ferry. Ferry waits can be a little longer now, due to one boat service.

Port Townsend is a good walking town. We have visited many times to take a look around, go shopping, drink a couple beers, enjoy a local restaurant or pub, meet friends and family, etc.

Today we had to wait for the ferry and it was time for lunch. Several restaurants are within an easy walk of the ferry dock. Over the years, these restaurants must have done a significant business serving people waiting for the ferry or showing up in town just to visit.

We quickly realized that the county we were in would not let people enter to dine in a restaurant without proof of vaccination.

One of the restaurants closest to the ferry was clearly open, but the parking lot was completely empty.

The outdoor dining area was completely empty. There was no sign of life.

Like many other locations, they are looking to add staff.

The lunch rush appears to be dead. If the customers are gone, how will new hires serve customers?

 

Snohomish County – Trip Report

Later in this same trip, we visited a traditional Mexican restaurant.

A very active dining and cantina scene here. Customers and staff seem happy. Masks required to enter. We have been here several times over the years. Recommended for anyone who still wants to get out to a Mexican restaurant. It looks like the large cantina has a bit of a sports bar vibe too.

 

Visiting/Shopping at more than one Puget Sound area military installation

Installation number one:

Saw a Got Freedom? t-shirt. The concept behind this could be discussed for hours.

Installation number two:

On Oct 2nd, 2021, plastic bags are still readily available and in use. No extra fees/questions, etc.

Having/wanting a choice on plastic bags does not indicate a disregard for the planet.

 

Related:

WA COVID Mixed Messages

COVID Restrictions Are Like Wearing A Seatbelt?

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

Press Needs More Funding?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

 

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

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

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

Look for TV newspeople to avoid asking public policy questions similar to those posted below.

 

Letter to the editor describes what seems like a worst case scenario:

September 28, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Letter: Those who are unvaccinated put the rest of us at risk

“…local hospitals are being overwhelmed by COVID patients, literally all of whom are unvaccinated. This has created a situation where people needing emergency room services are likely unable to get them.”

 

Another letter to the editor:

Sequim Gazette

Letters to the editor — Sept. 8, 2021

Hospitals and clinics are being flooded with COVID patients —mostly those who have chosen not to be vaccinated — while needed surgeries and procedures are being canceled to make way for COVID patients.”

 

If COVID concerns are becoming extremely serious, will we see a return to:

Dining in tents attached to restaurants?

Locating an Army Field Hospital in Seattle?

Will people avoid non-essential trips outside the home and gathering in groups?

Will additional restrictions be placed on grocery store shopping?

 

In the news:

Sept. 10, 2021 CNBC

People are booking Christmas vacations earlier than ever before

 

Sept. 27, 2021 CNN

5 reasons you should book your holiday travel now

 

Sep 29, 2021 Rapid City Journal

If you haven’t booked holiday travel yet, you’re already late

 

Alternative media continues to ask questions:

Related:

COVID Restrictions Are Like Wearing A Seatbelt?

Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions

Press Needs More Funding?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Looking from Damon Point towards the Westport Jetty.

Washington Coast

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

 

Holiday gatherings are not canceled because people go without seatbelts.

 

People do not lose their jobs because they go without seatbelts.

 

Travel is not shut down because people go without seatbelts.

Sept. 20, 2021 USA TODAY

“Border restrictions on nonessential travel have been extended again, this time through Oct. 21, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients said Monday. The restrictions were first implemented in March 2020 and have since been extended on a monthly basis.”

 

Landlords are not required to provide rent free apartments because people go without seatbelts.

Sept. 21, 2021 Office of the Mayor Mayor Jenny A. Durkan

Mayor Durkan Announces January 15, 2022 Extension of Eviction Moratorium and Continuation of Additional COVID-Related Protections

 

Sept. 23, 2021 KING 5 News

“Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday he is extending Washington state’s eviction moratorium for one month. The state’s moratorium was set to expire on Sept. 30, 2021.

The extension will keep the moratorium in place through Oct. 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.”

 

Employers do not face federal mandates because people go without seatbelts.

Promoting a one size fits all society:

Maybe all of the US should function like one, giant military base.

Freedom of individual expression could be fully controlled. No distractions. No dissent.

 

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.

People choose different churches to attend, or attend no church at all. This is a safety valve.

 

WWII Generation

A few letters and editorials have compared recent months to the past and made the case that people did a better job of pulling together during WWII.

They are correct.

A man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

 

Since WWII, information has become available on:

USS Calhoun County sailors dumped thousands of tons of radioactive waste, using GIs in mustard gas experiments, using GIs to test nuclear weapons, Agent Orange, MCAS El Toro and Camp Lejeune water contamination & Gulf War Syndrome.

News links and sources here:

JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy

 

June 24, 2020 Jacob G. Hornberger

The “Greatest” Generation’s Refusal to Fight the “Good War”

“The U.S. government had to force 61.2% of the “greatest generation” to fight in World War II.”

Most troops did not volunteer.

Related:

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Nordland Transit Center

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

WA State Ferries

In the news:

Sep 12, 2021 KING 5 News video

‘The ferry system is our lifeline’: San Juan Island residents scramble as several weekend ferry routes are canceled

“This comes after weeks of rumors of WSF employees staging a “sick-out” to protest the governor’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.”

I am OK with the Washington State Ferries workforce protesting COVID mandates.

WSF COVID crewing challenges have been in the news for well over 12 months now.

HR policy away from WA government:

UPS aims to hire 100K ahead of ‘record peak holiday season’

Love to see KING 5 ask: How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges? How have various industries and public agencies handled this? Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? local fire dept?

Blogged about it back in May:

WSF COVID Crewing Challenges – Now 10 Months In

 

Dining Out

Took a guest and went out to a place we enjoyed several weeks ago.

Small waiting line to get in.

Masks must be worn to enter.

So far, so good. Just like last time.

Seated at table when new format and protocols kick in:

Entire order will be taken all at the same time and will be paid for in advance.

Can we order a beer to start? No, entire order will be taken all at the same time.

Bar is open, several beers are on tap. No beer list at the table to let us know what is available.

When you are ready to order-slide menus over the edge of the table.

We saw a ketchup bottle on the table recently at another place. Works for us.

Last night, ketchup comes in tiny cups. Water comes in a bottle.

The place we went last night appeared to be fully staffed with good people. Not here to complain about restaurant staff.

Here to ask:

How much of the new dining format (not masks) is forced by the state and how much is made up by the local business?

Is there any medical advantage that comes with the new format?

If it is the choice of the business, what are they trying to achieve?

I will wait on the sidelines if dining out features unpredictable new protocols. The whole idea of returning to a place you like is to duplicate the experience you had before.

 

Possibly of interest:

Recent Memes

 

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Extinct ferry at Kingston

 

There has been a lot going on in the news. I’d like to move away from it, but the big stories have pulled me in over the past few days.

A man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

Love to see the press, school teachers, sports announcers and politicians come clean on how any of this was linked to American rights and freedoms or defending the constitution.

Leaving Afghanistan – Lies About American Rights And Freedoms

 

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record with undeclared wars. This record goes back to 1949, the year DOD was established.

 

Show up early to wait in line and squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube out at the airport?

What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?

Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

Much of the TV news reporting we get today is sort of a press release style of reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.

Newspeople post this statement as is.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

 

I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.

My concerns are not specific to any political party, personality or group identity.

Before the internet and social media-

If different people selected different churches to attend, or they decided to attend no church at all, was this because of misinformation?

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature.

FDA Approved

 

Stopped by a WA bar on Friday. Masks must be worn to enter. Masks come off inside and people carry on as always. Even for people with a completely neutral mind, much of all this seems like just going through the motions.

My personal preference would be for business owners to make business decisions. Customers would support or walk away from the businesses of their choosing. If people want to sit at the bar and drink, let’s leave that option open.

 

A One Size Fits All Society?

TV newspeople tend to report one side of the story. Would TV newspeople (prior to the protest phase) be willing to interview people from various sides of an issue?

A large number of news stories Re: parents showing up at back to school protests tell us that different people believe different things.

Allowing people to voluntarily opt in or out may ease the tension-similar to the way people select the church they attend, or chose to attend no church at all.

People who wish to wear masks and get vaccinated may do so at any time.

None of these images belong to me. I did not create them. They were shared on the web.

 

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

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

 

The COVID situation may be confusing. Gov. Inslee ended statewide COVID restrictions on June 30, 2021.

June 28, 2021 The Seattle Times

Inslee to celebrate end of COVID-19 restrictions with stops in Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane

“On Wednesday evening, Inslee will head to a celebration at River Square Park in Spokane, to be joined by Mayor Nadine Woodward.”

“Then, on Thursday morning, Inslee will raise a “Washington Ready” flag above the Space Needle. Afterward, the governor is expected to make a stop at Pike Place Market.”

 

July 14, 2021

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is thrilled to share today the state reached its 70% vaccination goal.”

 

WA 70% Vaccination Goal

 

Less than one month after ending statewide COVID restrictions:

July 22, 2021 Peninsula Daily News

Time to mask up again against COVID-19
Honor system ‘not working’

 

Earliest days of WA COVID concern: We were told that COVID-19 was a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and school while marijuana and booze sales were designated as essential. This policy may have made people wonder about the science here.

Marijuana and booze sales roll on:

March 25, 2020 The Seattle Times

In coronavirus closures, Washington state pot and liquor stores can stay open; sales have spiked for a while

 

Special construction projects are approved:

May 12th, 2020

The construction project wasn’t delayed by the coronavirus pandemic; it was considered essential since it was state funded.”

Got it.

The state took money from some people, and gave it to some other people.

If your construction crew is working on a project based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for services, you might have to stay home for a while.

Source:

May 12, 2020 South Whidbey Record

Iconic inn gets new cedar roof thanks to grant

 

Related:

Blaming Misinformation

JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?

WA COVID – Press Release Style of News Reporting

 

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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Port Townsend

 

I live near a military base that I visit frequently. Over the past year, a wide range of changing COVID restrictions have been in place.

You can find different requirements at different buildings and facilities all on the same base, in the same day.

Military exchange

Over the past 12 months, every possible combination of closing one or most entrances to the building and channelling shoppers into and out of one door. Next visit, a different combination of entrance/exits closed is in place. Ask anyone who works or shops there, they would be able to verify. Never have understood how COVID risk is minimized by changing up the building entrances and exits. Masks are always required.

Military commissary

Overt the past 12 months: count shopping carts so that a limited number of shoppers can be in the facility. Check ID cards before entry. Later, no more checking cards or counting shoppers. Masks are always required.

Other base facilities have required a temperature check before entry. Some have required a face covering. Some have required a cloth face covering.

Walmart

Whoever designed the building did so by code/permit. Size of building dictates number of exits/entrances and how large the space is where people are able to move shopping carts, enter with their family, etc.

COVID brings on restricted store entrances and exits. To enter the store, the normal access is restricted and made more narrow, forcing people to bunch up in order to get into the store. What is the medical advantage of this?

Related:

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

 

The Science

If COVID-19 in WA was a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work, why were  marijuana and booze sales designated as essential?

 

REAL ID

If terrorists are trying to kill us, and REAL ID matters, have travelers out at the airport been less safe during the almost 20 years since 911?

The new REAL ID requirement/deadline for domestic air travel has been extended how many times now?

REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror

 

REAL ID & Drug Cartels

If terrorists are trying to kill us, and REAL ID matters, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?

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

Are passports/enhanced/REAL IDs effective in keeping cartel drugs out of the US?

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

If sending US troops to Afghanistan and creating a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security was meant to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, why are drug cartels able to move product into all 50 states?

Source: DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program

“There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.”

Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.

 

Alternative media continues to ask questions.

30:35

Joe Biden is wearing a mask on a zoom call-when he has been vaccinated:

Related:

Fake War on Terror

Polk County Florida “…Our Partnership With Homeland Security…”

COVID – Life and Death for Some – Restrictions for All

JBLM – US Armed Forces Vaccine Hesitancy

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Local Fire Dept.

April 23, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor fire chief: Response times slower than year ago

“Staffing shortages, city growth and the need to don personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic led to longer response times, Merrill said.”

“The department lost about a third of its paid-on-call staff from April to September last year, Merrill explained, because they were members of the Navy and were restricted from volunteering during the pandemic.”

 

WA State Ferries

June 30, 2020 KIRO 7 News video

Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages

“Currently, the number of passengers is going back up, but more than 150 employees are off the job due to the pandemic.”

Some (employees) are in that high-risk category, either by age, or whether by underlying health conditions, or both, so we want to keep them safe,” Sterling told KIRO 7 News.

“Ahead of the Fourth of July period, ferry workers are already warning passengers the wait this weekend could exceed four hours.”

 

Months Later

Did any sort of hiring blitz take place? Many people are ready for good jobs in this economy.

Response from WSF:

We have hired a bunch of new employees since and many more are still in training in preparation for this coming summer.”

April 16, 2021 1:42pm Whidbey News-Times

Coupeville ferry short crew; some reservations canceled

 

The High-Risk Category

Would it make sense to have age/physical standards requirements in hiring? The US Armed Forces are one example of where these requirements are in place.

Related/previous blog:

Central Planning and Essential Travel

 

Do property taxes go down because fleets of school buses sat idle and students remained at home?

Are deadlines for payment of property taxes extended?

 

If we could save just one life-

We might reduce the speed limit on the highway to 40 mph.

We might require all drivers on state roadways to wear a NASCAR/Indy-style helmet.

If driving a car without a seatbelt is not legal, should motorcycle use be phased out to save lives?

 

Cartel drugs can be deadly for some.

US Troops at the border, the big El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, and a $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep meth, heroin and fentanyl from arriving in Hometown USA.

Should further restrictions be put in place?

The legal drinking age could be raised to age 35, if it would save lives.

Everyone could be required to go to 12 step meetings as a preventative measure.

High risk activities could be phased out.

Mountain climbing, riding in a hot air balloon, operating a home built aircraft, and swimming in any location without a lifeguard are examples of activities that could be restricted.

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Possibly of interest:

Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

Updated daily: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Related:

Local Waters

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

Distance learning idea:

Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

More here:

Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press

Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound

Last year:

Whidbey Earth Day

 

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

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

 

June 30, 2020 KIRO 7 News video

Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages

“Currently, the number of passengers is going back up, but more than 150 employees are off the job due to the pandemic.”

Some (employees) are in that high-risk category, either by age, or whether by underlying health conditions, or both, so we want to keep them safe,” Sterling told KIRO 7 News.

“Ahead of the Fourth of July period, ferry workers are already warning passengers the wait this weekend could exceed four hours.”

 

Nine Months Later

Did any sort of hiring blitz take place? Many people are ready for good jobs in this economy.

Response from WSF:

We have hired a bunch of new employees since and many more are still in training in preparation for this coming summer.”

April 16, 2021 1:42pm Whidbey News-Times

Coupeville ferry short crew; some reservations canceled

 

The High-Risk Category

Would it make sense to have age/physical standards requirements in hiring? The US Armed Forces are one example of where these requirements are in place.

Related/previous blog:

Central Planning and Essential Travel

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Keystone Ferry – inbound

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

Possibly of interest:

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Washington State Ferry Ride

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

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

 

I think people could reject alternative media and be totally good with mainstream media, but it would require the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks to try harder.

We are fans of alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish.

Feb 13, 2021 LewRockwell.com

The Great Vaccine Scam By Vasko Kohlmayer

Rather than being told the truth, we were commanded to hunker down in lengthy lockdowns and ordered to wait until the vaccine was found.”

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

More information is better-this is how science and medicine works. Over the years, some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.

Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?

Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.

Why the effort to suppress questions?

 

The culture of the Marine Corps includes taking a careful look at things that may have gone wrong in order to prevent them from happening again in the future:

Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned

 

Best case scenario-elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.

 

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

3:20

“An error doesnt become a mistake, until you refuse to correct it.”

Related:

Conspiracy Theory?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Cartels are able to move product to all 50 states. All levels of government are supposedly working against them and they get the job done.

Any shortage of heroin, meth or fentanyl anywhere in the US?

Maybe look into it.

High Terror Alert Fails To Keep Cartel Product Out

 

Feb 9, 2021 Q13 FOX News video

Communities report vaccine deliveries halted across Washington

“Officials said 1,200 doses had been ordered for delivery by the state, but nothing arrived.”

Question for newspeople:

If we have a party and order 3 large pizzas, the pizza place will tell us if they are unable to make a delivery or unable to have product ready for pickup. When orders for 1,200 doses of vaccine are placed with the state, is the state indicating the delivery will be made? What is changing between the time the order is made and the delivery date?

Placing an order with a local shop:

Called 1-800 Sears

 

Feb 5 Camano Island Fire & Rescue

Vaccine update:

We requested 1,200 doses of vaccine. Unfortunately, the state did not allocate any doses to us for the week of Feb. 8.”

 

What is the government really good at?

Spotting counterfeit N95 masks? Big problems.

Spotting counterfeit Super Bowl items? Job well done.

Staying out of, winning or shutting down decades of undeclared wars?

Running an unemployment office?

Opioid lawsuits?

Keeping drug cartels from showing up with product far from any border crossing or port of entry?

Feb 9, 2021 KABB FOX 29

“The cartels in Mexico are flooding the domestic illegal drug market with methamphetamine,” said Sorianello.

Keeping sewage treatment outfall from impacting local waters?

Protecting your personal information?

 

Possibly of interest:

Because We Said So

Marketing Partnership Update

Welcome Home Troops

Security Theater

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules

Fewer Than Half Of All Americans Trust The Mainstream Media

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

This item came in the mail weeks ago. It did not look like official government mail or tax info to me. It looked a bit questionable. I set it aside and forgot about it. Later, I read more on the web about this card and could not remember if I threw it out. After a thorough search, I found the card.

We have a local financial institution that we are very happy with. My wife and I both have accounts there. My wife activated the card at home, then called our Bank/CU. She was told that we would both need to go to the bank and both go inside to have the funds deposited into our separate (not joint) accounts. Months ago, when the stimulus check arrived, we were able to make the deposit from the drive-thru. Access to the inside of the Bank/CU is quite restricted now. We waited to enter the outside lobby area. When it was our turn we went in and were told by the screener that we would have to go in and sit down one at a time. Wife went first with the card. I went second. This Bank/CU has a very high reputation for efficiency and none of that changed today.

It took extensive data entry for the person helping us to complete this transaction. We both have had accounts there for years, and the stimulus check deposit was a simple & fast process.

The data entry required today was similar to what I would expect for opening a new account after moving to a new town or city.

The card came in an envelope with instructions and lots of fine print. None of this had been required to deposit a check from the federal government.

Love to see a mini-documentary with banking professionals to inform the public on how much more time consuming the card is compared to a government check of the exact same value.

Computers, the web, government, banks and credit unions have been around for years now. Why not keep it simple?  Why does depositing funds from the card seem to be much more time consuming?

Some people have been out of work and missed paychecks because of COVID.

Some people have missed zero checks because of COVID.

Seems odd to send the same bulk amount of cash out to everyone, no matter what their situation is.

Related:

If I was Governor

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Just south of Point Partridge

 

Credibility matters when government needs people to support various programs.

People have earned a right to be skeptical.

Some people may feel they have been run in circles by various levels of government for an extended period of time.

Will elected officials and the press acknowledge this possibility?

 

Jan. 22, 2021 The Seattle Times

Suzi LeVine, head of Washington state’s unemployment agency, to take job in Biden administration

July 2018

Inslee appointed LeVine as ESD commissioner in July 2018.”

During the Pandemic

“…problems at the ESD during her 2-1/2 year tenure — notably a fraud scheme that siphoned off $600 million in unemployment funds as well as chronic delays in benefit payments to legitimate claimants during the pandemic.”

During the Obama administration

“…LeVine, a 51-year-old former Microsoft and Expedia executive and U.S. ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein for three years in the Obama administration, is a longtime player in Democratic politics. She and her husband, Eric LeVine, gave more than $400,000 to the Biden campaign and other Democratic causes in 2019 and 2020, according to federal campaign records.”

Jan 2021

“And despite steady calls for her ouster following the fraud and other ESD problems, LeVine maintained the support of Inslee. LeVine “led the Employment Security Department through an extremely challenging time and I never doubted that she had the best interests of working Washingtonians at the heart of all her endeavors,” Inslee said in a statement Friday.”

“Last September, for example, LeVine disclosed that a software flaw that contributed to the fraud losses was first detected in 2019, but not fixed until much of the fraud had occurred. That problem was highlighted in December in the first of five state audits being conducted on the fraud and other problems during the pandemic. State Auditor Pat McCarthy also rebuked LeVine for hindering her office’s investigation.”

Feb 2021

Moving on to serve the USA as an economic first responder.

 

Nov 30, 2020 OregonLive

Auditor: Washington state agency head slowing investigation into massive unemployment fraud

“…Investigation into massive fraud resulting in the theft of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.”

“State Auditor Pat McCarthy said Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine imposed “significant constraints” on auditors — including limiting interviews with key employees and delaying access to important documents, The Seattle Times reported.”

 

Jan 22, 2021 KING 5 News

Washington Employment Security Commissioner Suzi LeVine leaving to join Biden administration

“Employment Security Department (ESD) Commissioner Suzi LeVine, who came under fire for delays in unemployment benefit payments and the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars to fraud during the pandemic, is leaving her position to join the administration of President Joe Biden.”

 

Jan 22, 2021 Puget Sound Business Journal

LeVine leaves ESD fraud mess for role in Biden’s administration

ESD still has not released information in response to multiple public records requests that seek to understand how fraudsters pilfered $576 million from state coffers using stolen identities, including a request by Washington Sen. Ann Rivers.”

 

Random Thoughts

Maintaining the public trust?

Being on watch for fraud at Washington state’s Employment Security Department seems like it would be a normal part of the job, even if there was no pandemic.

Jan. 22, 2021 The Seattle Times

“Allies say she revived a dysfunctional and demoralized state agency. State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, said that LeVine, who graduated from Brown University with an engineering degree, used her considerable technical and management expertise to help modernize an agency that had been slow to upgrade its systems.”

She took an agency that was in the ditch … and I think she did an extraordinary job of turning that ship,” Carlyle said. “And then, [she] ran into the largest global pandemic in world history.”

Why did Governor Inslee allow this agency to struggle prior to July of 2018?

Why did she not step down or get removed after “slowing investigation into massive unemployment fraud“?

Related:

WA – Credibility Squandered

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

If I was Governor

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

Northern California – One Size Fits All

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

Crediblity matters when government needs people to support various programs.

People have earned a right to be skeptical.

Some people may feel they have been run in circles by various levels of government for an extended period of time.

Will elected officials and the press acknowledge this possibility?

 

In Washington State

Government is trusted to do the right thing by operating the Employment Security Department.

Nov 30, 2020 OregonLive

Auditor: Washington state agency head slowing investigation into massive unemployment fraud

“…Investigation into massive fraud resulting in the theft of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.”

“State Auditor Pat McCarthy said Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine imposed “significant constraints” on auditors — including limiting interviews with key employees and delaying access to important documents, The Seattle Times reported.”

January of 2021

Jan 22, 2021 MyNorthwest.com

The head of Washington state’s unemployment office is leaving for a job with the Biden-Harris administration.

Commissioner LeVine leaving WA unemployment office to join Biden administration

LeVine was appointed to head the ESD in 2018 by Gov. Inslee, and confirmed by the state Senate in the following legislative session.”

“It’s unclear at this time what job LeVine is taking with the new administration, but she has served as an ambassador for the U.S. government in the past.”

 

Why are voters presented with issues on the ballot that may not be legally decided by voters?

Every vote counts?

October 15, 2020 Crosscut

WA Supreme Court rules $30 car tab initiative is unconstitutional

For the third time in state history, a measure promising to cut car-tab taxes to $30 a year has been blocked by Washington state courts.”

 

Public Safety Dealbreaker

Washington State Patrol yields the right of way to protests on I-5.

July 5, 2020 KIRO 7

Death of I-5 protester sparks end of nighttime freeway protests

“But the Washington State Patrol looked the other way, even setting up barriers during the nearly three weeks of nighttime protests on the freeway.”

After enabling criminal conduct, WSP will no longer enable criminal conduct:

“Blocking a freeway is a crime and no longer are we going to enable that criminal conduct to continue,” said State Patrol Capt. Ron Mead, who made the decision to no longer close the interstate. “We are not going to be allowing protesters to access the freeway unimpeded, and there are consequences for criminal conduct.”

State Patrol had shut down the interstate 19 nights in a row in response to protests, said Capt. Mead, who oversees the agency’s district that includes King County. For weeks, troopers operated in response to protesters’ movements, shutting down a stretch of the interstate when it looked as if protesters would enter the roadway.”

 

January of 2021

Plenty of time to get Seattle violence under control?

Jan 21 2021 KOMO News

After another violent night of protests, Seattle police speak out about their tactics

 

Governor Inslee,

Not disputing the mask requirement, but telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.

 

January of 2021

In the entire history of Washington State, how many times has any group attempted to breach a gate at the governor’s mansion because they were unsatisfied with public policy?

Which Governors have been in office when this has happened at any time in history?

Will elected officials and the press acknowledge that things may be different now?

 

More here:

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

If I was Governor

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules

 

Both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

This is the trend in the Puget Sound area.

Newspapers are suppressing or eliminating online comment sections. A forum for individual thought is not part of the plan. Newspapers are getting away from asking questions related to public policy while telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.

 

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

Northern California – One Size Fits All

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A trip to the state park might be a chance to leave the pressures of the world behind for an hour or two.

Preemptive warning notices will snap your mind back to reality before you even start your visit at the park.

Shut Off The TV And Get Outside For A Bit

 

Some people may feel they have been run in circles by various levels of government for an extended period of time.

Will elected officials and the press acknowledge this possibility?

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

 

Northern California

Jan 18, 2021 Los Angeles Times

Fight against COVID-19 hits wall of defiance, suspicion in rural California: ‘The excuses just go on’

“We’re getting very frustrated here in Northern California,” said Dr. Richard Wickenheiser, the Tehama County health officer. “We have a lot of anti-vaxxers and a lot of independent people who just feel that COVID was a hoax…”

“In Tehama County, where indoor dining is banned by the state, restaurants were still seating maskless customers in recent days. In downtown Red Bluff, signs in store windows read: “Please respect everyone’s personal space. … Masks are welcome, but not required…”

“…the Palomino Room bar in Red Bluff was hopping. It was karaoke night. Old country hits were queued up. No one wore a mask.”

“The restaurant’s owner, Carlos Zapata, has refused to close or require facial coverings.”

Asked why he does not require masks, he told The Times: “Why would we? We’re not sick. Masks are for sick people.”

 

Jan 20, 2021 A News Cafe

Election Joys Dimmed by Local Threats: ‘We know where you live, we know who your family is, we know your dog’s name’

Early on in the pandemic, a group of vocal business owners openly defied all public health mandates. North State law enforcement made it clear from the get-go that they weren’t interested in enforcement. But then we heard that never fear, state agencies like ABC would be cracking down on those businesses. It turns out that for the most part, the state agencies don’t appear that keen on enforcement, either.”

“Meanwhile, here we are some 10 months since the first state mandates and there are some individuals and businesses that defy the rules and have done so since Day 1, such as many restaurants and bars that have never closed, and have no intentions of closing. One such restaurant is the Palomino Room in Red Bluff, owned by Carlos Zapata of Palo Cedro, someone whose name is familiar to many who read this site.”

“He’s said that should anyone try to come and force his place to close, he’d call upon the manpower and wrath of thousands of his fellow patriots. He has lots of company, and with each day that passes without any repercussions, more businesses feel emboldened to follow suit.”

“Many people wonder how the Covid non-compliant business-owners “get away” with it. How can they continue to break the rules month after month? Where are the enforcers? Sure, some agencies may say they’re overworked and understaffed, but my hunch is there’s not a huge push for enforcement for another reason: Nobody wants to risk a Waco reenactment right here in Shasta County. That threat is real.”

 

A man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

 

In Washington State

Government is trusted to do the right thing:

Nov 30, 2020 OregonLive

Auditor: Washington state agency head slowing investigation into massive unemployment fraud

“…Investigation into massive fraud resulting in the theft of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.”

 

Why are voters presented with issues on the ballot that may not be legally decided by voters?

Every vote counts?

October 15, 2020 Crosscut

WA Supreme Court rules $30 car tab initiative is unconstitutional

For the third time in state history, a measure promising to cut car-tab taxes to $30 a year has been blocked by Washington state courts.”

 

Public Safety Dealbreaker

Washington State Patrol yields the right of way to protests on I-5.

July 5, 2020 KIRO 7

Death of I-5 protester sparks end of nighttime freeway protests

“But the Washington State Patrol looked the other way, even setting up barriers during the nearly three weeks of nighttime protests on the freeway.”

After enabling criminal conduct, WSP will no longer enable criminal conduct:

“Blocking a freeway is a crime and no longer are we going to enable that criminal conduct to continue,” said State Patrol Capt. Ron Mead, who made the decision to no longer close the interstate. “We are not going to be allowing protesters to access the freeway unimpeded, and there are consequences for criminal conduct.”

State Patrol had shut down the interstate 19 nights in a row in response to protests, said Capt. Mead, who oversees the agency’s district that includes King County. For weeks, troopers operated in response to protesters’ movements, shutting down a stretch of the interstate when it looked as if protesters would enter the roadway.”

 

Governor Inslee,

Not disputing the mask requirement, but telling us that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work and designating marijuana and booze sales as essential, may have made people wonder about the science here.

 

January of 2021

In the entire history of Washington State, how many times has any group attempted to breach a gate at the governor’s mansion because they were unsatisfied with public policy?

Which Governors have been in office when this has happened at any time in history?

Will elected officials and the press acknowledge that things may be different now?

 

A society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

More here:

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

If I was Governor

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

A Fresh Start With President Biden? Political Parties – What They Agree On

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

San Francisco

 

A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.

We haven’t won a war since.

 

A Dept. of Defense with a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.

 

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

 

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that was nowhere to be found on 1/6/21.

Another big crackdown featuring various restrictions on the land of the free has begun.

Standby to find out how you will be impacted.

 

911 brought special ID requirements.

People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home.

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

Still trying to figure out if REAL ID plays any role in keeping cartel product from showing up in various parts of the US.

Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.

 

State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts

CBP tells us:

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!

Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.

Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?

Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?

 

Department of Defense news/social media posts

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

A/SD Chris Miller speaks about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how the DOD continues to build an environment honoring his legacy.”

We are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by forcing people to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then lying and telling them that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.

Will the press show up to ask any questions?

 

U.S. Central Command

B-52H crews conduct second Middle East presence patrol of 2021 as key part of CENTCOM’s defensive posture.”

Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:

Did the advantage of US air power or DOD social media posts allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?

 

Related:

DOD Nowhere To be Found On 911 – US Dept. of Homeland Security Missing on 1/6/21

Lawbreakers, Dissenters, Observers and Group Identities

A Fresh Start With President Biden? Political Parties – What They Agree On

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

Island County

June 19, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Island County enters Phase 3

“The county’s rate of new infections continues to be very low. In the three-week period following the move into Phase 2, only two new infections were reported and both those were the result of people in the same family visiting another county, according to Island County Public Health.”

“For the county, entering Phase 3 means restaurants and taverns can now have 75 percent capacity and tables with up to 10 people. Movie theaters can open at 50 percent capacity.”

 

July 14, 2020 The Seattle Times

Inslee pauses reopening of Washington’s counties through July 28 as COVID-19 cases spike

 

November 15, 2020 KIRO 7 News

New COVID-19 restrictions announced: Indoor dining and social gatherings prohibited

Indoor dining at bars and restaurants will stop on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Outdoor dining will be allowed but no more than five people at one table.”

“The restrictions will stay in place until at least Dec. 14.”

 

0:29

Nov 16, 2020 ClarkCountyToday.com

Counties are best suited to work to improve the situation:

Whatcom County

Jan 14, 2021 KGMI

Whatcom County COVID-19 infection rate highest in state

“The Health Department reports cases have skyrocketed in the Lynden and Nooksack Valley areas, with the case rate doubling in Lynden and tripling in Nooksack Valley over the previous week.”

 

Island County is now in the North Region (San Juan County, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties)

Jan 17th, 2021 San Juan Journal

State’s new two-phase plan and what it means for SJC

The week before last, Gov. Jay Inslee released details on what is being called the “Roadmap to Recovery.”

 

Roadmap to Recovery

Island County is now tied to Whatcom County.

Sort of like rooting for your hometown high school football team to win the championship, but they can’t do it if other teams in other counties do poorly.

Related:

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

If I was Governor

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

Is an effort being made to avoid thinking of all present as law breakers?

 

Jan 12, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

In Our Opinion: Oak Harbor pro-Trump rally during Capitol siege poorly timed

“And only one of the protesters was seen wearing a mask. The county’s Public Health director confirmed that the unmasked people packed together on the side of the highway were violating the state’s COVID-19 rules.”

Should decent people be placed on hold because bad people were doing bad things at the same time 3000 miles away?

The mask rules apply to individual people no matter what political causes they may support.

 

Jan 14, 2021 CBS News

Passengers banned from U.S. airlines top 2,700, with dozens added in wake of Capitol riot

“Some of the people who traveled in our planes yesterday participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today,” she said. “Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.”

How do you separate these people from those who were not involved in any illegal activity?

Causing disruption on commercial aircraft is not to be tolerated no matter if you represent the Girl Scouts, the KKK or no group at all. The article offers no explanation.

 

Jan 13, 2021 The Intercept

SCHUMER’S INSURRECTIONIST NO-FLY LIST IS A CIVIL LIBERTIES NIGHTMARE

“In the years following the September 11 attacks, tens of thousands found themselves on the no-fly list without any specific allegation against them, after having been targeted without due process, based on classified criteria.”

 

Jan 13, 2021 CNN Business

Airbnb says it will block reservations in DC area during inauguration

“Airbnb says it will cancel all short-term reservations in the Washington, DC area next week, an escalation of its efforts around safety and the presidential inauguration.”

People of good will, who have attended the parade in the past, where the President may step out and wave to the crowds are not able to book a reservation because bad people did bad things?

 

What happened to the strict post 911/GWOT security protocols meant to maintain order on Jan 6th?

Welcome Home Troops

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

Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:

 

Restricting Access To Social Media

1:35

Sill OK to question results of 2016 election:

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

Is gathering at the US, or any state capitol to hold a rally for any cause or to observe government in action now in question?

 

Related:

Discrimination is common – Government is OK with much of it

Post 911 Faith In Government Update

Washington State Patrol – Professional Law Enforcement

Terror Threat/US Credibility/One Size Fits All & Random Thoughts

What Failed On Wednesday at the United States Capitol?

In sports, newspeople are free to ask hard questions

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Not A Democrat Or A Republican

What does the Medal of Freedom have to do with freedom?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?

Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Jan 11, 2021

Washington State Patrol Sergeant Darren Wright says so far 1 person has been arrested: an RV was blocking the road to the Capitol. He says law enforcement will be out as long as necessary and when asked about people wanting to breach the building: “that’s not gonna happen.”

 

Summer of 2020

Fatality during 19 nights of protest on Interstate 5 in Seattle

For some reason, the Washington State Patrol pulled back and placed public safety at risk by yielding to protests on I-5.

Public Safety Deal Breaker

Washington State Patrol yields the right of way to protests on I-5.

July 5, 2020 KIRO 7

Death of I-5 protester sparks end of nighttime freeway protests

“But the Washington State Patrol looked the other way, even setting up barriers during the nearly three weeks of nighttime protests on the freeway.”

After enabling criminal conduct, WSP will no longer enable criminal conduct:

“Blocking a freeway is a crime and no longer are we going to enable that criminal conduct to continue,” said State Patrol Capt. Ron Mead, who made the decision to no longer close the interstate. “We are not going to be allowing protesters to access the freeway unimpeded, and there are consequences for criminal conduct.”

State Patrol had shut down the interstate 19 nights in a row in response to protests, said Capt. Mead, who oversees the agency’s district that includes King County. For weeks, troopers operated in response to protesters’ movements, shutting down a stretch of the interstate when it looked as if protesters would enter the roadway.”

 

Public Safety/Routine Stuff

WSP knows that more people are out drinking and driving during the holidays. WSP gets involved to promote public safety before lives are lost.

Why did protests on I-5 go on for 19 nights?

If the Girl Scouts or the KKK enter the interstate and block traffic/risk public safety people must be able to count on elected officials and LE agencies to do their job.

Different groups do appear to be treated differently based on location/whatever elected official has jurisdiction and whatever cause the group may be supporting.

 

Related:

In sports, newspeople are free to ask hard questions

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound

Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

Not A Democrat Or A Republican

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Keystone Ferry – inbound

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

Possibly of interest:

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Washington State Ferry Ride

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

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

 

An important component of a free society is that different people believe different things and are able to act on their beliefs.

An example:

Some parents are OK with public schools. Some want to send their children to private schools. Some want to homeschool their kids. People get to move off in different directions. This is a safety valve.

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.

People choose different churches to attend, or attend no church at all. This is a safety valve.

Years ago, it was understood that some people preferred to smoke. Some preferred to be vegan. Some preferred to eat meat. Some preferred electric cars, some preferred a powerful truck to pull a horse trailer.

We don’t ask voters to pick the two most popular churches and make plans for government to eliminate the rest because they may be spreading misinformation.

A live and let live attitude is fading.

Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society

COVID restrictions, restricting access to social media, talk of getting rid of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and a discussion of prohibiting legal firearms has people feeling boxed in. This is not the free and honest society our elementary school teachers lied to us about.

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules.

The ugly side of politics may be a reaction that comes from trying to force a one size fits all society.

The idea is to live in a free and honest society.

 

 

 

Gov. Mike DeWine signs into law bill that allows home delivery of liquor, removes some sales provisions

If these services do not create a risk for local communities-why are they restricted under normal conditions?

Watch for the press to ask zero questions in these areas.

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell promotes federal assistance for small newsrooms.

My podcast:

 

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

 

Twitter permanently suspends Trump from its platform

Will this help people to accept a one size fits all society?

I saw a comment somewhere that said Twitter is a private business and free to set its own rules. Does that also apply to the florist or bakery that does not want to create a product for a gay marriage ceremony? Does that also apply to a tavern that wants to allow indoor smoking?

If I ran a bakery-

Store policy:

We do quality cakes for all occasions-no customer application/background check required.

Growing numbers of happy customers and building our positive reputation is our goal.

Please tell your friends & contact us at any time.

In a free and honest society customers would support or walk away from the businesses of their choosing.

 

Eric July

@EricDJuly making the case for a peaceful divorce between states before it happens violently

The 50 United States plan means being taxed and forced to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then being lied to, and told that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Eric July

Y’all crackheads can’t even exist on the same social media platform with folks that differ politically but for some reason y’all think it’s preferable that we continue to share a government.”

 

Related:

Northern California – One Size Fits All

Not A Democrat Or A Republican

If I was Governor

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Point Partridge

 

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Terror Threat

Maybe there is a minimal terror threat these days.

If suicide bombers with concealed explosives packed on their bodies wanted to disrupt American society at the US Capitol, it looks like there would be no SWAT team to keep them out or to have them show ID and pass through the metal detector.

US Troops at the border, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, border wall efforts and the Post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, etc.) appear to have played no role in preventing these crimes:

Call in with your tips because security caved.

USA TODAY needs your help identifying the people who broke into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. View the photos and fill out our form.”

 

The Press

The press tends to avoid asking questions.

No Credible Threat?

The War on Terror has prompted law enforcement authorities to calm the public by looking into the future and announcing that no credible threat exists.

Dec 25, 2020 News 12 Long Island

Long Island residents express concern after Nashville bombing halts travel

“While officials say there are no credible threats following the bombing in Nashville, Long Island residents say they are still concerned.”

Where was the threat forecast before the Nashville event?

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

4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On

Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound

The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago

 

US Credibility

Credibility of LE and elected officials at all levels of government is questionable.

Seattle protests on I-5 go on for 19 nights. Washington State Patrol allows Interstate highway public safety protocols to be suspended until a fatality after dark one night.

Washington State Patrol says protesters on I-5 will face arrest

If the Girl Scouts or the KKK enter the interstate and block traffic/risk public safety people must be able to count on elected officials and LE agencies to do their job. Different groups do appear to be treated differently based on location/whatever elected official has jurisdiction and whatever cause the group may be supporting.

 

Anti Cop?

One size fits all society?

These issues discussed here:

 

One Size Fits All Society

An important component of a free society is that different people believe different things and are able to act on their beliefs.

COVID, along with talk of getting rid of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and a discussion of prohibiting legal firearms has people feeling boxed in. This is not the free and honest society our elementary school teachers lied to us about.

Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules.

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

 

Jan 8, 2021 Star Tribune

Minnesota legislators, parents decry mask order as youth sports restart

Let Them Play MN, which has been vocal in support of getting kids back to playing sports, has said it plans to take legal action to fight what it calls Walz’s “absurd decision to harm youth athletes by requiring masks during sports.”

Skip the ID checks/security screening and shut down the US government for a few hours.

 

Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society

I do not favor the ugly side of politics. When I was younger, both major parties took turns in the White House. It was routine. It did not involve the TV making claims that this is the most important election in our lifetimes, etc.

I think the ugly side of politics is a reaction that comes from trying to force a one size fits all society.

Not A Democrat Or A Republican

If I was Governor

 

Random Thoughts

Huge amounts of money to send The Troops to distant lands.

You know its a lie when they tell you it’s about American rights and freedoms.

Local press:

“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”

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

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

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

 

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

 

1967

Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?

Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

 

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

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, Real ID, tracking of cell phones, etc.) appears to have played no role in preventing these crimes.

Good thing these guys were not part of a professional mercenary hit squad or suicide bombers with concealed explosives packed on their bodies. It looks like there would have been no SWAT team to keep them out or to have them show ID and pass through the metal detector.

What failed?

A second grade teacher making small children recite a pledge to a flag?

Did the loyalty oath wear off?

 

D.C. Gun Control – failed or worked?

Jan 6, 2020 The New York Times

Live Updates: Pro-Trump Mob Breaches Capitol, Halting Vote Certification

Police seized five guns and arrested at least 13 people during the violent protests involving supporters of President Trump at the Capitol on Wednesday…”

 

Did the sergeant-at-arms and multiple law enforcement agencies fail?

The sergeant-at-arms, who is responsible for Congress’s security, has told lawmakers and reporters that the Capitol is now secure…”

 

8:07

Gates appear to open to allow unauthorized visitors to enter:

 

Did the National Guard show up after it was all over?

Jan 6, 2021 WFMY

National Guard troops deployed to DC to quell riots

 

Dave Smith/Alternative media asking questions:

 

Washington State

Post 911 security protocols fail to keep unauthorized visitors from breaking through gates at governor’s mansion in Olympia:

Jan 6, 2021 KIRO 7

Protesters break through gates at governor’s mansion in Olympia

 

Related:

Not A Democrat Or A Republican

Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society

 

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

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

 

Still trying to figure out what they all believe in.

The most interesting thing in politics:

People who are willing to question their chosen political party.

Jan 6, 2021 Bracing Views

Democrats Win in Georgia — Now What?

Jimmy Carter at age 96 will not travel to the inauguration ceremony. He is a Navy veteran, known for teaching Sunday school and building houses for the needy. No scandals involving business dealings, cheating on his wife, etc.

Mitt Romney

Respectable politician. No scandals involving business dealings, cheating on his wife, etc.

Jan. 6, 2021 The Washington Post

Trump supporters heckle Romney, chanting ‘traitor’ on flight to D.C.

Random thoughts:

I do not favor the ugly side of politics. When I was younger, both major parties took turns in the White House. It was routine. It did not involve the TV making claims that this is the most important election in our lifetimes, etc.

I think the ugly side of politics is a reaction that comes from trying to force a one size fits all society.

Suppressing choices

Years ago, it was understood that some people preferred to smoke. Some preferred to be vegan. Some preferred to eat meat. Some preferred electric cars, some preferred a powerful truck to pull a horse trailer.

A live and let live attitude seems to be fading.

There has been talk of getting rid of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and discussion of prohibiting legal firearms.

I’m thinking back to maybe the 1980s. I am thinking of a guy who is a Democrat. He works in an auto plant somewhere in Ohio, Michigan or Indiana. He is a member of a union. His union supports the Democratic Party and the party supports his union.

When he is not at work, he enjoys towing his boat to the lake to go fishing. He enjoys deer hunting, camping, and tailgating at college & pro football games. He is a family man. He likes to fix up old cars.

Sounds like somebody I could get along with.

2020

There is a perception that democrats may be OK with rioting. They may hate police, or maybe they are just OK with a political party where some do. They want to put an end to cars powered by internal combustion engines. They predict worst-case scenarios related to climate change. They believe you should turn in your guns. A bbq grill, like a Weber probably isn’t a good idea because it will add to a carbon footprint. Ditto for campfires.

Maybe I have it all wrong. Maybe the people who support the Democratic Party fully reject riots, arson, mob violence, causing personal injuries, blocking traffic, property damage, and destruction of businesses and loss of life during protests.

Today, both major parties will not fight about:

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end, wasteful Homeland Security spending, the drug war, federal prohibition of marijuana, treating 18-20 year old adults as 2nd class citizens, an ongoing glorification of military service, and newspeople who take a pass on asking questions on these issues.

 

2021

Jan 6, 2021 ABC News

Updates: Capitol breached by protesters, shots reported fired inside

BREAKING: Vice Pres. Mike Pence, who was presiding when Capitol was breached: “The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave.”

 

COVID

I’d prefer more of a free market approach.

I would let restaurant people run restaurants. They have an incentive to keep their customers safe and happy.

I would let church people run churches. Dozens of choices for worship would be in place. Each place of worship would be free of any mandates handed down by the Governor’s office. People would be free to attend any church or none at all.

I would let businesspeople run fitness centers.

I would let the owners of bars and taverns decide on indoor smoking, serving times, closing times, etc.

Bars and taverns to allow consumption of marijuana? Yes.

No furnishing to minors. No driving while impaired. Same rules as for alcohol.

Customers would support or walk away from the businesses of their choosing.

I would let families be in charge of families.

If I was Governor

 

The Press

Both major parties seem to be OK with a press that avoids asking questions.

I am ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.

Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound

Related:

Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society

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.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

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