Archives for category: School teachers not asking questions

June 15, 2021 The Washington Post

The Daily 202: Biden takes steps to rein in ‘forever wars’ in Afghanistan and Iraq

We are told several times each year that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms.

What will become of American rights and freedoms when the US returns home without a victory?

Look for newspeople, sports announcers, school teachers and politicians to ask zero questions in this area.

 

Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.

How does this work?

Do the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Hey school teachers–

If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

Veterans give rights?

School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From

If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

The terrorists of the GWOT must not be trying very hard to disrupt American society.

Our questions appear in bold type.

 

If REAL ID is critical to the safety of America, have travelers out at the airport been less safe since 911?

The new REAL ID requirement/deadline for domestic air travel has now been extended out more than 20 years past 911.

 

May 5, 2021 KOMO News

Wash. lab develops scanner that may eliminate need to remove shoes at airport

“This new technology could speed up the screening process by about 20% and eliminate the hassle of taking off shoes and putting them back on, researchers say.”

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

REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror

 

If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry- how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?

Washington State Ferry Ride

 

Fred Reed December 4, 2015

Security Theater: Customary Federal Pointlessness

“…the intelligence agencies have proved useless. NSA did not prevent the first attack on the Twin Towers in 1993, nor the successful one.”

“What goes on at airports is not security. It is Security Theater. When the government’s own agents try to smuggle “weapons” aboard airliners to test the system, they succeed ninety-five percent of the time.”

“Further, a terrorist doesn’t need to get aboard an airliner to blow up spectacularly. At many airports, hundreds of people line up at ticket counters during peak hours. A carry-on bag of explosive would easily create enough slaughter to shut down air travel and to make international headlines for weeks.”

Warnings at airports that unattended vehicles will be ticketed, towed, and perhaps destroyed are also Security Theater. By the time the vehicle was noticed, and somebody sent to check it out, an easy five minutes would have passed and the driver would be somewhere else. Boom.”

 

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.

DEA’s drug threat report: Mexican cartel flooding Northwest with fentanyl

Source: March 2, 2021 KTVZ

 

Has General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

 

If the CIA (est 1947) serves as an advantage to the US, why does the Department of Defense have such a poor record of winning undeclared wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

The idea that freedom comes from overseas military operations does not seem to stand up to any discussion or questioning. In a free and honest society it would be OK to ask questions related to public policy.

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.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared wars.

 

Related:

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

If Politicians Were Serious About Memorial Day…

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Appreciation For Alternative Viewpoints And Voices of Dissent

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Sailing at Port Townsend

 

1st letter:

Writer is from Quilcene.

Experience took place in the Hoh Rainforest.

 

2nd letter:

Writer is from Oak Harbor.

Person from Quilcene is told:

“…this is a Navy town. Jets are a part of it.

Get over it or move.”

 

The writer from Quilcene may have thought:

The US has vast holdings in the Southwestern United States and elsewhere in the form of bombing ranges, missile test ranges, federal lands appropriate for nuclear weapons testing, etc. War games and military training might be conducted in these areas without bothering anyone?

Some examples:

Naval Air Facility El Centro

Yakima Training Center, WA

NAS Fallon serves as the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center.”

National Training Center, Fort Irwin

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms

China Lake, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division

Barry Goldwater Range Complex

White Sands Missile Range

NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE

UTAH TEST & TRAINING RANGE

Naval Auxillary Landing Field San Clemente Island

Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR)

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

The idea that freedom comes from military aircraft does not seem to stand up to any discussion or questioning. In a free and honest society it would be OK to ask questions related to public policy.

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.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of military training.

 

Public policy questions (in bold type) and US history:

The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.

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

 

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

 

Sound of Freedom

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

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?

 

Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.

How does this work?

Do the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Hey school teachers

If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

Veterans give rights?

School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From

If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

 

Hometown Pride

Local paper in a military town-

Several years ago, hometown pride was running high:

“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?

 

How do The Troops defend The Constitution?

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

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

 

Keeping US Safe

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.

DEA’s drug threat report: Mexican cartel flooding Northwest with fentanyl

Source: March 2, 2021 KTVZ

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

 

Related:

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Memorial Day

Appreciation For Alternative Viewpoints And Voices of Dissent

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

 

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

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

 

If politicians were serious about Memorial Day they would insist on a formal congressional declaration of war before sending The Troops into action.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

School teachers, the press and politicians promote the idea that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our freedoms without undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

If politicians were serious about Memorial Day they would stop sending the message that freedom comes from wars. Ditto for school teachers and the press.

The idea that freedom comes from wars does not seem to stand up to any discussion or questioning. In a free and honest society it would be OK to ask questions.

One way to get started:

School teachers, maybe six months from now, please provide lessons in the classroom to explain how the price of freedom is related to wars fought by the US.

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.

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

More here:

School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Memorial Day

Appreciation For Alternative Viewpoints And Voices of Dissent

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

 

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?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Walk in the woods at Mount Walker

 

May 31, 2021 KUSI News video:

San Diegans reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day

1:20

“The True Cost of Freedom”

We are told by TV newspeople and politicians that we wouldn’t have our freedoms without those who died in wars. This blanket statement is a one size fits all. Whichever war. They’re all the same. We were there for freedom.

The idea that freedom comes from wars doesn’t seem to stand up to any discussion or questioning.

School teachers, maybe six months from now, please provide lessons in the classroom to explain how the price of freedom is related to wars fought by the US.

Here are a few questions and ideas to include in your lessons:

 

The Troops are often sent to distant lands to fight people who:

“…had never attacked the United States or even threatened to do so.”

May 27, 2021 Jacob G. Hornberger

The Lies of the National-Security State

 

May28, 2018 Jacob G. Hornberger

Memorial Day Is Based on a Lie

 

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?

 

School teachers, why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Tomi Lahren video 0:11

“I’ve got loved ones overseas right now fighting for your right to sit on a bench…”

If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Tomi Lahren at 2:37

We have the freedom to enjoy a backyard BBQ because of undeclared/unwon wars that never end:

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

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

 

 

Do public schools still teach about Armistice Day?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of wars in distant lands.

 

Related:

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Memorial Day

Appreciation For Alternative Viewpoints And Voices of Dissent

Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

A Free And Honest Society?

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

On watch at Fort Ebey

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

If The Troops defend the constitution, why would a TV personality be scolded by veterans or people in uniform for questioning public policy Re: the US Armed Forces or policy coming from a Presidential administration?

1:14

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

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

2:30

In 8 conflict areas.

Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:

 

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.

Do public schools still teach about Armistice Day?

 

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

A society where voices of dissent are not authorized.

Listen Up, Sports Announcers

 

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:

Some Veterans See Nonveterans As Second-Class Citizens?

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

Veterans Day Nonsense

18-20 year old adults are seen as 2nd class citizens:

Liberty And Justice For All?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Goodbye Armistice Day

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Militarized Parking Lots

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

We are big fans of alternative media here at Oak Bay Starfish. Mark Dice gives us something to think about.

1:41

Why are there separate sports teams for men and women if the Mr. Potato Head is such a bad idea?

If The Mr. Potato Head Is Such A Bad Idea:

Why federal support for Women-Owned Businesses?

Why Selective Service registration for men only?

Why women’s colleges?

Why scholarships that are awarded only to women.

Why separate ceremonies to honor women officers in the US Armed Forces?

Gender-neutral protocols update:

 

Related:

Discrimination is common – Government is OK with much of it

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

No Mr. or Mrs. vegetables

Port Townsend Farmers Market

 

Federal, civilian workers must take an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution:

Oct 24, 2019 Federal News Network

The oath of office and what it means

Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?

What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

2:30

In 8 conflict areas.

Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:

1:14

Both major parties are good with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Think of a list of things the government is not very good at. Is this list bigger than a list of the things government does well?

Alternative media is OK with asking these sorts of questions. Mainstream media seems to avoid reporting on various topics.

Mainstream vs. Alternative Media

 

Related:

Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

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

Proud Tradition – The People of WA Need Services In The Middle East

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

“…few service members truly know what that oath means…”

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

School teachers taught us about:

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

 

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?

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Image source:

truther1333

 

 

 

 

Feb 10, 2021 Military Times

Why the military should educate its members about the Constitution

 

If they taught about the Constitution, people might ask:

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

 

If they taught about the Constitution, people might ask:

When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution?

 

2:30

In 8 conflict areas.

Never met an enemy of the US Constitution:

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

Related:

Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars

US Armed Forces – Protecting the Constitution and Democracy?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Liberty And Justice For All?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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

 

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

 

American culture is big on talk. Not so big on discussion or aking questions. The Troops, Freedom, The Constitution. It’s all good for talk, school assemblies and pregame rituals.

Reality does not match up with the talk. The right time to discuss this never seems to come. A big election season isn’t the time. The talk will be of political parties and personalities. Maybe spouses, maybe dog breeds.

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine-why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

The constitution requires a formal declaration of war.

The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record of winning undeclared wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.

 

Americans Are OK With Lies

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Someday, when US troops leave Africa, what will become of American rights and freedoms?

Someday, when US troops leave Afghanistan, what will become of 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

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

 

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs staff as authorities prepare for the Super Bowl.

Sorry, no time for newspeople to ask:

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

Marketing Partnership Update

 

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

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?

 

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

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.

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Liberty And Justice For All?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

The TV

Bruce Springsteen is out looking for freedom in his Jeep. Marketing agencies have not decided on showing masks in TV ads. Bruce wears no mask as he rides through the frozen heartland of America with the top down. Is that a battery powered Jeep? Probably not. Bruce has a newspaper with him and he is writing on a Cold War era spiral notebook.

Bruce,

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.

Will the powerful truck to pull a horse trailer still be OK?

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

 

Decades of politics and life in America leads us to the realization that both major parties are OK with 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, forced charity and newspeople who take a pass on asking questions on these issues.

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

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

Undeclared/unwon wars that never end

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.

 

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

 

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, etc.

 

Wasteful Homeland Security spending

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?

What We Have Now

A $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?

Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent

 

The Drug War

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest drug bust/federal grant money award, etc. Newspeople post this statement as is.

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

 

Snohomish 2015

Local law enforcement agencies may benefit when the US Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep heroin out of the US.

Seattle media: Heroin busts could finance police construction in Snohomish

 

Zero questions from newspeople:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US since General Milley launched his big DOD crackdown?

Any questions from newspeople?

Tried to stay out of it. Posting news-related items

Cartel Moves Product Past General Milley, CBP & Into The Puget Sound Area – Newspeople Remain Silent

 

Federal prohibition of marijuana

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.

Freedom Re: marijuana?

Still controversial.

 

Treating 18-20 year old adults as 2nd class citizens

Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.

Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

An ongoing glorification of military service

We’re often told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms, and that we should thank them for defending our freedoms.

The reality is that freedoms may come and go.

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.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

 

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

 

Forced charity

Tax money-which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs-also goes for failed wars that never end.

Helping others by donating to churches or private charities, food banks, etc. can avoid these conflicts.

Donors are free to opt out if a charity misbehaves.

People could keep more of their own money to donate to causes of their choosing if the federal government was not taking it to pay for wasteful programs.

Helping others by donating

 

Newspeople who take a pass on asking questions on these issues

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

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:

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

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?

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

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

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

 

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

 

American popular & political culture insists on dividing people up into groups-then assigning a separate value to different groups.

 

Parking/entrance pass for federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan:

Regular people- $80 annual pass

Military- free

Seniors- $80 Lifetime pass $20 annual pass

Annual 4th Grade Pass
Cost: Free (valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year though the following summer (September-August)

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series

 

Selective Service registration for men only.

 

Scholarships that are awarded only to women.

 

Women’s colleges

 

Prohibition of alcohol sales to adults age 18-20.

 

Federal support for Women-Owned Businesses

 

Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

Both major political parties are OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second class citizens.

Sales restrictions on alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms are in place for 18-20 year old adults.

Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?

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?

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

I have seen comments saying 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.

 

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.

 

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

Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All

 

More here:

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

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

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

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

 

Not specific to, or critical of any nominee or recipient, but what does the Medal of Freedom have to do with freedom?

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

In American society, freedom comes and goes.

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Liberty And Justice For All?

 

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-

On watch at Fort Ebey

 

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

 

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

Here’s 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.

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

Voting can act as a safety valve but voting is not changing the scene.

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.

 

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.

 

Suppressing businesses

People agreed to rules when they applied for a business license.

The rules are changing to something the business owner never agreed on.

Imagine owning and operating an apartment complex.

The government says you must let a few dozen people stay in your apartment complex without paying rent. The government will decide when this new policy will change back to the agreed upon legal structure of the past.

 

Are tax obligations reduced when business activity is restricted?

Do property taxes go down when fleets of school buses sit idle and students remain at home?

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to avoid asking questions, while lining up for federal bailout cash.

People go to alternative media because small town papers and TV newspeople have moved away from asking questions.

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

 

Dec 31, 2020 reason

Eviction Moratoriums Are Transforming From Emergency Stopgaps to Permanent Programs

“Imposing eviction moratoriums by executive fiat, as many governors have done, has always been legally dubious…”

 

Dec 23rd 2020 KOMO News

Gov. Inslee extends state’s eviction moratorium

“Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has again extended the state’s eviction moratorium, this time through the end of March.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

Have any arrangements been made to cover property owner’s costs for mortgages, taxes, repairs, maintenance, water, trash pickup, sewer, insurance, etc.

Who pays to have the apartment complex dumpster emptied if the property manager cannot collect rent?

Had an interaction on Twitter and was told:

You realize that’s part of the utility bill in WA? Services can’t be shut off during the pandemic, @yeomalt.”

Love to see the press provide more details on the updated situation.

How does the trash company get paid for services?

Killing Incentives in WA

 

One person should not have indefinite power to make decisions affecting every aspect of our lives…”

 

December 30, 2020 KING 5 News

Gov. Inslee extends COVID-19 restrictions until Jan. 11

Masks have been widely used & accepted.

Bars, restaurants, grocery stores and fitness centers had mask and sanitation protocols in place months ago. They are not trying to toss masks. They are trying to stay open the way they already have been in recent weeks.

Restaurants that have followed protocol must end indoor dining. Not restaurants that have served alcohol to minors, or caused food poisoning, but all restaurants. Even the very best restaurants.

People want to keep their businesses open, but may not do so, even if they follow rules that have been previously established. All restaurants, no matter how well they follow protocol must end indoor dining.

Restricted Activities – Guilty Until Proven Innocent

 

The Science

 

People have earned a right to be skeptical

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.”

 

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.

 

Governor Inslee,

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.

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

 

Jan 1, 2021 Questionable Authority

Clash At The Capitol! Blue Line Backers Attack Activist Over Speech After Blue Line Attacks Them

“On the 12/20/20 in Salem Oregon constitution loving activists and freedom fighters gathered at the Oregon State Capitol building to have their voices heard during a rare in person legislative session. A small contingent of people had a peaceful plan to get inside the building with some help from politicians. As usual the politicians came through for the corporation rather than the people. Policy enforcers were called in and barred the people from entering the building. Only some press, politicians and of course their staff and the enforcers were allowed in. This caused a clash between the people and the blue line enforcement gang. After was all done and settled an a freedom activist attempted to burn a blue line flag as a symbolic gesture and was attacked by “patriots” and self proclaimed veterans who I’m sure would claim they fought for these rights.”

12:47

Attempt to burn blue line flag:

Discussion of the role of law enforcement in a free 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?

Related:

WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities

One Size Fits All Society Experiment

A one size fits all society?

One Size Fits All Society

No Contact Drive Thru – Magic Tray Update

WA COVID-19 Oddities Blog

Now People Don’t Want to Listen About Not Traveling for Thanksgiving

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

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

A Free & Honest Society? – Thanks Brandi Kruse

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

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

Various Versions of Hometown Pride

 

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

 

People go to alternative media because the family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks have moved away from asking questions.

Independent/alternative media.

Out asking questions:

Alternative media goes positive:

Newspapers are suppressing online comment sections, getting away from asking questions related to public policy, and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales while lining up for federal bailout cash.

Got it.

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

My podcast:

 

Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press

 

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Related:

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

WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal

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

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

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

A Free & Honest Society? – Thanks Brandi Kruse

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

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

Various Versions of Hometown Pride

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Low tide near Deception Pass

 

Dec 24, 2020 Brandi Kruse

For the record, you have every right to record the police from a sidewalk.”

Comments indicate Brandi’s post is controversial.

Operating a camera in a public place is controversial?

Doesn’t seem to fit with a society that can’t stop bragging about freedom, thanking the troops for freedoms, fighting wars for freedoms, staging military jet flyovers at sporting events for freedom, etc.

Dec 24, 2020 The Dallas Morning News

Man sues Keller officers after he was arrested, pepper-sprayed in what he says was retaliation

The mayor said Keller police initiated an internal affairs investigation into the case, which found that Shimanek arrested “an individual for an offense that was not committed.”

 

Reccomendations to calm down American culture:

Just be honest.

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy/operating a camera in a public place. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

School teachers:

Individual rights should be taught and understood as a requirement for high school graduation.

Individual rights in a culture that can’t stop bragging about freedoms

School teachers:

Just Be honest.

Are you more likely to have small children memorize and recite a pledge of allegiance to a flag than teach them about limited government powers?

Operating a camera in a public place:

 

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

 

Today

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.

In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.

 

Freedom comes and goes

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

 

 

Related:

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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

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

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

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

Various Versions of Hometown Pride

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Bluff Trail

Local info:

Two Bluff Trails

 

Nov 10, 2020 The Buffalo News

The Editorial Board: Veterans Day reminds us of the debts we owe those who served

U.S. troops used to return from foreign wars to ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations.”

“Veterans Day is a good time to seek out a neighbor who served and spend time with him or her, learning about their life and what putting on the uniform has meant.”

 

Recommendations for the press:

Forget about Veterans Day.

Spend the entire year working to inform the public with an honest understanding of US foreign policy.

A few questions for the press to ask:

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.

The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.

Take a hard look at teaching young children that The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms, as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

 

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

 

Hey schoolteachers, here’s a lesson idea for you:

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?

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State:

Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

 

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

 

Any newspeople available to ask:

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

 

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

 

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

 

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

Since last November 11th:

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

Freedom Comes And Goes

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

 

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.

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Related-

18-20 year old adults are seen as 2nd class citizens:

Liberty And Justice For All?

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

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

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Militarized Parking Lots

 

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

October 19, 2020 Washington Examiner

There’s no reason for Trump to keep troops in Somalia

“The U.S. has about 7,000 troops in Africa, and there are troops in 50 of 54 African countries. Combat missions are ongoing in about 20 African countries.”

“Unfortunately, influential voices in Washington are presenting a false choice between staying in Somalia forever or empowering evil terrorists. Al Shabab is a clear threat, but it is a regional threat that presents no direct threat to the American homeland.”

If US action in Somalia is keeping bad people/evil terrorists from coming here to do bad things, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County?

Riverside County shares no border with Mexico.

Love to see the press produce news reports and get in the habit of questioning the various agencies involved in combating the cartels.

A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions than what we have now.

Related:

Spokane – Opioid Lawsuit Update

Listen Up, Sports Announcers

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

Censorship – Newspapers Suppressing or Eliminating Online Comment Sections

Dystopian Leanings

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

 

Soon:

Leaving WordPress

Also maintaining our companion blog for now: Old Man Blog

Still active on Twitter

 

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.

 

Image above: 9/30/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image to enlarge.

 

Underreported news stories are curious.

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

Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?

 

Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park

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

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

Source: WDFW

 

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

 

We are told that stewardship is a priority:

Sign below educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Has there ever been a news story to inform the public on the Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area?

Looks like a significant area.

 

Distance learning idea:

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

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?

 

Related:

Anacortes – Stormwater is Rainwater

Whidbey Island Toilet Flush or Rain Water?

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

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

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

Whidbey Earth Day

When Things Get Back To Normal

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

I will purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper working to inform us on Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

 

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

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

 

Much talk about The Constitution and a Supreme Court vacancy coming just before election day.

Dave Smith isn’t trying to please everyone:

 

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 two 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.

In some of these areas, The Constitution doesn’t seem to play a big role.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

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

We haven’t won a war since.

DOD had a September 11th message for us. Instead of a catastrophic military failure, state-run/DOD social media accounts told us that the Sept. 11th attacks are somehow linked to supporting and defending the Constitution and defending freedom.

 

Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.

American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.

Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?

We’re often told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms, and that we should thank them for defending our freedoms.

The reality is that freedoms may come and go.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

 

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine-why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?

 

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?

 

The NRA has been big on supporting The Troops.

If The Troops are fighting to protect American rights and freedoms-why does the NRA emphasize domestic politics instead of overseas military operations to preserve gun rights? Where does The Constitution play in all this?

Joint Chiefs of Staff Defending Gun Rights?

 

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

The US Armed Forces are overemphasized in American culture.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

 

Hometown Pride

“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?

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Liberty And Justice For All?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

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

 

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

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

 

# 1 The Drug War

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Homeland Security funding and performance?

What We Have Now

A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartel product from showing up all over the US.

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.

Newspeople ask zero questions in this area.

The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest 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.

 

DEA’s drug threat report: Mexican cartel flooding Northwest with fentanyl

Source: March 2, 2021 KTVZ

 

Another DEA Press Release – Zero Questions From Newspeople

 

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

Are passports/enhanced/Real IDs effective in keeping cartel-sourced product out of the US?

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

 

Nov 19, 2021 KONP Port Angeles

CLALLAM TRACKING TO LARGEST YEARLY OVERDOSE DEATH RATE

Have opioid lawsuits played any role in improving the situation?

How do cartels react to opioid lawsuits?

Zero questions from newspeople.

 

After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, a new WWII style uniform look and a pledge to clobber the cartels:

April 1, 2020 C-SPAN

Have General Milley’s efforts reduced access to cartel product anywhere in the US?

Has there been enough time for newspeople to ask questions?

Newspeople remain silent.

 

Port Angeles

Local people find drugs and report to local (not federal) law enforcement authorities. Federal employees create news story and say that federal agents used a K-9 to “seize” the drugs.

Question for CBP:

Why does the news story created by CBP not line up with local reports?

Mainstream newspeople remain silent.

News links and Sheriff’s Dept. Facebook post here:

Port Angeles Border Patrol – Investigation Stalled For 3 Weeks?

Original blog post:

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

Is Port Angeles CBP staffing and infrastructure at all relevant in keeping heroin and meth from entering the Puget Sound area?

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Port Angeles CBP Staffing and Infrastructure

Port Angeles Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth?

 

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from Port Angeles?

 

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

 

# 2 Enhanced background checks required for guns since 2014

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

Will the press ever do a follow up on the enhanced background check requirements that have been in place for years now?

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.

The new requirements have had time to take hold.

Did the new requirements reduce gun crimes?

Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

Newspeople Show Little Curiosity Unless It’s A Sports Story

 

# 3 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.

Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

Image above: 7/15/2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

 

Distance learning idea:

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

Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern

 

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

Related:

“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”

Whidbey Signs of Water Quality

Whidbey Earth Day

When Things Get Back To Normal

Ready To Purchase A Subscription – Whidbey Water Quality

 

# 4 An ongoing glorification of military service

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

 

September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy

“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”

 

 

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?

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

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.

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

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

 

Related:

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

It looks like both Whidbey papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning- Point Wilson, Washington

 

The made for TV press and both major parties seem to be good with more of the same.

What the two 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.

Related:

Veterans Support All Candidates 2020!

Both Major Parties

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Drug War Scam – Newspeople Remain Silent

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

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-

Lonely beach north of Perego’s Lagoon

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.

I understand that people are patriotic. I understand that people are proud of their time in uniform. I understand that elected officials want to generate support for overseas military operations.

Making claims that these deployments are linked in any way with American rights and freedoms is fiction.

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Local press

Here, in this military town, the local paper seems to go with family friendly and patriotic themes.

A while back, their hometown pride was running high when they posted:

“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?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

 

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

 

Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.

How does this work?

Black people were still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory.

 

Voting

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

WA Secretary of State:

Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”

If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

Until July of 1971, 18 year old adults did not have full voting rights. Why didn’t US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s get the job done on this?

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

Veterans give rights?

If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?

 

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

Two major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

School teachers and newspeople are OK with promoting this urban legend.

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

 

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

 

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?

 

How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?

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

 

Related:

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Liberty And Justice For All?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

National Guard To Africa

Soviet-Style Militarized Pageantry Update

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

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

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

We haven’t won a war since.

A symbol of lies told to support undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

A symbol of newspeople not asking questions.

Please Dispose of Properly

 

Non violent protest please.

“…from the time the United States was founded, through the entire 19th century, and until the early part of the 20th century, the American people did not have a national anthem or a Pledge of Allegiance.”

August 7, 2019 Jacob G. Hornberger

Welfare-Warfare State “Freedom” and “Patriotism”

More here:

Flag Idolatry Means Never Having to Ask Questions

Why Do Americans Celebrate Pretend Freedom and Independence on July 4th?

A Critical Time To Trust The Government

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.

 

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

 

A man on the moon in 1969. Church, Boy Scouts, patriotism, pledge of allegiance, the WWII generation in charge. Signing up for the Marines.

Families with married parents and maybe a stay at home Mom. It was common for your friends to have 3 or 4 brothers and sisters.

It started out with a positive sense of American culture.

Much has changed.

Over the past 40 years or so, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation. A wide variety of political personalities have occupied the White House.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.

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

Some may have become skeptical along the way.

 

What’s new?

People haunted by healthcare concerns.

It’s been this way for years now. It was this way prior to the current news Re: COVID-19.

People haunted by student loan debt.

Homelessness and drug addiction to the extent that people are living in tents on city sidewalks.

Children might go hungry when school is out?

March 13, 2020 CNN

The coronavirus pandemic is closing schools. How will kids eat?

“But as other schools deliberate shutting their doors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some parents may be left to wonder: If schools close, how will my child eat?

More discussion and news coverage please.

 

Claims about freedoms that cry out for questioning:

Two major political parties that continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.

School teachers and newspeople who are OK with promoting this urban legend.

Local press:

Hometown pride running high. High enough to stop asking questions?

“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?

The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?

 

Since last July 4th:

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

I am honored to do my part to ensure that the citizens of this community and all Americans remain safe and free.”

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.

Mayor Day,

While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

 

In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.

There were none.

Probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

 

Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands-fighting for American rights and freedoms-as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.

Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.-why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?

Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won-how can they protect our freedom?

Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

WA Secretary of State:

Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

 

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

 

Any newspeople available to ask:

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

 

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

 

After the Cold War:

The Cold War had ended. DOD was happy with their all volunteer military.

Look what they did with it.

The Cold War Had Ended

 

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

More here:

Unsustainable Military Spending

 

Billions of dollars spent every 12 months on a US Dept. of Homeland Security that fails to keep cartels from moving product into Hometown, USA.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

DEA Announces Launch of Methamphetamine Initiative

Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country.”

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:

Newspeople who have stopped asking questions.

Zero Questions from Puget Sound Area Newspeople – Drug War Press Release

 

Newspeople who show no curiosity.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Monroe Landing:

The sewage drain pipe sign is still posted.

Went out on 3/18/20 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park:

I found that the sign is still posted.

More here:

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

Much in the way of voting over the decades since that man landed on the moon.

TV newspeople tell us that we are in a key election season again. Lots of coverage. Another panel of experts, another debate. More voting.

Stay tuned for more of the same.

 

Being positive is a good thing. Emotions can be based on experience.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego

Jun-Sep 1979

 

Several examples:

March 5, 2020 KCPQ

Body found inside SUV after fire, explosion in Woodinville

Sounds pretty serious. Mob hit? Cartel job?

Any follow up of any kind from newspeople anywhere?

Please post in comments if you have updated info.

 

Gunfire on the ferry:

January 27, 2020 Kitsap News Group

Man arrested after allegedly firing gun from ferry

“…WSP Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. By that time, WSF crews had already secured the suspect, who had boarded the vessel by vehicle.”

WSF Bremerton to Seattle crossing time: ~ 60 min

Not my idea to promote the concept that riding safely on the ferry requires gun boat escorts, SWAT teams and K-9s on the job to detect explosives.

If a guy decides to fire a gun during a 60 minute ferry crossing and WSP waits to respond until the ferry arrives at Colman Dock, how is this security?

Will newspeople follow up and let us know if the guy who purposefully fired his handgun from the ferry had a concealed carry permit?

Did he pass any sort of background check?

Whatever happened to this guy?

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

 

Puget Sound area shootings roll on.

WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014:

November 4, 2014 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Washington voters choose gun control; huge majority in Seattle area

 

Washington Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases, Initiative 594 (2014)

“Furthermore, the initiative rendered it illegal to hand off a firearm to people outside a person’s immediate family, though exceptions were mentioned, including situations in which people are at a shooting range or hunting.”

 

Looks like frequent gun crimes are still with us.

Enhanced background checks approved back in 2014 have had time to take hold.

Any reporting or updates on this?

Your 5th grade teacher just rejected your book report. Try again.

No Word on Enhanced Background Checks – No Comments Allowed

 

March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea

“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”

School teachers,

Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?

More here:

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

 

Another month with an R status update:

Went out on 3/18/2020 to check on Monroe Landing.

Sewage drain pipe sign is still posted:

More here:

Monroe Landing – Site Visit

 

Out on 3/18/2020 to check on the sewage drain pipe sign at Captain Thomas Coupe Park. I found that the sign is still posted.

More here:

Site Visit – Captain Thomas Coupe Park

 

One or more sewage treatment plants are sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

Coupeville

Love to see newspeople provide updated reporting on this:

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

Source: WDFW

 

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

Is the sewage treatment plant sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?

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

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of investigative reporting & newspeople asking questions.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Nordland Transit Center

 

In the news:

February 4, 2020 South Whidbey Record

Exhibits, parade mark 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage

February 4, 2020 CNN Female lawmakers wear white to continue State of the Union tradition

“Many female Democratic lawmakers arrived at Tuesday’s State of the Union address dressed in white to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women first having the right to vote.”

 

19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women’s Right to Vote (1920)

“Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote.”

 

World War I

“World War I began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and lasted until 1918.”

 

Promoting the idea-

 

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

 

WA Secretary of State:

Our right to vote is protected by the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Page 7 of the Washington State Elections Voters Pamphlet for the November 5th, 2019 General Election:

Our right to vote is protected by the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

 

One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations:

Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told

 

Any newspeople available to ask:

Congressman Kilmer,

If wars are fought for democracy-how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

 

Veterans give rights?

It turns out The Troops were in no hurry to enable all adults to act on their right to vote.

US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s didn’t get the job done.

It wasn’t until July of 1971 that 18 year old adults could take delivery on one of the freedoms we hear so much about.

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.

 

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

Just Be Honest.

Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.

More here:

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms…

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?

Americans have a much more honest relationship with sports teams than they do with the US Armed Forces

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Military Town – Hometown Pride

Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe

Right To Vote is Protected by the U.S. Armed Forces?

 

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-

Looking north towards the Bluff Trail

 

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

Undeclared/unwon wars

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

January 14th 2020 WCTI NewsChannel 12

Realtor donates to Hug-A-Hero Dolls giveaway

“Dyal Studios will be giving away one Mommy or Daddy doll each week for the next 12 weeks to local families with a loved one deployed! If you or someone you know needs a Hug-A-Hero doll, please message us.”

Related:

1990 Desert Shield All Over Again

Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates

 

Prohibition

January 13, 2020 The New York Times

Lesson of the Day: ‘100 Years Ago, the Booziest January Suddenly Dried Up’

Prohibition for adults age 18-20 remains in place Re: Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms.

We’re often told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms, and that we should thank them for defending our freedoms.

The reality is that freedoms may come and go.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.

 

January 4th 2020 WCHS

West Virginia National Guard members return home

“The 821st Horizontal Construction Company returned home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East.”

“During their deployment, the soldiers carried out various missions and tasks in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.”

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice was on hand to greet the soldiers as they returned.”

“On behalf of all West Virginians, Cathy and I want to welcome home all the brave men and women who have been overseas defending freedom,” Justice said in a news release.

Defending Freedom?

More discussion please.

Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock baninterracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.

None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.

As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.

If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.

 

Love to see newspeople ask:

Governor Justice,

While the troops were away, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.

Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”

Related:

West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?

Liberty And Justice For All?

Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part

Mainstream Vs. Alternative Media – A Formal Congressional Declaration of War

 

Hard to decide:

January 16, 2020 Los Angeles Times

Undecided and under stress: Most Iowa voters still weighing which Democrat can beat Trump

For me, it’s hard to get excited about voting or watching debates on TV, because it’s hard to tell what the major parties believe in.

 

Is the freedom talk just for federal holidays and overseas military operations?

Canadian baby boomers being banned from U.S. for admitting they used pot years ago, lawyer says

Here, in Washington State, marijuana has been legal for years. The senators and congresspeople we send to DC appear to have made zero progress on eliminating the federal conflict on marijuana, but wars in distant lands are for our freedoms?

Got it.

Congressman Derek Kilmer:

Wars are for freedom and democracy.

If wars are fought for democracy-how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?

Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?

 

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

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

 

 

 

Photo-

A view of Deception Pass from the Skagit side.

 

2:10

Defending the Homeland?

Possibly of interest:

West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?

 

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

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