Above: Approved Flag Images
In The News
Trump’s National Guard deployments could cost over $1 billion this year, CBO projects
Juliana Kim – NPR
Jan 28, 2026
Related:
The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East
Respect for The National Guard
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Blog title source:
By Eric Peters
Eric Peters Autos
Dec 24, 2025
By Allen Frazier – Military.com
Dec 27, 2025
“The lessons of WWII were taken seriously by naval commanders. One of these lessons was that battleships are too big, too expensive, require too many crewmembers, are tough to maintain, are slow and are easy targets for planes and submarines.”
“Battleships have been obsolete for more than 100 years and the U.S. Navy realized this back in WWII. The weapons and systems that made them obsolete have only become more lethal.”
Mallen Baker
Ward Carroll
GWOT Rolls On No Matter Who Is In The White House
Here Are 5 Wars Trump Started or Expanded in 2025
Matthew Petti – Reason
Dec 26, 2025
Propaganda Works
The Future of Freedom Foundation
Not Just Battleships
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve Jazz Concert Canceled Over Trump Name On Building
By Greg Evans
Dec 25, 2025
“A Christmas Eve jazz concert held annually for two decades at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was canceled by its host this year in protest of the addition of Donald Trump‘s name to the Washington, D.C., building.”
“But on December 18 and 19, 2025—in scenes more reminiscent of authoritarian regimes than the American republic—the sitting President and his handpicked loyalists renamed this storied center after President Trump.”
Possibly of interest:
For the Marines, the War on Terror began before 911
Take An Oath To The Constitution
Photo:
Something to get proud about.
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Don’t lie to people and maybe they would be more patriotic.
Above: No hurry to change – Port Hadlock
Coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.
No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. No classified documents. Player stats and injury reports are always available.
Coaches don’t blame Biden when they lose.
It is common that members or the Trump team will blame Biden when they have something to say about how things are going. Ditto for some of those who are paid to comment on public policy.
It’s not a good look.
Related:
No conspiracy theories – sports culture shows the way
Image above – source/credit:
We still want to know if the 2025 Vietnam-style drug boat body count and Kristi Noem’s giant and expensive US Dept. of Homeland Security have caused Seattle area drug addicts to have any problem finding their cartel product of choice.
Any questions from newspeople?
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Valhalla VFT
WatchlistTYT
Judge Napolitano – Judging Freedom
At 13:50, Scott Ritter speaks of his USMC training:
Possibly related:
Drug Boat Body Count Irrelevant At Seattle?
Take An Oath To The Constitution
Image above:
South entrance- Port Townsend Ship Canal
An old photo I took. Symbol of a significant Homeland Security/CBP/Border Patrol presence at Port Angeles that came together more than a decade ago.
In The News
US releasing survivors of Caribbean drug boat strike to their home countries
by: Natasha Bertrand, Zachary Cohen, CNN
Oct 18, 2025
“The US is releasing the two survivors of Thursday’s military strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia, President Donald Trump said Saturday.”
United States releasing survivors of latest airstrike in the Caribbean currently held by the Navy
Nicholas Slayton – Task & Purpose
Oct 18, 2025
KOMO News:
Trump: Survivors of strike on drug-carrying vessel to be sent back to their home countries
by JESSICA A. BOTELHO – The National News Desk
October 18, 2025
From comments:
“So these terrorists were dangerous enough to launch a missile and try to execute them but not dangerous enough to lock up in our own jails? Since when do we trust Colombia and Ecuador so much?”
Narcoterrorists on Thursday – Sent Back Home On Saturday?
The US has decades of GWOT experience. In past decades, were captured terrorists promptly released to their home countries?
Did the advantage of designating terrorist organizations in Iraq and Afghanistan allow those undeclared wars to be prevented, won or shut down?
Drug cartels were designated as terrorist organizations back on Feb 20, 2025.
Real newspeople may ask:
Is Kristi Noem’s giant and expensive US Dept. of Homeland Security completely irrelevant here?
Has the US Dept. of Homeland Security ever created any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US?
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?
Under Kristi Noem
Cartels move product into all 50 states.
DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas:
“…HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states…”
Welcome Home Troops. Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Related:
Seattle Fentanyl Supply – Any Different Today Than Under Biden?
Port Angeles Homeland Security Spending Spree
Seattle – Drug War Show Business
Take An Oath To The Constitution
TSA – Newspeople Refuse To Ask
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, the Pentagon seems to specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
Both major political parties are good with it.
The US Dept. of Defense was established after WWII, in the late 1940s.
Old DOD Drug War – Cartels Respond & Move More Product Into The US
Did General Milley’s Operation Macho Swagger ever reduce access to cartel product anywhere in the US?
When is the last time DOD/DHS was able to create any shortage of cartel product in the Puget Sound area?
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 DOD wars stacked up.
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Under Kristi Noem
Cartels move product into all 50 states.
DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas:
“…HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states…”
Welcome Home Troops. Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Never Forget-
The US Dept. of Defense was irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.
Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.
The USA is OK with lies about freedom
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Just Be Honest
Elected officials from both major political parties and high level DOD civilians speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
The press plays along by not asking questions.
The post 911 era has been a time to tell the American people that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American freedoms. This urban legend has run its course. People have seen enough now to know this is no more than a marketing strategy. Uniparty newspeople play along by not asking questions. Please see video below.
Memorial Day Marketing Strategy
The idea that the US Armed Forces are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms is repeated many times over.
The reality is that American freedoms may come and go and appear to be completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, or the Sound of Freedom over Coupeville.
Both major parties are OK with federal prohibition of alcohol and tobacco for adults age 18-20.
No such thing the day I graduated from high school.
That was before decades of military operations for your freedoms.
More here: Freedom Comes And Goes
Any college or pro football coach would have been fired a dozen times over for what DOD has done with the US Armed Forces during the fake GWOT era.
More here: What Is A Fake War On Terror?
Will the federal government also revert to Armistice Day?
Veterans Day was established during the DOD era.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Related:
More DOD:
Podcast 10 NORAD Santa Tracker Allows Insult To President Biden Live On Air
My audio commentary – duration 3:30
Possibly of interest:
What Others Are Saying
By Ron Paul, MD
The Ron Paul Institute
September 3, 2025
“If we return to a “War Department,” then we should also return to the Constitutional requirement that any military activity engaged in by that department short of defending against an imminent attack on the US requires a Congressional declaration of war. That was the practice followed when it was called the War Department and we should return to it.”
“Trump misunderstands one very important thing in his stated desire to return to a “War Department,” however. A tougher sounding name did not win the wars. Before the name change, which happened after the infamous National Security Act of 1947 that created the CIA and the permanent national security state, we won wars because for the most part we followed the Constitution and had a Congressional declaration of war. That way the war had a beginning and end and a clear set of goals. Since World War II the United States has not declared war even though it has been in a continuous state of war. It is no coincidence that none of these “wars” have been won. From 1950 Korea to 2025 Yemen and everything in between.”
Weak-Minded Culture Update:
Photo-
Something from the last century
Post-Vietnam guilt
The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars, maintaining the barracks or managing federal contracts related to TRICARE.
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
In the News
GWOT rolls on:
Info Pete Hegseth shared with wife, brother came from top general’s secure messages
By Courtney Kube – NBC News April 22, 2025
“But then Hegseth used his personal phone to send some of the same information Kurilla had given him to at least two group text chats on the Signal messaging app, three U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the exchanges told NBC News.”
Abandoning the formal congressional declaration of war allows more control for the executive branch.
FOX News:
Hegseth shared details of Yemen strikes in second Signal chat: report
First Signal chat, revealed in March, included editor-in-chief of The Atlantic
By Stephen Sorace Fox News
Updated April 21, 2025
Do not leak sensitive information update:
SNL:
Also from the nation’s capitol:
Several comments have been posted with the video above.
More GWOT
Same country that will stage a big celebration of freedom and independence from a powerful central government in July:
Real ID: Phony Security, Real Authoritarianism
By Ron Paul, MD
The Ron Paul Institute
April 22, 2025
Possibly of interest/Homeland Security in action:
Real ID – Press plays along by not asking questions
Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security
Any Security at Washington State Ferry Terminals?
Related:
Drug War Show Business & The Puget Sound Area
All the drugs off the streets?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in this area:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
Free access to public lands ands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan:
In The News
National Park Service offering Free Fee Day on April 19
By KIRO 7 News Staff
April 11, 2025
Photo-
Imagine stepping away from a career in government service, trying to grasp a feeling of satisfaction and pride in what you did. Before moving on, you are branded as a person who is sort of guilty enough to require top-level forgiveness for whatever your actions may have been.
Many comments are posted with the video above.
More From Alternative Media
Unlike many local newspapers, alternative media is good with maintaining active comment sections.
Possibly of interest:
Sound Publishing And Black Press Media
Photo-
Out to Westport
I do not object to public assistance programs. The press should make an effort to keep the public informed on how these programs are working.
As the years go by, it seems that a greater part of the population may rely on these programs.
In the news:
Dec 16, 2024 KIRO 7 News
Rat infestation ravages food supplies for hungry kids in South Kitsap
“But the service that these backpacks provide is no laughing matter. VanRavenhorst started Backpacks for Kids 17 years ago.”
“I learned that there were kids locally who just didn’t have enough food to eat on the weekends,” she said. “And I thought that there was something we could do about that.”
If various public assistance programs have been established and there are:
“…kids locally who just didn’t have enough food to eat on the weekends.”
What is going on?
A few of the government programs available:
“SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.”
“The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to address the specific nutritional needs of income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals, infants, and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk.”
What is an EBT card?
“If you receive cash or food assistance, you will get a Washington Quest Electronic Benefits Transfer Card or Washington Quest EBT Card. Use this card like a debit card for purchases at participating stores for food or other purchases. You can also use this card to withdraw cash benefits at an ATM. You’ll need to know your four-digit Personal Identification Number or PIN to use your card.”
Local gas station promotes the program:
WA State Food Assistance Program (FAP)
“FAP is the state food assistance program that provides benefits to legal immigrants who are not eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called Basic Food in Washington, solely because of immigration status.”
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)
“WSDA Food Assistance (FA) manages TEFAP, receiving food and operational funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution to 19 TEFAP Lead Agencies statewide. These hunger-relief organizations have an Agreement with FA and then enter into Sub Agency Agreements with local food pantries and meal programs to provide TEFAP food to more than 300 food pantries, shelters, and meal providers in Washington. They serve hungry lower-income children, adults, elderly, and the homeless.”
Perhaps a large amount of public funds go to operate these programs and kids still don’t have enough to eat on weekends?
If these programs aren’t getting the job done, the public should be informed on this.
Other programs not getting the job done
Love to see newspeople ask:
Were US drug overdose death numbers higher before the US Dept. of Homeland Security was established (2002) or are the numbers higher with a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security in place? This giant federal agency now has more than two decades of experience and lessons learned in working to prevent cartel product from entering the US. More overdose deaths now, or before DHS?
The US Dept. of Homeland Security
A $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security that creates no shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US. More than two decades of lessons learned since 911. What got better?
Press releases Re: Airport Security Screening
Would any newsperson ever ask:
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Imagine the TV newsperson, on camera, escorting the TSA official all the way to the back of the “be sure to arrive early line” and asking what keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at that point.
“If You See Something, Say Something®” – Just a slogan?
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
The US Dept. of Defense
Generals and high level DOD civilians are not good at wining wars. They get promoted anyway.
Elected officials tell us The Troops are in distant lands defending American rights and freedoms.
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Tax money-which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs-has also gone for bombing Iraq and Afghanistan.
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.
More here:
Related:
Are Public Assistance Programs Working?
Measurable Results Not Required In Exchange For Public Funding
More Homeland Security – More Puget Sound Drugs?
Photo-
Admiralty Head Light with a nice Christmas wreath.
More Information Is Better – The NFL Knows This
No chance for conspiracy theories to develop because coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose. They are replaced if they are not up to the task.
Much Respect for Sports Culture
Think of an NFL game. Coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.
No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. No classified documents. Player stats and injury reports are always available.
Instant replays, commentary in the broadcast booth, analysis from network studios, sports talk radio, etc. Fans get tons of info all of the time. No chance for conspiracy theories to develop. Missed calls by NFL officials may be discussed for weeks on end. No such thing as: “We can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.” Instant replay is for all to see. Sports writers are OK with being critical of coaches, teams, players, the rule book, the league, referees, team owners, when the season starts and ends, etc. This is what a free and independent press looks like.
Coaches get fired for months of poor play.
Newspeople and politicians are more about information suppression and not asking questions.
In 2024, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.
Why We’ll Never Know What Really Happened in Butler, PA
By Ron Paul, MD
The Ron Paul Institute
July 16, 2024
In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.
Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to his press secretary for answers? Presidents do so on a daily basis. Professionals are hired to provide only the desired version of answers to questions.
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Possibly of interest:
More Information Is Better – The NFL Knows This
Sound Publishing And Black Press Media
A Truly Weak Culture In Terms of Newspeople Asking Questions
WA Gun Laws – License Required To Own A Handgun?
Would any newsperson ever ask:
NATO – Newspeople refuse to ask:
Photo-
A symbol the free and independent press of 2024 and US newspeople not asking questions over the past 30 years or so.
Yesterday, somebody posted:
Where were you? along with a photo of a peaceful/standing twin towers.
My response:
With my GF in Kingston. Had already done some time in uniform. Took me several years to become skeptical and see that the federal government and the press had lost credibility.
Today:
My feeling is that a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment. That was maybe the best of America in my lifetime.
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Things were up and running in the 80s and 90s
Later in the day:
“What I remember most about 9/11 is the way America was unified the day after. During uncontrollable times we controlled our response. Race, Gender and Political Party were equally irrelevant.”
“We focused on loving each other, how did we get so segregated? We never would have made it this far if we embraced division on September the 12th. We are where we are because we got here TOGETHER let’s embrace love yet again.”
“God Bless The USA.”
My response:
Good Stuff
Let’s keep that and add a free and independent press that will ask questions/rock the boat, no matter who is in office.
The mainstream press provides news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.
Information Suppression – The Press is Weak
For sure, the last couple decades have been a lesser version of life in the USA. Both major parties have taken turns in power.
My simple request for the world: Just Be Honest
A more positive look at life:
Photo-
Extinct ferry at Kingston
Never Forget-
The US Armed Forces were irrelevant in defending American rights and freedoms, our physical security, & The Constitution on 911.
Ditto for all other federal agencies and departments.
A special marketing tribute to a catastrophic military failure:
For the US federal government, the event is remembered as a day about victims, heroes and patriotism.
“Honor and commemorate the sacrifices made that day by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others’ acts of service to defend our nation’s freedom. On 9/11 Day of Service, Americans of all ages and backgrounds are again invited to join and lead community service projects to honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11.”
We got our ass kicked on 911.The federal government has been squandering credibility ever since. If the US Armed Forces were keeping us safe– first responders would have had a routine day at work on 911. The giant government and “Dept of Defense” were nowhere to be found on 911. For federal government convenience, take the day, follow along, pledge your allegiance and behave as that government sees fit. Do as you are told. Fly your flag as you are told. Think and behave as that government tells you. Divert your attention away from federal government failure and stay busy with federal suggestions for the day.
Nothing wrong with volunteer work. The manipulative federal government can stay out of it.
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we will observe the day by avoiding network TV. At the bottom of this page, we will offer up some readings featuring voices of dissent and alternative media.
Aftermath
Let’s say the federal government did everything right before and on the day of Sept. 11th, 2001. The uniparty press avoids questions on how things have come together since.
Big Homeland Security spending
The US Dept of Homeland Security was established on November 25, 2002. Plenty of time for lessons learned, and more cartel drugs entering Hometown, USA than ever before?
Lessons Learned?
Anytime there is a plane crash, a loss at sea, or an industrial accident, a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents. A major aircraft manufacturer grounds certain airplanes after mishaps. Time is required to investigate and find out what went wrong.
Any similar effort after a big cartel drug bust inside the US?
The folks who show up and investigate the plane crash don’t spend time congratulating each other. Their work is designed to try and prevent similar future incidents, not promote themselves.
Preventing drugs from entering local communities would kill the chance for various agencies to get publicity for the occasional big drug bust happening in those communities.
Wonder what was happening at border crossing/port of entry inspections during the 12 months Operation P-22 (to take down just one branch of the cartel activity) took place. Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
Were federal authorities at the border notified of this ongoing investigation?
Did the cartel traffickers get fast track screening at the border so as not to disrupt this ongoing investigation?
If the drug traffickers were given a pass at the border- would that have tipped them off as to the investigation- or would that have been seen as standard protocol?
Imagine that LE authorities observe a shoplifter or bank robber in action. Instead of going in to make an arrest they back off and conduct an investigation that goes on for months. What if they applied the same tactic Re: crimes involving arson, terrorism, child abuse, DUI, etc.
This time next year- will there be any shortage of cartel product in the Puget Sound area? Has any city, county or state jurisdiction been able to cleanup their drug problem using these methods?
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
Newspeople are good about posting a drug bust press release. Newspeople remain silent when it comes to asking questions about Homeland Security funding and performance.
Big DOD spending on undeclared/unwon wars for our freedoms.
The All Volunteer Force era has been a time to tell the American people that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American freedoms. This urban legend has run its course. People have seen enough now to know this is no more than a marketing strategy. Uniparty newspeople play along by not asking questions:
Freedom?
School children are taught about a free enterprise system. They grow up to find out that the federal government will tell them what kind of shower head they must install in the bathroom, and what type of gas can they must buy for their lawn mower.
Did hostile forces in distant lands attempt to replace US consumer demand with government demand and end the free enterprise system?
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
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.”
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, federal toilet regulations, sports betting, federal gas can regulations/free enterprise system,
voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
Freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
Maybe a few more decades of undeclared/unwon wars and the freedoms will get better.
The uniparty promotes the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms. The press plays along by not asking questions.
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Both major parties are OK with treating 18-20 year old adults as second-class citizens.
Both major parties are good with a land of the free holding pattern where 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? Are The Joint Chiefs of Staff working to change any of this?
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.
The country struggles with:
Search Engines
Has it become harder to find blogs, videos and alternative media that ask questions or point to the failures of 911 and its aftermath? How about COVID? How about a giant US Dept. of Homeland Security?
Land of Information Suppression
Refusal To Release Sept. 11 Documents
Aug. 6, 2021 NBC News
9/11 families to President Biden: Don’t come to our memorial events
“Nearly 1,800 victims’ relatives, first responders and survivors are calling on Biden to refrain from attending any memorials over his refusal to release Sept. 11 documents.”
“The administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump also declined to declassify supporting documents, citing national security concerns.”
22 Years Later
Part of the reaction was to send The Troops into undeclared wars.
If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Any college or pro football coach would have been fired a dozen times over for what DOD has done with the US Armed Forces during the fake GWOT era.
Fake GWOT?
The US Dept. of Homeland Security was invented after the catastrophic military failure of 911. The idea was to keep bad people from coming to the US to do bad things/attempt another 911, etc.
Wouldn’t the giant War on Terror be a cartel drug trafficker’s worst nightmare?
Welcome Home Troops
Jan 27, 2023 KONP FENTANYL NOW TOP DRUG IN CLALLAM COUNTY OVERDOSES
Have opioid lawsuits played any role in improving the situation?
How do cartels react to opioid lawsuits?
Has a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security created any shortage of opioids in the Puget Sound area?
If Americans lived in a free and honest society, newspeople would be asking public policy related questions all of the time. This is not the case.
Thanks For Your Service
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Related:
GWOT/Super Bowl Security Update 2023
GWOT questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:
REAL ID
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 for domestic air travel has now been extended out more than 20 years past 911 – May 7, 2025
If sending US troops to Afghanistan and creating a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) 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?
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?
Show up early to wait in line and squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube at the airport?
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Has anyone ever seen any member of the press ask questions on this?
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.”
REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror
Recruiting crisis for Uncle Sam? Elected officials and top Pentagon Generals earned it.
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces. The Cold War ended in the early 90s. The Pentagon was happy with the All Volunteer Force.
Look what they did with it.
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
Understandable why young people and their parents and grandparents would take a dim view on all this.
Will an older generation encourage a younger generation to do time in the US Armed Forces in the years ahead?
How does Uncle Sam plan to attract young people to sign up in the years ahead?
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
Some may have become skeptical along the way.
Secretary Wormuth,
Will sending the National Guard, active, reserve and IRR forces to support NATO/Ukraine stimulate new enlistments over at the recruiting office?
National Guard
The people of Minnesota need more applicants to maintain a place to live and a regular job in their hometown area when they are not doing time in foreign lands helping DOD with undeclared/unwon wars and missions completely unrelated to their home state.
A few decades back, people might think of the National Guard as one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer plus a way to support your home state by being ready to get called out for floods, fires, natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. Maybe a way to help the next state over if they needed it.
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Home State, USA needed services in distant lands, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
Recruiting crisis for Uncle Sam? Elected officials, top Pentagon Generals and the press earned it.
Thousands of men and women who signed up for the National Guard in the past 25 years did tours in places like Syria, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.
These families have stories to tell and they’re not all positive. Will their stories support a draft?
Related:
Uniparty No Good For Confidence in US Armed Forces?
Over at the US Armed Forces recruiting office
Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis
Hostile Forces in Distant Lands
Possibly of interest:
Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
Voices of Dissent and Alternative Media
Sep 19, 2017 By Laurence M. Vance
I much prefer Thomas Jefferson’s foreign policy to Shaprio’s: “Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations—entangling alliances with none.”
“Even with all of its resources and military might, the U.S. government failed miserably to protect Americans on 9/11.”
“Lesson number 1: Never trust the government. Ever. And especially when it has anything to do with terrorism, foreign policy, war, or the military. The government is a giant lie-making machine. Never trust what the government says about the events leading up to 9/11, the causes of the 9/11 attacks, or what actually happened on 9/11.”
“Lesson number 4: Government can’t keep us safe. The government couldn’t even protect its Pentagon.”
Sep 1, 2007 by
“Two months after the 9/11 attacks, Bush announced that he was expanding AmeriCorps and that all of us can become a September the 11th volunteer by making a commitment to service in our own communities.”
Samuel Cohen Sep 8, 2021 Los Angeles Times
Op-Ed: We hide an ugly truth when we call Sept. 11 ‘Patriot Day’
Recommended:
LewRockwell.com
anti-state•anti-war•pro-market
Photo-
Quality time at Point Partridge
Looks like the documents at the think tank were discovered just before the midterm elections.
TIME Jan 14, 2023
Biden’s Classified Documents: A Timeline of What We Know So Far
“On November 2, Biden’s private attorneys unexpectedly discovered the first collection of about 10 classified documents from the Obama-Biden administration in a locked closet at the Penn Biden Center office in Washington D.C—a think tank that Biden founded.”
Some will want to make this a Trump/Biden thing. To me it is a federal government thing.
Reminder: both major parties appear to be OK with undeclared/unwon wars, wasteful and infective homeland security spending, (Has any presidential administration since 911 been able to create any shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US?) federal prohibition of marijuana, and treating 18-20 year old adults as 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?
Much Talk Of Political Personalities
Questions for Newspeople
Were the docs logged out/signed for?
Were the docs discovered missing at the time they were not logged out/signed for?
What happened at the next inventory?
Were the docs discovered missing at the time they were not turned back in after being logged out/signed for?
Why did the docs go missing for a period of years?
Local:
Map of sensors on the U.S.-Canadian border shows up at a garage sale:
Oct 4, 2011 SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Post 911/GWOT security protocols fail to keep sensitive Dept. of Homeland Security documents from being released to the public at a garage sale.
Quite a story about the bad guy & his fate.
Zero reporting on how these sensitive documents left the workplace. Any violation of procedures?
Not known how Rankin got ahold of the documents?
Why try to change the story now?
The embarrassing connection to a garage sale has been out since October 2011.
Question to ask:
How do sensitive DHS documents leave the workplace without being signed out for official business?
Were government officials held accountable in any way?
Chief Bates-
Were procedures violated Re: handling of sensitive documents?
What steps have been taken to prevent a similar event from happening again?
How does the US Department of Homeland Security compare to the US Navy in working to prevent such incidents?
In the DOD/US Armed Forces- sensitive documents/computer disks, etc. are tightly controlled.
These procedures are not new- & serve to prevent misplaced/sensitive documents from being released to the public at garage sales.
People without a proper security clearance & need to know- do not have access to sensitive documents.
Navy COs get fired for this sort of stuff.
We are talking about DHS- an agency tasked with preventing another 911?
Elsewhere on the local scene-
US Dept. of Homeland Security Port Angeles, WA:
Original blog: The Garage Sale Incident
Photo-
A symbol of the US federal government. Maybe tossed aside along with sensitive documents and not to be discovered until years later.
No chance for conspiracy theories to develop because coaches and quarterbacks face the press after every game and answer questions, win or lose.
No press secretary. No public relations spokesperson. No freedom of information act requests. Player stats and injury reports are always available.
Texas School Shooting
Government agencies control the public information that could prevent rumors & conspiracy theories.
Police radio logs, 911 dispatcher recordings, bodycam footage and audio, etc.
Airlines have cockpit voice recorders & thorough investigations happen after any crash.
Lessons learned are used to prevent future events.
June 3, 2022 VICE News
There’s Likely Bodycam Footage of the Uvalde School Shooting. The Public May Never See It.
“Officers with the Uvalde Police Department first got bodycams in 2015.”
“By Texas law, cops must keep their bodycams on while working. But it’s possible police will use the “dead suspect loophole” to keep anyone from seeing the footage.”
Sports culture is more open and honest. A bad call from the ref will be seen and reviewed instantly.
Small children killed at school and good people facing new restrictions on legal firearms – sorry folks, video and voice recordings from the crime scene are not available.
I am good with no conspiracy theories. The press could help if they were more about asking questions.
Do a proper investigation similar to those done after a plane crash. Release the findings months from now or whenever is appropriate.
Create credibility for the press and government agencies by keeping people fully informed.
Related:
58 magazines and 1,657 rounds of ammunition
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Director of Message Planning – Show Business
Land of Information Suppression
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Peter Iredale – Oregon Coast
POTUS begins to make a statement/answer questions from one or more reporters:
The video below is very critical of Biden. As usual, we have a few questions that never seem to come up. These are questions that are more about the federal government than any political party or personality. Our questions appear in bold type.
Why does any presidential administration need a Director of Message Planning?
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Reporters are free to ask hard questions and write stories about teams, players, managers and coaches in sports.
Love to see general public policy, foreign policy, etc. reported on by sports writers.
Sept. 18, 2021 Seattle Times
After two frustrating losses, the dam finally breaks in Washington’s 52-3 win over Arkansas State
“Without a doubt, there is work to be done. But after eight quarters of catastrophes, this felt like progress. There needs to be more as Washington enters Pac-12 play.”
Sports writers are OK with being critical of coaches, teams, players, the rule book, the league, referees, team owners, when the season starts and ends, etc.
After each game, the press has access to coaches and players. All sorts of information is available all of the time.
In government, it is fully understood that people will not have access to complete information through everyday channels.
Ever hear of a Freedom of Information Act Request in sports? How about a denied FOIA request?
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to his press secretary for answers? Presidents do so on a daily basis. Professionals are hired to provide only the desired version of answers to questions.
Ever see a pro football coach or quarterback refer reporters to a public information officer for answers to questions?
Any Director of Message Planning to manage post-game interviews?
1:42
Responding to questions:
Why is the federal government involved in Easter events?
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Recent items of note:
From a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel
April 16, 2022 by wjastore
“The first ceremony was a moment of silence for those suffering from the Ukraine war. Ukrainians were mentioned; Russians weren’t. (I guess Russians aren’t suffering from the war.) The second ceremony marked a long trip to America for a Ukrainian refugee, a celebration, I suppose, of America’s willingness to let in a few refugees from that war. There’s nothing wrong with this, but what does it have to do with baseball? Why is it being celebrated on opening day at Fenway Park?”
Alternative media is still free to ask questions:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
The issue is not limited to any single platform, public personality or media outlet.
The general trend has been to suppress voices of dissent and provide news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.
Love to see the press get out and interview people on various sides of any issue.
I want to know what various people are thinking on various issues.
Jan 3, 2022 KOMO News
Joe Rogan encourages move to new social media app after Twitter bans GOP lawmaker
Several comments here.
KOMO and some of the commenters make it more about personalities and less about what people think of ongoing information suppression.
Not too many years ago, American society was much less about information suppression.
Social media is big on it now.
Today, newspeople show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
JFK speaks about the role of the press and voices of dissent in a free society:
Today, TV newspeople tend to report only one side of the story.
Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
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
No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters, etc. These are rules that make sense.
Eliminating the opportunity for all to follow some basic rules and comment is information suppression.
There’s always something to learn or think about from the points others make in the comment section.
Over the years, I’ve seen some really good points brought up in the comments section. Manage it, don’t ban it.
Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions.
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?
When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?
Living on an Island near Puget Sound, there seems to be great concern for salmon, orca, eagles, recreational shellfish and clean water.
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
“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
Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor City Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Daily status reports here:
Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map
A photo tour of Penn Cove here:
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance
Distance learning idea:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern
Related:
Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation
Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions
Independent Press Needs Federal Cash?
A few public policy questions newspeople will not ask:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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A symbol of information suppression and newspeople who show a lack of initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
Jun 15, 2021 Military.com
Military Stumped by Stolen Box of Armor-Piercing Grenades
“Investigators determined the waylaid grenades were last seen eight months prior on an ammunition train that rolled out from Florida.”
“A series of security failures covered any tracks the thief left.”
“Armed guards who accompanied the shipment reported nothing. When the train reached Letterkenny, it was shuttled for the night to Rail Yard 1, an unsecured staging area outside the installation with no surveillance.”
Homer Simpson at the wheel:
“Upon arrival, workers didn’t verify whether anti-theft seals on each container were intact. An inspector didn’t check the seals the next day either, later saying it was because he couldn’t see them.”
“Military investigators would conclude that no one checked the seals in the weeks after the train departed Blount Island.”
This article includes an excellent comment section that appears to be unfiltered/suppressed by politicians or the mainstream press.
Don’t feel too bad DOD.
Deep into the GWOT – No CBP inspection of rail shipments entering the US?
US Troops at the border, big El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartel from moving meth by rail into Canada:
Feb 27, 2019 The Canadian Press
Police find meth smuggled into Canada through new Ford cars built in Mexico
“Police say they have busted an alleged drug smuggling operation where methamphetamine was being hidden in new cars built in Mexico that were then transported by rail to Canada.”
“Ontario Provincial Police say employees at four Ford dealerships discovered the drugs stashed within spare tires that didn’t match the cars.”
“Police say they found 180 kilograms of meth during the investigation.”
More here.
More from the Dept. of Defense:
Jun 15, 2021 Stars and Stripes
US military guns keep vanishing, some used in street crimes
“In the first public accounting of its kind in decades, an Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen during the 2010s, with some resurfacing in violent crimes. Because some armed services have suppressed the release of basic information, AP’s total is a certain undercount.”
Jun 16, 2021 Military.com
For Years, US Army Hid, Downplayed Extent of Firearms Loss
“Using the unique serial numbers assigned to every weapon, AP identified 19 missing firearms that were not in the registry data. This included a M240B machine gun that an Army National Guard unit reported missing in Wyoming in 2014.”
“The Army could not explain the discrepancy.”
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:
State-run media update:
Jun 3, 2020 DEA NewYork
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Photo-
A symbol of fusion centers, and showing up two hours early at the airport to have time to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube.
A symbol of sending troops to distant lands to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things, while drug cartels are able to move product into all 50 states.
A symbol of military ordnance shipments that go unsecured and unsupervised inside the US, 20 years past 911.
A symbol of a press that fails to ask:
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.
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the end of the screening line out at the airport?
More here:
REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror
Talk Of Border Walls As Cartel Moves 180 Kilograms Of Meth From Mexico To Canada by Rail
Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
A society that sends the guys and gals to be ground up in unwon wars that do not involve any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.
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.
Operating a camera in a public place:
The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to show up and do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Operating A Camera In A Public Place – Positive Interaction
Newspeople have moved away from asking questions. Our questions appear in bold type.
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?
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 been extended how many times now?
REAL ID And The Fake War on Terror
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
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.”
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?
Media Platforms And Misinformation
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?
Selecting A Vaccine
Fully Vaccinated
2020 PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Delegate Count
Requesting Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government update-
A businesslike response to questions:
Federal Permission To Celebrate Independence From A Giant Federal Government
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
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:
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?
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 Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
Both major parties and the press are OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end.
Puget Sound Gun Crimes
Puget Sound area shootings roll on.
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?
Newspeople remain silent.
Related:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?
Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom
Enhanced Background Checks Update
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
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Nordland Transit Center
Mar 19,2021 Fox News
El Paso DEA says there’s an influx of drugs coming from Mexico
$49.8 billion every 12 months for a US Dept. of Homeland Security buys you:
“As long as there’s demand in the U.S., the drug cartels will find ways to bring drugs in.”
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:
Mar 19, 2021 By CBSBoston.com Staff
DEA Issues Warning About Meth Pills Resembling Adderall
“Agents said some of the Mexican drug cartels have shifted focus to making counterfeit pills, and they’re pure methamphetamine.”
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?
$49.8 billion is spent every 12 months on the US Dept. of Homeland Security.
The Dept. of Homeland Security fails to keep cartel sourced meth, heroin and fentanyl from showing up all over the US.
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 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.
Whidbey Island 2014:
Island county to purchase new patrol boat to help with Puget Sound security:
Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything. If anyone has info, please post in comments.
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been able to intercept any inbound meth, heroin or fentanyl?
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?
Newspeople remain silent.
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 Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
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 heroin and meth out of the US?
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Why have Joe Sixpack and the family line up for REAL ID, when cartels opt out on all that?
If there was a school district in Hometown USA, that had a poor record for educating students, or a fire dept. that struggled to get the job done, people and the press would ask questions.
The US Dept. of Homeland Security seems to get a pass from newspeople everywhere.
Related:
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Another DEA Press Release – Zero Questions From Newspeople
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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A symbol of newspeople who avoid asking questions.
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
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No Mr. or Mrs. vegetables
Port Townsend Farmers Market
Will an older generation encourage a younger generation to do time in the US Armed Forces in the years ahead?
The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have grown up in a family where Dad was a WWII veteran.
The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have been WWII veterans.
A Draft?
If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Before making any plans to start up a draft, let’s get the press to find out from elected officials how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
It feels like the people who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars.
Disinformation Governance Board?
Stop telling lies about freedom.
The effort to stamp out misinformation in social media does not apply to major TV networks promoting the idea that US troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
Misinformation and Militarized Freedom Nonsense
1:55
“Fought for freedom on foreign battlefields”
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.
Safer Now?
Puget Sound Ferry Security Theater
April 7, 2022 My Edmonds News
Scene in Edmonds: Ferry escort
Zero questions from newspeople.
Never really understood the concept of having gunboat escorts for ferries on Puget Sound.
I do not advocate for increased security on Washington State Ferries. I am simply trying to make sense of ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages. Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system not to leave backpacks or packages unattended during ferry crossings.
Meanwhile-on the car deck-cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, etc. are left unattended during ferry crossings.
I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.
On occasion, the press will do a story about a ferry security drill.
Maybe security personnel are present at some specific terminals each day. Over the past 20 years, dozens of round trip crossings from various terminals indicate that in many cases- no security screening takes place prior to boarding ferries.
What is the point in having gunboats escorting ferries if terrorists are free to put their boat on a trailer and drive it onto the ferry?
If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry- how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?
Love to see newspeople show some initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
What we get now is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
More here:
Mixed Messages On Transportation Security/Firing Gun From the Ferry Update
If You See Something, Say Something?
Washington State Ferries Security – Looking for Clarification
Out at the airport
Show up early to wait in line and squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube at the airport?
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 back end of the screening line?
Has anyone ever seen any member of the press ask questions on this?
If sending US troops to Iraq and Afghanistan and creating a $49.8 billion (every 12 months) 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?
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.
For your freedoms.
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, federal toilet regulations, sports betting, federal gas can regulations/free enterprise system,
voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
Freedoms come and go. None of the above are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
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.”
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.
Jan 25, 2021 The New York Times
The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning undeclared wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.
How does the USA plan to attract young people to sign up in the years ahead?
Military Benefits – Bait and Switch
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
The plan is to save cash by reducing the traditional DOD military benefits that were on the table when people began doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.
Football games are also used to honor veterans:
0:12 the man is barely conscious when greeted by team owner Jerry Jones:
Everyone seems to love it. When the made for TV event is over, veteran’s benefits may be up for grabs again.
Recommendation:
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see it if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Some of what has changed in recent years:
Unsustainable Military Spending
More here:
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
The Cold War had ended. DOD was happy with their all volunteer military.
Look what they did with it.
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.
Related:
America Deserves A Military Recruiting Crisis
2022 – Armed Forces Recruiting Culture
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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A symbol of federal government credibility and followers of both major parties, elected officials, newspeople and school teachers not asking questions.
A Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
A Dept. of Defense with a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end.
Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes
Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds
A $49.8 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security that was nowhere to be found on 1/6/21.
Another big crackdown featuring various restrictions on the land of the free has begun.
Standby to find out how you will be impacted.
911 brought special ID requirements.
People need to carry a special ID to go have lunch in Canada, then return home.
Standard driver’s licenses have not been accepted at the border since 2009.
Still trying to figure out if REAL ID plays any role in keeping cartel product from showing up in various parts of the US.
Look for newspeople to ask zero questions in this area.
State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts
CBP tells us:
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.
Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?
Department of Defense news/social media posts
When news/social media posts are created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:
We are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by forcing people to pay for bombing Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, then lying and telling them that this is all to protect American rights and freedoms.
Will the press show up to ask any questions?
U.S. Central Command
Questions we’d love to see newspeople ask:
Did the advantage of US air power or DOD social media posts allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
Related:
DOD Nowhere To be Found On 911 – US Dept. of Homeland Security Missing on 1/6/21
Lawbreakers, Dissenters, Observers and Group Identities
A Fresh Start With President Biden? Political Parties – What They Agree On
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
Press might need less bailout cash if it was more in the habit of asking questions
Podcast 8 Senator Cantwell and the local press
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.-how is that defending the US Constitution-or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.
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
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?
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
Jan 11, 2021 KIMT News 3
FBI warns of plans for nationwide armed protests next week
“…FBI is warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, stoking fears of more bloodshed after last week’s deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol.”
Where was the threat forecast last week?
“The previously unreported details undercut the assertion by a top FBI official that officials had no indication that violence was a possibility, and they add to questions about what intelligence authorities had reviewed before the Capitol riot, which led to the death of an officer and four other people, including a rioter who was shot and killed by police.”
“It was immediately obvious after the Capitol was seized by a violent mob Wednesday that Capitol Police, whose job is to defend the facility and the lawmakers who work there, had completely misjudged the security threat.”
“The officials said Capitol Police were given a specific and separate intelligence report describing extremist rhetoric and threats of violence that appeared on social media in connection with the rally.”
Fusion Center History
“Fusion centers were established following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 to connect-the-dots between critical information housed in different agencies and share information and intelligence to aid in protecting communities.”
Everything has been under full control:
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:
Away from The Super Bowl
CBP tells us:
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.
Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?
Any similar capability on 911?
Related:
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
Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Suppressing Choices – One Size Fits All
Not A Democrat Or A Republican
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Terror Threat
Maybe there is a minimal terror threat these days.
If suicide bombers with concealed explosives packed on their bodies wanted to disrupt American society at the US Capitol, it looks like there would be no SWAT team to keep them out or to have them show ID and pass through the metal detector.
US Troops at the border, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911/GWOT security protocols, a $51.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, border wall efforts and the Post 911 surveillance state (fusion centers, license scanners, monitoring of e-mails, text messages, & social media sites, no fly/terror watch lists, tracking of cell phones, etc.) appear to have played no role in preventing these crimes:
Call in with your tips because security caved.
The Press
The press tends to avoid asking questions.
No Credible Threat?
The War on Terror has prompted law enforcement authorities to calm the public by looking into the future and announcing that no credible threat exists.
Dec 25, 2020 News 12 Long Island
Long Island residents express concern after Nashville bombing halts travel
“While officials say there are no credible threats following the bombing in Nashville, Long Island residents say they are still concerned.”
Where was the threat forecast before the Nashville event?
If the good guys can tell what the bad guys will do before they do it-surely, these powerful crime fighting tools will be used to shut down gang and cartel activity, heroin trafficking, bank robberies, mass casualty shootings, etc.
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Ready to purchase a subscription to any Puget Sound area newspaper that will show initiative and curiosity in asking questions.
Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
US Credibility
Credibility of LE and elected officials at all levels of government is questionable.
Seattle protests on I-5 go on for 19 nights. Washington State Patrol allows Interstate highway public safety protocols to be suspended until a fatality after dark one night.
Washington State Patrol says protesters on I-5 will face arrest
If the Girl Scouts or the KKK enter the interstate and block traffic/risk public safety people must be able to count on elected officials and LE agencies to do their job. Different groups do appear to be treated differently based on location/whatever elected official has jurisdiction and whatever cause the group may be supporting.
Anti Cop?
One size fits all society?
These issues discussed here:
One Size Fits All Society
An important component of a free society is that different people believe different things and are able to act on their beliefs.
COVID, along with talk of getting rid of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and a discussion of prohibiting legal firearms has people feeling boxed in. This is not the free and honest society our elementary school teachers lied to us about.
Play by the rules and we’ll make more rules.
Leavenworth COVID And Beer Drinking Oddities
Jan 8, 2021 Star Tribune
Minnesota legislators, parents decry mask order as youth sports restart
Let Them Play MN, which has been vocal in support of getting kids back to playing sports, has said it plans to take legal action to fight what it calls Walz’s “absurd decision to harm youth athletes by requiring masks during sports.”
Skip the ID checks/security screening and shut down the US government for a few hours.
Safety valves being removed – Forcing a one size fits all society
I do not favor the ugly side of politics. When I was younger, both major parties took turns in the White House. It was routine. It did not involve the TV making claims that this is the most important election in our lifetimes, etc.
I think the ugly side of politics is a reaction that comes from trying to force a one size fits all society.
Not A Democrat Or A Republican
Random Thoughts
Huge amounts of money to send The Troops to distant lands.
You know its a lie when they tell you it’s about American rights and freedoms.
Local press:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
Related:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
WA – Dining Outside While Sealed Inside A Tent Is Legal
WWII Generation Endured Rationing With Little Complaint
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
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Welcome Visitors
Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden
Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?
JFK documents are still sealed.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
The Dept. of Defense has a truly poor track record for winning wars since DOD was established way back in 1949.
We are told that our freedoms are defended by troops engaged in undeclared wars that have nothing to do with our freedoms.
Messages on the web are being censored.
Please see 9:00
A 9 year investigation into a cartel that is still moving product into the US:
Nov. 24, 2020 Los Angeles Times
Massive stash of cartel cash, drugs and ammo seized from Otay Mesa truck yard
“The initial investigation into the cartel began in 2011, when authorities thought they were dealing with a small-scale drug distribution cell in National City and Chula Vista.”
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:
State-Run Media/CBP Social Media Posts
CBP tells us:
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units!
Nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Surely, a free and independent press will step up and ask for clarification on this wild CBP claim.
Hey newspeople, how did 2,224 pounds of meth tied to the Sinaloa cartel enter Riverside County, if nothing gets past @CBP’s K9 units?
Why is there a deadly fentanyl problem in Eastern Washington if nothing gets past CBP social media posts?
Have opioid lawsuits played any role in keeping deadly fentanyl from arriving in Eastern Washington?
Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Now people don’t want to listen about not traveling for Thanksgiving.
The authority of their 2nd grade teacher making them pledge allegiance to the flag is wearing off.
Nov 24, 2020 AP News
Millions stick to Thanksgiving travel plans despite warnings
Related:
FOIA Requests And Secrecy Are For Govt. Not Sports
War on Cartels? – Newspeople Remain Silent
Not Real News Roundup? – The Press Is Weak
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
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-
A symbol of newspeople not asking questions, even during long election seasons.
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 2 or 3 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
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. Maybe the concept of Armistice Day had not gone completely extinct.
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:
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.
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
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.
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Photo-
Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego
Jun-Sep 1979
“Because no matter who you are, no matter where you live, our parks, our monuments, our lands, our waters — these places are your birthright as Americans”
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
Politicians love to divide people into groups- then assign a separate value to separate groups:
Here’s how it works-
Parking pass for federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan:
“Hey fourth graders! See America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free.”
If you’re in the third grade, or the fifth grade- your birthright doesn’t count. Go purchase your parking pass like the regular people.
Regular people- $80 annual pass
Military- free
Seniors- $10 Lifetime pass
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series
More here: Discrimination
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Newspeople will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?
Our free and independent press has stopped asking questions.
and Sound of Freedom
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