Veterans Day and the freedom talk that goes with it is over for another year now.

Americans do not live in a free and honest society. 60 years past the JFK assassination and info is still coming out.

Today, the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script:

Private citizens are stepping in and going out with a camera to see and document what is going on.

Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.

Also not waiting on the overthrow of Saddam Hussein or the take down of the next bad guy in distant lands, as DOD defends the constitution, etc.

Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.

Video for today:

“PUSHED & SHOVED BY GUY & A DRONE IN THE SKY!!!’ NEVADA FIRST AMENDMENT

Please go to 8:11 (Entering Sparks Nevada City Hall)

10:04 begins the scene where his camera is grabbed:

Easy to watch on YouTube for those who desire to do so.

Related:

Mr. smiley dentures guy tries to shut down filming in a public place.

Pointing To One Video – Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

Probably 20 years back.

 

Years ago, I lived in several different small town areas. Places like Kingston, Port Hadlock and north of Penn Cove.

These areas had small, local newspapers and those papers featured active, online comment sections. Paying for a newspaper subscription was OK with me. There were basic rules for commenting, but it did not seem to matter what name people went by. I never cared.

I used to love the comment sections.

If a person works at a school district, county office, real estate office, on the ferries, etc. and they have info about what is going on, I want them to be able to comment without any need to use their real name.

Some people would misbehave in the comment section and the newspapers would come up with more restrictive rules or new software to run the comment section. Eliminating comments became a trend.

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

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

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

Got it.

 

February 24, 2020 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County

In consideration of how we voice our opinions in the modern world, we’ve closed comments on our websites. We value the opinions of our readers and we encourage you to keep the conversation going.”

Comments are shut down and we encourage you to keep the conversation going?

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.

Over the years, I’ve seen some really good points brought up in the comments section. Manage it, don’t ban it.

I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of investigative reporting & newspeople asking questions. Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.

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

Another New Trend For Small Papers – No Questions Asked

The papers are here to support government agencies and their messaging, not to question it.

Two Examples

In the news- example number one:

August 11, 2023 Whidbey News-Times

Whidbey sewer plants win state awards

“The Oak Harbor Clean Water Facility was recognized as outstanding by the Department of Ecology.”

The Coupeville treatment plant received the outstanding performance award for the 13th consecutive year, and the Holmes Harbor plant was awarded for the 17th year in a row. The Penn Cove wastewater treatment plant was also a recipient this year.”

Beach adjacent to Award Winning Sewage Treatment Plant:

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

Love to see newspeople ask:

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

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

 

In the news- example number two:

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel.

Any questions from newspeople?

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

The small papers will say they need more support from subscribers and advertising dollars or cash from the federal government to stay alive. All this because COVID or the internet or lack of newspaper sales, or a free and independent press that needs taxpayer support.

People who take no public funds, private donations or advertising dollars are free to ask questions at any time. Why not the press? Call for unpaid volunteers and you’d get better news coverage than what we have now.

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

No sense in subscribing to newspapers that do not ask public policy-related questions.

 

Puget Sound Ferry Security

See if you can find any reader comments or questions from newspeople on this big Homeland Security/GWOT topic:

Good luck.

One of our old/favorite blog topics and another example of newspeople not asking questions:

Trying to make sense of ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages.

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Today, the best example of a free and independent American press is what you will find in 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.

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. Go ahead and have sports writers cover public policy, Homeland Security and US Dept. of Defense news and I’m good with that.

In 2023, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.

The mainstream press today is prone to suppress voices of dissent and provide news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and their policies.

Here is a nice example:

KIRO 7 May 23, 2017

Ferry drill: Police train how to respond to security threats aboard a ferry in Puget Sound

“Law enforcement officers climbed aboard, guns drawn.”

Just the ticket for a Wild West shootout between the good guys and the bad guys.

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

Blogged about it over the years:

Maybe security personnel are present at some specific terminal each day. I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years from various terminals. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.

Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system to not 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.

Related:

Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security

 

Central Authority Update:

Candidate (Fill in last name)

 

It’s all about freedom folks.

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,

How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?

Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.

Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.

 

More here:

Veterans Day Reflection 2023

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Candidate (Fill in last name)

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

Possibly of interest:

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

Public property is private property/state property, etc.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

These guys are out asking questions while the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script:

Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.

Also not waiting on the overthrow of Saddam Hussein or the take down of the next bad guy in distant lands, as DOD defends the constitution, etc.

Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.

Video for today:

It’s all about freedom folks.

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,

How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?

Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.

Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.

More here:

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Candidate (Fill in last name)

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

Possibly of interest:

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Symbol of the American mainstream press in 2023.

Welcome Visitors

Rent yourself a State Parks buoy at Fort Worden

Voted best consumer value in weekend recreation.

 

Here is a channel I respect:

Bay Area Transparency

Mr. smiley dentures guy tries to shut down filming in a public place.

4,709 comments are now posted with this video – well worth a look.

Notice how LE personnel never throw him out or tell him not to operate a camera in a public place.

Before LE arrives-

Watch several public employees stop work and engage him because they do not want him to operate a camera in a public place. He is ready and able to explain himself the entire time.

At 17:05 he requests public records.

Recommending the video titled: “PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BEHAVING VERY BADLY!!!” CALIFORNIA FIRST AMENDMENT

Easy to watch on YouTube for those who desire to do so.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

These guys are out asking questions while the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script.

Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.

Also not waiting on the overthrow of Saddam Hussein or the take down of the next bad guy in distant lands, as DOD defends the constitution, etc.

Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.

Possibly of interest:

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Salmon Season – Whidbey Island – Driftwood Park

 

Both cat’s tails remain in motion in all 3 pro wrestling images.

Clean plastic straw is preferred as a toy over most anything sold as a toy for cats.


 

In the USA, Armistice Day has turned into Ass Kissing & Propaganda Day.

See you next year.

Climate Change/Sea Level Rise

Is there an attitude related to climate change/sea level rise that is used as an excuse to back away from maintaining the shore?

Please compare the working waterfront at Westport, WA to the shore over at Damon Point, 98569.

Imagine telling the fishing boat captains over at Westport that their access to a 100 year old armor-plated harbor was going to be let go because too much sand and silt built up around the marina.

Any federal money for ports and coastal improvement?

Plenty of cash for Ukraine/undeclared/unwon wars and here is what you get back home:

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel at Ocean Shores:

Any questions from newspeople?

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

 

Mark Dice produces alternative media content. I thought it was very interesting at 4:31 in the video below, where he points out that David Webb was accused of getting ahead due to white privilege:

 

Post 911 Surveillance State Update:

More than 20 years past 911, banking professionals had no idea that he could stand in a public place and operate a camera-no matter what direction the camera was pointed in.

I think he went wrong when he said he would defend himself with his taser/stun gun. I think he called unnecessary attention to himself at this point.

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

These guys are out asking questions while the mainstream media will function like paid actors reading a script.

Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, waiting on the overthrow of Saddam Hussein or the take down of the next bad guy in distant lands, waiting on the press to ask questions, or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.

Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.

Two videos below are from a channel I respect. Easy to watch on YouTube for those who desire to do so.

Mr. smiley dentures guy tries to shut down filming in a public place.

4,654 comments are now posted with this video – well worth a look.

Notice how LE personnel never throw him out or tell him not to operate a camera in a public place.

Before LE arrives- watch him tie up several public employees only because they do not want him to operate a camera in a public place:


More here: Operating A Camera In A Public Place

 

To me, the most interesting people in politics are the people who are willing to question their chosen political party.

Jimmy Dore, a progressive Democrat:

Puget Sound Ferry Security

One of our old/favorite blog topics and another example of newspeople not asking questions:

Trying to make sense of ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages.

Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.

Today, the best example of a free and independent American press is what you will find in 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.

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. Go ahead and have sports writers cover public policy, Homeland Security and US Dept. of Defense news and I’m good with that.

In 2023, the press tends to support government agencies, departments and policies rather than question them.

The mainstream press today is prone to suppress voices of dissent and provide news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and their policies.

Here is a nice example:

KIRO 7 May 23, 2017

Ferry drill: Police train how to respond to security threats aboard a ferry in Puget Sound

“Law enforcement officers climbed aboard, guns drawn.”

Just the ticket for a Wild West shootout between the good guys and the bad guys.

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

Blogged about it over the years:

Maybe security personnel are present at some specific terminal each day. I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years from various terminals. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.

Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system to not 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.

Related:

Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security

 

Another old/favorite blog topic and another example of newspeople not asking questions:

Image below Nov 13, 2023

Source/Daily Status Reports: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Click image once or twice to show detail.

 

August 11, 2023 Whidbey News-Times

Whidbey sewer plants win state awards

“The Oak Harbor Clean Water Facility was recognized as outstanding by the Department of Ecology.”

The Coupeville treatment plant received the outstanding performance award for the 13th consecutive year, and the Holmes Harbor plant was awarded for the 17th year in a row. The Penn Cove wastewater treatment plant was also a recipient this year.”

Beach adjacent to Award Winning Sewage Treatment Plant:

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

Love to see newspeople ask:

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

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A lonely stretch of beach between Perego’s Lagoon and Fort Ebey.

 



When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Several sites on the web offer info on ship locations.

Click image once or twice to show detail.

Ship on the right looks like AGONISTIS

Ship on the left looks like CEBU ISLAND

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Ship above looks like CEBU ISLAND

Several sites on the web offer info on ship locations.

Click image once or twice to show detail.

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Possibly of interest:

98569 Coastal Erosion Attitudes

Imagine telling the fishing boat captains over at Westport that their access to a 100 year old armor-plated harbor was going to be let go

 

Picnic for today has now been rescheduled – North Jetty – Sunday Morning




When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Ship above looks like AGONISTIS

Several sites on the web offer info on ship locations.

Click image once or twice to show detail.

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Possibly of interest:

98569 Coastal Erosion Attitudes

Imagine telling the fishing boat captains over at Westport that their access to a 100 year old armor-plated harbor was going to be let go

 

Part One of this blog: 98569 Coastal Erosion Attitudes

No longer Here – Ferry to Westport – Fell Apart on the Ocean Shores Side

Ocean Shores to Westport: Remembering the El Matador Ferry
By Douglas Scott

“Sadly, the ferry service shut down in 2008, but not due to lack of popularity. While the ferry service had seen closures in previous years, the service would always pick back up and be celebrated by residents and visitors alike. Sadly, after too much sand and silt built up around the Ocean Shores marina, the El Matador was forced to cancel trips across the harbor. What was once a family-friendly boating experience and adventure across the harbor is now relegated to fond memories.”

Public access for beach walkers at Damon Point (Once a State Park)

Public access for beach walkers at Damon Point – For a town that promotes visitors, tourism and good times at the beach, things are piss poor over at Damon Point.

Today, beach walkers moving toward the water from the parking area at Damon Point are channeled to a choice between an eroded/unsafe former road drop-off and private property that is posted, telling walkers that they are not welcome. WTF?

Photo above – Winter 2022/2023

Two photos below: Nov 12, 2023



Is there an attitude related to climate change/sea level rise that is used as an excuse to back away from maintaining the shore?

Other Parts of the Beach are Maintained Year Round

Think of Ocean Shores beach entry points at Chance A La Mer, Pacific Blvd, Ocean Lake Way and Taurus Blvd.

The black top ends and the sand is cleared out of the way on a routine basis. Concerns Re: tsunami zone, global warming, sea level rise, climate crisis, king tides, coastal erosion, El Niño/La Niña and winter storms do not get in the way of keeping things maintained between the blacktop and the beach. Thanks go out to the people who do this work. We appreciate it.

Imagine telling the fishing boat captains over at Westport that their access to a 100 year old armor-plated harbor was going to be let go because too much sand and silt built up around the marina. Imagine letting the people of Westport know there will be no more lodging out there, shops, restaurants, etc.


A 100-year old jetty used to protect Ocean Shores. Can new technologies save its south end?

Any federal money for ports and coastal improvement?

Plenty of cash for Ukraine/undeclared/unwon wars and here is what you get back home:

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel.

Any questions from newspeople?

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

Possibly of interest:

Room For Improvement – 98569

Damon Point Beach Access

Federal Cash For The Coast – 98569

Ocean Shores Crosswalks

 

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

The US Armed Forces have attracted many good people over the years.

A few random thoughts here:

Americans do not live in a free and honest society. Veterans Day is a day where some pretend that the US Dept. of Defense (established after WWII) and overseas military operations under The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (The post of a statutory and permanent Joint Chiefs of Staff chair was created by the 1949 amendments to the National Security Act of 1947.) are linked in some way to American rights and freedoms.

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.

“Concert For Valor? That sounds like something the North Korean government would organize,” I said as I typed Concertforvalor.com into my MacBook Pro looking for more information.

Whatever Happened To Armistice Day

Veterans Day

One of the very most meaningful holidays for some. Stolen from Armistice Day in the 1950s. At that time, the US Dept. of Defense had started a decades long tradition of not being able to stay out of or win undeclared wars in distant lands.

Today, Armistice Day is free chow day.

Post-Vietnam Guilt 

The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars. It’s good for head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.

It’s good for making claims that all who did time in uniform are heroes.

Hero?

Most people do no time in the military- they don’t want to.

There seems to be a quiet guilt about this, so American popular and political culture almost worships those who do.

You don’t have to look too far to find comments that refer to the troops as “heroes.”

Some are.

No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.

Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.

Reaching for an honest understanding of US foreign policy makes more sense than “Thanks for your service.”

For those ready to take a break from the social media/emoji version of the internet, there is more here from this 2012 blog:

Hero?

Post-Vietnam guilt is good for replacing the meaning of Armistice Day with free meals, giveaways and discounts.

It’s good for setting up the idea that veterans are people who are most eager to show up for the next big marketing event staged by major retailers and restaurant chains.

It’s good for elementary school Veterans Day assemblies and teaching young children that The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms, as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

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

There were none.

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

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

In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.

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

Hey VA, can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here:

In addition to freedoms possibly enjoyed by all adults, those adults who are 18-20 years old are placed in a land of the free holding pattern.

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?

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.

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

Don’t look for newspeople or school teachers at Veterans Day assemblies to question any of this. Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.

Maybe a few more decades of undeclared/unwon wars and the freedoms will get better. Ask the speakers at your Veterans Day assembly.

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 baninterracial 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.

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

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

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

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

1967

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

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

Jet Noise Made Them Free?

Made For TV

Various big companies will remind us that they support veterans and The Troops. Always wonder if any of those companies advocate for less in the way of undeclared/unwon wars. Do traditional veterans organizations advocate for less in the way of undeclared/unwon wars? Would a move in this direction attract more new members? Have any newspeople ever asked about this?

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:

Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?

Be sure to ask the speakers and teachers at your elementary school Veterans Day assembly.

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

Military.com | By Jake Wood

Don’t Just Thank Me for My Service. Ask Me About It

“And although you, John Doe civilian, did not personally authorize our military to enter Iraq and Afghanistan, as the citizen of a democracy, you share the burden of our wars.”

If it is a democracy, when do we vote on undeclared/unwon wars?

The US Dept. of Defense spent the last 30 years squandering prestige and credibility overseas and at home.

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the politicians, four-star officers and high level DOD civilians who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.

Group Identities are Tricky/What others are saying:

I am a Marine Corps veteran, served four years active duty in a combat role and never saw any combat. In my eyes, that doesn’t make me a veteran.”

Enjoyed this post.

What gets me is Veterans who get pissed when they DON’T get praised for being Vets or if a store doesn’t have a discount. I was behind a guy arguing with a cashier because company X did not offer a military discount. He Was going off on how he was deployed and gets no thanks for it. I asked him what branch he was and where he deployed to. Army National Guard, Deployed to Fairfax, VA to help with elections. What a twat.”

“I think the general problem many Vets have today with Veterans Day is that “Thanking the Troops” has become a marketing scheme and the sacrifices that you describe have been manipulated to sell used cars and mattresses. It just doesn’t feel like a sacred holiday. You’re doing it right, but as a nation, we are not.”

Should We Celebrate Veterans?
By Laurence M. Vance
November 9, 2023

“Most Americans would say we should celebrate veterans for

keeping us safe
protecting America
defending our freedoms
fighting over there so we don’t have to fight over here
protecting and defending the Constitution
But since veterans do none of these things, I ask again: Why should we celebrate veterans?”

Respect for The 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.

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.

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.

For those who are ready to take a break from the social media/emoji version of the internet:

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

 

Small children are taught that The Troops are sent to distant lands to defend American freedoms at 0:40

They forgot The National Guard:

More propaganda for kids:

They forgot The National Guard again. At 1:03 kids are told that this is all about defending our freedoms.

It’s all happy and good. No need to consider the true meaning of Armistice Day or call for less in the way of undeclared/unwon wars.

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 generator.

Wait until they find out (at age 18) that adults in the USA are divided into groups of first and second class citizens. Uncle Sam says you are not old enough to buy a six pack of beer. Gee whiz- it wasn’t like that when the WWII generation came home from the war.

Armistice Day is Now Free Chow Day

Nov 6, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Here’s where veterans can get free meals on Veterans Day in Milwaukee

“…be prepared to show a military ID.” Trivia update: Many guys and gals who did time in the US Armed Forces, left and moved on, have no military ID of any kind.

Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals-it’s a proud thing:

Get on down to the showroom to Salute The Troops!

KOMO News video: Nine military vets were treated to a supermarket shopping spree in Lakewood.

Is there a perception that people who did time in uniform are needy or disadvantaged? This news report gives us no hint as to how these veterans were selected. Was this a publicity stunt for the local NFL team? Newspeople play along by not asking questions.

Another story with zero information or reporting on how these families were selected:

Military families get surprise $1,300 grocery shopping spree

From comments: “Thank you for supporting our troops. More company’s need to help out our troops.”

Retail marketing strategy update: Ass Kissing & Propaganda

Veteran hassled over veteran parking spot at the grocery store.

Veteran reports incident to store manager.

Veteran returns to store to get thanks for his service, a cake and $100 in gift cards:

“On behalf of Harris Teeter I know we’re happy to have you as a customer and protecting the country for us,” Roy Bunn, store manager, told Boyle on Thursday evening. “For the incident, we deeply apologize for that.”

“This person who wrote this note on my car was given that right to be able to do that because of what I did.”

People in uniform give rights? This idea calls for more discussion.

Know that some who did time in uniform do not want head of the line privileges of any kind. They do not want discounts/freebies, and would refuse to appear in a TV news broadcast to have their ass kissed by some giant grocery store chain because of their You did time in uniform, so here’s your special parking spot scenario. Some veterans wouldn’t even use the parking spot to begin with. They might believe little old ladies should get the better parking.

 

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

How does this work?

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

 

Glorification of military service / total nonsense:

WA Secretary of State:

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

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

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

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

Men Died For the Right to Vote?

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

 

May 28, 2020 WMAR

Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard

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

Several news sources published this quote. View them here.

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

Mayor Day,

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

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

December 21st 2019 KOMO News

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

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

Recruiting Crisis/Reality Check

Thousands of American families have had a loved one in the regular or reserve US Armed Forces who did one or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. National Guard too.

If we can just get the veterans, parents and grandparents of the USA to recommend an enlistment to the young family members in their life, things will be looking up.

Again- The US Dept. of Defense spent the last 30 years squandering prestige and credibility overseas and at home.

Some Americans may be asking:

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

US jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

Currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?

Has dressing women to look like men had any positive or negative impact on recruiting?

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.

Again- Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the politicians, four-star officers and high level DOD civilians who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.

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.

There has been a big stir over a blocked senior military promotion system. TV newspeople will avoid interviewing people who offer up a voice of dissent. Stalling the administrative steps to promote top level officers might lead to what? Decades of undeclared/unwon wars? A giant Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911?

Why would high level promotions be awarded to people who are part of the system that allowed The Troops to live in the barracks described below?

Sept 25, 2023 MOAA

Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability

 

For those ready to take a break from the social media/emoji version of the internet, there is more here:

Plenty of cash for Ukraine/More DOD funding than ever

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Candidate (Fill in last name)

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Something from the last century

 

Washington Coast – The North Beach

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Washington Coast – The North Beach

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Photo above and text below from a February 26, 2023 blog.

Is there an attitude related to climate change/sea level rise that is used as an excuse to back away from maintaining the shore?

Public access for beach walkers at Damon Point has been on my mind. For a town that promotes visitors, tourism and good times at the beach, things are piss poor over at Damon Point.

Today, beach walkers moving toward the water from the parking area at Damon Point are channeled to a choice between an eroded/unsafe former road drop-off and private property that is posted, telling walkers that they are not welcome. WTF?

Image above taken earlier this winter.

KOSW recently discussed some erosion issues at Damon Point.

Here is the link – listen here.

It looks like there is no sense of urgency in making improvements here.

Recently blogged about it:

Damon Point Beach Access

 

Damon Point – Washington Trails Association

Trip Reports

Dec. 31, 2022

“Getting access to Damon Point was difficult because of a wash out. You either have to climb over the jetty or walk through the RV park. There is no trail from the parking lot to the beaches along the point.”

Aug. 11, 2022

The only trail leading to Damon Point now has a sign that says private property. The public is no longer allowed to access it You can cross over the rocks on the jetty. At low tide this is not terribly difficult, you just need to be careful However at high tide it becomes more difficult. In the winter with high tides and wind it could become dangerous. Please take care crossing it.”

Two photos below: Nov 12, 2023


Other Parts of the Beach are Maintained Year Round

Think of beach entry points at Chance A La Mer, Pacific Blvd, Ocean Lake Way and Taurus Blvd.

The black top ends and the sand is cleared out of the way on a routine basis. Concerns Re: tsunami zone, global warming, sea level rise, climate crisis, king tides, coastal erosion, El Niño/La Niña and winter storms do not get in the way of keeping things maintained between the blacktop and the beach. Thanks go out to the people who do this work. We appreciate it.

Now in the news:

Part one of two in a series:

The Daily World November 1, 2023

Shoreline at full bore: Ocean Shores embarks on effort to save south end

“Read said saltwater is most likely to encroach in two areas: the Damon Point State Park trailhead near the east end of the road, or a few hundred yards to the west at a smaller trail access point. Several times already this year, saltwater has pushed up that trail and into a ditch on the other side of the dunes, which feeds the southern end of the Ocean Shores freshwater canal and lake system.”

No longer here?

My understanding is that there is no longer any state park at Damon Point. Why did WA State Parks let the property go?

Trailhead? Trailheads are attached to trails. Where is the State Park trail out at Damon Point?

Photo below: Nov 12, 2023 – No mention of a State Park

Looks like WA DNR, at some time in the past, took over what once was Damon Point State Park.

From Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Damon Point was once Protection Island, a sandy shoal at the mouth of Grays Harbor, separated from the town of Ocean Shores by a channel of water.”

“During this period, Damon Point was a state park, with a paved road extending 2 miles out to the end of the spit.”

“Damon Point was the resting place of the SS Catala, originally recommissioned as a floating hotel in Seattle for the 1962 World’s Fair. It was moved to Ocean Shores and eventually ran aground at Damon Point, greatly contributing to accretion of sediments. The wreckage was finally removed in 2007.”

Ran aground? Was Catala underway prior to beaching?

Feb 5, 2023 blog:

How Was SS Catala Moored at Ocean Shores?

 

Tripadvisor October 5, 2012

“One really interesting place to visit in Ocean Shores is Damon Point — a spit of land a half-mile wide and a mile long jutting out into the sea. It was Damon Point State Park until a storm washed away all the facilities — access road, parking area and vault toilet — and now there is no park.”

Aug, 2022

Damon point no longer has easy access to the beach. The trail that the public previously used now has the sign that says private property. You can cross the rocks over the jetty which at low tide is not too difficult. however at high tide this becomes more difficult and in the winter could be dangerous.”

Damon Point was once a state park. Why is it no longer a state park? Again: Is there an attitude related to climate change/sea level rise that is used as an excuse to back away from maintaining the shore?

Part two of two in a series:

In search for stronger shoreline, Ocean Shores can look to coastal neighbors

A 100-year old jetty used to protect Ocean Shores. Can new technologies save its south end?

The Daily World November 2, 2023

“Today, a large remnant of that jetty, roughly 10,000 feet angling to the northeast from the peninsula’s western hoof to the Damon Point parking lot, lies stranded and submerged in the bay, battered by 100 years of bashing saltwater, waves and, once, the impact of an errant fishing boat.”

Previous jetty installed 100 years ago. If it was important then, why not now?

“While no environmental factor alone can fully explain the widening gap between the relic rocks and receding beaches, the shoreline owes much of its shape to the jetties protruding into the Pacific at Grays Harbor’s entrance.”

Man made structures/one or more jetties installed at the entrance to Grays Harbor have altered the natural migration of sand, not coastal erosion/climate crisis/sea level rise?

“The erosion that you see in Oyhut Bay, and basically the development and expansion of the bay, is part of a very long-term process of the inlet entrance evolving in response to the construction of jetties,” said George Kaminsky, a coastal erosion expert with the Washington state Department of Ecology.

“Another important partner, Martin said, will be the Quinault Indian Nation, which owns the Quinault Marina and RV Park on the east side of the bay.”

“Are we dealing with a natural process? Are we dealing with a partly man made process? Or a combination of both?”

No longer Here – Ferry to Westport

“Sadly, the ferry service shut down in 2008, but not due to lack of popularity. While the ferry service had seen closures in previous years, the service would always pick back up and be celebrated by residents and visitors alike. Sadly, after too much sand and silt built up around the Ocean Shores marina, the El Matador was forced to cancel trips across the harbor. What was once a family-friendly boating experience and adventure across the harbor is now relegated to fond memories.”

Again: Is there an attitude related to climate change/sea level rise that is used as an excuse to back away from maintaining the shore?

Imagine telling the fishing boat captains over at Westport that their access to a 100 year old armor-plated harbor was going to be let go because too much sand and silt built up around the marina. Imagine letting the people of Westport know there will be no more lodging out there, shops, restaurants, etc.


A 100-year old jetty used to protect Ocean Shores. Can new technologies save its south end?

Any federal money for ports and coastal improvement?

Plenty of cash for Ukraine/undeclared/unwon wars and here is what you get back home:

$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel.

Any questions from newspeople?

December 8, 2022 The Daily World

Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel

$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”

Zero questions from small or large newspapers. Zero questions from TV newspeople.

 

Better ideas for local federal funding:

Quinault Marina & RV Resort

Get the ferry to Westport going again.

Rehab of the marina would attract sport fishermen for launching and mooring of boats. Set up a place for fish and chips, a pub with a view, bait and tackle/boating store, a cocktail lounge, restaurant, etc. Use some imagination and get it going.

Ports and coastal improvement:

Oct. 9, 2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters Website

About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

“One of the Seattle District’s primary missions is to maintain the navigation channels and harbors in the Pacific Northwest. Maintenance and navigation dredging is done frequently in harbor areas, ports and marinas. A significant component of Washington’s economy depends on navigation and commerce, which in turn depends on dredging navigation channels.”

Other than federal funding, go with cooperative efforts, negotiations with the tribe and creative thinking here. City leaders, volunteer work parties, local businesses who may donate trucks and materials, landscaping resources, etc. Offer to create some sort of access trail with a fence, plantings, trash cans, etc. Make an offer to the tribe that can help to improve the situation.

Maybe efforts are already in the works to make improvements. Thanks to those who may be involved.

Possibly of interest:

Room For Improvement – 98569

Damon Point Beach Access

Federal Cash For The Coast – 98569

Ocean Shores Crosswalks

 

Trump came on the scene because people grew tired of standard politicians. The uniparty prefers standard politicians.

To me, the most interesting people in politics are the people who are willing to question their chosen political party.

Alternative Media and Comedians – Asking the Questions and Highlighting the Issues – Jimmy Dore:

More here:

Trump Came on the Scene

Alternative Media and Comedians – Asking the Questions and Highlighting the Issues

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

No Hurry To Cange – Port Hadlock

 

Not here to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.

Plenty of cash for Ukraine, more DOD funding than ever, and here is what you get:

In the news:

Nov 2, 2023 KING 5 News

Military cuts insurance at critically needed birthing center in Poulsbo

“The U.S. military’s Tricare insurance is no longer covering services at Poulsbo’s True North Birth Center, effectively immediately in Kitsap County, where there is a critical shortage of birthing centers.”

“The reason for the change is still unclear…”

“We are licensed by the State Department of Health. This is the strictest state to become a licensed midwife in. Our education and clinical experience that are needed to become licensed is equivalent to certified nurse midwives,” Jones argued.

“She said military families will now have to apply for Medicaid or pay out of pocket. 40% of the babies born at her clinic are from military families, and moms may bear the brunt of Tricare’s decision.”

“Requests for comment to Tricare have not yet been returned.”

Reality Check

Thousands of American families have had a loved one in the regular or reserve US Armed Forces who did one or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. National Guard too.

If we can just get the veterans, parents and grandparents of the USA to recommend an enlistment to the young family members in their life, things will be looking up.

The US Dept of Defense spent the last 30 years squandering prestige and credibility overseas and at home.

Some Americans may be asking:

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

US jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

Currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?

Has dressing women to look like men had any positive or negative impact on recruiting?

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.

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the politicians, four-star officers and high level DOD civilians who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.

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.

There has been a big stir over a blocked senior military promotion system. TV newspeople will avoid interviewing people who offer up a voice of dissent. Stalling the administrative steps to promote top level officers might lead to what? Decades of undeclared/unwon wars? A giant Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911?

Why would high level promotions be awarded to people who are part of the system that allowed The Troops to live in the barracks described below?

Sept 25, 2023 MOAA

Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability

 

For those ready to take a break from the social media/emoji version of the internet, there is more here:

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

A symbol of various Support The Troops federal holidays.

A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.

 

Ongoing Breakdown of Society Update:

Cliff Mass Weather Blog

Nov 04, 2023

Is Seattle in Decline? Was My 2020 Blog Correct?

Downtown Seattle has lost many of its businesses, many driven away by crime, shoplifting, and loss of clientele. Covid was not the main driver of the decline, something shown by the viability of other cities (such as Miami).”

“Homelessness has risen rapidly in much of the city, with hundreds dying on the streets each year. 2022 brought a record-breaking 310 deaths in King County (mainly Seattle), many associated with drug overdoses. A large proportion of the homeless are mentally ill.”

“There is a reason that the UW has been rated as the worst public university in the U.S. for protecting freedom of speech. KNKX listenership has declined greatly, with listeners driven away by its shrill, politized fare.”

Several interesting comments have now been posted.

A shame to see the self-manufactured decline of a major city. The evidence is irrefutable that the existing policies are not working, yet there is an organized effort to stop people from speaking out for needed changes.”

1969 – Man On The Moon

2023 – Military barracks inside the US that are unfit to live in.

Plenty of cash for Ukraine, more DOD funding than ever, and here is what you get:

Sept 25, 2023 MOAA

Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability

“The GAO concluded that leaders at the Pentagon are not only failing to provide oversight — instead choosing to largely punt the issue to the branches — but they also don’t consider it a priority. The result has been bureaucratic finger-pointing, with no one office or leader willing to own the issue.”

Anybody fired over this?

Where is the Cold War era Sergeant Major or First Sergeant who would have raised hell to take care of The Troops. Are they encouraging the young people they know to sign up today? The guys that did a couple tours in Iraq or Afghanistan- are they sending young family members down to enlist?

There has been a big stir over a blocked senior military promotion system. TV newspeople will avoid interviewing people who offer up a voice of dissent. Stalling the administrative steps to promote top level officers might lead to what? Decades of undeclared/unwon wars? A giant Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911?

Why would high level promotions be awarded to people who are part of the system that allowed The Troops to live in the barracks described below?

Sept 25, 2023 MOAA

Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability

Oct 15, 2023 Task & Purpose

Army general says moldy barracks are a ‘discipline problem’

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.

More here:

Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Working Waterfront – Westport, WA

A genuine seaport town – sending the message that the ways of the last century are best when managing public safety and a modern society.

 

Washington Coast – The North Beach

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Deer have been here:

Some lonely beach out there:

 

Mystery Bay

 



 

We are looking out towards Westport. Three ships at anchor near Westport on this day.

Same outing:

Grays Harbor Mirage

 

Photo credit/source for image above:

Spc. Kevin Church/Army and ArmyTimes

Nov 1, 2023

Army apologizes for sending soldiers ‘last-minute’ recruiting orders

“…sudden need emerged when the Army discovered it faced a recruiter shortfall due to “errors” in its forecasted recruiter strength — the three-star claimed the unspecified forecasting failures “have been fixed.” He declined to link the shortfall to Recruiting Command’s ongoing purge of non-performing recruiters, but rather attributed it to a multitude of factors including “an uptick in no-shows” at the Army Recruiting College.”

Image at top of page:

Two recruiters shown here speaking with a top prospect for 2023.

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the politicians, four-star officers and high level DOD civilians who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.

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.

Reaction Mode

Army Times By Davis Winkie

Nov 1, 2023 Army secretary tours Fort Eisenhower homes after Senate probe, audits

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth:

“…Wormuth spoke with officials from Balfour Beatty, the private company that administers family housing at Eisenhower, as well as local leaders including the installation’s commander, Maj. Gen. Paul Stanton, and Col. Reggie Evans, the garrison commander.”

Balfour Beatty’s military housing practices, including falsified maintenance records, led it to plead guilty to criminal fraud allegations and settle a federal lawsuit in 2021. The company’s Fort Eisenhower housing arm — then known as Fort Gordon Homes — also received scrutiny from Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., and his Senate investigative panel. In the investigation’s wake, the Army did its own internal investigation and stopped paying performance bonuses to the contractor.”

1969 – Man On The Moon

2023 – Military barracks inside the US that are unfit to live in.

Plenty of cash for Ukraine, more DOD funding than ever, and here is what you get:

Sept 25, 2023 MOAA

Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability

“The GAO concluded that leaders at the Pentagon are not only failing to provide oversight — instead choosing to largely punt the issue to the branches — but they also don’t consider it a priority. The result has been bureaucratic finger-pointing, with no one office or leader willing to own the issue.”

Anybody fired over this?

Where is the Cold War era Sergeant Major or First Sergeant who would have raised hell to take care of The Troops. Are they encouraging the young people they know to sign up today? The guys that did a couple tours in Iraq or Afghanistan- are they sending young family members down to enlist?

There has been a big stir over a blocked senior military promotion system. TV newspeople will avoid interviewing people who offer up a voice of dissent. Stalling the administrative steps to promote top level officers might lead to what? Decades of undeclared/unwon wars? A giant Dept. of Defense that was nowhere to be found on 911?

Why would high level promotions be awarded to people who are part of the system that allowed The Troops to live in the barracks described below?

Sept 25, 2023 MOAA

Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability

Oct 15, 2023 Task & Purpose

Army general says moldy barracks are a ‘discipline problem’

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.

 

If we can just get the veterans, parents and grandparents of the USA to recommend an enlistment to the young family members in their life, things will be looking up.

14:25

Military families no longer recommend an enlistment:

Hey four-star officers, high level DOD civilians, policy think tanks and newspeople everywhere:

Thousands of young, intelligent and athletic young Americans participate in college athletics each year. Certainly, they would qualify to enlist. No photos of them for your public recruiting promotions and events?

Related:

Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

More Recruiting Crisis Denial

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Over at the US Armed Forces recruiting office

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Candidate (Fill in last name)

America Deserves A Military Recruiting Crisis

Homeland Security Is A Scam

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

Click image once or twice to show detail.

 

Cliff Mass Weather Blog

October 31, 2023

The November Precipitation Switch

 

What it looked like Monday morning:

Washington Coast – The North Beach

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Wednesday morning

November Pelicans

Washington Coast – The North Beach

When the time is right, the top of Mount Rainier is visible from this cam:

Westport – coastal weather cam here.

 

Random thoughts and an update or two.

I think of the War on Terror as beginning in 1983 with the Beirut bombing. Was this event a catastrophic military failure?

1990 – Operation Desert Shield

“…to defend freedom and deter aggression throughout the world…”

11 years later:

The catastrophic military failure of 911. (Anybody fired over this?)

Never Forget

33 years later:

I just read that the campaign medal for service in Iraq has been switched back on. The guys in this photo look pretty happy about it.

Another article:

Oct 30, 2023 Military.com

Iraq Campaign Medal Returns Amid Surge in Drone, Rocket Attacks on US Forces There

Aug 1, 2022 Military.com

The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Won’t Be Handed Out to Everyone Anymore

“The Department of Defense will no longer issue the Global War on Terrorism Medal to all service members, ending a two-decade period during which the award was given to everyone in the ranks to signify America’s involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Random Thoughts for the Uniparty

Currently serving four-star officers and high level DOD civilians have been associated with what wars won by the US?

US jet aircraft have been able to strike targets in what wars won by the US?

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

The Vice President refers to the USA as a democracy in the video below. Question for newspeople and school teachers everywhere: If it’s a democracy, when do we vote on undeclared wars?

Alternative Media and Comedians – Asking the Questions and Highlighting the Issues

How will things be looking over at the US Armed Forces recruiting office?

Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the politicians, four-star officers and high level DOD civilians who run the Pentagon specialize in undeclared/unwon wars. The DOD brand has been wrecked.

Related:

The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East

Hostile Forces in Distant Lands

More Recruiting Crisis Denial

A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked

Over at the US Armed Forces recruiting office

Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis

Candidate (Fill in last name)

America Deserves A Military Recruiting Crisis

Homeland Security Is A Scam

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays

The country struggles with:

Cultural Honesty

 

Possibly of interest:

Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.

Was It A Fake War On Terror?

 

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.

Veterans Day Nonsense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-

Something from the last century