War on Terror/Drugs – Taking Out Top Leaders

Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area

“This Presidents Day, let us never forget the extraordinary men and women serving our Country. As we remember our founders that formed our great Nation, we also remember our Service Members fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.”

Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just Be Honest.

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

More here:

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”

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

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

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

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

DEA Announces Launch of Methamphetamine Initiative

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

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

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

Photo-

Whidbey agriculture – no hurry to change

A view from the Bluff Trail

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Veterans Day Propaganda

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

March 3, 2020 //

US Troops at the border, El Chapo takedown, opioid lawsuits, REAL ID, Homeland Security grant money, CBP social media posts, strict post 911 security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security and a large CBP force at Port Angeles fail to keep high grade methamphetamine from flooding Pacific Northwest neighborhoods.

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?

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

Our questions appear in bold type.

March 2, 2020 Auburn Examiner

“The increased volume of high grade methamphetamine flooding our Pacific Northwest neighborhoods coupled with increased overdose rates is alarming,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis.”

“Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States.”

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:

Border Wall?

What will change after spending big cash on a border wall?

State-run media:

When the news is created by federal employees, public agencies are seeking to avoid any awkward/real questions from the press:

“The above is a press release from the DEA. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its content and encourages our readers to personally verify any information they find may be overly biased or questionable. The publication of this press release does not indicate an endorsement of its contents.”

Federal agencies get their wish when newspeople post the agency press release without asking any questions.

Not picking on the Auburn Examiner:

Port Angeles Drug War Covered By Press Release

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

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin and meth in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 9 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

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.

More here:

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:

October 23, 2019, Q13 News video:

‘The Pacific Northwest is drowning in methamphetamine:’ 17 arrested in major drug trafficking operation

Any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US since the big El Chapo takedown?

Newspeople remain silent.

More here:

Drowning in Meth

Zero questions from newspeople:

Local meth news stories here.

Local heroin news stories here.

Plenty of questions here:

Port Angeles – Post 911 CBP Spending Spree

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger–a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

Border Wall Update

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.

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

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 the Homeland Security meth scam and newspeople posting a press release instead of asking questions.

Please Dispose of Properly

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

W.Va. National Guard – Zero Questions from Newspeople

March 3, 2020 //

My critique here is directed at the made for TV newspeole who occaisionaly stage tearful reunions featuring military personnel returning from far away lands.

I have solid respect for the people who serve in the National Guard.

Unlike active duty folks, these guys need to have a regular job and a place to live back home when not helping DOD squander credibility in distant lands.

Some people are working hard to keep the National Guard out of undeclared wars in distant lands:

Idaho

Feb 26, 2020 Post Register

Defend the guard

“As lieutenant governor, I support efforts by Rep. Tammy Nichols — backed by former Idaho National Guard Sgt. Dan McKnight and BringOurTroopsHome.US — to enact “Defend the Guard”legislation requiring that Idaho’s Guard personnel shall not be activated for combat duty overseas unless Congress has first declared war.”

West Virginia

Jobs program:

Bill would disrupt West Virginia’s National Guard

February 10, 2020 West Virginia MetroNews Network

“Second, and perhaps more important, the state and the National Guard benefit significantly from the Guard’s federal roles in federal allocations and civilian jobs here. If West Virginia were able to withdraw from its federal role (except in the case of a declared war), it would lose millions of federal dollars, civilian jobs and critical military training and support.”

Feb 29, 2020 WOWK News video:

West Virginia National Guard Sgt. holds baby girl for first time after deployment

Nowhere in the text of this report is there any hint of where this West Virginia National Guard unit went for nine months, or why they were there.

The news video intro is all smiles and refers to the entire unit as heroes. Nowhere in the video do newspeople reveal the location to which the unit was deployed.

At 2:35, the little girl in the video lets us know that the unit was in Afghanistan.

If calling the West Virginia National Guard away to distant lands is vital to the people of West Virginia, it seems like newspeople would want to make some effort to inform the public on the importance of this mission.

Hero

Military culture is very careful about who is called a hero. The Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Silver Star are awarded to heroes.

In mainstream culture, 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.”

Love to see newspeople show up and ask why the people of West Virginia needed services in Afghanistan, absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war.

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

Various states have recently sent National Guard troops to distant lands. Each one claims that military operations overseas are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms:

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Maryland Freedoms Found In The Middle East?

West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?

How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?

“When push comes to shove, the only way in which NAS Whidbey can restore the balance and become a good neighbor is by folding up their tent and leaving us be.”

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

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

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

Photo:

A symbol of TV newspeople playing a show business role, instead of asking questions.

Categories Armistice Day, National Guard, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent

Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area

March 2, 2020 //

In parts of the Puget Sound area, there are ongoing concerns related to maintaing a local military presence for training purposes.

Some may feel like more is better.

Some may feel that the Navy should make plans to leave the area:

My take:

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

Not complaining, not trying to get the Navy to leave. Not trying to shut down training.

I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I know it is a larger concern based on where people are situated on Whidbey or elsewhere in the region; Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, B.C., Port Townsend, etc.

I am not anti-government, anti-military or anti-law enforcement.

The US Armed Forces should be promoted in honest ways.

One of the messages we see goes something like this:

NAS Whidbey has been here since WWII. Navy crews will not be able to operate safely without training operations conducted on Whidbey Island.

Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.

Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.

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

June 21, 2019 Whidbey News-Times

Sound Off: Anti-jet noise activists’ narrative not rooted in reality

“Navy personnel and their young families are among our most committed and vibrant community members. In addition to ensuring a superlative national defense, they perform countless hours of community service and involvement.”

A superlative national defense?

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

July 30, 2019 The Seattle Times

Navy on Whidbey Island is a matter of ‘national security’

Have NAS Whidbey jets operated in any war won by the US?

March 1, 2020 Peninsula Daily News

Navy eyeing SEALs training at state parks

From comments:

“Small price to pay for your freedom you seem to take for granted…”

Local press and hometown pride:

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

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

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

Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?

Military Town – Letter to the Editor:

“Enjoy the sound of freedom, and if that happens to sound like war to you, I suggest you travel to a real war-zone and see how it’s different because I assure you, you aren’t qualified to describe what a war zone is.

The electronic attack community, the Growlers, and men and women of the U.S. Navy make sure of it every day.”

Every day except on 911.

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Again, the US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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

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

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

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

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

Just Be Honest.

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

More here:

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”

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

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

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways

Navy on Whidbey is a Matter of National Security?

US Navy on Whidbey Island

“There are certainly some odd responses here. The more efficient our defense capabilities are, the greater the deterrent value and savings to the taxpayer.”

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

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please

B-52 Bomber – Promoted Tweets

March 1, 2020 //

Recently, I have been seeing a few Promoted Tweets relating to the B-52 Bomber:

“There is only one right choice to power the B-52…”

A mixed bag of comments may follow these posts:

“Tell me, in what conflict in the last 59 years has your technology been used to actually protect citizens of our country? Because from where I sit it looks like you’re nothing but merchants of death whose profits depend on how much innocent blood is spilled in foreign lands.”

Reply: “That you’re ignorant of history and sit in your Mom’s basement doesn’t change the fact that the B-52 has been used throughout its lifespan to defend US citizens.”

I make no attempt to mute these tweets. I see them as an opportunity to think about the message.

“The B-52 has been in active service with the USAF since 1955.”

In the news:

Feb 15, 2020 The War Zone

B-52 Bomber Spotted Flying Low Just Off Somali Coast (Updated)

Feb 17, 2020 defenceWeb

US Air Forces flies B-52 over Somalia on East African mission

Has the B-52 been able to strike targets in any war won by the US?

Past DOD Spending

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

Past DOD Results

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

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

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

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Green/Clear Beer Bottle Myths?

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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Looking towards the Bluff Trail from Hill Road

Categories Armistice Day, More discussion please

Nice Day To Be Outside

February 29, 2020 //

A few small projects taken care of, then time to see if the barbecue still works.

Mexican beer update:

West Coast/NW IPA

German Pilsner

Beers from Mexico

These are my favorite styles.

Several of the Mexican beers I’ve tried, I would call routine.

Low on flavor and low on alcohol content. This would make sense if you were reaching for a beer in a location where 100° temps are the norm.

My favorite Mexican beer:

Bohemia

I also enjoy Carta Blanca, Modelo, and Corona Extra.

The Bohemia beer can be hard to find in the grocery store and in restaurants.

I would rate the Corona Familiar pictured at the top of the page as a routine Mexican beer.

What others have to say:

Neil Young at 9:07

Categories Beer Photo Fetish, Whidbey Island

“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”

February 29, 2020 //

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

Feb 28, 2020 WPSD Local 6

Second lady Karen Pence visits Fort Campbell

“It is our priority to come alongside you and your children so that our military service members can stay focused on their mission and remain ready to fight and protect our freedom.”

Not just the Second Lady of the United States

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

If undeclared/unwon wars continue over the next 50 years, will Americans still believe these wars are for freedom?

Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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

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

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

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

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

Just Be Honest.

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

More here:

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

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

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

Esper pitches $705B budget to go toe-to-toe with China, Russia amid possible clash with Congress over border wall

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

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

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

Photo-

Looking down towards Hill Road from the Bluff Trail

Categories Armistice Day, Just Be Honest, More discussion please

DOD Progress Report

February 28, 2020 //

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

February 26, 2020 Stars and Stripes

“The Pentagon is asking Congress to approve a $705.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2021, which begins Oct. 1.”

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

Esper Presses Congress to Bulk Up Next Military Budget

“…more funding for the military to confront China and Russia…”

Past Spending

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

Past Results

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

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

A country that probably brags about freedom more than anywhere else on the globe.

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.

Paid spokesperson update-

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

Hard to put a dollar value on your freedoms: Defense Dept. Lies About Freedom

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

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

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

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

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

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

“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.”

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

Categories Armistice Day, Veterans Day Propaganda

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

February 27, 2020 //

February 24, 2020 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County

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

No hate speech, insults, threats, foul language, attacking other commenters-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.

Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Newspapers Need Your Help

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

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

Photo-

A winter ride on the Keystone ferry

More Keystone:

Town swipes Keystone’s claim to fame — its ferry-route name

Keystone Ferry

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

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville

Categories Information Suppression Specialists, More discussion please

Gardening & Lawn Care Update

February 25, 2020 //

This is about the time of year I get ready to fire up the garden tiller and push mower and change the oil. For years I have been using SAE 30 motor oil. Both units were supplied with SAE 30 when new.

SAE 30 seems to be pretty much phased out now. It’s hard to find it on the shelf at the auto parts store.

I’m looking for a traditional quart size bottle. I’m not wanting to buy a smaller size bottle with a mower manufacturer’s brand on the label.

My favorite brand has the API Donut Symbol, so I know it meets some kind of standard.

I’ll probably switch to 10W-30 as I still drive a vehicle that uses this type, a riding mower that takes 10W-30 and I have a partial case out in the shed.

In about 8 months, the next mowing season will be over.

Categories Uncategorized

Emotion and Misunderstanding

February 25, 2020 //

Random thoughts on American culture and politics.

Our questions appear in bold type.

People are divided, and sometimes it looks like this can be based on emotion and misunderstanding.

Greyhound bus changes policy

The bus company now says “…that it does not consent to unwarranted searches on its buses…”

Emotion and misunderstanding gets in the way of understanding that these suspicionless bus boardings were taking place away from border crossings and ports of entry. If the bus takes you from the US to Canada, you will still stop at the border coming and going to be cleared to enter the other country.

“Spokane is 97 miles — as the crow flies — from an international border. That puts it within the 100-mile interior enforcement zone where Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol’s parent agency, claims heightened powers over residents and travelers alike.”

From comments:

“Arrest drivers. Seize their drivers. Fine the company.
@GreyhoundBus needs to obey law enforcement.”

Same country that will make a big deal of celebrating freedom and independence on July 4th.

In 2008, the US Border Patrol came to Jefferson County, WA and set up suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry.

At a local Border Patrol forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

Should Joe Sixpack and the family be stopped and questioned when they drive through Spokane?

Has a more aggressive CBP approach led to any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth anywhere in the US?

No CBP inspection of rail shipments entering the US?

“…methamphetamine was being hidden in new cars built in Mexico that were then transported by rail to Canada.”

“Police say they found 180 kilograms of meth during the investigation.”

REAL ID

Get ready to enjoy your $6.4 trillion worth of War on Terror freedom over at the airport with your REAL ID card:

REAL ID deadline is approaching.

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 does not kick in until October 1, 2020.

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.

Border Wall

February 20, 2020 KTVZ

DEA launches major meth crackdown as record amounts flood Northwest

What will change after spending big cash on a wall?

Will a US border wall keep cartels from moving product into New Zealand?

Feb 23, 2020 Newshub

Mexican drug cartels Sinaloa and CJNG could try to corrupt NZ Customs and police – report

“The New Zealand Drug Intelligence Bureau has warned two of the world’s biggest drug cartels could be trying to infiltrate our police and Customs services to corrupt their staff.”

“Now there is confirmation that the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Mexican crime groups are supplying drugs to New Zealand, and police say they even have members working in Aotearoa as go-betweens with local gangs.”

Operating A Camera In A Public Place

Emotion and misunderstanding often gets in the way when people approach the camera and say “You do not have permission to film me.” People standing on a public sidewalk will also be told that they may not film whatever they can see.

Told to stop filming at 3:13

6:50 recording without my consent is against the law:

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

More here: Operating A Camera In A Public Place

A country that probably brags about freedom more than anywhere else on the globe.

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.

Paid spokesperson update-

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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.”

Secretary Esper,

If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?

The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.

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

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

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

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

More here:

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

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

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

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

Fentanyl-laced meth from Mexico poses new deadly threat, DEA says

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

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

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

Photo-

A view of Point Wilson to the north.

Categories Armistice Day, Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, More discussion please, Newspeople not asking questions, Veterans Day Propaganda

Local Find

February 24, 2020 //

No crowds today at Fort Ebey.

Part of my walk took me out to Lake Pondilla, where I found this rock. I’m wondering if it had been there prior to the start of winter.

Shipping lanes were busy out there today.

Local group: Whidbey Island Rocks – WIR

Categories Fort Ebey, Whidbey Rocks

Winter boat launch scene

February 24, 2020 //

Hastie Lake/Strait of Juan de Fuca

Back in 2016:

Winter boat launch scene

Categories At the Beach, Local Stuff, Whidbey Island

Border Wall Update

February 21, 2020 //

$40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On:

February 20, 2020 KTVZ

DEA launches major meth crackdown as record amounts flood Northwest

What will change after spending big cash on a wall?

Feb 25, 2020 WCBD

“On a typical day, more than 70,000 commercial trucks and a quarter of a million private vehicles make their way across the U.S.-Mexico border.”

“Commercial cargo — trucks and other conveyances — coming to the port of entry is the perfect opportunity for the drug cartels to conceal and bring meth into the United States,” said Kyle W.

Will US border wall keep cartels from moving product into New Zealand?

Feb 23, 2020 Newshub

Mexican drug cartels Sinaloa and CJNG could try to corrupt NZ Customs and police – report

“The New Zealand Drug Intelligence Bureau has warned two of the world’s biggest drug cartels could be trying to infiltrate our police and Customs services to corrupt their staff.”

Puget Sound area newspeople play along by not asking questions:

Drowning in Meth

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:

Still trying to figure out why the Super Bowl features a large CBP/public affairs show of force each year, while a larger number of fans attend the Daytona 500 and the event is not used to promote CBP.

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 the Homeland Security meth scam and newspeople posting a press release instead of asking questions.

Categories Homeland Security is a scam, Just Be Honest, Meth, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol

Less Pollution at Bellingham and Anacortes?

February 21, 2020 //

Big rains back on Feb 5th. How long will it take for local water quality to rebound?

Image above: Feb 21, 2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

Population:

Bellingham 89,045 (2017)

Anacortes 16,953 (2017)

Oak Harbor 23,187 (2017)

Coupeville 1,928 (2017)

Looks like waters adjacent to Bellingham and Anacortes are less impacted by pollution than the waters between Oak Harbor and Coupeville.

We moved to Whidbey several years ago, after living in Jefferson County, where going out and getting a limit of clams was a happy routine/local thing. After arriving on Whidbey, a letter came in the mail from Island County describing the Penn Cove Watershed and the requirement to get home septic systems tested in this sensitive area. This was a chance to learn about the watershed and how to maintain a septic system.

WDFW says local beaches are closed to recreational shellfish harvest due to sewage treatment plant outfall.

If the press ever comes close to covering this topic, they will refer to stormwater.

Still haven’t been out to local beaches for clams.

Local people can learn about reducing the impact of stormwater and contribute by being more careful about using chemicals on their lawn, washing the car in the driveway, recycling motor oil, cleaning up after their dog, etc.

When the press ignores sewage treatment plant outfall people are left out on solutions to this problem.

I’m thinking of old traditions. Someone buys a fishing license and wants to take the grandkids out to teach them how to bring home a legal limit of clams. Buy a license, know the rules to maintain a sustainable harvest, check the tides and open seasons, and pick a good day.

The shellfish safety map is updated daily. Get up early and check the map to see if shellfish are safe to harvest at your favorite beach. Look for green colors on the map that show safe places for recreational shellfish harvest.

Bad news if you’re seeing brown colors instead of green. Even more bad news if the brown colors remain in place for months, as if this is a routine or ongoing condition.

Not seeing any green colors, even during the dry month of September:

Image above: Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Sept. 20th, 2019.

North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing

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

Source: WDFW

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

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

We are told that stewardship is a priority:

Sign below educates the public on local waters.

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area

Let’s take a look at today’s another month with an R status:

Image above: Feb 21, 2020

Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

If we could walk from the north edge of the brown shaded area at Oak Harbor, down to the south edge, how long would it take to get there? That’s a pretty big area.

Better tell the grandkids that today isn’t the day to be getting out there.

Image above:

Another green color day over in Jefferson County

More here:

Site Visit – Captain Thomas Coupe Park

Monroe Landing – Site Visit

Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish

More Than A Week Since The Big Rains

Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?

Ocean Water in Snohomish County?

Stormwater?

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

Categories An eye on the health of local waters, Hometown Pride, Just Be Honest, Newspeople not asking questions, Newspeople Remain Silent, Penn Cove Watershed

The Cold War Had Ended

February 20, 2020 //

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

Look what they did with it.

Feb 19, 2020 Military.com

Here’s the List of Military Clinics That Will No Longer Serve Retirees, Families

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

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.

More here: Unsustainable Military Spending

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 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 ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

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

Big Spending

Need more cash for undeclared/unwon wars that never end:

Feb 7, 2020 Military.com

Esper Presses Congress to Bulk Up Next Military Budget

“…more funding for the military to confront China and Russia…”

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

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

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

Defense Dept. Lies About Freedom

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

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

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

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

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

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

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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Whidbey agriculture – no hurry to change

Ebey’s Landing

Categories Armistice Day, Newspeople not asking questions

Hill Road on Tuesday

February 19, 2020 //

Categories Ebey's Landing, Hill Road

Defense Dept. Lies About Freedom

February 19, 2020 //

Ongoing militarization of American culture/glorification of military service update:

Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide

Secretary Esper,

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

“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 physical security. That’s as good as it gets.

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

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

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

More here:

How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?

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

Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day

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

Four star whistleblowers unavailable to correct generals who lie about undeclared/unwon wars for your freedoms: Lies And Propaganda For Your Freedoms

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