Indian Beach, OR
Meth, methamphetamine, and amphetamine seem to be used interchangeably in this story:
Dec. 26th, 2018 The Spokesman-Review
Amphetamine hospitalizations increasing every year in Spokane, rivaling opioids
Why does it matter?
Some drugs are domestic.
Some drugs, like heroin or cocaine, and maybe meth, must get past strict post 911/War on Terror security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, and verification of passports/enhanced & Real IDs before they arrive in local communities.
Are the drugs described in the article above, cartel products? Are these drugs prescription meds? Meds requiring a prescription are highly regulated & controlled.
The Drug War is based on public policy.
What methods are working? What methods are failing?
Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions to keep people informed on drug control policy and to educate the public towards avoiding the risks associated with drug abuse.
What lessons can people learn in order to avoid hospitalization?
Heroin
Let’s get away from the politician talk.
Heroin crisis: A situation involving illegal product moved from outside the US into local communities. The US Dept. of Homeland Security has jurisdiction at the border, border crossings & ports of entry.
With a budget of $40.6 billion- how is the US Dept. of Homeland Security doing at keeping heroin away from local communities?
Opioid crisis: Term favored by the press & politicians to describe the abuse of product which may be stolen from Grandma’s medicine cabinet- also a very serious issue.
Accurate reporting allows people to learn how to prevent future incidents.
Anytime there is a plane crash- a thorough investigation takes place. Lessons learned are used to prevent future accidents.
Was the aircraft fueled with opioids before it crashed? Was it running on heroin?
Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.
What part of the story is missing?
Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping heroin and meth away from the Puget Sound area?
Questions that go unasked:
When additional restrictions are placed on prescription drugs- what will prevent heroin-trafficking cartels from moving more product into local communities?
Meth
Federal cash for Montana after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:
Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana
“The U.S. Department of Justice announced its award to MHP Thursday, from its Office of Community Oriented Policing. The grant will fund additional troopers, equipment and training specifically to combat incoming meth trafficking. Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said in the statement that Montana’s meth is largely sourced from Mexico.”
Nov 27, 2018 Kentucky New Era
‘Crystal meth by the pound.’ Drug’s rise in Kentucky leads to arrests, abuse.
Dec 1, 2018 The Greeneville Sun
Meth Becoming Illicit Drug Of Choice
“Unlike opioids, meth is relatively inexpensive and the flow of the highly addictive stimulant from Mexico through distribution hubs like Atlanta continues almost unchecked.”
“The nearly pure form of meth known as “ice” is not manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that can be sued in court.”
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Related:
Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
17 Years Past 911 – Welcome Home Troops
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Secretary of Homeland Security:
The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
Related:
Fentanyl – What part of the story is missing?
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls.
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
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
Photo-
South entrance- Port Townsend Ship Canal
December 17, 2018 KING 5 News
6.2 million young chinook salmon dead after Pierce County power outage
Dec 19, 2018 KIRO 7 News
130,000 gallons of sewage spill into Puget Sound after power outage
Temporary King County status gets a report.
Routine status over at Penn Cove/Oak Harbor- newspeople remain silent.
Love to see newspeople get out and ask questions about why:
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?
As the months go by, we’ll watch and see how local conditions change. We’ll look for newspeople to ask public policy questions Re:
How long has Oak Harbor been an unsafe location for recreational shellfish harvesting?
If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online last month- how was sewage being processed last summer or last year?
When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?
If the old sewage treatment system was failing- when did it begin to fail?
How long will it take for recreational shellfish harvest conditions to become safe related to sewage treatment plant outfall?
News links and documentation here:
Oak Harbor – State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plant
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Fort Ebey surf
Dec 17, 2018 Campus Reform
After 2 year legal battle, school lets student pass out US Constitutions
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.
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
More here:
Is A Free Society An Honest Society?
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Fort Casey beach walk
Dec 15th, 2018
The Joint Chiefs of Staff indicate that wars are for freedom.
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, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, jet noise over Coupeville, 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.
More here:
Is A Free Society An Honest Society?
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
A Border Wall?
Dec 11th, 2018 Washington Post
Trump’s arguments for necessity of border wall have already been broadly debunked
Illegal drugs “mostly come through the ports of entry” at the border, one senior administration official testified before Congress last year.
June 7, 2018 The Epoch Times
DEA:
Apr. 10, 2018 Business Insider
“The US Drug Enforcement Administration said in its 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment, however, that Mexican transnational criminal organizations transported illicit drugs into the US across its southwest border using varied methods.”
“The most common method employed by these TCOs,” it said, “involves transporting illicit drugs through US ports of entry in passenger vehicles with concealed compartments or commingled with legitimate goods on tractor trailers.”
Secretary of Homeland Security:
The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
Related:
Fentanyl – What part of the story is missing?
Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
17 Years Past 911 – Welcome Home Troops
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- North of Penn Cove
Southern Comfort & Tonic with Lemon
Dec 7th, 2018 The News Tribune
Drug pipeline ‘has been shut down.’ Statewide bust nets 29 arrests, guns, drugs
We’ll watch and see in the months ahead to see if anyone figures a way to move cartel-sourced product into the Puget Sound area.
Related:
Fentanyl – What part of the story is missing?
Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
17 Years Past 911 – Welcome Home Troops
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- South of Point Partridge
December 5, 2018 Seattle Times
Recovery, rehab, treatment, & addiction are important parts of this story.
What part of the story is missing?
Has anyone ever seen the press question the US Dept. of Homeland Security/CBP on their role in keeping heroin, meth and fentanyl away from the Puget Sound area?
December 6, 2018 KING 5 News
Father believes safe injection site could have saved daughter’s life
As always- zero questions asked about why strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security fail to keep cartels from moving product into local communities.
Welcome Home Troops
December 6, 2018 MyEverettNews.com
DEA Raids Homes In Everett As Part Of Multi-State Investigation
The story is always reported as a big success. Zero questions asked about why cartels are somehow able to move product past US Troops, strict post 911 security protocols and federal agents manning a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security- before the drugs end up in Hometown, USA.
US Dept. of Homeland Security
Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
2011-
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.
2013-
Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles
2015-
Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem
2017-
“Residents who filled the Port Angeles City Council chambers and lobby Tuesday night said they were fed up with the heroin epidemic in Clallam County and asked what is being done to stop opioid abuse and what they can do to help.”
2019-
“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin? Even one time?
Newspeople, reporters and journalists are free to ask basic public policy questions and post updated reports at any time.
Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of 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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, and zero questions from the press.
Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?
Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay
More here: News tip/story idea
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
June 17th, 2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune
Fentanyl has taken over America’s drug market. Where is it coming from?
China-
“The nature of fentanyl — extremely potent in small doses when pure — makes it ideal to move through the mail, keeping packages small and inconspicuous.”
“Experts say it’s hard to know just how much fentanyl is coming direct from China to the U.S.”
Mexico-
“Flowing in one direction, this fentanyl pipeline runs through Mexican cartel strongholds and heads north on well-established drug trafficking routes. It funnels 80 percent of the drug through the San Diego border before dispersing throughout the U.S.”
December 4th, 2018 Cato Institute
Today’s Drug Abusers Did Not Derive From Yesterday’s Patients
“I’ve encouraged using the term “Fentanyl Crisis” rather than “Opioid Crisis” to describe the situation, because it more accurately points to its cause—nonmedical users accessing drugs in the dangerous black market fueled by drug prohibition—hoping this will redirect attention and lead to reforms that are more likely to succeed.”
CBP is quick to boast about their role in keeping contraband out:
DHS Creates its Own News Reports for the Super Bowl
Counterfeit goods crackdown
When the news is created by federal employees, there’s no need to deal with any awkward/real questions from the press:
How do you keep terrorists and their weapons out by checking retail items after they show up at the mall in Minneapolis? Did the confiscated items make it through any port of entry?
Secretary of Homeland Security:
The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
Related:
Post 911 Homeland Security Protocols vs. Tennessee Meth
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
17 Years Past 911 – Welcome Home Troops
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- slow speed mayhem
I think little old ladies should get the best parking spots over at the grocery store. There is no possibility that I would use one of these spots.
Defense Secretary Mattis is concerned about a civilian-military divide:
Military Times
Mattis’ fix for the civilian-military divide: Stop being jerks
We have some suggestions for ending the divide:
Stop glorifying military service.
Stop telling us that undeclared/unwon wars overseas are somehow linked to American rights & freedoms.
Phase out failed wars that never end.
End the Military-Civilian Divide?
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.
Just being honest can help:
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
My favorite public photography folks are polite, well-behaved, and tend to be quiet, or almost silent. Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.
Some people question post 911 protocols where everyone is seen as a suspect.
Some people question the idea that people are expected to yield the right of way Re: their peaceful/nonviolent and legal activities because terrorists might be planning to disrupt American culture. All the while thanking Troops for freedoms.
This is how it should go:
Positive interaction:
Single guy with a camera and early request to show ID and credentials:
Told to stop filming:
Independent/alternative media- out asking questions and told to stop filming at 2:46 and 5:12. Policy explained at 7:48. Entire video here:
Months later:
One guy with a camera. Early request to show ID:
Single guy with a camera and a request to show ID:
Public records protocols:
Told to leave a public library. Several videos here: Information Suppression Update
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.
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
More here: News tip/story idea
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Local salmon fishing season
US Troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security not yet able to shut down Eastern Tennessee meth supply:
Dec 1, 2018 The Greeneville Sun
Meth Becoming Illicit Drug Of Choice
“Unlike opioids, meth is relatively inexpensive and the flow of the highly addictive stimulant from Mexico through distribution hubs like Atlanta continues almost unchecked.”
“The nearly pure form of meth known as “ice” is not manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that can be sued in court.”
Montana
Federal cash for Montana after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:
Oct 25, 2018 Missoulian DOJ awards MHP $1 million for anti-meth operations in Montana
“The U.S. Department of Justice announced its award to MHP Thursday, from its Office of Community Oriented Policing. The grant will fund additional troopers, equipment and training specifically to combat incoming meth trafficking. Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said in the statement that Montana’s meth is largely sourced from Mexico.”
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Minnesota
Feds: Minnesota now in compliance with Real ID
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.
Secretary of Homeland Security:
The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
Related:
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
17 Years Past 911 – Welcome Home Troops
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Fort Ebey Surf
November 16, 2018 Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor’s sewage plant up and running
Article indicates the cost of the project is $142 million.
November 30, 2018 Whidbey News-Times
Ceremony celebrates sewage treatment plant coming online
“…ribbon cutting Thursday for the city’s new, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.”
Image at top of page:
Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Dec 2nd, 2018.
Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife OAK HARBOR BEACH PARK
“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams, Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“Water Quality Comment: This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
As the months go by, we’ll watch and see how local conditions change. We’ll look for newspeople to ask public policy questions Re:
How long has Oak Harbor been an unsafe location for recreational shellfish harvesting?
If the state of the art sewage treatment plant went online last month- how was sewage being processed last summer or last year?
When did the sewage treatment plant project begin?
If the old sewage treatment system was failing- when did it begin to fail?
Will the new sewage treatment plant allow for safe recreational shellfish harvesting at Oak Harbor? If not, why not?
How long will it take for recreational shellfish harvest conditions to become safe related to sewage treatment plant outfall?
Over at Penn Cove-
A situation linked to or separate from the Oak Harbor sewage treatment plant? Waiting for newspeople to let us know.
Monroe Landing
Love to see newspeople get out and ask questions about why:
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Sounds like the sewage treatment plant is sending unsafe product into Penn Cove?
“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams,Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
Coupeville
Looks like the sewage treatment plant issue may be seen as routine or ongoing. Any sense of urgency in reporting details or background on this?
Routine or ongoing? So much so, that WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove:
Image source: Photo posted by WDFW here.
Possibly of interest:
Dec 23rd, 2018 GoSkagit.com
Study finds littleneck clams declining in Salish Sea, West Coast
More here:
Temporary Kitsap Wastewater Spill
Whidbey recreational (sport) harvest of shellfish
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Associated Press November 27, 2018
Vermont delegation worried by Border Patrol checkpoint plans
“A New Hampshire judge ruled in May that the checkpoints violated the state and federal constitutions. He suppressed evidence against more than a dozen people who were charged with drug possession after being stopped and searched by agents of Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, in 2017.”
Puget Sound Area History
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
State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.
Check your state here.
Jefferson County Sheriff says No to federal grant money Re: local Border Patrol Checkpoints:
Border Patrol criticism emerges: Sheriff Brasfield declines BP funding
Note:
“Attention subscribers — Welcome to our new and improved website!
For the next week, PTLeader.com will be freely available to all readers. No login is required during this time.”
The local paper has upgraded their web format. Several stories from their news archives are no longer viewable. Might be a good time for some updated reporting.
In 2008, Washington was one of several legal medical marijuana states.
Olympic Peninsula immigration checkpoint-
At a checkpoint- the US Border Patrol stopped a legal medical marijuana user with a legal amount of medical marijuana. He was a passenger in a car:
Small-scale pot busts snared in Border Patrol stops
Checkpoints on the Olympic Peninsula ended after the public forum shown in the video above. Is there any other community in the US that objected to checkpoints and was able to shut them down?
2018 Update
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
More here:
Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin
Question for newspeople:
What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping heroin away from the Puget Sound area?
2011-
2013-
Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles
2015-
Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem
2017-
“Residents who filled the Port Angeles City Council chambers and lobby Tuesday night said they were fed up with the heroin epidemic in Clallam County and asked what is being done to stop opioid abuse and what they can do to help.”
2019-
“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound heroin? Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
Has anyone ever seen the press question the Port Angeles Border Patrol/CBP on their role in keeping heroin out of the Puget Sound area?
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.
More here:
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Extinct ferry at Port Townsend
An offseason visit to Fort Ebey on Tuesday afternoon.
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.
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.
More here:
Is A Free Society An Honest Society?
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Summer morning at Coupeville
Does the DOD presence in Central & South America result in any shortage of cartel-sourced heroin, cocaine or meth anywhere in the US?
Nov 27, 2018 Kentucky New Era
‘Crystal meth by the pound.’ Drug’s rise in Kentucky leads to arrests, abuse.
Related:
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
The Business of Keeping People informed
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
“Few People Know There’s A Washington Island You Can Walk To”
The article above showcases Camano Island.
Folks may also walk to:
Leque, Bainbridge, Whidbey, Marrowstone, Indian & Fidalgo Islands.
Possibly of interest: Proper Geographic Names
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Looking towards the Deception Pass Bridge from the Fidalgo Island side of the park.
No crowds today at Fort Ebey
US Troops at the border, strict post 911 security protocols and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security not yet able to shut down West Virginia meth supply:
November 20, 2018 WVVA TV News
Methamphetamine in West Virginia originates in Mexico
November 21, 2018 WBUR
Meth Use Is Rising In Boston, Intensifying The Opioid Crisis
“…most of the meth sold is the U.S. is produced in Mexico and shipped through the same suppliers who deal in heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.”
Nov 27, 2018 Kentucky New Era
‘Crystal meth by the pound.’ Drug’s rise in Kentucky leads to arrests, abuse.
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
Related: Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Port Angeles
POLICE SEEK HELP IN LOCATING MAN AFTER FOOT CHASE
Sorry, no time for newspeople to find out what crimes “multiple felony bench warrants” are related to.
Whidbey Island
Man charged with making threat
“A sheriff’s investigator referred to the residence as a “drug house” in a search warrant application earlier this year. He wrote that numerous transients, drug users and felons had lived at the house.”
Sorry- no time for newspeople to ask what sort of drugs led to the drug house earning its reputation.
Why does it matter?
Some “drugs” are domestic, such as marijuana.
Some drugs, like heroin or cocaine, and now meth, must get past strict post 911/War on Terror security protocols, a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, and verification of passports/enhanced & Real IDs before they arrive in local communities.
The Drug War is based on public policy.
What methods are working? What methods are failing?
Possibly of interest:
Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent
Port Angeles
Woman arrested in Peninsula drug probe pleads guilty in federal court
“Orozco-Cruz, McKean and Christman were each arrested in May following a year-long Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team and Drug Enforcement Administration probe into Orozco-Cruz’s drug trafficking organization, which officials believed was the primary supplier of Mexican-produced heroin and methamphetamine on the Olympic Peninsula.”
Wonder what was happening at border crossing inspections during the 12 months these folks were under investigation. Do the good guys who made the local bust notify the good guys at the border about the weak links in their process?
Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin? Even one time?
Newspeople remain silent.
More here: Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Lopez Town Hall meeting
Looks like newspeople didn’t show up to ask any questions- so we’ll ask a few here:
Random Drug Searches at Ferry Terminals Inside the US?
Minnesota
Feds: Minnesota now in compliance with Real ID
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.
Puget Sound area
WA voters approved enhanced background checks back in 2014.
Any reporting or updates on this?
Each week you can find news of another shooting. A few examples here:
Woman shot, killed at home where illegal pot grow operation found, police say
Man shot after dispute between groups playing football in Des Moines
Do you recognize this Tacoma armed robbery suspect?
Detectives Investigating Early Morning North Seattle Shooting
Woman found shot at Federal Way fast food restaurant
Two roommates found shot, killed inside Lacey home
Man in critical condition after shooting in downtown Seattle
1 dead, 3 injured in Lakewood nightclub shooting
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
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Wars that don’t end. Wars that aren’t won.
Veterans Day – we’re told to thank The Troops for our freedoms. Straight out of a land of make believe.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told
Hey school teachers–
If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Anacortes honors veterans in annual celebration:
The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing? Some invading force wearing military uniforms could dictate events without facing resistance?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
US Armed Forces:
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
We’ve got such a good handle on the situation- National Guard units are doing multiple tours in distant lands– absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war.
More here: National Guard in Afghanistan
Port Angeles Veterans Day event:
Where were The Troops on 911?
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
More here: How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
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.
Alternative media hosts a veteran who is asking questions:
Related:
Is A Free Society An Honest Society?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Plenty of questions here that don’t get asked. Not asked by veterans, newspeople, school teachers, and maybe school students.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands- fighting for American rights and freedoms- as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won- how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
Sports/entertainment industry:
Do any of the groups that raise money for veteran’s services advocate for phasing out undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
Port Angeles Veterans Day event:
Another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations in distant lands.
Seattle Times- AP WAS THERE: Supreme Court legalizes interracial marriage:
June 12, 1967
“…an interracial couple who had been sentenced to a year in jail for violating Virginia’s ban on marriage between people of different races.”
1967- not 1867
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?
More here: Jet Noise Made Them Free?
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Is post-Vietnam guilt OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
More here: How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
One of the nation’s largest, oldest and most respected veterans organizations tells us: Veterans, not politicians, ‘give us the right to vote,’ observers at Amherst Veterans Day ceremonies told
Hey school teachers–
If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Growing up in the 60s & 70s– veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals- it’s a proud thing:
Armistice Day Is Now Free Chow Day
Goodbye Armistice Day – Free Meals, Deals and Discounts
The Troops are defending our freedoms?
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
Back home- freedoms come & go:
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, or the outcome of military operations in distant lands.
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.
The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing by people wearing military uniforms?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
We’ve got such a good handle on the situation- National Guard units are doing multiple tours in distant lands– absent any military emergency, draft, or declaration of war.
“It was a day to celebrate our nation’s heroes – Veterans Day.”
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.
More here: Hero?
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
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.
More here:
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Veterans Day 2018: All the places vets can get free food and meal deals Sunday and Monday
Growing up in the 60s & 70s– veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Do school teachers still teach lessons about the more meaningful Armistice Day?
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas. The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to…
View original post 31 more words
Looking Good:
Finished MOS school and had a chance to fill out a “dream sheet” in 1980.
A small number of us chose Okinawa, and we all got to go.
I was 19 and had no wife, kids, or even a girlfriend back home. I joined the Marines to go and see places like Okinawa.
I was assigned to Makiminato, Camp Kinser. We could walk to Naha. Naha was large enough that you might go all night without seeing any other Americans. Attempting to escape the influence of military bases and seeing how the local people lived their lives was enjoyable. There was no curfew at the time. Atrocities committed by US personnel would come later. We drank more than our share, but stayed out of trouble. Mind your manners and you’d find the local people to be warm and friendly. We made friends and were invited out to a few gatherings.
Christmas Tree
Many of us were spending our first Christmas away from home. In those days, If you were old enough to be in the Marines, you were old enough to drink on or off base. We had a shop Christmas party where people wrapped and exchanged bottles of booze.
A guy from California received a small Christmas tree from his Mom back home. The tree came with real pinecones and lights. After unpacking the box and putting the tree together the lights were plugged in. Now it was time to look sad and lonely and pose for the photo I took. Then off to something else besides thinking of Christmas.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Nov 5th, 2018
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dunford on Afghanistan: “The assessment of the intelligence community over the past few years about Afghanistan is that if we don’t maintain pressure, we may see an attack on the homeland.”
Love to see newspeople ask:
How are terrorists kept out while meth and heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into the US?
More here: Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
Secretary of Homeland Security:
The US Dept. of Homeland Security “stops an average of 7 known or suspected terrorists a day – 50 a week- trying to come to our country.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do cartels continue to move product into local communities?
October 17th 2018 KABB FOX 29 News, San Antonio
‘Nobody has seen a cartel like this’: DOJ targets Mexico’s most powerful drug organization
“CJNG is responsible for trafficking approximately five tons of cocaine and five tons of methamphetamine into the United States every month, according to the Justice Department.”
Sept. 27, 2018 Nashville Tennessean
As cartel drugs flood Tennessee, meth and cocaine deaths are climbing fast
“As far as drugs on our streets, there has been a significant increase in crystal methamphetamine,” Shaffer said. “The super labs in Mexico are pumping it out by the tons, really.”
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for risking your ass in Iraq & Afghanistan- working to keep bad people from coming here to do bad things.
October 4, 2018 WTSP 10 News
Mexican cartels driving a spike in local methamphetamine use
“The U.S. government cracked down on purchasing certain ingredients for meth in 2006, which significantly cut the number of meth labs found on this side of the border. That’s when the cartels stepped in to meet the market demand.”
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
General Dunford speaks of the intelligence community. The CIA was established in 1947. If the intelligence community provides an advantage in fighting undeclared wars, why does the Dept. of Defense have such a poor record in winning these wars going back to 1949, the year DOD was established?
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Looking for the Coupeville ferry
Think back to the long 2016 primary season. Think of the recent midterm elections. Some issues just don’t show up for debate or discussion.
What stays the same no matter what political party or personality is in power?
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end:
Not on the Agenda – America’s Wars Are a Non-Factor in Today’s Midterm Elections by Maj. Danny Sjursen Posted on November 06, 2018
Is post-Vietnam guilt OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
The Heroin Racket:
Homeland Security Meth/Heroin Racket Rolls On
A secretive, wasteful, and ineffective US Dept. of Homeland Security:
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 in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.
If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
More here:
The ongoing glorification of military service.
Federal prohibition of hemp and marijuana.
Newspeople who do not ask questions.
Newspeople Ask Questions If It’s A Sports Story
Sports Culture Tends to be Open and Honest
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
Guantanamo prison.
“…they swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution.”
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Promotion of Corn Ethanol
What is ethanol fuel and why is it bad for your small engine outdoor power equipment?
2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: AVOID ETHANOL IN SMALL ENGINES
Mechanics see ethanol damaging small engines
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center
Absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war:
Georgia National Guard
Dec 24, 2018 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia National Guard’s deployment to Afghanistan is a family affair
North Carolina Army National Guard
October 06, 2018 The News & Observer
National Guard soldier from North Carolina dies in Afghanistan
Utah Army National Guard
November 5, 2018 CBS This Morning
Days before being killed in Afghanistan insider attack, Utah mayor urged Americans to vote
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Related:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- New Day at Port Hadlock
When did Armistice Day turn into Discounts And Freebies Day?
Nov. 1, 2018 Indianapolis Star
Where to find Veterans Day 2018 free meals, deals and discounts
Local TV News station promotes corporate marketing blitz:
Applebee’s serving free meals to veterans next Sunday
More here.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals- it’s a proud thing:
Growing up in the 60s & 70s– veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
I think it is strange that modern American culture sees veterans as separate & different from the rest of society.
Veteran’s parking spaces-
Some businesses are now setting aside parking for veterans. The designated spots we are talking about here are for all veterans– no requirement Re: earning the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, having any physical disability, etc.
There is no possibility that I would use one of these spots.
Meet some veterans who have become disgruntled Re: discount availability:
“Home Depot No Longer Honors all Veterans”
Well done guys.
Hey school teachers– do you still teach lessons about the more meaningful Armistice Day?
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas. The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Past efforts:
Goodbye Armistice Day – Free meals and deals for Veterans Day 2016
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo- Fog clears at Port Townsend
Stormy surf out there today.
Three or four feet off the ground.
This one is past its prime, but it gives an idea of how large some varieties of mushrooms may get at Fort Ebey.
Sunny when you get out in the open.
