Month: April 2019

Constitution, Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, Mueller, Trump April 30, 2019December 24, 2019

Does Mueller Report Confirm Trump is Illegitimate?

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Opinion | April 30, 2019) – There’s a very dark cloud hanging over the White House following the release of the Mueller Report. The extensive evidence outlined in Volume 1, the Russian Influence Campaign section of the report, is so dense, despite the large blacked out gaps, that halfway through it becomes clear that Trump is an illegitimate president.

Beginning in 2014, Russia became fixated on influencing our 2016 presidential election. Mueller has outlined the Russian plan of attack in a very systematic fashion, lining up all the dots of evidence very neatly, and in so doing proving that Russia was intent of installing a candidate who’d be open to accommodating Russia’s needs and wishes. They believed Trump was this man. Success. And now that we can see the boundless Russian efforts outlined, it doesn’t actually matter if Trump or his campaign colluded. Russia’s influence campaign worked. Period. And we’ve been suffering the consequences ever since.

The massive Russian Influence Campaign:

Russian “Active Measures” Social Media Campaign
- Structure of the Internet Research Agency (IRA)
- Funding & oversight from Concord & Prigozhin
- The IRA targets US elections
  - The IRA Ramps Up U.S. Operations as Early as 2014
  - U.S. Operations Through IRA-Controlled Social Media Accounts
  - U.S. Operations through Facebook
  - U.S. Operations through Twitter
    - Individual Twitter Accounts
    - IRA Botnet Activities
  - U.S. Operations involving Political Rallies
  - Targeting and Recruitment of U.S. Persons
  - Interactions and Contacts with the Trump Campaign
  - Trump Campaign Promotion of IRA Political Materials
  - Contact with Trump Campaign Officials in Connection to rallies
Russian Hacking and Dumping Operations
- GRU Hacking Directed at the Clinton Campaign
  - 5 sub headings
- Dissemination of the Hacked Materials
  - 7 sub headings
- Additional GRU Cyber Operations
  - 2 sub headings
- Trump Campaign and the Dissemination of Hacked Materials
  - 9 sub headings
Russian Government Links to and Contacts with the Trump Campaign
- Campaign Period (September 2015 – November 8, 2016)
  - 51 sub headings (extremely disturbing)
- Post-Election and Transition Period Contacts
  - 18 sub headings

With Trump now refusing to comply with House Investigations, in defiance of the U.S. Constitution, on the heels of Mueller’s big reveal, it appears we’re a government in crisis. The House Oversight and Judiciary Committees have a plan. They need the support of the American people. The key to understanding the depth and breadth of this crisis is reading the Mueller Report.

Legislative Branch, National Security April 29, 2019April 29, 2019

Time to Pass Legislation Limiting Acting Secretaries

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | April 29, 2019) – President Trump’s strategy of utilizing acting secretaries instead of permanent secretaries is in direct conflict with the US Constitution and has reeked havoc on the soundness of our United States federal government. Our national security has been undermined, our checks & balances have been disrupted, our divisive President is now almost completely unfiltered, and our overall well-being has been severely compromised.

The following is a list of the US Cabinet positions:

Vice President – Mike Pence
Secretary of State – Mike Pompeo
Secretary of the Treasury – Steven Mnuchin
Secretary of Defense – Patrick M. Shanahan (ACTING, effective January 1, 2019)
United States Attorney General– William Barr
Secretary of the Interior – David Bernhardt
Secretary of Agriculture – Sonny Perdue
Secretary of Commerce – Wilbur Ross
Secretary of Labor – Alex Acosta
Secretary of Health and Human Services – Alex Azar
Secretary of Housing and Human Development – Ben Carson
Secretary of Transportation – Elaine Chao
Secretary of Energy – Rick Perry
Secretary of Education – Betsy DeVos
Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Robert Wilkie
Secretary of Homeland Security – Kevin McAleenan (ACTING, effective April 11, 2019)
White House Chief of Staff – Mick Mulvaney, (ACTING, effective January 2, 2019)
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Mick Mulvaney
Director of National Intelligence – Dan Coates
Director of CIA – Gina Haspel
Administrator of the EPA – Andrew Wheeler
US Trade Representative – Robert Lighthizer
US Mission to the United Nations – Jonathan Cohen (ACTING, effective January 1, 2019)rs – Kevin Hassett
Head of SBA – Chris Pilkerton (ACTING, effective April 13, 2019)

There’s been much debate about why Trump is allowing so many gaping holes in our country’s leadership. It’s very difficult to comprehend. We have a staggering population of more than 328 million. A massive landmass. And a myriad of intense challenges to overcome. Leaving vitally important positions unfilled is irresponsible and begs the question, is Trump unfit for office? Several of these Cabinet posts are the most critical in our country. It’s time to bring this matter to conclusion by passing legislation that limits the acting status to 90 days, as well as allowing no more than two acting cabinet members at the same time, or something to this effect.

It appears Trump’s strategy of maintaining acting secretaries rather than nominate premanent secretaries is for several strategic purposes:

Acting Secretaries don’t challenge Trump’s decision making, which Trump feels gives him more flexibility (and power, making him that much more authoritative)
They’re more likely to follow orders, even if Trump’s orders are against the law
They don’t demand bringing in their own team to assist
Trump doesn’t have to worry as much about the 25th Amendment
Several of the acting secretaries haven’t been confirmed by congress, but are still making critical decisions that impact the American public

CALL TO ACTION. Tell Congress that it’s imperative they pass legislation to minimize the use of acting secretaries.

Domestic Terrorism, Guns, Trump April 28, 2019January 8, 2020

NRA | Destruction from Within

Washington (GGM) Analysis | April 28, 2019
by Noreen Wise

During the Age of Enlightenment, following the Dark Ages, when scholars and philosophers around the globe were desperately trying to figure out what was true, what the facts were, they began relying on the scientific method to discover truth. Francis Bacon created this “New [Scientific] Method‘ – an updated iteration of Aristotle’s “demonstration method” – in 1620. The scientific method is just as valuable and vital today in verifying what’s true as it was 400 years ago.

What is the Scientific Method:

Make an observation
Ask questions
Form a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis, and revise as needed; then retest the updated hypothesis
Draw a conclusion

In dealing with our President’s aversion to facts, deciphering what’s true is tricky. Factor in the lies and delusions of Trump’s inner circle and GOP supporters, and it becomes a quagmire.

Thankfully, everything in Trump’s twisted reality rests on twisted hypotheses. Both are provable using the scientific method. Becoming proficient in highlighting the flawed hypotheses, makes it much easier to throw away the entire argument.

Take for example, guest speaker Chris Cox introducing Trump at the annual NRA Convention on April 26, 2019:

“Has any president in American history ever needed the job less? (Yes. MOST of the presidents in American history have needed the jobs less. Trump is the one who needed it the most. It was his desperate attempt to ward off a 7th bankruptcy.) Think about it. He spent 70 years of his life becoming one of the most successful businessmen ever. (False. Trump’s willingness to “die on this hill” by refusing to turn over his tax returns, leads the public to believe that his success is in dispute. What does “success” mean anyway? Financial achievement? But if Trump’s fortune, or lack there of, was accomplished by breaking the law and committing crimes, is that success?) And not one second of those 70 years was spent as a politician. (Irrelevant.) These are supposed to be the years where he relaxes and enjoys the fruits of is hard work and success. (There are no fruits. That’s the point. This presidency was his Hail Mary Pass to keep the Trump Organization afloat.) But he gave that up for his country. (False. He didn’t give it up, and it wasn’t for his country.) And what does he get for that sacrifice? An absolutely unprecedented and savage onslaught of despicable attacks. They’re trying to destroy his reputation and even his family. And they’re willing to say and do anything it takes to make his life a living hell. (Terrifying that NRA is making this false assertion at a huge NRA event filled with White Nationalists who have declared ‘Civil War’ on all those who oppose Trump.)”

So, here we have a massive NRA event, filled with extremists, who are wrongly fed propaganda, which seems highly probable will compel them to feel it their patriotic duty to attack those who oppose Trump and who are “making his life a living hell.”

There must be a point where all these false statements with ill intent are criminal. With this fantasized introduction, followed by Trump’s continuation of warped reality, it seems clear that Trump and the NRA have crossed into criminal territory and that by doing so, they’ve fueled the domestic extremism that incites so much violence. And now, as if to prove the point, a domestic extremist has opened fire at a synagog on Passover in Poway, CA killing 1 and wounding 3, this less than 24 hours after the disturbing NRA whitewash.

The silver lining out all this darkness, is that the NRA is imploding, suffering a $64 million loss for combined 2016 & 2017 tax year. Members have fled following the link of Russia funneling money to political campaigns through the NRA. Building an organization on sand, on false hypotheses, only has one possible outcome when the thrashing storm finally rolls in.

America, music April 27, 2019September 3, 2019

The Human Condition, An Ancient Heart | Billy Joel

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | April 27, 2019) – It was a spring Friday night in New York City at Madison Square Garden for a SOLD OUT concert. I just so happened to luck into prized dream seat. The evening promised to be one of the top experiences of American life. Just before entering MSG, I had the bright idea to stop in at Macy’s across the street on 7th Ave and have my eyes enhanced by a makeup artist. It seemed appropriate following the good fortune of finagling a 3rd row seat in section 109. I was hoping for a “glamour look” to match the event.

“You want ‘smokey eyes,'” Jessica said. “Yes, smokey eyes,” I replied. She busied herself with collecting her tools. “I recommend this color palette,” she continued, pointing to a collection of twelve bronze shades. I assessed her display, furrowed my brow, and inquired if she was sure it was the preferred choice of the two options. “Yes, for your skin, this will be best.” I didn’t necessarily agree. I had always used a palette similar to the other, although I guess the reason I was there in the first place was because I hadn’t been successful at creating the right look. I decided to be bold and trust her instinct. “Okay, you know best.”

While Jessica worked her magic, I asked for instruction, determined to learn the tricks so I could do it myself. Step-by-step she explained the process. The strength of the pigment, the math behind diffusing. Three taps of one color, one tap of another, another tap of the first, a second tap of the second. The importance of which brush to use for which strokes. “Did you learn all this in school?” I asked. Jessica shook her head. “I taught myself. I can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars for school. I’ve been doing makeup since I was five years old.”

And so it went for twenty minutes. Jessica’s artistry. Jessica’s instructions. My questions about Jessica and her family. What I marveled the most about Jessica was how real she was. A direct question from me, a straight answer from her. This was refreshing. It was rare. No mask on Jessica, the makeup artist who’s a pro at creating masks. Two daughters, one was 11, the other 4. She’d married Giovanni who used to work at Macy’s, too. Their 4 year old, Gia, was sassy, Jessica assured me rolling her eyes. “I love that name,” I said. “It’s unique.” Jessica agreed and explained how it was derived from her husband’s name. “I told my husband, no more children. He said okay, but we had to find a way to name our daughter using his name. So, Gia.”

“Do stars come in and have you do their eyes before they head over to Madison Square Garden?” I inquired. Jessica laughed. “I wish. That would be a dream come true.” She lamented about how she wished she would be discovered. She loved Macy’s, and was thankful she could work the late shift so she could be at home with her daughters in the morning, getting them ready for school. But they lived in Brooklyn. Some nights she had to work as late as 11:00 PM and then make it home across the city. It was a struggle. I could clearly see that Jessica, like millions of others, myself included, had a long series of never ending challenges. What seemed to keep her spirit afloat though was her personal dream of “one day”… maybe one day the unexpected would happen and her grueling schedule would change.

Indeed. I was stunned by Jessica’s artistic expression, and command thereof. All self taught. Years of experience. Pleasant and direct. Such a delightful to work with. Thomas Jefferson would have been so proud (I explained this to Jessica). After all, Jefferson was an advocate for teaching oneself new skills, and acquiring knowledge on our own. Jefferson devised a simple plan for executing self-education that he shared with future generations. Jefferson did have an excellent formal education, but he went on to become a self-taught Renaissance man.

_____

So how does Billy Joel sell out Madison Square Garden for 69 straight months, the most recent performance on Friday April 12, 2019? Nearly six straight years of packed monthly concerts, 26 years after his last pop album was released. This sensation seems to defy the laws of gravity. Paradoxically no less, Joel mistakenly predicted back at the beginning, 1974, that he “knows the game, you’ll forget my name and I won’t be here in another year if I don’t stay on the charts.”

So then what’s the science behind Billy Joel’s everlasting mojo? This stunning feat seems virtually impossible if you stop and think about it. Which I of course did, for a couple of days now. After much reflection, I’ve come up with an hypothesis: there’s sceince behind the phenomenon.

Clearly, sound is one of the most significant factors in Billy Joel’s longevity. For music itself, a collection of unique vibrations and rhythms produced by various types of instruments, create an emotional impact when layered and mixed the right way. Take “Prelude/Angry Young Man” for example, or “Two Thousand Years.” The forceful, expansive range and sequence of sounds, multiple layers of fluctuations and octaves, take listeners on emotional roller-coasters that are quite electrifying. Psychology today explained that “Music is what feelings sounds like.” The ancient Greek philosophers, Pythagoras specifically, professed that music has a “mathematical relationship with the cosmos.” Music does seem to tap into a higher power. A universal energy that connects us all. Quantum physics and music. Pythagoras’s quantum harmonies. The tie-in between music and physics is a scientific reality, that quantifies the tangible impact music has on our psyche. We’re subliminally aware of this when we replay favorite songs that cheer us when we’re blue, or motivate us when we’re exercising, and liberate us on a Friday night at Madison Square Garden for that matter. So yes, a substantial element of Billy Joel’s enduring fame is his manipulation and mastery of sound for emotional effect.

The Words. Billy Joel revealed to a New York City night school class in July, 1983 that he first writes the music, then the title, and finally the lyrics, emphasizing that words don’t necessarily matter since many fans get it wrong without ever realizing those aren’t the lyrics. He shared several hilarious examples. Here’s a list of the top 40 misheard song lyrics. Interestingly, there aren’t any Billy Joel lyrics mentioned here.

Words of course do matter. The pen is mightier than the sword, as they say. And words are another critical component of Billy Joel’s long-lasting fan-span. His words continue to resonate with the majority. His repeated use of the word “soul” in so many of his top hits, as well as a myriad of his less notable works, are what many listeners bond with. For how many of us run and hide in this dark chambers of our inner beings when we’re suffering or challenged? Billy Joel seems to reveal that the deepest recesses of the human soul is the sacred spot where he churns out his most charged inspirations. Writing from this sapience is much more difficult than it appears. In order to reach the hidden canyons of our inner beings, one has to be willing and able to dive that far. This requires awareness and humility as well as an abundance of angst, pain and suffering. The turbulent river of the human condition runs through each of us. For several decades Billy Joel seemed willing to battle the vexing currents to reach the calmer, deep layer of the sea, the spot where one can access the cosmos. Truth itself. Does he remember how he got there? Will he be able to return? I sure hope so.

Billy Joel’s ability to create unforgettable images using choice words, as well as his innate gift of weaving product brands (Chevrolet, Sears, Sesame Street, Parkway Diner), idioms, and poignant details of a particular moment in American culture have created decades of snapshots that belong in the Smithsonian American History Museum on National Mall in DC. We all appreciate the imagery as well as the time machine effect that this has on listeners, immediately transporting us back to another era.

The personal stories. Billy Joel’s ability to convey a powerful insight about the human condition by sharing a personal story, enables listeners to identify with a particular plight or circumstance, a technique used by journalists to elicit reader engagement with the importance and/or severity of an issue. Was Billy Joel trained on how to do this? Or is it innate? Did journalists learn from Billy Joel or did Billy Joel learn from them? He makes this look easy, using numerous first names (Brenda & Eddie, Davie, Paul, and so many others) along with a handful of poetic lines, combined with potent sound effects, to paint a vivid indelible picture.

For twenty plus years of song writing, Billy Joel followed through with keeping the faith. So it doesn’t really seem plausible that he doesn’t have any more rock-and-roll in him. On Friday night he sure did sound, and act, forever young, making it that much more confusing about why there are no more words.

Can we use science to predict the future? The human condition. An ancient heart. Quantum harmonies. Are these clues that hint that Billy Joel likely has a stash of hits buried at the bottom of the hidden caves of his soul? How do we pry these out of him? On the brink of turning 70, Billy Joel seems to be an unfinished story. With a voice so young and strong, and seemingly endless sold out shows, what gives? He’s surely composed enough musical scores across these past 26 years since his last album River of Dreams was released. Does he believe he has less words of wisdom to share at 70 than he did at 44? While watching Billy Joel in concert, it dawned on me that music can cure what ails us. An ancient heart that can tap the cosmos through quantum harmonies, and reveal many of the secrets that bind us all together… all generations, all political affiliations, and all ethnic backgrounds. The human condition is what we all have in common. There’s no escaping the cosmos. It’s the connection between every last one of us on earth. Truth never changes. Truth cannot be warped by time, nor hidden forever by darkness.

In keeping with what Billy Joel said way back when, that his song writing process begins with composing the music, then coming up with the title, before penning the lyrics, is he just stuck on an album title? Or is it the song titles? Maybe it’s more than that. Has he truly lost his way to the inner recesses of his soul? Maybe we can kick him into gear by thinking up an album title as his birthday gift? One certainly popped into mind after leaving the concert Friday night.

Happy 70th Birthday a few weeks early, Billy Joel! I hope this isn’t too much “Pressure.”

GETTING CLOSER: I went searching for the truth, But in my innocence I found, All the con men and their acrobats, Who stomped me in the ground, If I count up their percentages, I know they’re getting rich, But they haven’t taken everything, Those paybacks are a bitch.

Though I’ve lost quite a lot, I am still in control, They can keep what they’ve got, But they can’t have my soul, And if I don’t have this all worked out, Still I’m getting closer, getting closer, I still have far to go no doubt, But I’m getting closer, getting closer.

What was ripped off by professionals, Is not all that it seems, While I must live up to contracts, I did not give up my dreams, If I see it as experience, It hasn’t gone to waste, Lately all the missing pieces, Have been falling into place.

And if I could go back and start over somehow, I would not change that much, Knowing what I know now, Though there have been sins I will regret, Still I’m getting closer, getting closer, I don’t have all the answers yet, But I’m getting closer, getting closer.

I’m a mark for every shyster, From Topanga to Berlin, And I should have learned to kick them out, As soon as they crawled in, So to every bank in Switzerland, that stores my stolen youth, I’m alright because despite the laws, You cannot hide the truth.

And although you will say, I am still too naive, But I have not lost faith, In the things I believe, And if I don’t have this all worked out, Still I’m getting closer, getting closer, I still have far to go no doubt, But I’m getting closer, getting closer.

~Billy Joel, 1986

After a very, very long journey of getting closer, is Billy Joel ready for his “second wind” of lyrics writing? Speaking with Jessica before the Billy Joel concert on April 12th, and learning of her simple dream of not having to schlep across Manhattan at 11:30 PM, made me realize how clear it is that every one of us has a dream of some kind. Some dreams are bigger than others. But a dream is a dream. It’s motivation. Inspiration. A carrot. A cure. I’m surprised Billy Joel’s “Everybody Has a Dream” (released in 1977) never got much air time. I consider it one of those timeless masterpieces. Straight from the cosmos. A core sentiment in the heart of every one on earth. So, on the eve of Billy Joel’s 70th birthday, I can’t help but believe these raging conflicts across the country would be possible to overcome if we had a few new Billy Joel albums to help us vent together in concert like one big, giant American family.

Health, music April 27, 2019January 8, 2020

Music’s Effect On Body Chemistry

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Perspective | April 27, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

The science of music is spellbinding. Whether we realize it or not, so much in our lives is influenced by music. The impact is usually subliminal. However, once we’re tuned in, it becomes fairly easy to identify our body chemistry responses. And once we know how our neurotransmitters will react to certain songs or music, we can be strategic. We can play specific songs at precise moments to elicit the neurotransmitter responses we need.

For example, every year on September 11, I play “Can’t Cry Hard Enough” by the Williams Brothers (1992) all day long. Over and over and over again, to make sure I never forget. And just like the song promises, I literally can’t cry hard enough. I can’t fathom that there are very many who wouldn’t cry, or feel emotionally distraught, by this heart wrenching work. Male or female. Young or old. Every ethnicity. The words and video images of Bethesda Terrace are also impactful. But it seems that it’s the music – the instruments, the melody, and the harmony – that triggers our body’s chemical reaction. Eyes dripping with tears seems as guaranteed as when peeling an onion.

The songs we choose when we exercise can make a dramatic difference. I have a running soundtrack of top rock favorites that I’ve used for years. The songs are upbeat and fast-paced. They seem ideal. While listening to these, I can run two miles every day. Two miles isn’t very far, I realize this. But running is better exercise than walking, so it seems that my exercise routine is sufficient even though I dream of running a 5K.

I recently had the good fortune of attending a Billy Joel concert in Madison Garden. It was sensational. I left feeling very inspired. A few days later, I went running and decided to listen to “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” Without even realizing it, I ran an extra mile. All I did was keep replaying “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” I never grew tired. Easy. Within three days of maintaining this new song choice, I reached four miles. How is this possible? Especially considering that running four miles to “Scenes from a Italian Restaurant” is easier for me and more enjoyable than running two miles to my original soundtrack. So it’s clear there has to be some sort of science going on for this improbability to occur.

There are many other examples that point to a science phenomenon taking place when we’re listening to music. Retailers have fine-tuned their soundtracks to exploit this. Wegman’s focus is on 80’s top hits, honing in on who’s carrying the wallet. I could shop in Kohl’s for hours because of their exceptional music choices. Interestingly, Barnes & Noble doesn’t have influential listening music that motivates customers to buy, but rather calming, restive instrumentals, making it easy to hang out and read. The objective is clearly to sell B&N coffee. It works.

These tangible anecdotes seem to prove that music does indeed trigger neurotransmitter responses. Test it out and see for yourself. I imagine the chemical reaction can be both positive and negative. I much prefer positive neurotransmitters – serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline – but apparently some prefer dark and twisted songs that can possibly trigger aggression through body chemicals such as acetylcholine.

The song that literally saved my life when I was under extreme stress and traumatic fear for twelve straight months, believing every single night that I wouldn’t be alive when the sun rose, was “Fantasy” by Earth, Wind & Fire. I played this song every minute of every waking hour (slight hyperbole, but not too far off the mark actually). The song kept me incredibly calm, focused and aware. Over and over and over again, maintaining a trance-like response to a sustained daily threat. It seems as if “fantasy” released the much needed GABA neurotransmitter.

After experiencing these connections, it was interesting to read tonight after Google searching, an amazing article in the The Guardian that confirms the link between music and body chemistry, The science of songs: how does music affect your body chemistry?

“Research has revealed that music holds the keys to your body’s pharmacy, and can promote or suppress the release of these chemicals.” ~John Powell, physicist and author

America, Climate Action April 25, 2019August 20, 2019

Climate Action Now Act | House Vote Next Week

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Perspective | April 25, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Spring is here in full bloom. Our landscapes are awash in an array of greens, as if to remind us of how vitally important it is to be aware that green matters. Daily good green habits will preserve our children’s environment, health and well-being. It’s the equivalent of how conscientious we are when we decide to eat healthy. Constant daily focus. Dozens of small decisions and choices around the clock.

Next week, is a very big week on the Hill. Not only will Attorney General Bill Barr be answering tough questions posed by the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on May 1 and 2, but the House will take a full vote on the Climate Action Now Act – HR9.

HR9: To direct the President to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement, and for other purposes.

HR9 will give the President 120 days to submit the United States Climate Action plan to assigned congressional committees as well as to the American people.

House Committees: Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce
Senate Committees: Foreign Relations, Environment and Public Works, and Energy and Natural Resources

The Climate Action Now Act requires that the President’s strategy explain:

How the United States will accomplish it’s contribution to the global target of an economy-wide lowering of greenhouse gas emissions by 26 – 28% by 2025; the targeted percent is the reduction below the 2005 level
How the United States will make use of the transparency provisions contained within the Paris Agreement to confirm that other parties have achieved their contribution
Every year the President will be required to update the United States Climate Action plan and submit to the aforementioned committees and the American people

We’re all in this together. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015 and signed by 175 nations across the globe.

We can do this. TELL CONGRESS to vote YES to HR9. Global Warming and Climate Change is apolitical. It’s our common ground. HR9 is the one bill that should get a unanimous YES vote on both sides of the aisle.

Legislative Branch, Mueller, Senate April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Silent GOP Senators Are the Force That Enables Trump’s Obstruction of Justice

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Opinion | April 25, 2019) – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s silence is deafening. It appears that McConnell didn’t even read the Mueller Report. Or Lindsey Graham for that matter. The GOP game-altering “silence is complicity” perspective in 2018, led to the blue tsunami sweep on November 6, 2018. The Senate overhaul will be next.

Twenty-one months of GOP silence now has Trump by the throat. It’s the very reason why Mueller’s obstruction investigation uncovered so much evidence. The very reason why Mueller can’t exonerate Trump. If McConnell and the GOP Senators had followed-through with their sworn oath to the Constitution, Trump wouldn’t be able to obstruct. It’s become a Catch-22. Mitch McConnell and GOP Senators are enablers of Trump’s obstruction of justice, allowing him free reign to obstruct. Are GOP leaders now part of Trump’s criminal enterprise, or has their long game always been Trump’s demise? McConnell’s silence will eventually lead to Trump’s destruction, as well as his own. The ultimate goal in 2020 is to flip the Senate and the White House. McConnell’s pro-Putin, anti-American Constitution obstructionism will finally become the nail in his coffin.

McConnell has only made one official statement since the release of the Mueller report and it is completely unapologetic of any of Trump’s ludicrous attempts to subvert the United States legal system.

“I’m grateful for the Attorney General’s diligent work to release as much of the Special Counsel’d report as possible to Congress and to the American people. The nation is fortunate to have an experienced leader like Bill Barr in place to ensure maximum possible transparency while carefully protecting classified material and legally restricted grand jury information. Like all of my colleagues, I look forward to carefully reviewing the report.” ~Mitch McConnell, April 18, 2019

Lindsey Graham, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is in a state of denial. The statements in his tweet read like lies, except that he does clarify that they’re IMO (“To me”). But is it appropriate for the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to spin the Mueller Report in this way, or does he feel justified in doing so because he’s simply following Barr’s lead? Isn’t Graham obligated to adhere to professional standards in this leadership position?

Sad. The gagged Senate GOP has become the springboard that will lead to Trump’s “day with destiny” (Neal Katyal) much sooner than otherwise.

National Security, Public Safety April 23, 2019September 3, 2019

What’s the Progress on S66 Assault Weapons Ban?

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Perspective | April 23, 2019) – With the horror of 320 lives lost on Easter day, in coordinated attacks by ISIS across Sri Lanka in Christian churches and high end hotels, we have just learned that the slaughter was in retaliation of the New Zealand Mosque massacre by a white supremacist on March 15, 2019. Will this now morph into an epic see-saw battle that rages on for years? A never ending pendulum of attacks against soft targets all over the globe? What positive outcome has an eye-for-an-eye ever netted?

In light of this possibility actually occurring, it’s time for the American public to refocus our commitment on Common Sense gun laws.

January 9, 2019 Senator Diane Feinstein introduced S66, the Assault Weapons Ban 2019. It was quickly referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), where it has since languished for three and a half months, untouched.

This is a call to action to move forward with the Assault Weapons Ban. It’s imperative that the senate take American safety seriously. The Department of Homeland Security is in disarray following the resignation of DHS Secretary Kristjen Nielsen, and is now without an official secretary. Further, the agency has apparently narrowed, and redefined, it’s main purpose, now focusing its attention primarily on Southern Border security, leaving the impression that there are significant swaths of our national security that aren’t being properly monitored, specifically domestic terrorism and the white supremacist threat. These bad actors are seemingly the ones most inclined to rely on assault weapons as their preferred weapon of choice.

The best way to neutralize the white nationalist/white supremacist threat is to pass Common Sense gun legislation. Both the Background Check Bill HR8 and the Assault Weapons Ban 2019 S66 are stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

It only takes 60 seconds for each of us to call our two Senators and demand that S66 and HR8 be scheduled for debate in May.

National Security, Trump April 8, 2019April 8, 2019

Trump’s Delusion Clearly Impacts His Decision Making

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Opinion | April 8, 2019) – We’ve always known that Trump’s delusions impact his decision making. It no longer shocks anyone. And yet, what we’re now experiencing two plus years into the Trump presidency, is that without the multiple layers of advisors and adults, acting as filters to constrain Trump, he’s become unleashed, publicly demanding that Americans break laws he deems necessary in order to accomplish his agenda. Meanwhile, for anyone else who violates the law, it’s zero tolerance. Maximum punishment. No forgiveness.

At the border in Calexico, California on Friday April 5, 2019, Trump stunned border agents by telling them not to let migrants in, announcing our country is “full.” Trump underscored the point, by advising to a group that if a judge orders them to let migrants in, they should respond by stating, “Sorry, judge, I cannot do it. We don’t have the room.”

This shocker is in line with multiple similar examples across the past 27 months, one of which was outlined in Bob Woodward’s book, Fear: Trump in the White House. Trump, Mattis and several others were discussing the crisis in Syria, when Trump advised that he wanted to assassinate Assad. Mattis was unnerved, assessing that Trump’s understanding of national security was that of a “fifth or sixth grader.”

Similarly, Tillerson was so confounded by Trump’s lapse of discernment that he used to the word “moron” to describe Trump. John Kelley referred to Trump as “an idiot.” McMaster called Trump a “dope.” Again, Friday’s public display at the border in Calexico, CA seems to be a similar occurrence of what these past extreme frustrations were all about.

But now that so many “adults” have departed, and we’re left with too many unqualified acting secretaries, do they have the capacity to say “NO” to Trump? It’s alarming.

Trump seems incapable of comprehending that no matter how many border agents, how much technology, how many deterrents, how much money, nothing is ever 100%. We have nearly 850,000 sworn Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers in the United States and yet there’s still crime. There are 1.3 million active duty military, and yet there’s no peace. Over 3.6 million elementary and secondary teachers, yet too many students are uneducated.

Trump’s inability to process reality is taking it’s toll. We’re all watching and experiencing the fallout in painful slow motion. From the thousands of migrant families shattered, children caged, psychological trauma, 35 day shutdown, national emergency, troops to the border. It’s insane. Literally insane. Seriously, Friday in Calexico was proof positive of just how unfit Trump is. Two years of leaked red flags from accomplished leaders. And now, in our face, point blank, unfiltered. There’s no denying it. Trump is unhinged.

This is frightening.

Immigration, National Security, Trump April 8, 2019April 8, 2019

Trump Doesn’t Play Chess, Does He? | Kirstjen Nielsen’s Abrupt Departure

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Opinion | April 8, 2019) – With Sunday evening’s sudden departure of DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, followed by the quick replacement of Kevin McAleenan as acting department of homeland security secretary, Trump may soon find that he’s inadvertently checkmated himself.

Trump isn’t a strategist. He relies on his gut. He lies. He’s hyperbolic. And he suffers from delusion. He’s now turned over nearly his entire cabinet in two short years. With an acting secretary leading the Department of Homeland Security, a department employing more than 240,000, caught in the confluence of several significant crises, it amounts to chaos.

Who is Kevin McAleenan? Mr. McAleenan was confirmed as by the Senate in 2018 as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He began his career with CBP in 2001 and served as Deputy Commissioner under Obama.

McAleenan is one of several acting secretaries. Additionally, we have Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan, Acting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, and Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

The truth is, not many will miss Kirstjen Nielsen. Her exit is reminiscent of Scott Pruitt’s and Steve Bannon’s departure. The American public is cheering. Nielsen will be remembered as a blind Trump loyalist. Complicit in her silence. Ripping apart thousands of traumatized families fleeing despotic regimes where they faced near certain death. Thousands of separated children were caged, many of whom have been sexually assaulted. And through it all, an overwhelming indifference to their plight, and the longterm psychological impact the trauma has inflicted on them. Stunningly, a recent report confirmed it will take at least two years to unite the children with their parents.

Kirstjen Nielsen was interviewed by Chris Cuomo during Cuomo Prime Time on Thursday evening April 4, 2019, the day before she met Trump at Calexico, CA and participated in a roundtable with law enforcement and border patrol. During the Cuomo Prime Time interview, Nielsen was a remade woman, speaking about the humanitarian crisis at the border and aligning herself with a newfound understanding about this grim reality. It’s unclear what elevated Nielsen’s altered position. Perhaps it was the recent leaked internal military memos about how senseless it is to waste the valuable time of troops and resources at the border, in light of the fact that there are so many other more dangerous crises.

Trump is storming ahead, undaunted by potential blowback. He now claims our country is “FULL.” Whereas, just a month ago on March 2, 2019 at CPAC, Trump announced we needed more immigrants to fill hundreds of thousands of job openings that currently can’t be filled.

“Captures”…? We capture terrorists, not asylum seekers.

It appears Trump’s gut isn’t informing him about the precarious position he now will find himself. With so many acting secretaries, it will be difficult for Trump to be considered a legitimate candidate in the 2020 election. The acting secretaries are a weak link. This issue alone may be all that’s needed to dethrone Trump.

Many whisper that Trump wants to keep his acting secretaries in order to prevent being ousted by his cabinet using the 25th Amendment. Yet, will he be tempted to fill the roles if an advisor explains the acting secretaries undermine his re-election chances? Finding candidates for the official secretary positions may prove impossible. How many are willing to give up their careers to work for Trump for a few months? Potential candidates now know how Trump operates, and what his agenda is, and what his expectations are, so it seems unlikely that the qualified will accept the opportunity. That leaves the unqualified. Can they even be confirmed now that 21 GOP Senators are up for re-election in 2020 and have found their voices?

Is this checkmate?