Category: National Security

Guns, History, National Security, Politics September 4, 2019January 7, 2020

Assault Rifle Ban | NRA’s Illogical 2nd Amendment Argument

Washington (GGM) Analysis | December 20, 2019
by Noreen Wise

The red flags and warning signs are everywhere. The time has come to act definitively on common sense gun legislation
and stop punting this vital life-saving, society-saving, democracy-saving, America-saving legislation down the road. #EnoughIsEnough.

Here are the facts:

2nd Amendment: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
The 2nd Amendment was written using critical commas that have further exasperated clarification of the Amendment’s exact meaning.
However, if we dig deeper, we can clearly see that our founders were very aware
of human evil and it’s potential harm to democracy and thus created numerous checks & balances, most notably our three branches of government.
Further, throughout the 185 Federalist Papers, written for the purpose of justifying the need for a federal government as well as a Constitution, every single one of the letters highlights the importance of checking evil
The concept of “checks & balances” is ingrained in our rule of law, our institutions, and throughout American society and shouldn’t be foreign to any American
Checks & balances apply to gun ownership as well, and supports the concept of common sense gun legislation
Assault rifles and high capacity magazines are weapons of war and are NOT meant for civilians or self-defense

We had an effective Assault Weapons Ban from 1994 – 2004 that President Bush foolishly did NOT renew (Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, passed by a narrow margin of 4 votes, signed by President Clinton.)
The fact that assault rifle owners are threatening violence if their weapons of war are banned, is the very reason they need to be banned. For an American to believe that the way to resolve differences in a democracy is to slaughter those who don’t agree with them is a huge wake up call to all political leaders for the urgent need to #DoSomething.
In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled on District of Columbia v. Heller, whereby Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia ruled that even though the 2nd Amendment states “well regulated militia” it applies to personal protection as well, putting an end to the debate about whether or not the 2nd Amendment applies to the general public. However, Scalia did clarify that the public’s gun ownership can be regulated.

“…not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.” ~Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court Associate Justice, 2008 ruling, District of Columbia v. Heller

On January 9, 2019, Senior Senator Dianne Feinstein of California again Sponsored and Introduced S. 66: Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. This is a bill “to regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.”
Earlier versions of Assault Weapons Ban were introduced on November 8, 2017, following theOctober 2, 2017 Las Vegas slaughter of 58 using an assault rifle, and on March 14, 2013, three months after the world-altering Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre of 28 elementary school students and several teachers. If these shockingly vicious annihilations didn’t wake-up our representatives, we can’t give up… we simply must try harder. Case in point, the shutdown outrage became so forceful, that it even brought Mitch McConnell back to life.
The next step for the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 is to be considered by the judiciary committee. Unbelievably, the bill only has a 4% chance of being enacted.

There are 28 Democrat co-sponsors of the ban, all 28 joined the day it was introduced. There are no GOP sponsors.

S. 66: Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 co-sponsors:

Blumenthal, Richard (D-CT)
Booker, Cory (D-NJ)
Cardin, Ben (D-MD)
Carper, Tom (D-DE)
Casey, Bob (D-PA)
Duckworth, Tammy (D-IL)
Durbin, Richard (D-IL)
Gillibrand, Kirsten (D-NY)
Harris, Kamala (D-CA)
Hassan, Maggie (D-NH)
Hirono, Mazie (D-HI)
Klobuchar, Amy (D-MN)
Markey, ED (D-MA)
Menendez, Bob (D-NJ)
Merkley, Jeff (D-OR)
Murphy, Chris (D-CT)
Murray, Patty (D-WA)
Reed, Jack (D-RI)
Sanders, Bernie (D-VT)
Schatz, Brian (D-HI)
Schumer, Chuck (D-NY)
Shaheen, Jeanne (D-NY)
Smith, Tina (D-MN)
Van Hollen, Chris (D-MD)
Warner, Mark (D-VA)
Warren, Elizabeth (D-MA)
Whitehouse, Sheldon (D-RI)
Wyden, Ron (D-OR)

It’s time to act one and for all to get S66 passed. Our lives and our democracy are at stake.

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security September 3, 2019September 13, 2020

Tree Crisis Compounds Climate Crisis | Quick Action

Washington (GGM) Analysis | September 3, 2019
by Noreen Wise

With such an overwhelming blow to rainforests in the Amazon last week — 4,000 new fires detected in less than 48 hours, and 80,000 total fires in 2019 — we must move swiftly to replant and reforest on every continent.

The Amazon is considered the “lungs of the world.” On average, we lose 65 trees every minute, 93,600 trees every day, and 34.16 million trees every year. This in and of itself is a human civilization-threatening reality. With the global population rising, and carbon sequestration falling, the only way to save more lives is to immediately act in response to the recent escalation in the destruction of the globe’s forests.

The Path Forward must be a global commitment to:

Lower carbon emissions faster
Increase carbon sequestration faster through conservation, replanting as well other natural carbon sinks, most notably soil
Cut back on paper products (we have to sacrifice our love of lush, fluffy double-ply anything)

Students love getting involved with climate action. So with the new school year beginning, let’s create a game plan. How about every American student planting 10 trees per school year? Some countries already require this.

Planting trees in groups is a lot of fun
Students can fundraise together, form an after school club and have meetings to decide where they’ll plant trees, as well as what types of trees
Working on a life-saving and planet-saving project brings out the best in us, builds character, and rewards with a new perspective on life
This can also be a fun family project on weekends
Best time to plant trees is the fall & the spring, September is an excellent month to get started

There are many more benefits we receive from trees than just oxygen. Trees become friends. They are wonderful listeners. They nurture and support. Trees teach lessons about growing roots, and patience… the benefits of sunshine, as well as rain. Trees stay in our lives for a long time, providing stability. They grace us with shade and shelter. Trees share secrets about what it takes to grow big and strong. Trees are wonderful companions for students. A student tree force will provide many cures, not only for the environment and the climate crisis, but also for society in general.

Enriching the soil all around us with more nutrients through composting, will also increase sequestration. Every restaurant and home should compost. No more using the sink disposal!

Steady daily pacing of recycling, composting, planting trees, switching to solar, walking more, driving less… will get us on our way to new green habits, and a less frightening future.

We can do this!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security September 2, 2019December 22, 2019

Major Cutback in Coal | Climate Action

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | September 2, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

The tides are turning. Coal has seen a steady decline for the past five years, with a double digit slide in 2019. State and local energy decision makers have finally begun to believe in the impressive advantages of green energy and are quickly strategizing about how to amp up “clean” energy for their communities.

Solar efficiency, along with new battery technology for storing solar energy, has created a stars lining up effect, enabling the solar industry to take flight into unchartered territory, especially for those companies offering $0 down for the installation of solar panels. Get ready for this exciting wild ride of transition.

South Carolina’s state-owned coal utility, Santee Cooper, will announce on Tuesday September 3, 2019 that it has completed their new business plan and will begin shutting down one of its two coal power plants. The company does not anticipate any layoffs, but rather expects downsizing will come from attrition and retirements.

Additionally, Santee Cooper has its long term sight on eliminating coal energy entirely, with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint once it completes it’s build out of solar power.

One of the top coal producers in Kentucky, Blackhawk Mining, LLC., filed for bankruptcy in July 2019. Blackhawk will continue to operate during its bankruptcy and does not plan on any layoffs.

Two large Kentucky coal producers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcies in recent years, Alpha Natural Resources and Peabody Energy. Both have emerged from bankruptcy and are still producing coal, although the production levels are much lower than a decade ago.

Further complicating coal production in the Appalachians (Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama), was the announcement in early July that Chubb would no longer insure coal producing companies. It’s expected that other insurance companies will do the same. The fossil fuel industry is facing major lawsuits related to climate change. Coal companies are unable to operate without insurance.

It’s very important that states support their coal communities by planning ahead, knowing that the transition to clean energy is only a matter of time. Dirty energy is dead. The sooner communities can transition to solar and wind and create new jobs, the better and healthier everyone will be.

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security August 20, 2019September 3, 2019

Recycling Cancelled in Jackson, MS | Climate Action

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | August 20, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

It’s alarming to learn that Jackson, MS has cancelled it’s curbside recycling program with Waste Management effective September 1, 2019, claiming that there aren’t enough residents recycling to continue paying the cost. Why does Jackson allow residents not to recycle? It seems that most towns and cities would initiate a marketing campaign to lure their residents on board with the importance of recycling. Recycling is typically the very first step we all take to help cut carbon.

It’s imperative that everyone on earth understand that the climate crisis erupted from unrestrained small actions by the global public, particularly Americans as a result of our wealth, and that all it takes to cut carbon is for each of us to focus on these same small actions. We each have to lower our own carbon footprints.to an optimal range from 4-7 million metric tons of carbon per year. Americans currently average 20 million metric tons of carbon annually.

Recycling is a must. So many of our products are now manufactured from recycled material rather than virgin. Using recycled material to manufacture new products creates a substantial energy savings which cuts carbon emissions. Every little bit helps. For a city like Jackson, MS to have a convenient curbside recycling service, there’s no reason for residents to not step up. Many towns have to rely on recycling centers which are drive to sites and can be very annoying, yet these residents establish weekly habits that make it work.

Every single day there’s another alarming headline warning of the perilous climate crisis we now find ourselves embattled in. There’s no time to delay. There’s no excuse for not complying with basics like recycling.

To cut carbon significantly, and lower our carbon footprints to 7 metric tons per year, we only need to focus on 4 areas of concern:

Household energy – go solar!
Transportation – EV cars, walk, public transportation
Food – minimize dairy and red meat
Stuff – buy less stuff, always recycle

Recycling is mandatory. We can do this!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security August 19, 2019September 3, 2019

EV Cars Are Finally Making Traction in U.S. | A Decade Later

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | August 19, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

It’s exciting to see EV cars suddenly begin taking off similar to the way the iPhone did a decade ago. The iPhone’s first release was June 29, 2007, with sales of 1.39 million units worldwide. Sales leaped to 11.63 million units sold within one short year. And by the five year mark, 2011, Apple pulled off a stunning success of 72.29 million units. Although EV car sales haven’t seen the same immediate sustained sales success as the iPhone, mostly because of the initial high price, short range, and no charging station infrastructure, now that those issues have all been addressed, the tide will change.

Key Improvements that are giving EV cars traction with American public:

Price has come down dramatically, several start at only $30,000
Range has increased substantially (can now drive up to 200 miles on one charge); the range will continue to grow
Charging stations are popping up all over the country
It now only takes 20 minutes to recharge a BEV
Many employers now have charging stations in the employee parking lot
EV drivers will save approximately $1,000 a year not buying gas, possibly more

In 2018, Americans purchased 361,3017 EV cars out of a worldwide total sales of 2,018,247. (U.S. sales in 2009 were a paltry 6,000.) Norway has had remarkable success selling EV cars with 40 – 58% of the population already owning an EV, with the expectation that as soon as 2025 100% of Norwegian driving public will own an EV.

China sales have picked up substantially, driving global success. In 2018, the chinese purchased 1.1 million EVs.

The 10 best selling EVs in U.S. in 2019:

10. Smart EQ fortwo – 496 units sold in 2019
9. Jaguar I-Pace – 1,309
8. Audi e-tron – 1,835
7. Volkswagon e-Golf – 1,893
6. BMW i3 – 2,207
5. Nisson Leaf – 6,008
4. Tesla Model S – 7,225
3. Chevrolet Bolt EV – 8,281
2. Tesla Model X – 9,000
1. Tesla Model 3 – 67,650

2018 was an amazing year for EV sales, with fall of course being the biggest sales months as new models roll off the production line. Based on June 2019’s strength, nearly matching November 2018, it looks like 2019 will be a record year.

Let’s GO! Let’s beat China!

Climate Change, Environment, National Security, Politics August 5, 2019February 2, 2020

Clean Water is Vital | Trump Gives EPA Green Light To Poison Water With Coal Ash

Washington (GGM) | Analysis | August 5, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Clean water shortages around the world are considered a civilization altering condition that threatens the survival of millions, perhaps billions of global citizens. Prolonged heat waves and sustained droughts are already creating unlivable zones in large swaths of the world, and increasing the demand for clean water in areas that currently have an adequate water supply. More people trying to sustain themselves on less water often escalates conflicts and violence and has the potential to become a national security threat.

In light of the extreme water shortages resulting from climate change, it’s now more important than ever that the water we do have, remain protected and pure. Thus, it’s incomprehensible that Trump would insist the EPA rollback Obama’s regulations on coal ash removal and storage, established to protect ground water, and allow coal manufacturers to use coal ash for leveling in unrestrained quantities, as well as store in unlined ponds without liners.

Every single irresponsible, life-threatening Trump decision like this one, is a call to action. Constituent phone calls to Congressional Representatives make a significant difference. Climate change further exacerbates an already dangerous situation, spreading the thick coal ash hundreds of miles beyond the original site. For example, Hurricane Florence in North Carolina last year, with 1,200 roads flooded, and an epic spreading of hazardous waste such as coal ash, was so alarming, the state still has no conception of the overall extent of the harm to human health. Only time will tell.

Coal Ash‘s impact on health:

Contains: arsenic, lead, mercury, chlorine, and many other heavy metals
Causes cancer
Impacts Nervous System
Cognitive deficits
Developmental delays
Behavioral problems
Birth defects
Heart damage
Lung disease
Reproductive problems
And more…

The writing is clearly on the wall, however. Regulations for the storage of hazardous materials during a time of shrinking water supply, and increased weather extremes, is an absolute imperative. Trump increasing profit margins for a few cronies, while destroying the health and well-being of millions of Americans, seems criminal.

I urge you to please let your Representative know how strongly you object to your water supply being contaminated and your health compromised.

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security August 1, 2019February 2, 2020

What is Carbon Sink? | Climate Crisis

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Perspective | August 1, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

It’s important to learn as much about carbon as swiftly as possible so we can turn the corner and begin to reverse decades of excesses that have led to our current climate crisis.

Understanding carbon sink is a significant first step. Carbon sink is the process by which carbon in the atmosphere is removed and safely stored, reducing the overall amount of carbon in the air. Thus, carbon sink is vitally important.

There are 3 natural carbon sinks. All 3, store more carbon than they release:

plants, trees & forests
soil
ocean

Some scientists work to find ways to increase the amount of carbon that nature can absorb. For example, soil. Organic farmers plant cover crops in order to allow more carbon storage, because it locks in the carbon. Cover crops keep the carbon away from microbes that convert the stored carbon to carbon dioxide.

Oceans can sequester (“sink”) up to 50% of the carbon in the air. However, when oceans store too much carbon, like it’s doing now, the water heats up and melts the glaciers from underneath causing the water levels to rise. Warmer water, and more of it, results in much bigger and fiercer storms, as we have experienced in the past five years.

Forests store 14% of atmospheric carbon, much lower than the ocean’s sequestration. This explains why there are so many urgent cries for us to plant more trees. Planting trees is very simple and easy, adding not only more carbon storage capacity, but amazing beauty and an environ that supports animal life.

Oceans should no longer be a focus for carbon sink, rather we must target planting more trees and and cover crops.

We can do this!

Children, Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security July 30, 2019February 2, 2020

Focusing On Small Things | Climate Action Success

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | July 30, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Succeeding at substantial climate action in the shortest period of time is an absolute imperative. However, we’re never going to reach our carbon targets if we promote the required changes using intimidating long-range objectives as the key selling points for executing the Climate Action strategy.

Clearly, many of our political leaders care deeply about the intense climate crisis and want us to know about the dire consequences if we don’t act quickly. They feel passionately about this looming catastrophe. Their tireless commitment to the Climate Crisis is heroic and noble.

But, in order for the general public to make the necessary changes we must break everything down into small simple weekly steps that can be executed immediately:

Call local Solar Energy companies and ask about promotions for switching. Search online for all those with solar sharing about how low their energy bill is. (Solar is MUCH less expensive than electric or gas and oil). Deadline, Friday August 2, 2019.
Call town hall and ask about the city’s plan for switching to solar panels for street lighting, solar panels on town buildings, and electric buses. While on the phone, suggest apiary bus stops (planting flowers and greenery on the roofs of bus shelters for bees and other pollinators to visit ). Cities in general need far more green downtown. Mrs can simply invest in rooftop gardens. Others can add to sidewalks along the streets. Deadline, Friday August 2, 2019.
Stop by car dealership and ask about deals for Hybrids and EVs. It’s absolutely incredible how far the price has come down. Take a test drive. Deadline, Sunday August 4, 2019.
When grocery shopping, grab the almond milk instead of regular milk. Choose chicken or turkey rather than red meat. Deadline, Sunday August 4, 2019.
Do all errands on the same day. ONLY use re-usable bags.
At dinner each night, talk with family about trees and gardening and where to plant more trees. How to care for the trees you’ll plant. Where to buy the trees. What kind of trees. Trees are a great way to build strong family ties. Trees nurture our children when they take good care of them. Trees become part of the family. As children grow, they return home and marvel at the tree height, and the sprawling branches and subliminally identify that they have grown taller and ar branching out just like the tree.

None of these small tasks are difficult. Or time-consuming. They are not expensive. There are very few excuses for why we can’t do each this week, versus next week. The Climate Crisis DEMANDS we each, every last one of us, immediately execute all of these.

Good luck… Have fun!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security July 28, 2019February 2, 2020

Civilization-Destroying Droughts | Farmers & Climate Action

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | July 27, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Farmers have a vested interest in cutting carbon emissions at breakneck speed, and are currently striving to make that happen.

The United States has experienced several intense droughts, spanning entire decades, that have uprooted entire communities, leaving ghost towns in their wake. The most recent drought plagued devastation was across the great plains in the 1930’s, termed the “Great Dust Bowl.” This heart wrenching era altered America’s DNA forever:

There were only 127 million American at the time
100 million acres were impacted, with no farming for ten years
2.5 million Americans had to relocate hundreds of miles away… 300,000 relocated to California
2 million became homeless
6,500 people died in one year, and it’s expected that each of the ten years was similar
Generally, food prices go up sharply during droughts unless the government can step in with aid

If carbon emissions continue to rise unchecked, the United States will face the existential threat of extreme droughts in the not so distant future. Farmers can look to the past, to guide them into quick action today and prevent the horrors of the past. It’s an epic opportunity.

Further, farms are major carbon emitters. If the agriculture industry can swiftly shift into new technology and updated methods, by moving away from fossil fuels, the world will be rewarded with strategic benefits at a critical, planet-saving turning point in our fight against carbon emissions.

5 Simple Changes farmers can make today, to prevent future annihilation tomorrow.

(1) Wind turbines & solar panels are ideal on farmland. Wind turbines can be installed in the same fields as the crops. The elevation enables the same quantity of crops to be grown below. The farmer is benefited by a duo harvest, energy and crops, substantially increasing the revenue generated from the same acres. Many farmers have begun placing solar panels on acres laying fallow for a year to regain nutrients, resulting in all land generating income all the time.

(2) Rethinking irrigation. Current irrigation methods use extensive amounts of fuel, and water. The new green methods will conserve water as well requires less energy, and preferably no fossil fuels at all.

(3) Soil health to increase carbon sequestration. Carbon is pulled from the air and stored in soil and water. In fact, soil stores 40% of the carbon. Soil can store more carbon if the carbon has more to feed on. Farmers are being advised to treat the soil with special compost, and planting cover crops that foster more bacteria and fungi and bacteria, as well as protozoa, etc.

(4) Increasing the amount of green on a farm by planting trees, and shrubs, forest vegetation and hedgerows. The increased green will store more carbon, further reducing the amount in the air.

(5) Managing cattle to a new higher green standard, with an awareness that cows are responsible for 15% of the global carbon level. Manure lagoons are a major culprit as well as anaerobic decomposition.

Let’s make it happen!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security July 17, 2019February 2, 2020

Oceans Are the Heart of the Climate Crisis

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | July 17, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

The melting glaciers are an urgent wake up call for all of us to pay attention to global warming. The vast mountains of snow and ice that blanket our poles, are what has provided climate stability for 20 million years. Glaciers breaking apart and melting, immediately raises sea levels along the world’s coastlines, particularly the entire East Coast in the United States, flooding many major cities from Maine to Florida.

If anyone is having trouble visualizing the dramatic impact of rising sea levels, please visit Miami ASAP. Scientists have determined, that due Miami being built on to the lime rock, retaining walls can’t save Miami. It literally won’t survive global warming. In fact, it’s projected that if we maintain to current carbon emission trajectory, Southern Florida is guaranteed to disappear, the only question is “when?”

Ocean waters store carbon, which has always been considered a good thing. Scientists refer to this as carbon sink. The positive benefits unraveled however, when the oceans began to store too much carbon, due to the rise in carbon levels in the atmosphere from irresponsible carbon emitting daily habits and lifestyle.

Too much carbon in ocean waters, raises the ocean temperature
Warmer ocean waters, melt the polar glaciers from underneath
Less snow & ice, and more water cause the oceans to heat faster because dark blue ocean waters store the sun’s heat, while white snow and ice reflects it; an increase in water equal an increase in heat
An increase in the amount of water on the globe, also esults in an increase of moisture in the air, causing fiercer storms
This massively shifting balance between ice and water and atmospheric moisture, alters the jet streams
Without the reliable jest stream moving storms along and out of the way, storms & droughts hover for much longer periods resulting in massive flooding and prolonged droughts
Prolonged droughts leads to entire communities having to relocate, often to foreign countries, resulting in a refugee crisis
We’re seeing this right now in Central America… the thin section of land, rising sea levels on both coastlines, sustained drought conditions in the middle, all this created by US carbon emission excesses; citizens fleeing the unlivable land to our southern border and then stuffed into concentration camps
The military and CIA have both asserted that Global Warming is a major nation security threat, particularly when we are blamed for another countr’s economic woes that result from climate woes

It only takes a few of these events to open our eyes. But clearly in the past two years, we’ve seen the deadly weather systems destroy communities, and undermine our security.

It will take thousands of years to rebuild out glaciers, but we can immediately curb the rising ocean temperature by making different choices in 4 key areas for ourselves and our families, as well as speak with community leaders about using solar panels to run street and traffic lights as well as town buildings.

Climate Change Expert Dr. Joseph Romm, an MIT alumni, has organized Climate Action choices into four categories:

Transportation: make the switch to Hybrid or EV autos; public transportation, walk, scooter, ride bikes
Home: go solar, LED lightbulbs, turn out lights when leaving a room
Diet: change our eating habits, red meat & dairy increase our carbon footprint
Stuff: buying, storing and carting around “stuff”

Switching from our current home electricity source to solar, and from current gas guzzling cars to Hybrids & EV’s is as exciting and life-changing as switching from flip phones to iPhones, or from 3G to LTE. Huge game changer that we immediately love and never look back.

We can do this!