Where Will Political Estrangement Lead Us?

There is a common complaint across the nation today. The average person feels that their political influence amounts to….absolutely nothing. Furthermore, Americans are becoming so estranged from government that many feel that keeping up with politics is a useless effort, a waste of time. “I feel like we cant really do much to change politics.” Stacy commented to Truth Hack. With the next Presidential Election scheduled for the end of next year, there are already a number of politicians making a move for the big office. Likewise citizens across every demographic are looking forward to a change of leadership, but will our nation ever experience a real democracy again? Will our people ever feel a fair voice in an election again? In an effort to better to relate to the general population, Truth Hack asked this question: If you could put anyone into the presidential office, who would it be and why? Many people stated that they would like a more relatable person in leadership as opposed to a career politician. “My assistant manager.” Pablo answered. “Because he’s helpful and cares about others.” “My dad, because he loves me.” Sean responded. Although we may all appreciate these good human qualities of caring, helpfulness and love, it’s not likely to be enough to garner the attention needed to land a big political office. The presidents of today are chosen from career politicians backed by massive political parties and immensely wealthy organizations. The idea that natural born leaders can rise from the masses has become pretty cold and nostalgic at this point- it just dosen’t happen anymore. Historically, American government is one that is described as “government for the people, by the people.“ Unfortunately politics have become increasingly exclusive over the centuries. As our nation dismisses more and more democracy in favor of socialism, the power of the individual has diminished. Studies and polls show that most U.S. citizens do not trust the schematics of politics. “The way that they do elections with the popular votes makes us feel like nothing works. Maybe if they actually counted the actual votes then we might feel a little better about our candidates.” Deondra surmised. As leader of the free world, the United States president must maintain a precarious balance of international and internal issues. It is interesting to see that regardless of his political party, each passing president has used his leadership to move away from full democracy and embrace socialism and diminished human rights. The rich have become richer, the poor has become poorer and the middle class is taxed excruciatingly. The Bible prophecies of a day when all nations will be gathered under one ruler and one government. This means that socialist and communist practices will reign supreme. Although this is a frightening possibility for some, others are not fully recognizing the numerous dangers presented by a weak society ruled by a powerful government. Of course the most disturbing possibility pertaining to this is that if the majority of our society becomes complacent and lethargic in regards to political awareness we could easily be overtaken by one bad leader. “I think it already shows in countries like North Korea where one person rules over everything and you have no choice. If that happened globally, that wouldn’t be good.” Deondra said. “If the wrong person becomes leader they will have a lot of power.” Sean said in regards to the Bible prophecy that one day we will indeed be under one ruler. 1 Thessalonians 5 says, “But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh like a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child and they shall not escape.” Despite these disturbing realizations, there is hope as the scriptures also shows us there is hope. “But ye brethren are not in darkness, that the day shall overtake you as a theif. Ye are the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others but let us watch and be sober.” The Bible prophecies of a day when all nations will be gathered under one ruler and one government. This means that socialist and communist practices will reign supreme. Although this is a frightening possibility for some, others are not fully recognizing the numerous dangers presented by a weak society ruled by a powerful government. Of course the most disturbing possibility pertaining to this is that if the majority of our society becomes complacent and lethargic in regards to political awareness we could easily be overtaken by one bad leader. “I think it already shows in countries like North Korea where one person rules over everything and you have no choice. If that happened globally, that wouldn’t be good.” Deondra said. “If the wrong person becomes leader they will have a lot of power.” Sean said in regards to the Bible prophecy that one day we will indeed be under one ruler. 1 Thessalonians 5 says, “But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh like a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child and they shall not escape.” Despite these disturbing realizations, there is hope as the scriptures also shows us there is hope. “But ye brethren are not in darkness, that the day shall overtake you as a theif. Ye are the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others but let us watch and be sober.”

Valentines Day

It is the second month of the year and roses and chocolates galore. Happy Valentines Day. We treat this holiday, so special but it is impossible to be clearly informed about its true origins. Though a lot of the story has been blurred by centuries upon centuries of myth, there are a few factors that remain historically clear. The original documentation is that Valentine's Day started as a liturgical celebration of a Christian saint named Valentinus and the February 14th date is a celebration of love. It is rumored, when Valentinus was arrested, he healed his jailer's daughter and wrote a letter to her that was signed, "Your Valentine," before his execution. Ever since the passing of the original Valentine, several stories have been made for different Valentines on February 14th, and so we will never know the truth behind it. Everyone has their own ideas as to how this holiday affects our society, but in an effort to better understand the matter, Truth Hack conducted a series of interviews amidst the general population. "It's like tradition. You know, like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years'. People recognize that day as the love day. I haven't read up on how Valentine's Day came about, but I was just taught up and brought up that the 14th is Valentines'. It's on the calendar so I guess we celebrate it.” Jackson commented to Truth Hack. "I feel like, personally, I feel like it was a girl I met today. She wanted a guy to get her something for Valentines' Day. I don't feel like it's right, because, I feel like not only a girl should get what she wants." Michelle commented and further explained that she felt Valentines day should be a day where the burden of showing affection is equally shared between couples. These people, Jackson and Michelle, and so many others have their own definition of what Valentines' Day means. The Bible shines a different light on this topic in its scripture verse, 1 John 4:8. "He who has no love has no knowledge of God, because God is love." This sentence describes God as love. It connects to Valentine's Day because on this holiday there are many who are sad and disappointed. They thought they found true love, but the person that they put their whole life into may have let them down. Jesus never gives up on us, and He created us because He has that love. February 14th comes along and candies and teddy bears are around. On this holiday, we treat our partners and/or other loved ones with the most precious words and gifts, but don't always realize the best love of all. The source of love, the greatest, deepest and purest love is through Jesus Christ who set the perfect example of love when He laid down His life for the world. By His sacrifice we are able to also experience and give of love, but there is no love greater than the love of Jesus. Through Him we are capable of also knowing and understanding real love. This article was written by Aneesah (Truth Hack) Thanks to all who contributed!

Could You be Defined as a Computer Criminal?

Why would President Obama want to broaden and blur the distinction of computer crime to the point that most Americans could be guilty? Under the proposal for new legislature, acts such as password sharing, account sharing, or any use of a computer that the owner doesn’t approve (IE using a work computer for personal interests) could be punishable by law. Furthermore, online analysis about potential security leaks have computer security researchers afraid that under the new laws their work (analyzing databases for weakness) could be considered criminal, resulting in less secure computers. By definition of the legislation, even media reporting or internet discussion about the topic could become federal crimes. Threats to personal freedom, personal security, and freedom of communications only scratch the surface. “It’s a danger to our freedom,” Kimberly commented to Truth Hack in regards to the proposals. “They’re (lawmakers) taking part of our freedom from us but at the same time it’s controversial.” “I don’t think all of these things should be considered a crime.” Gretel said. “I think these are personal risks that we take.” Exhibited by Obama in his State of the Union address on January 20th, the changes to the 1984 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) would greatly expand the definition of computer crime and stiffen the penalties for existing crimes, including doubling the maximum penalty for many violations from 10 years to 20 years. In an attempt to lower the rates of organized cyber crime, the proposal would also subject computer fraud to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 meaning that if the law passed to even associate online or hang out in a chat room where “computer crimes” are being discussed could make someone a member of a criminal enterprise. One of the sections of the proposals addresses “spying devices” but the legal language never specifies what type of intercepting device could be punishable by law making previously legal devices (IE Wifi seeker Firesheep or blue boxes for long distance phone calls) now criminal. With the occurrence of major security breaches over the past year it is understandable that new protective measures are being brought into consideration. It is possible that all angles of this proposal had not been fully considered by the government at the time of release. But at the same time it is frustrating to face yet another round of legislation that further chips away at the already crumbling value of personal freedom and privacy. “The government is becoming more like (what was experienced) in the Dark Ages.” Jackie commented to Truth Hack. “Its more oppressive and controlling like when church was not separated from state.” Many things have changed since our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Technology has given way to hoards of new crimes and dangers to society and our government can hardly be defined as “for the people, by the people” when the majority of citizens hardly pay attention to politics these days. It seems that our government is constantly finding new ways to meddle into privacy because they are afraid that less knowledge means less control and less control over the population means less power. So they take away our privacy in the name of safety so that they can have their knowledge and control to ensure government power. But does more government power really mean more safety? We already know that all are being monitored to great extents. Phone lines, internet use, every single electronic purchase or deposit is known and accessible record. Already compromised privacy aside, it is clear that our lawmakers are still not satisfied. This proposal sets the stage for less discussion and more submission- a clear violation of a democratic society. Despite the fact that law makers may like to be all knowing, omniscient like God, our leaders are only human like us. They will pry and pull for more knowledge, but if the balance of power is ever tipped too far in the wrong direction the result will be catastrophic. Even so, don’t let the oppression of our changing society pull you down- remember that there is One who sees and knows everything. God is so much greater than the menial struggles between humans, just remember that only He is all knowing and all powerful. This is the truth that leads us to be free.

Post Holiday Season Blues

According to statistics only 8% of people actually keep their New Years resolution. In spite of this, the majority of people continue to enter the New Years with a NEW New Resolution in place. The question is, what do we really mean it when we set these soon to be broken resolutions? Is it a disillusioned intention? Is it a mere proclamation of our own self-dissatisfaction? Or has it just become another annual celebration with relatively no meaning or expected consequence? It's 2015 and most of us have just barely torn down the garland and rolled the Christmas tree outside. This is the time of year when there are still turkey leftovers in the freezer, and maybe a few not-yet-broken Christmas presents laying around, and one cant help but wonder- was all of this just some measure of traditional over hype? Truth Hack approached the general public for their opinion on the subject and here's what some of them had to say: "I think that in a way people take it(the Holiday Season) a little too far, but it's nice to be around the family." Alex commented. "It's almost like you're being forced. The holidays have become something of an obligation and you're expected to spend a lot of money." D* said. So that brings us to the big question: What exactly is it that people are looking for during the holidays? "I think alot of people are looking for change." Daniel said. "I'm pretty sure that everyone wants to change, but at the same time they never really go through with it. People want to see themselves as a better person." Liz added. The sad thing about the Holidays is that parallel to the emotional highs of the season there is ultimately an emotional downfall that is likewise experienced. Many people can relate to experiencing some of the most excruciating sadness amidst what should be the happiest time of the year. Suicide and depression rates rocket upwards as the holiday season reaches it's ultimate high- then the new year comes, and January is a month of broken vows, empty bank accounts and crushed hopes. Sound familiar? You're in good company. These are known as the post holiday season blues. Soon everyone will settle back into their previous monotony for the next ten months before embarking on the schedule all over again. In one of his most popular quotes Albert Einstein said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." With all due respect to Einstein, according to this definition we are all slightly insane. Or as Liz so candidly put it there's more to the cycle of try, try again. In regards to repetitious trends, Liz said: "People hold on to that hope that they'll actually succeed and make a change." There are many people who have reached for greater things in life, who have hoped for things that the world would call insane, but ultimately succeeded. Sometimes the redundancy of life is due to the fact that we are only doing what we know to do. Hence the roller coaster cycle of life. We live for the hope of a better tomorrow. We go through highs and expectations followed by lows. But even when hopes are derailed, the majority of people are game to get up and try, try again. If this is insanity then life is quite crazy. Proverbs 14:12 says: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Of course the problem with unmet expectations is that they make us heartsick. Many people feel report feeling a constant need for improvement, a constant longing for things that they can never quite obtain or even fully recognize. Even for the people at the pinnacle of society this is a common complaint. How can one be rich with power, prestige and adoring loved ones but still feel empty? The tree of life is found in placing your hopes beyond this mortal life. Of course one day all of our lives will fade away along with every carefully stored penny and article that we have collected along the way. Our physical being is a mere shell of what we really are. Place your hope and trust in Jesus and find that even though you're still riding the roller coaster of life, there's nothing here to fear but separation from Jesus. The ache of unfulfilled hopes will fade, and the pitfalls of life will not sting so much because you'll understand how much greater you are than this moment. Hope is not meant to be left unfulfilled. Never mind the silly New Years resolutions. Make a lifetime resolution to know the one who made you and you'll never experience the Seasonal Blues again. Thank you for all who participated in this week's story. *D is one of the three brothers who we interviewed as a group. Unfortunately we could not catch your name accurately on the recording. If you would like it corrected send us an email. Thanks again!

Russian President Putin's Letter Adressed To The United States

 On September 11th, 2013, a couple of weeks after Syrian rebels attack by chemical weapons killing more than 1,400 people. Russian president Vladimir Putin wrote letter to United States officials and residents. In his letter he states the differences between the U.S. and Russia, he also mentioned that we were once allies and defeated Nazis together.

 A point he made in his letter was that "The United Nations was established to prevent such devastation from ever happening again." During a recent outing our members from Truth Hack hit the community to see what they thought  about President Putin's letter regarding events in Syria, and his claim that the Syrian government is innocent of all heinous acts.

 Siding with U.S. President Barack Obama on the issue of punishing Syria, Taylor said, " If I had to be put in Obama's shoes I would empathize with him because 1. Russia's a little bias, just because they're allies so they would say that they're innocent just because that's what allies would do, so I'm with Obama."

 Putin also expressed the United States no longer possesses the power it once had. he also says that the US is just another nation in the global community along with it's citizens. Our question was; has the United Nations weakened the United States as a nation? Do we really lack the power Putin says we once had? June answered " I want to say a little bit, but we are a lot stronger than a lot of other countries and a lot of nations so I feel like we're still one of the strongest." Our Truth Hack member Jessie also asked Wallace the same question. He hadn't realized that America is in a financial deficit, with the downfall of our economy among other things. " In my country Brazil we see the United States as the greatest nation on earth, that is why it's surprising to hear that the U.S. is weak or strugglung."

 Needless to say after all the hard facts and opinions of our community the issue that has been weighing on the hearts of Truth Hack members is in the book of Revelations chapter 17 verse 13, the bible tells us of a day when every nation will be subject to one ruler. Bani commented " I can see how this could easilylead to a one world government."

 With the rest of the world against the U.S. and ready to ditch it's supremecy, handing it to the United Nations, what are the chances of a one world government happening in the next decade?...

Will USA Strike Syria?

Unrest is in the air of the nations as the entire world awaits the Congress decision on September 9th, 2013, will US go through with an air strike against Assad's regime and Damascus?

This decision could be perhaps the most pivotal decision in the course of this present age, and I only say so because when you understand the prophecies of the Bible, the fate of billions of souls lies on when this war breaks out.

Unfortunately, most people don't know the prophecies. Here at Truth Hack we've been talking about it since our beginning, and it may seem like we are blowing a trumpet, and yes that is exactly what we are doing!

It's the biggest story in the news today. It has been for almost two weeks now. Will we go to war? Officially...

After asking several that same question, most were unconcerned, and felt like spectators of the boy who cried wolf. Of our small sample, very few think this conflict will strike a fire in the Middle East again, not like the Twin Towers back in 2001.

One interviewee agreed that whether or not, the best thing to do is save souls while we can! Amen.

You see, Chemical warfare on citizens is intolerable to the entire world community, so Obama felt the need to respond. Us, France, and Turkey are preparing arms, and ready to strike. But, not without resistance from Syria's superpower allies, Russia, China and Iran.

Since most don't think we'll strike, we had to pose a hypothetical question, if USA strikes, do you think Russia and its allies will respond with military backup for Syria?

Our fellow friend from Romania said, and I paraphrase, that Russia won't do anything. They just want to feel important and flex their muscle to intimidate, reflecting back on the Cold War era.

Maybe so. Although, we know Russia will be involved in world affairs in this end age, eventually leading an army against Israel in the battle of Armageddon. But before that, The Bible, in Isaiah 17 prophecies that Damascus will be a ruinous heap. Is this the time? Looks like it. But that is ultimately in God's hands.

I'm leading up to this point. In Revelation 9:14, we see a prophecy of the 6th Trumpet War, which emanates from the Euphrates River (housed by Syria) which will spawn into a war involving 200 million soldiers and killing 1/3 of mankind.

Syria, Iran and Iraq all surround the Euphrates River, eventually emptying into the Persian Gulf. The scene is set, and the battle is in array. USA and Russia are occupying this region with battleship and aircraft carriers, and only God know how many submarine atomic vessels...

We want you to know this will come to pass! But what can we do to prepare? We asked our interviewee this question. Some were speechless, other still unconcerned, and us, trying to save a few from the fire!

You see, the Bible says when they shall say "peace and safety" then "sudden destruction" will come upon them as a women in labor pains. You can't blow the trumpet enough when 2.3 billion souls are involved. We can't save the world, but we can save those in our circle of influence. Preach the word, be instant in season and out of season.

The only thing you can do to ensure well-being for you and your family, is by being born again of water and Spirit, as Jesus commanded in John 3:5-8. The Holy Ghost will lead you and guide your steps in a sure way.

Time would cease me to tell you of the stories of Holy Ghost filled Christians who began to make intercession the night before the twin towers were fallen, loved ones waking up sick and calling off work, others stuck in traffic and not able to make it on time...God is faithful. Are you filled with the Holy Ghost?

Thanks for reading. Grace be with you, in Jesus name. Amen.

California lawmakers latest shocker: transgender boys using girls restrooms in public school

In a recent case, the US supreme court ruled to allow transgender children to use the opposite sex restroom in elementary schools. In other words, boys dressing as girls can use girls restrooms and locker rooms, and vice versa.

The passing of this law truly came out of thin air, according to eyes of the public, as was proven not only by the media introduction of the matter, but also based on our interview results. Last friday, we at Truth Hack conducted interviews at a local mall about the passing of this law. Not to our surprise, most people weren't aware that it was even passed. What does that state about our democracy? Anyways...

So, after explaining the entire ordeal to the several people we interviewed, we asked a few questions to get their opinion. In an attempt to strike it home, we asked if they have or personally know children in the public school system. Most do, at least in our small sample.

Triggering how truly personal this law is to almost everyone in the United States, we asked a non-confrontational question, but legitimate in all aspects: do you believe there needs to be gender separation in locker rooms and restrooms at public school? Results for us proved an undoubtedly 100% yes, according to our biased sample of course. Biased or not, there are absolutes, and boys are absolutely boys, and girls are absolutely girls, no doubt about it, nail in the coffin, the issue is solved if we take that one to the throne. But, in our post modern world where everything is growing more ambiguous by the day, and deceptive lies are becoming more in your face and blatant, we stand in awe of it.

Ok, rant over.

The real issue we want to address is lines, hedges, and basic human rights.

The next question we asked is, Do you believe the supreme court ruling has crossed boundaries in our children's right to privacy?

I don't know about you, but when I went to elementary school, girls had cooties, and enough junk went on in the boys bathroom when only boys were in there, but add girls into the mix and its a whole slew of issues to add to that mix. In most cases, she's still physically weaker than a boy and quite more vulnerable, to be able to defend herself in a boys bathroom. This is just elementary school. I don't even want to touch on middle school. I was there once. Let's just add more sexual abuse and people being taken advantage of to the mix is basically what the supreme court is ruling.

Rant over. Back to the question. The point I'm making is I didn't want girls in the bathroom when I was in there, yes even the tom boy girls. Perhaps a better ruling could have been to force every school to make a general restroom and locker where only one person can use at a time? But, let's not effect the budget, just children and parent's comfort levels.

Gender separation has been and always will be. The human race has flourished and multiplied because of it, and it is the only way the human race can continue. God made them male and female, from the smallest little mammal, to the ones fashioned in His very own image.

I appreciate the differences in men and women, in fact, I prefer it. If all women were like men, then this place would be boring for sure, lacking emotion, and some of those wonderful perks of having women put their feminine touch in everything God has created. to say the least. The same goes for males and their masculinity.

Think about it from a logical standpoint, diversity in the human race begins with male and female. They are claiming diversity, but in the very essence of the agenda being pushed, it is fading the lines of diversity because it is growing more and more ambiguous. Where is the sense in that? But, as the Word of God says, the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of those who don't believe.

Black and white are diverse from one another, grays are all similar....Amen? Ok.

The final question we asked has to do with this line, and taking it straight from the preacher, we asked: What are some potential consequence that could arise as a result of this fading boundary of gender separation?

The preacher said it this way; whosoever breaks a hedge, the serpent will bite...(Eccl 10:8)

Here are some of the answers we received (these are not from me, but your fellow citizens): rape, molestation, emotional trauma, and confusion.

The truth is, the supreme court ruling has broken a boundary that has been set in order since before human history was recorded. The serpent will bite. But I don't think that serpent is done creeping up the skirt of our system yet, he has a few more boundaries before he's really ready to attack. But, he wants to make it as ambiguous as possible before he bites.

Like Hitler said, make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. That's where our world is headed. And the leaders of the pack sit in our supreme courts. What's next? The attempt to justify adult males taking advantage of male children. I won't be surprised when they start pushing that one in courts.

I'm glad I know the Wonderful Counsellor and the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, and the Everlasting Father, Jesus my Lord. If you don't, get to know Him and all this will make a lot more sense. Time is coming to a close, God's ready to wrap things up, but before He does, let's save a few from the fire, on Truth Hack outing at a time! In Jesus name. May the Grace of God be with you all!

A Cold War on Terrorism? Or a Red Hot Herring?

“The war on terror is over.” a senior official in the State Department told the National Journal in April 2012. “Now that we have killed most of Al Qaeda…” Approximately 16 months after this statement, a global warning has been issued. The war on terrorism is apparently not over. We are in fact all under threat. Don’t travel this weekend, the State Department warns. The entire month of August has been set ablaze with warning- Al Qaeda communications have been intercepted and they have plans for mass destruction. Terrorism is at hand. Travel alerts everywhere…beware…the planet??? * * * On Friday, August 2, 2013 the State Department issued what it phrased to be a ‘worldwide travel alert,’ in response to an unspecified terrorist threat. A White House official stated that President Obama was being updated on “a potential threat occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula.” In summary of the sparse details offered, the threat was specific enough justify the closure of 21 US embassies and consulates as well as that of several European allies; but at the same time the threat was unspecific enough to narrow down the alert to anything less than the entire planet. In further elaboration of the travel alert issued on August 2nd, Americans were warned of the “continued potential for terrorist attacks, both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.” * * * On the first day that this “WARNING” was issued, Truth Hack conducted a series of interviews amongst the general population to find out how they felt about the issue at hand. “It’s kinda like alerting you that hey- the sun is coming up. It’s (the terrorist threat) something that has been going on for so many years.” Chris* commented. “The potential (for a terrorist attack) is always there and has always been there, I spent 8 years in the military so I’m always listening to what the government has to say and always keeping an eye out… but as far as I can see the government is just telling us to be careful.” “It’s not anything unusual.” Juan commented in regards to the warning. “If there is a real threat, the closure of the embassies this weekend might just be prolonging the threat.” “Look at what happened in Boston. There was no alert there, was there?” Ramon* asked. “But you can’t live in fear.” * * * Exactly a week has passed since the warning and Al Qaeda has yet to make a move. According to CNN, the security at the Yemen embassy was one of the most revamped. By Saturday at least 12 tanks were stationed within 500 meters of the building. All roads leading to the embassy were either closed or guarded, checkpoints were set up at a distance, and hundreds of additional security forces joined the already impressive security detail. Not to be outdone, the Department of Homeland Security beefed up it’s presence at airports, train stations and other travel points in the US. According to Senator Saxby Chambliss, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, the communications among terrorism suspects about the planning of possible attack was intercepted by one of the NSA surveillance programs revealed by NSA leaker Edward Snowden. These programs “allow us to have the ability to gather this chatter (terrorist conspiracy)” Chambliss stated. “If we did not have these programs then we simply wouldn’t be able to listen in on the bad guys.” * * * Lets take a moment to review the facts: Fact: We were issued an alert. Fact: The alert was severe enough to tell the world. Fact: The alert was so vague that no location was actually ruled out of danger. Fact: All US citizens were warned against travel. Fact: Multiple US and European embassies were closed down for the weekend. Fact: Certain locations experienced heightened security efforts. Fact: The information about this threat was derived from a mass surveillance program. Fact: No once has really specified the “threat” as anything beyond the terms of ‘terrorist‘ and ‘Al Qaeda.’ and ‘one of the most specific and credible since 9/11.’ Fact: The State Department announced Sunday that 19 diplomatic post will remain closed through Saturday (August 10th) because of the threat. Fact: Until recently, we were under the impression that Al Qaeda had been severely weakened and lacking in drive since the death of Osama Bin Laden and other leaders. Fact: There is always SOME threat to be an American overseas. Fact: Despite a lack of visible terrorist activity, the Senate Intelligence Committee was extremely eager to credit the “saving information” to one of the NSA programs made known by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. * * * Let me back up and clarify something here: I hate speculation. Literally. I hate theorizing about anything less than a solid, legitimate truth. I hate conspiracy theories. I long for nothing more than a solid foundation, a plausible and tangible truth. But in analyzing the facts that have been presented to date, I must ask myself these questions: Are we actually fighting a cold war on terrorism? A war so cold that the core group was declared gutted and the war itself “over” 16 months ago? Or could this be a red herring? Are the supporters of mass surveillance programs so desperate to support their cause that they would declare a worldwide threat of nothing specific so that they could more easily shoot down opponents to their illegal programs? Admittedly, I don’t know. There is no proof for either scenario. In all sincerity I hope that our government still respects the citizens enough to not fabricate stories to form grounds of justification for illegal activity. * * * So what is the truth? John 8:32 says "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." In the age of deceit it can be hard to see through the presentations of men, but there is one thing that shall always remain true- the Word of our Lord. As for the truth regardig the state of our nation- Only time will tell for sure, but as you observe and wonder at the things happening in the world, ask yourself this question- who do I trust to keep me safe? Do you trust the governnment with its massive warnings and chokehold on freedom in the name of safety? Palms 20:7 says "Some trust in chariots and some in horses" (in the power and secuirity of men) "but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." The unchanging truth in this matter is simple: Put your trust in God and you'll never be let down.

A Leak In WHOSE Security?

Nobody likes a leak do they? Typically a leak is seen as a source of messy and unwanted contamination. But imagine being in a land of famine and drought. Imagine digging for an underground well, hoping, praying for just one tiny leak… a leak that could mean a new lease on life.
Take the following two situations for moral analysis.
Scenario ONE for your consideration: A government agent has spilled the beans regarding top methods of surveillance used in his country, thus hindering the work of national security. This man has been charged with espionage and theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information, and willful communication of classified intelligence to an unauthorized person. He has fled his land with a warrant on his head. Despised by his homeland. A globe trotter welcome to no land, wanted only for incarceration. A traitor. A criminal fleeing the penance of his crime.
Scenario TWO for your consideration: The citizens of a free nation are in jeopardy because their overwhelmingly powerful and demanding government has gained access to the private details of everyone’s lives. The mostly unsuspecting population doesn’t know that every email, chat room conversation, video, photo, stored data, file transfer, video conference, social networking detail, and every web login has been stored for scrutiny by the government. Finally a government insider goes public with this info stating that, “I can’t in good conscience allow the government to destroy privacy, internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building,” further telling us that “they are intent on making every conversation and every form of behavior in the world known to them.” In fewer words: “this is blatantly wrong, and it must be stopped.”
Instant hero, right?
Wrong.
Flashback to scenario ONE, because that is the true aftermath of scenario TWO.

By this point you may have recognized the plight of Edward Snowden. In the spring of 2013, Edward Joseph Snowden, a tech contractor for the US National Security Agency notoriously leaked details of top secret US and British government mass surveillance programs to the press because he saw them as a threat to free society. The “Snowden Leaks” involving programs such as PRISIM, NSA call database, Boundless Informant, and Tempora have been highly controversial. Many people refer to his deeds as heroic, and as that of a whistleblower, while the others insist that he is a threat to the War on Terror and a traitor to our great land. Unfortunately those who are eager to condemn him conveniently overlook the fact that the NSA has violated federal law. There is no statute that explicitly authorizes mass surveillance, and certainly no place in the constitution to justify this type of control. Before releasing his knowledge to the press, Snowden said, “I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions, and that the return of this information to the public marks my end.” And in another statement, “You can’t come up against the worlds most powerful intelligence agencies and not accept the risk…I believe that at this point in history, the greatest danger to our freedom and way of life comes from the reasonable fear of omniscient State powers kept in check by nothing more than policy documents.”

In times past, we understood government for the people, and by the people, wherein the general population would decide what was morally right. Back when the people actually had power to influence the government because the voice of the people held great value. In remembrance of these times, Truth Hack conducted a series of random interviews to understand how most of the population regard Edward Snowden. “I think he is a hero,” Yareli* stated. “It doesn’t surprise me that they do that, (mass surveillance) but the government has no right to knowing everything about us.”
In respect to our interviews we discovered that an overwhelming portion of the general population feels that Snowden’s actions were not at all traitorous but heroic, and the government has long overstepped it’s bounds. “I think if the government keeps following the way that it’s been going, eventually we’re going to move into become more of a communist than a capitalist country.”  Valeria explained to Truth Hack.
The grounds for which the NSA has justified mass surveillance can be found in the Patriot Act that was passed under the Bush administration. In Section 215 of the Patriot Act, the FBI is allowed to obtain court orders demanding that a person or company produce “tangible things” upon showing reasonable grounds that the things sought after are “relevant’ to an authorized foreign intelligence investigation. By the NSA’s interpretation of this document ‘tangible things’ would include no less than… every conversation, every web search, every message, from everyone, everywhere, meaning that EVRYTHING and EVERYONE is relevant to a foreign intelligence investigation. With the actual writing of the Patriot Act at face value, the answers to these questions seem simple:
Q: Is it possible that everyone’s conversation is relevant to a foreign intelligence investigation?
A: No.
Q: Therefore, doesn’t this prove that the NSA is guilty of violating civil rights?
A: Yes.
Q: But is anyone really doing anything about it?
A: Nope.
And now for the most important question of all- why isn’t anyone really doing anything about this massive and grotesque government that has clearly overstepped it’s bounds yet again??? Sadly, it’s because the greatest fear of our founding fathers, the fear of an all powerful and overwhelming central government is actually being made manifest right before our eyes. Even though the average citizen is in disagreement with the government, there is no longer a balancing force strong enough to keep the government fair and balanced on this issue.

Beyond a shadow of doubt, one of the greatest quotations of United States history is none other than the classic words uttered by Patrick Henry: “Give me liberty or give me death!”
These words echo an attitude that reflects upon one of the very cornerstones that has founded this country: Freedom.
Remember freedom anybody? Remember the right to privacy and the undisputed right to bear arms, and the sweet simplicity of remaining innocent until proven guilty?
Remember the days before surveillance cameras recorded every movement upon every corner, in every store? Before satellites hovered over the earth and recorded images of everything below? Before the declared legality of random police checkpoints, and video enforced intersections? Before airports were allowed to stereotype and discriminate without probable cause, and the word ‘socialism’ was a distant fear existing in a land far far away rather than a reality pressing to unhinge our own precious democracy?
Benjamin Franklin once said “Any society that would give up just a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.”
Needless to say, Americans have lost a lot of liberty in the name of security. Ever since 9/11, we've been having our rights stripped away in rapid succession. It all seems to be for a good cause, but the result is that we find our country has never been more vulnerable. In the essence of terror and danger, the relinquishing of just a little more freedom might almost seem reasonable. But the Bible cautions us that “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit.” In other words, it is wise to look for ulterior motives. Even though the NSA and our current leaders may try to justify their spying in the name of safety, they’ll actually fail us, even turn on us in the end. The reason for this is clear and simple: our leaders are humans that have turned away from the strength of God in favor of self sufficiency and selfish pursuits. Inevitably, selfish human nature that finds itself in power will become abusive.
So who is Edward Snowden? A traitor? A hero? A whistle blower to wake us all from our spectators stagnated state of watching the world turn darker? Or is he just another useless headline to skim past during our morning coffee? In his own words, Snowden said, “The great fear that I have regarding the outcome for America of these disclosures is that nothing will change. People wont be willing to take the risks necessary to stand up and fight to change things… And in the months ahead, the years ahead it’s only going to get worse. The NSA will say that because of the crisis, the dangers that we face in the world, some new and unpredicted threat, we need more authority, we need more power, and there will be nothing that the people can do at that point to oppose it. And it will be turnkey tyranny.”
Even if Snowden’s greatest fear is played out, we are still blessed with the hope and freedom that is extended beyond this country, beyond this earth, even beyond this life. Psalm 121:1-2 says “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD which made heaven and earth.” Let us not forget that even when we feel oppressed by the world that we live in, God will always be our ultimate source of freedom, peace of mind and restoration. But in the meantime- use your voice to stand up for your rights. It’s not too late to save America. The citizens of the United States need to take the Snowden Leak for what it is- a drop of resistance in the midst of drought and famine. Where there is resistance there is life, and where there is life there is hope. Maybe there are still those out there who aren't afraid to fight for what’s right.

Boston Marathon Explosions

Monday April 15, 2013. What began as an annual marathon for competitors all around the world ended in tragedy. Though runners Lelisa Desisa and Rita Jeptoo finished the race victoriously, little was too be celebrated due to the events that would take place only two hours after their accomplishments.

Approximately 2:50 EDT two explosions occurred near the finish line claiming the lives of three, and injuring 246 others. The bombs exploded about thirteen seconds and 210 yards apart. Speculationsthat Muslim Jihadist were responsible for these heinous crimes were soon revealed to be true. The suspects were later identified as Tamerlan and Dzhokahr Tsarnaev after the FBI released photos of the two.

The Truth Hacks Crew covered this story shortly after the chaotic events took place, interviewing locals in our community. Before the identity of the suspects were released we asked our participants if they thought it might have been various criminals such as domestic terrorist, a psychopathic loner, or Musilim Jihadist. After the Sandy Hook murders many answered the Loner fit the profile to commit such crimes. And a few others answered it was possibly a domestic terrorist.

News stations all across television were overwhelmed with the amount of photos that flooded in via Facebook, and Twitter from many that attended the Boston Marathon. The FBI soon went on a manhunt for the two brothers. The brothers allegedly killed an MIT police officer, carjacked an SUV, and initiated in an exchange of gunfire with  policeman from Watertown, Massachusetts. During the exchange an MBTA police officer was critically injured, and Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed. Dzhokahr fled the scene injured. On April 19th the manhunt for Dzhokahr continued including thousands of police searching 20 block area of Watertown, Massachusetts.

Residents of Watertown were asked to stay indoors and lock their houses during the manhunt. Public institution, local businesses, and public transportation were all shut down. At 7 p.m. a Watertown resident discovered Dzhokahr Tsarnaev hiding in his back yard in a boat. Dzhokahr was then arrested and taken to a hospital.

During an interrogation Dzhokahr said Tamerlan was the mastermind in the crimes. He continued by saying that they were motivated by Islamist extremist beliefs, and wars taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan. He then explained that he and his brother were self-radicalized and had no connection to any outside terrorist groups. He also said that they learned to build explosives like the one used in the Marathon, made from a simple everyday use pressure cooker, from an online magazine of the Al-Qaeda affiliate in Yemen.

Psalms 101:3 says I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. It was said that Tamerlan had a video playlist on Youtube of terrorist acts across the Middle East.

War and Rumors of War

North Korea knows how to launch a full force threat campaign, but can it launch a missile all the way to the United States? At first the experts swore, “No, no way. North Korea doesn’t have that type of technology yet- those silly little North Koreans need to pack up their slingshots and leave Uncle Sam to all the nuclear warhead bench pressing.” Okay so that’s not exactly a verbatim quote, but that’s the lassize fair attitude that was first implicated in lieu of war threats from North Korea.
So why the animosity? Lets back up a bit to review what exactly has lead us to this point. The struggle of North Korea is long and heavily thwarted by the UN. Of course we don’t want dangerous dictators wielding nuclear firearms, but that doesn’t stop the impoverished nation of North Korea from trying to create weapons of mass destruction. In December 2012, Pyongyang (North Korea’s capital) launched a rocket that put a satellite into space, demonstrating that they were getting closer to long-range nuclear missile technology. Despite the demands of the UN, despite threats imposed by more powerful nations, North Korea has stubbornly continued it’s nuclear weapon and ballistics program. Further ignoring the widespread condemnation, North Korea followed through with a nuclear test in late February. As punishment, the UN has promised to enforce tough new sanctions against North Korea.

Christopher Dorner, Domestic Terror, and a Police State

Vendetta. The Joker, and now...Christopher Dorner joins the list of terrorist out to get revenge because of a system that has let them down. Though, this time it was real life and not just a comic book made movie. After four lives tragically taken, and several others wounded, the suspect is believed to have met his fatal end in the flames of a fiery cabin whose rising smoke wasn’t the sign of victory, but of tragedy, and a new era of domestic terrorism that whispers fear into the lives of the police and public alike. Why fear? Because this event has posed the question in everyone’s mind, “Who can we trust anymore?”

Christopher Dorner, a fired LAPD officer, in his manifesto, declared himself to be a man bullied by the system to the point of taking vengeance. As a result, he justified his acts of terrorism as necessary to expose and end corruption in the police department. Last Friday, we at Truth Hacks interviewed several people, asking whether they think corruption in the government is a problem. With an astounding 100% replying “yes”, we determined that a majority of people in the United States side with Dorner, believing that corruption is a problem.

Uncle Sam Versus Mom and Dad

Wilson Reyes was treated just like any other hardened criminal when the NYPD responded to a complaint of assault and burglary. Reyes was handcuffed, taken into custody and interrogated by tough cops for hours on end as they attempted to make him crumble and confess. Despite being grilled by the NYPD’s finest, Reyes held fast to his innocence: No, he did not steal the 5 dollars dropped by another seven year old at his lunch table.
Of course the jaw dropper on this story is not that Wilson Reyes was an innocent taken into custody, but that he was a seven year old school boy interrogated by the NYPD over a little money mix-up.
A few questions come to mind regarding the basic sanity of the adults who were involved in the ‘handling’ of this issue. First and foremost- even if this kid had stolen some money, why would any school staff need the NYPD to settle the matter? Furthermore, why did the police officers responding see the situation fit for standard criminal procedure? Why did they spend a total of 10 hours interrogating him between the school campus and the police station?
According to Wilson‘s mother, Frances Mendez, she found her son traumatized, handcuffed and crying ‘Mommy, it wasn’t me! Mommy, it wasn’t me!’ After the December 4^th, 2012 incident, Wilson’s family has hired a lawyer to take legal action on his behalf. According to documents outlining the lawsuit against the city and the NYPD, “Reyes was handcuffed and verbally, physically and emotionally abused, intimidated, humiliated, embarrassed and defamed,”
Although the NYPD has since issued an apology and partial denial of the situation, the lawsuit remains in action.

Spank Your Child...Break the Law?

Fractured skulls. Broken bones. Burns, bruises and internal bleeding...and a nonviolent spanking to reprimand?  Child abuse has been a problem for many years, however it wasn't until last year that it was redefined to liken the simple act of spanking to the evils of gross neglect, malice and major bodily harm upon a child.

A New Year... What Will You Choose?

        A lot can happen within 365 days. Happy New Year. Early January and we have reached the tip of the new year- our favorite time to reminisce and reform the err of our ways in 2012.
Globally, many were impacted by the typical array of wars, threats of war, natural disasters and civil unrest. On a national level, here in the United States we’ve witnessed ongoing economic turmoil and yet another lie-infused presidential election. Other major 2012 headlines included the tragedy of several mass shootings upon US soil, the 2012 Olympics, the profound disappointment of the ho-hum iPhone 5, and what appeared to be flesh eating zombies in Florida (Serious. If you missed that story, look it up on Google and forever stay away from drugs.) Then there was also that end of the world apocalypse that everyone had pretty much forgotten about by the actual appointed doomsday of December 21st.
Congratulations if you’re reading this- you‘ve survived it all. Welcome to the new dawn, early January 2013 where most slates are still wiped clean and hopes and expectations for the new year are still formulating. In honor of the New Year, last weeks Truth Hack interviews recapped on last year and allowed the public to express what they’d like to see accomplished in the United States this year.

Update on Real ID

Real ID Postpone to 2015

The good news is that the deadline for REAL ID compliance has been pushed back once again.
The bad news is that it's still alive and hibernating somewhere on the dark side of legislative agendas.
The funny news is that this is approximately the fourth time that the Department of Homeland Security has set a new deadline for this unpopular act and called it THE LAST TIME.

In a December 21st 2012 statement the Department of Homeland Security admitted that only 13 states have met the standards for Real ID requirements. The non-compliant states now have until 2015 to get their acts together. No mention was made in regards to the numerous laws passed by individual states against REAL ID.

If you missed the full scoop on Real ID, read Truth Hack's first story: A Discreet Bill Propels America's First National ID Card Into Existence
To read an article with more information about the current status of real ID go to:
http://www.biometricupdate.com/201212/department-of-homeland-security-delays-real-id-enforcement-until-2015/

Safety in Disarmed Hands?

Remember your last elementary school? Whimsical recollections of finger-paint, buddy learning and edible glue are typical. Not so for the kids of Newtown Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary.  Their last memories of the now closed Sandy Hook Elementary school facility are of smoky hallways, booming gunshots, slain acquaintances and mind numbing terror. The contradiction between what happened at Sandy Hook and what elementary should be is extreme enough to call for reform but are we doing the right thing?
Are we really protecting the students of tomorrow or are we setting the stage for something worse than the horror of what happened at Sandy Hook?

Peace Between Israel and Palestine?

Israel and Palestine have made controversial headlines again. After many years of conflict dating back to biblical times, Palestine has been recognized as a " U.N. Non-Member Observer State." On November 29th, one hundred twenty eight votes conquered the nine opposing votes against Palestine being recognized as a state, while forty five others entirely abstained from the vote. America was one of nine to stand by Israel, even while many have turned their backs against them. To many this may seem as something positive, but to a few this is only the beginning of many relevant things to come.

A Discreet Bill Propels America's First National ID Card Into Existence

The majority of Americans are not aware of the Real ID Act today, but the truth of the matter remains that in slightly over two months, most US citizens will suddenly have a driver’s license that is also a national identity card. Despite widespread rejection of this Act and nearly a decade of delays, Real ID is still on course to be implemented on January 15^th, 2013.
If you are currently scratching your head and wondering, “Okay, what is this Real ID Act and how can it affect me?” -don’t worry. You’re not alone. Truth Hack conducted a series of random interviews amongst the local population and it turns out that the average citizen is not and never has been aware of the Real ID Act.