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!