February 22, 2016 | Gunner Steele

As you may or may not have heard, Apple, Inc. has been in the news this last week because of a spat they are in with the Federal Government. So please listen up, my friend—this is actually a BIG DEAL.

First of all, its a big deal because this is America's #1 success story—Apple. They are the most profitable company on the planet, and they are right now in the crosshairs of the Federal Government, but not for the reason we would typically expect.

You see, once you understand what is at stake here, you'll recognize that the Federal Government is just using Apple right now. Its like a chess match, and Apple is a playing piece. But, the Federal Government is not playing a game against Apple, they are playing against you. That's right—they are using Apple against you.

Let me explain...

In short, one of the terrorists who recently murdered a bunch of people in San Bernardino had an iPhone. And, the Federal Government wants access to the information on his iPhone. And, they are demanding through the FULL FORCE of the Federal Government that Apple grant them access.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Well, its not that simple.

First of all, let me say, I want them to have access to the information on his phone. I mean, who doesn't? Whatever information they can get on this killer to bring justice and peace, and to potentially prevent future attacks—I want them to have it!

I support all honest and hard working law enforcement officers who have a sworn duty to protect the people and who do their jobs with diligence under the law.

So then, what's the problem?

Well it boils down to this—Apple can't just break into the phone and give up the info. It can't. If it was actually that easy, then this would all be over with already.

Now, I don't want to bore you with technical details about encryption and operating systems, and security keys and stuff like that. So let me make it very simple for anyone to understand. You only need to know the following 3 things:

1. In order for Apple to comply with the court order, they will be FORCED to create software that does not currently exist. That's right—the Government is forcing a company to build and create something. (With or without compensation—this is wrong).

2. By creating this software, they will then be creating the means to allow the Government, along with random hackers and other bad people, to snoop on anybody and everybody's phones. This means essentially anybody could acquire the means to track you through your phone's GPS, and even access your phone remotely and turn on the camera and microphone without you even knowing.

3. Contrary to the lies you've been told, Apple has not already done this before. The cases in reference are not the same. Normally, I'd be a bit upset with the "propagandizing" done by the media in cases like this, but admittedly, it is a bit confusing for non-techie people to understand, so I won't throw too much blame at people for getting it wrong.

Let's Obey the Constitution, People!

So look, if the Government has a court order and a search warrant to break into my neighbor's house, then I'm all for it! That's Constitutional. You know search warrants—signed by judges—in other words—THE LAW.

But, if the Government comes to me and says, "Hey Gunner, your neighbor was a terrorist and in order to protect everyone we need to create a key to break into his house. And, this key will also give us access to your house and everyone's house in America. And the design for this key will be on the open market, meaning anyone who knows how to make keys will have access to your home and everyone's home in America to sneak in anytime unannounced. Okay?"

I'd say, "Forget that!" (Okay, what I'd actually say is probably a bit more colorful, but there are youngsters who read this weekly email, so I'll behave).

What about you? What would you say?

Because that is what's going on here. And here's the truth of the matter—the Federal Government doesn't really care about what's on that iPhone. They just want to use this tragedy as the occasion to empower themselves.

Its a high profile case. Public opinion is against the terrorists. Apple is the largest company in America. Everyone has iPhones in their pockets. If they can use this "opportunity" right, they can get the American public to accept more invasion into their privacy as "normal" and as a way of life. Not because we actually "accepted," it but because we "asked" for it.

"Please Uncle Sam, protect me. Do whatever you have to. I don't care about the Constitution. Just stop the bad guys from hurting me. Force Apple and anybody else to do what you say."

So, if the Feds can force the largest and most successful private corporation to do its bidding like a little lapdog, then what hope do the rest of us have? We're all just subjects. Serfs. Milk cows.

Thankfully, Apple is fighting back and the Government hasn't won public opinion—YET. But make no mistake about it, they are going to use every resource in their power—particularly the media to brainwash you into thinking this is simple, that Apple has done this before, and that your privacy is not in jeopardy.

And the most important thing they want you to believe is this—as long as you aren't doing anything wrong, then you shouldn't be worried about losing your privacy.

This is the line that will be drilled over and over and over again into your head. Its utter and complete nonsense that is only believed by ignorant sheeple who can't think for themselves and have no recollection, education, or understanding of the history of Governments and centers of power.

Because the truth of the matter is that anybody and everybody is at risk from a Government with nearly unlimited power and scope who can reach into your life and force you to do what it pleases—no matter who you are, or what you have or have not done.

So don't believe the propaganda. Next week I will demonstrate with modern and recent facts, stories, and anecdotes—that innocent, harmless, and good people are destroyed all the time by the American Government, even when they haven't done anything wrong.

Remember, your right to privacy is protected by the 4th Amendment. And if you don't care about it because you are so concerned about your "security," then quite frankly you don't deserve to be protected by the Constitution.

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

Until Monday, I'm yours in Freedom,
Gunner Steele
The Freedom Man