To Pry or Not to Pry?

Apparently the FBI has asked Apple to create software that will unlock the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter, as they seem to think there may be information on the phone that may prove useful in further investigations. Despite a court order Apple has refused, saying this would set a dangerous precedent.

Apple vs The FBI

I have to admit that I am struggling with this. I do not see the difference between unlocking a phone, which has private information on it, from unlocking a home, which has private information in it. Obviously a court has the power to issue a search warrant, allowing law enforcement to enter and search a private home. Apple's argument that code is speech, and thus protected under the First Amendment, would seem to me, in this case, to take second place to law enforcement's right to pursue their investigation of criminal activity.

I have to wonder if Apple is really concerned more about the First Amendment or more about the possible loss of future sales due to people being upset with the possibility of someone having access to their phone?   

I also have to wonder how difficult it is to unlock an iPhone, as there seem to be any number of videos on YouTube on how to do it?  

A News Mashup

Major events are always waiting around the corner to grab our attention. Recently there have been a number that have caught mine. I just thought I'd share a few and also some brief thoughts.

Just today there has been the recent news of the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. For the United States this is huge, especially given that it is an election year. Scalia was a prominent member of the conservative component of the court. His death raises the possibility of tilting the court to a more liberal bent depending upon the result of this year's election, thus having far reaching consequences for the future of America. I understand that Obama will nominate someone, but it is doubtful that the Republican dominated Senate will confirm someone before election day. This is something people may want to keep in mind when they vote. As in, do you want someone who is nominated by Trump, for example?

During the past week we have learned of the confirmation that gravitational waves do exist, as was theorized by Albert Einstein. A scientific break through that furthers our knowledge of space and our existence. A credit to human intelligence and creativity. And for all science geeks out there a Christmas present in February. Yeah, I was going to go with different phrasing there, but thought I'd keep it G-rated. Lol!

The refugee crisis in Europe continues, with fresh streams of people continuing to flow out of Syria. While there have been so many people out there willing to blame the United States for all of the problems in the Middle East, I can't help but feel that the cause of this latest chapter in the Syrian war saga should be laid directly at Putin's door. I have grave doubts about any so called cease fire that Russia is willing to participate in.

I really can't end this on such a depressing note, so I will add an ending for Valentine's Day. Unlike Iran, with leaders who are apparently so afraid of the West that they can't even allow a simple Valentines Day celebration,, President Obama and his wife Michelle were sweetly vocal about their feelings for each other.

Okay, maybe it was a little cheesy, but it's the thought that counts, and if they're happy then that's all that matters. :)