November 15, 2023 • 19 mins
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Today’s Good News at a Glance:
- Can AI help cure your smartphone addiction?
- We take a deep dive into how Hamas and North Korea have used crypto to fund war and nuclear programs.
- In a step toward accountability, The Supreme Court issues a Code of Conduct.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Therefore, watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise but
as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil
Ephesians five fifteen through sixteen. Dear Lord, we recognize that
this world is filled with darkness. The shadows of sin, shame,
and ideology seek to distort our vision and lead us astray.
(00:20):
Yet we know you are abundant in wisdom, able to
shed light in the darkest of places. Would you give
us your insight, Lord, not vapid knowledge, but true discernment
and wisdom from your spirit. Help us to navigate these
confusing times with humility, understanding, and conviction. We pray these
things with trust, knowing that you will illuminate our hearts
(00:40):
and open up our minds to your will. In Jesus' name,
we pray. Amen. Welcome to Pray News where hope is
our only bias. Today's news at a glance, Can AI
help cure your smartphone addiction? We take a deep dive
into how hamas in North Korea have used crypto to
fund war and nuclear programs, and in a step towards accountability,
(01:02):
the Supreme Court issues a code of conduct. Today, we
are reminded that this world can be confusing, dark and chaotic.
Navigating everyday life without compromising our integrity is becoming harder
and harder to do. Yet, today, let's cling to God's wisdom,
ask for understanding, and exercise discernment in everything. We're glad
you're here. We pray today's take on the news leaves
(01:23):
you informed and transformed. If Prey News has offered value
to your daily routine, be sure to follow and subscribe.
That way, you never have to miss an episode, and
it helps others find this podcast. Before we dive into
today's first story, let's hear a word from these sponsors.
In an age where technology has become an extension of ourselves,
a revolutionary device emerges, promising innovation in a rekindled relationship
(01:47):
with the world around us. The new AI pin by
Humane stands as a beacon of hope in our ongoing
battle against smartphone addiction. This intriguing piece of technology, a
two inch square magnetic pin, may seem small, yet it
holds the potential to bring about a significant shift in
our digital lives. The first encounter with the aipin is
(02:07):
nothing short of magical. An aqua blue laser light from
the pin springs to life in your palm, displaying a
menu navigated by a simple wrist motion or a pinch
to select options. This tiny device, priced at six hundred
and ninety nine dollars with a twenty four dollars a
month subscription, encapsulates a range of functionalities, answering questions, making calls,
(02:29):
sending texts, playing music, and even taking photos. Its design
philosophy is to blend seamlessly into the fabric of everyday
life at minimizing distractions and screens. Unlike the continuous influx
of notifications on smartphones, the aipin is designed to facilitate
quick and somewhat personal interactions, thereby reducing the time spent
(02:49):
on staring at screens. It's a refreshing approach, making technology
an assistant rather than a focal point to our attention.
The thought is that if you're interacting with information through
conversation with it an AI assistant, it's far better for
your mental health than doom scrolling on your phone. What
sets the aipin apart is its reliance on voice commands
and projections. Instead of a screen, information is projected onto
(03:12):
your hand through the lasers. This feature, combined with a
personic speaker offers a unique interaction method, moving us away
from traditional screen based engagement. It's an innovative step towards
a future where information is accessible in a more natural
and less intrusive way. Think about it this way. You
learn a lot more by having a conversation with someone
(03:34):
than reading something on a page. In essence, the way
you take in information is no longer scrolling on a
phone and staring at a screen for a long period
of time, but rather having a conversation with a knowledgeable
and personable AI assistant. The heart of the aipin is
in its AI driven assistant, which delivers information conversationally and
remembers past queries. It has made a respectful shift from
(03:56):
the always on assistance we're accustomed to requiring a touch
to activate, thereby respecting our privacy and attention. Alexa and
Siri are always listening to you, waiting for you to
command it to do something, but the aipin listens only
when you prompt it to. So. Not only is Humane
wanting to shift away from doom scrolling and a reliance
on screens, but it's also looking to maintain privacy in
(04:19):
a world where information is being shared everywhere. This technology
reminiscent of the conversational capabilities of GPT four, promises an
intelligent and interactive experience as we look towards the future,
we wouldn't have expected AI to emerge as a promising
key and addressing smartphone and screen addiction. However, devices like
the aipin offer a glimpse into a world where our
(04:40):
interaction with technology is more balanced and more personable and
less screen centric. AI's capability to provide conversational context ware
assistance can transform our relationship with technology, turning it from
a source of distraction to a tool that supports our
lives without dominating them. The aipin represents a technological advancement
(05:01):
and a tool for practicing mindfulness and presence in our
daily lives. It echoes the Biblical principle of stewardship, using
technology wisely in a way that enhances, rather than detracts
from our real life interactions and experiences. Smartphones have brought
many wonders, but they have also taken many things away
from us, like time and attention and evisiants five fifteen
(05:22):
through sixteen. We are reminded to be very careful then,
how we live, not as unwise, but as wise, making
the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.
The aipin in this context can be seen as an
opportunity to reclaim time and attention, fostering real connections and
experiences in the real world, which aligns with living wisely
(05:42):
and making the most of every moment. With all this
in mind, let's lift this story up in prayer. Heavenly Father,
we thank you for the gift of innovation and technology
as exemplified by the aipin. We pray that such advancements
help us balance our digital and real world interactions. Grant
us wisdom to use technology in a way that enriches
our lives in relationships, rather than consuming our time and
(06:03):
attention made devices like the aipin guide us toward mindful
and meaningful engagements, enhancing our daily experiences while keeping us
connected to the people and moments that truly matter. We
love you, Lord in Jesus' name Amen. In mid twenty nineteen,
a critical shift occurred in the financial operations of Hamas,
(06:23):
particularly within the military wing. Following the targeted killing of
a key Hamas commander described as Iran's moneyman in Gaza
by Israeli's military. There was a strategic pivot in how
funds were managed and transferred. This commander was integral to
Thehwalan network, a traditional system of money transfer in the
Middle East which facilitates the movements of tens of millions
(06:45):
of dollars from Iran all the way to Hamas. Zuhar
Shamalak Succeeding the falling commander introduced a significant change in
Hamas's financial strategy by incorporating digital currencies. This move aimed
to mitigate the risks associated with moving physical money and goods.
Digital tokens began to replace the traditional hawala system, allowing
(07:07):
for more discrete and efficient transactions protected by layers of firewalls.
Chamlaka's money exchanges played a crucial role in this new system.
They facilitated the conversation of crypto to cash within the
gaza strip, maintaining a semblance of normal business operations to
obscure illicit financial activities. This shift enabled Hamas and its affiliates,
(07:29):
including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to receive substantial funding from Iran
in the years leading up to the twenty twenty one
attacks on Israel. A few years back, in response, Israel's
national Bureau of Counter Terror Financing took action. Since twenty
twenty one, it has issued orders to seize crypto funds
like the Gods and exchanges associated with Hamas. These actions
(07:52):
spotlighted the significant amounts being transferred through this channel, with
millions in crypto received by wallets connected to these exchanges.
What's this all mean Well, Hamas's adaptation to cryptocurrency has
drawn increased scrutiny from international authorities. As of late, the
US government, recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization has limited
(08:13):
its access to traditional banking systems, thereby inadvertently driving the
group towards alternative financial channels like cryptocurrency. The Treasury Department
has targeted specific crypto platforms, identifying them as primary hubs
from money laundering and terrorist financing. Initially, Hamas utilized cryptocurrency
for small scale donations. However, around twenty twenty it became
(08:35):
a primary method for large scale transfers from Iran. This
has made it so that organizations like Hamas can gain
millions and millions in funding from bad actors right under
our noses. This evolution marks a significant shift from the
earlier more direct methods obtaining funds, such as through tunnels
or smuggling cash. The use of cryptocurrency by HAMAS poses
(08:58):
unique challenges. The blockchain technology, while transparent, is often utilized
through foreign platforms with weak identity controls. This complexity is
further compounded by the use of quote unquote mixers and
other privacy enhancing techniques, making it difficult to trace exactly
how funds flow. Despite the international efforts to curb their
(09:19):
financial activities, Hamas's use of crypto remains active and sophisticated,
bringing in millions and millions of dollars. Their network, spanning
across multiple countries and involving various exchange services, continues to function,
adapting to countermeasures and finding new ways to sustain their
financial operations. This leads us to what's happening in North Korea.
(09:42):
Recent investigations have actually revealed a staggering reality. North Korean
hackers have allegedly siphoned hundreds of millions in cryptocurrency to
fund the nation's nuclear programs. This alarming development underscores the
sophisticated and illicit ways North Korea and HAMAS circums dent
global sanctions. North Korea linked cyber criminals have been implicated
(10:04):
in the theft of over two hundred million dollars in
cryptocurrency from January to August of this year. This amount
represents over twenty percent of all crypto thefts this year. Notably,
these thefts are believed to directly support North Korea's nuclear programs.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, facing stringent UN sanctions,
(10:25):
has found itself economically isolated from the rest of the world,
So how does it respond? The sanctions targeting financial services
in trade aim to cut off funding for North Korea's
nuclear ballistic missile endeavors. However, the recent surge in crypto
theft singles a strategic pivot by the regime. Instead of
traditional revenue generating activities like trade, North Korea is increasingly
(10:47):
turning to cybercrime as a lucrative and efficient source of income.
Does that sound familiar? Like comas North Korea is making
up for international sanctions through the exchange of cryptocurrency. North
Korean hackers have demonstrated a deep understanding of the crypto
ecosystem exactly like these players in Hamas, exploiting its vulnerabilities
(11:08):
through fising, supply chain attacks and infrastructure hacks. These sophisticated
operations involve compromising private keys and seed phrases, allowing unfettered
access to large crypto reserves. In twenty twenty two, a
record three point eight billion dollars was stolen from crypto businesses,
with North Korea linked attackers playing a significant role. The
(11:29):
recent development involving Hamas and North Korea reveal a striking
commonality the strategic pivot to cryptocurrency to circumvent international sanctions
and fund their operations. This shift underscores the emerging challenges
in global finance and security where state and non state
actors exploit cryptocurrencies decentralized and often opaque nature for illicit purposes.
(11:53):
These moves post unique challenges for international authorities as crypto
transactions can actually be less traceable and are often conducted
through platforms with lacks identity verification. The decentralized nature of
cryptocurrencies and the use of privacy tools make it difficult
for international bodies to track and curb these illicit flows.
These activities post financial risks and escalate geopolitical tensions by
(12:17):
funding military and non military or even terror related activities abroad.
The case of Hamas in North Korea highlight a critical
juncture in global finance, tech, and security. The rise of
cryptocurrency has opened up new doors for illicit funding, challenges
existing regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. As the world grapples
(12:37):
with these issues, it is crucial to balance innovation with
robust safeguards to prevent misuse. In this endeavor, Biblical ethics
of stewardship, justice, and peace offer us valuable guidance. The
Bible also speaks of the importance of peace and justice
in Mica six eight. The actions of Hamas in North
Korea as they leverage digital currencies for their agendas, underscore
the need for vigilance and wisdom and governance and inner
(13:00):
national cooperation. Christians are called to pray for peace, for
righteous and fair use of resources, and for those in
authority to have wisdom to manage these complex issues effectively.
With all this nuance in mind, let's lift this story
up in prayer. Dear Lord, in these times of complex
global challenges, we pray for wisdom and discernment for our
leaders and authorities tasked with maintaining peace and security. Grant
(13:22):
them the insight to navigate the intricacies of modern finance
and technology. Using these tools for good not harm. May
your justice prevail in all nations, bringing about a world
where resources are used for healing and building up rather
than destruction and strife. In Jesus name, we pray amen.
In a historic move, the Supreme Court has issued its
(13:42):
first ever Code of Conduct, a decision that marks a
significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability within the highest
court of the land. This development follows months of intense
corutiny and criticism over ethical standards, particularly in light of
undisclosed trips and favors involving some of the Supreme Court justices.
The fifteen page document is not entirely novel, but rather
(14:04):
a formalization of practices the justices have informally adhered to.
The Absence of such a document previously led to public
misconceptions about the ethical boundaries governing the Supreme Court justices.
This code therefore serves as a clarification in a commitment
to uphold ethical standards akin to those expected of jurists
or other judges across the country. Here are a few
(14:27):
key elements of what we see in the Code of Conduct. First,
it is advisory resources. Justices can see guidance from a
range of sources including colleagues, judicial decisions, lower court judges,
in House legal council, scholars, and scholarly works. But there's
also an absence of central Ethics office. Interestingly, that the
code does not establish a single ethics office or an
(14:47):
advisor and lacks specific penalties for violations of this code.
That's something that Congress is going to be sure to ratify.
There's also a binding nature to this code of conduct.
The document signed by all nine current justices suggests that
future justices must affirmatively accept the code for it to
be binding on them. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a vocal critic,
(15:08):
pointed out the shortcomings of this code, emphasizing the need
for a mechanism to investigate and enforce these rules. The
quote unquote honor system, according to him, has proven insufficient
in a system of checks and balances. Plenty of safeguards
are in place for the executive and legislative branches of
our government, but there are much fewer for the judicial branch.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has past legislation aimed to tighten
(15:32):
standards for the Supreme Court. This includes creating a complaint
process and allowing investigations by Chief justices of lower courts.
The idea of a code of ethics gained traction around
twenty nineteen, partly influenced by societal shifts like the Me
Too movement, prompting a re examination of workplace ethics. However,
the project cell delays until recent developments expedited its finalization.
(15:54):
The code underwent several revisions, indicating diverse views among the
justices about its necessity and its scope. The Code of
Conduct includes a statement detailed rules in interpretive commentary. It
mirrors the rules for other federal judges, but with adjustments
reflecting the Supreme Court's unique position and operational dynamics. While
some rules are explicit, like prohibiting participation in partisan political events,
(16:18):
others are more principle based and open for interpretation. The
commentary recognizes these gray areas, especially concerning actions that might
affect public confidence in the perception of the judicial impartiality.
It's unclear if the code, had it been in effect earlier,
would have prevented recent controversies. For instance, Justice Thomas, involved
(16:39):
with the Bohemian Grove, would not have been expressively prohibited
by these rules, but perhaps it would have been a
deterrent for him While the release of the code is
seen as a positive step, it raises questions due to
the lack of central Ethics office in the continued reliance
on individual justices discretion for recusal decisions, the Court might
consider additional resources for ongoing ethics review and recusal issues.
(17:03):
The issuance of the Code of Conduct for the Supreme
Court aligns with the Biblical principles emphasizing the importance of
integrity and accountability in leadership, as exemplified in Proverbs eleven three.
Just as the Bible advocates for leaders to be above
reproach in Titus one seven through nine. This code represents
an effort to hold the highest judicial figures in the
nation to a standard of ethical conduct, but fitting their role.
(17:26):
Our faith underscores the significance of accountability not just to God,
but also to one another. Like James five to sixteen says,
this code, in essence serves as a commitment by the
justices to hold themselves accountable to ethical standards, thereby fostering
trust and confidence among the public that they serve. The
Supreme Court's decision to implement its first ever Code of
Conduct is a pivotal moment in its history. It symbolizes
(17:49):
a commitment to higher ethical standards and a response to
public concern over judicial integrity. While the code is not
without its limitations and areas needing improvement, it is essential
step towards ensuring that the highest court in the land
upholds not only the law, but also the moral and
ethical standards expected of its stature. As believers, we recognize
this development as a reflection of the Biblical call for
(18:11):
integrity and accountability and leadership, while also asking the necessary question,
why did this take so long? Let's pray, Dear Lord,
we thank you for guiding our leaders towards accountability and integrity.
We pray that this new code of conduct for the
Supreme Court Justice is serves as a foundation for ethical
decision making and transparency. May it strengthen the public's trust
in the judicial system and remind those in power of
(18:33):
their responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness. Guide each justice
to act with wisdom and discernment, reflecting your principles in
every decision they make. Em thank you for joining us
today on premiews. It is our aim to be informed
and transformed. We pray today it would proceed with hope, love,
and determination. To be a force for good. If you've
enjoyed the stake on the news, consider writing this review
and share your experience. You can sign up for a
(18:56):
newsletter at prenews dot com. There you'll find sources to
all of our reporting. To download the Prey dot com
app to make prayer priority in your life and experience
the Bible in new and exciting ways. God bless
Therefore, watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise but
as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil
Ephesians five fifteen through sixteen. Dear Lord, we recognize that
this world is filled with darkness. The shadows of sin, shame,
and ideology seek to distort our vision and lead us astray.
(00:20):
Yet we know you are abundant in wisdom, able to
shed light in the darkest of places. Would you give
us your insight, Lord, not vapid knowledge, but true discernment
and wisdom from your spirit. Help us to navigate these
confusing times with humility, understanding, and conviction. We pray these
things with trust, knowing that you will illuminate our hearts
(00:40):
and open up our minds to your will. In Jesus' name,
we pray. Amen. Welcome to Pray News where hope is
our only bias. Today's news at a glance, Can AI
help cure your smartphone addiction? We take a deep dive
into how hamas in North Korea have used crypto to
fund war and nuclear programs, and in a step towards accountability,
(01:02):
the Supreme Court issues a code of conduct. Today, we
are reminded that this world can be confusing, dark and chaotic.
Navigating everyday life without compromising our integrity is becoming harder
and harder to do. Yet, today, let's cling to God's wisdom,
ask for understanding, and exercise discernment in everything. We're glad
you're here. We pray today's take on the news leaves
(01:23):
you informed and transformed. If Prey News has offered value
to your daily routine, be sure to follow and subscribe.
That way, you never have to miss an episode, and
it helps others find this podcast. Before we dive into
today's first story, let's hear a word from these sponsors.
In an age where technology has become an extension of ourselves,
a revolutionary device emerges, promising innovation in a rekindled relationship
(01:47):
with the world around us. The new AI pin by
Humane stands as a beacon of hope in our ongoing
battle against smartphone addiction. This intriguing piece of technology, a
two inch square magnetic pin, may seem small, yet it
holds the potential to bring about a significant shift in
our digital lives. The first encounter with the aipin is
(02:07):
nothing short of magical. An aqua blue laser light from
the pin springs to life in your palm, displaying a
menu navigated by a simple wrist motion or a pinch
to select options. This tiny device, priced at six hundred
and ninety nine dollars with a twenty four dollars a
month subscription, encapsulates a range of functionalities, answering questions, making calls,
(02:29):
sending texts, playing music, and even taking photos. Its design
philosophy is to blend seamlessly into the fabric of everyday
life at minimizing distractions and screens. Unlike the continuous influx
of notifications on smartphones, the aipin is designed to facilitate
quick and somewhat personal interactions, thereby reducing the time spent
(02:49):
on staring at screens. It's a refreshing approach, making technology
an assistant rather than a focal point to our attention.
The thought is that if you're interacting with information through
conversation with it an AI assistant, it's far better for
your mental health than doom scrolling on your phone. What
sets the aipin apart is its reliance on voice commands
and projections. Instead of a screen, information is projected onto
(03:12):
your hand through the lasers. This feature, combined with a
personic speaker offers a unique interaction method, moving us away
from traditional screen based engagement. It's an innovative step towards
a future where information is accessible in a more natural
and less intrusive way. Think about it this way. You
learn a lot more by having a conversation with someone
(03:34):
than reading something on a page. In essence, the way
you take in information is no longer scrolling on a
phone and staring at a screen for a long period
of time, but rather having a conversation with a knowledgeable
and personable AI assistant. The heart of the aipin is
in its AI driven assistant, which delivers information conversationally and
remembers past queries. It has made a respectful shift from
(03:56):
the always on assistance we're accustomed to requiring a touch
to activate, thereby respecting our privacy and attention. Alexa and
Siri are always listening to you, waiting for you to
command it to do something, but the aipin listens only
when you prompt it to. So. Not only is Humane
wanting to shift away from doom scrolling and a reliance
on screens, but it's also looking to maintain privacy in
(04:19):
a world where information is being shared everywhere. This technology
reminiscent of the conversational capabilities of GPT four, promises an
intelligent and interactive experience as we look towards the future,
we wouldn't have expected AI to emerge as a promising
key and addressing smartphone and screen addiction. However, devices like
the aipin offer a glimpse into a world where our
(04:40):
interaction with technology is more balanced and more personable and
less screen centric. AI's capability to provide conversational context ware
assistance can transform our relationship with technology, turning it from
a source of distraction to a tool that supports our
lives without dominating them. The aipin represents a technological advancement
(05:01):
and a tool for practicing mindfulness and presence in our
daily lives. It echoes the Biblical principle of stewardship, using
technology wisely in a way that enhances, rather than detracts
from our real life interactions and experiences. Smartphones have brought
many wonders, but they have also taken many things away
from us, like time and attention and evisiants five fifteen
(05:22):
through sixteen. We are reminded to be very careful then,
how we live, not as unwise, but as wise, making
the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.
The aipin in this context can be seen as an
opportunity to reclaim time and attention, fostering real connections and
experiences in the real world, which aligns with living wisely
(05:42):
and making the most of every moment. With all this
in mind, let's lift this story up in prayer. Heavenly Father,
we thank you for the gift of innovation and technology
as exemplified by the aipin. We pray that such advancements
help us balance our digital and real world interactions. Grant
us wisdom to use technology in a way that enriches
our lives in relationships, rather than consuming our time and
(06:03):
attention made devices like the aipin guide us toward mindful
and meaningful engagements, enhancing our daily experiences while keeping us
connected to the people and moments that truly matter. We
love you, Lord in Jesus' name Amen. In mid twenty nineteen,
a critical shift occurred in the financial operations of Hamas,
(06:23):
particularly within the military wing. Following the targeted killing of
a key Hamas commander described as Iran's moneyman in Gaza
by Israeli's military. There was a strategic pivot in how
funds were managed and transferred. This commander was integral to
Thehwalan network, a traditional system of money transfer in the
Middle East which facilitates the movements of tens of millions
(06:45):
of dollars from Iran all the way to Hamas. Zuhar
Shamalak Succeeding the falling commander introduced a significant change in
Hamas's financial strategy by incorporating digital currencies. This move aimed
to mitigate the risks associated with moving physical money and goods.
Digital tokens began to replace the traditional hawala system, allowing
(07:07):
for more discrete and efficient transactions protected by layers of firewalls.
Chamlaka's money exchanges played a crucial role in this new system.
They facilitated the conversation of crypto to cash within the
gaza strip, maintaining a semblance of normal business operations to
obscure illicit financial activities. This shift enabled Hamas and its affiliates,
(07:29):
including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to receive substantial funding from Iran
in the years leading up to the twenty twenty one
attacks on Israel. A few years back, in response, Israel's
national Bureau of Counter Terror Financing took action. Since twenty
twenty one, it has issued orders to seize crypto funds
like the Gods and exchanges associated with Hamas. These actions
(07:52):
spotlighted the significant amounts being transferred through this channel, with
millions in crypto received by wallets connected to these exchanges.
What's this all mean Well, Hamas's adaptation to cryptocurrency has
drawn increased scrutiny from international authorities. As of late, the
US government, recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization has limited
(08:13):
its access to traditional banking systems, thereby inadvertently driving the
group towards alternative financial channels like cryptocurrency. The Treasury Department
has targeted specific crypto platforms, identifying them as primary hubs
from money laundering and terrorist financing. Initially, Hamas utilized cryptocurrency
for small scale donations. However, around twenty twenty it became
(08:35):
a primary method for large scale transfers from Iran. This
has made it so that organizations like Hamas can gain
millions and millions in funding from bad actors right under
our noses. This evolution marks a significant shift from the
earlier more direct methods obtaining funds, such as through tunnels
or smuggling cash. The use of cryptocurrency by HAMAS poses
(08:58):
unique challenges. The blockchain technology, while transparent, is often utilized
through foreign platforms with weak identity controls. This complexity is
further compounded by the use of quote unquote mixers and
other privacy enhancing techniques, making it difficult to trace exactly
how funds flow. Despite the international efforts to curb their
(09:19):
financial activities, Hamas's use of crypto remains active and sophisticated,
bringing in millions and millions of dollars. Their network, spanning
across multiple countries and involving various exchange services, continues to function,
adapting to countermeasures and finding new ways to sustain their
financial operations. This leads us to what's happening in North Korea.
(09:42):
Recent investigations have actually revealed a staggering reality. North Korean
hackers have allegedly siphoned hundreds of millions in cryptocurrency to
fund the nation's nuclear programs. This alarming development underscores the
sophisticated and illicit ways North Korea and HAMAS circums dent
global sanctions. North Korea linked cyber criminals have been implicated
(10:04):
in the theft of over two hundred million dollars in
cryptocurrency from January to August of this year. This amount
represents over twenty percent of all crypto thefts this year. Notably,
these thefts are believed to directly support North Korea's nuclear programs.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, facing stringent UN sanctions,
(10:25):
has found itself economically isolated from the rest of the world,
So how does it respond? The sanctions targeting financial services
in trade aim to cut off funding for North Korea's
nuclear ballistic missile endeavors. However, the recent surge in crypto
theft singles a strategic pivot by the regime. Instead of
traditional revenue generating activities like trade, North Korea is increasingly
(10:47):
turning to cybercrime as a lucrative and efficient source of income.
Does that sound familiar? Like comas North Korea is making
up for international sanctions through the exchange of cryptocurrency. North
Korean hackers have demonstrated a deep understanding of the crypto
ecosystem exactly like these players in Hamas, exploiting its vulnerabilities
(11:08):
through fising, supply chain attacks and infrastructure hacks. These sophisticated
operations involve compromising private keys and seed phrases, allowing unfettered
access to large crypto reserves. In twenty twenty two, a
record three point eight billion dollars was stolen from crypto businesses,
with North Korea linked attackers playing a significant role. The
(11:29):
recent development involving Hamas and North Korea reveal a striking
commonality the strategic pivot to cryptocurrency to circumvent international sanctions
and fund their operations. This shift underscores the emerging challenges
in global finance and security where state and non state
actors exploit cryptocurrencies decentralized and often opaque nature for illicit purposes.
(11:53):
These moves post unique challenges for international authorities as crypto
transactions can actually be less traceable and are often conducted
through platforms with lacks identity verification. The decentralized nature of
cryptocurrencies and the use of privacy tools make it difficult
for international bodies to track and curb these illicit flows.
These activities post financial risks and escalate geopolitical tensions by
(12:17):
funding military and non military or even terror related activities abroad.
The case of Hamas in North Korea highlight a critical
juncture in global finance, tech, and security. The rise of
cryptocurrency has opened up new doors for illicit funding, challenges
existing regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. As the world grapples
(12:37):
with these issues, it is crucial to balance innovation with
robust safeguards to prevent misuse. In this endeavor, Biblical ethics
of stewardship, justice, and peace offer us valuable guidance. The
Bible also speaks of the importance of peace and justice
in Mica six eight. The actions of Hamas in North
Korea as they leverage digital currencies for their agendas, underscore
the need for vigilance and wisdom and governance and inner
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national cooperation. Christians are called to pray for peace, for
righteous and fair use of resources, and for those in
authority to have wisdom to manage these complex issues effectively.
With all this nuance in mind, let's lift this story
up in prayer. Dear Lord, in these times of complex
global challenges, we pray for wisdom and discernment for our
leaders and authorities tasked with maintaining peace and security. Grant
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them the insight to navigate the intricacies of modern finance
and technology. Using these tools for good not harm. May
your justice prevail in all nations, bringing about a world
where resources are used for healing and building up rather
than destruction and strife. In Jesus name, we pray amen.
In a historic move, the Supreme Court has issued its
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first ever Code of Conduct, a decision that marks a
significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability within the highest
court of the land. This development follows months of intense
corutiny and criticism over ethical standards, particularly in light of
undisclosed trips and favors involving some of the Supreme Court justices.
The fifteen page document is not entirely novel, but rather
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a formalization of practices the justices have informally adhered to.
The Absence of such a document previously led to public
misconceptions about the ethical boundaries governing the Supreme Court justices.
This code therefore serves as a clarification in a commitment
to uphold ethical standards akin to those expected of jurists
or other judges across the country. Here are a few
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key elements of what we see in the Code of Conduct. First,
it is advisory resources. Justices can see guidance from a
range of sources including colleagues, judicial decisions, lower court judges,
in House legal council, scholars, and scholarly works. But there's
also an absence of central Ethics office. Interestingly, that the
code does not establish a single ethics office or an
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advisor and lacks specific penalties for violations of this code.
That's something that Congress is going to be sure to ratify.
There's also a binding nature to this code of conduct.
The document signed by all nine current justices suggests that
future justices must affirmatively accept the code for it to
be binding on them. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a vocal critic,
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pointed out the shortcomings of this code, emphasizing the need
for a mechanism to investigate and enforce these rules. The
quote unquote honor system, according to him, has proven insufficient
in a system of checks and balances. Plenty of safeguards
are in place for the executive and legislative branches of
our government, but there are much fewer for the judicial branch.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has past legislation aimed to tighten
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standards for the Supreme Court. This includes creating a complaint
process and allowing investigations by Chief justices of lower courts.
The idea of a code of ethics gained traction around
twenty nineteen, partly influenced by societal shifts like the Me
Too movement, prompting a re examination of workplace ethics. However,
the project cell delays until recent developments expedited its finalization.
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The code underwent several revisions, indicating diverse views among the
justices about its necessity and its scope. The Code of
Conduct includes a statement detailed rules in interpretive commentary. It
mirrors the rules for other federal judges, but with adjustments
reflecting the Supreme Court's unique position and operational dynamics. While
some rules are explicit, like prohibiting participation in partisan political events,
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others are more principle based and open for interpretation. The
commentary recognizes these gray areas, especially concerning actions that might
affect public confidence in the perception of the judicial impartiality.
It's unclear if the code, had it been in effect earlier,
would have prevented recent controversies. For instance, Justice Thomas, involved
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with the Bohemian Grove, would not have been expressively prohibited
by these rules, but perhaps it would have been a
deterrent for him While the release of the code is
seen as a positive step, it raises questions due to
the lack of central Ethics office in the continued reliance
on individual justices discretion for recusal decisions, the Court might
consider additional resources for ongoing ethics review and recusal issues.
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The issuance of the Code of Conduct for the Supreme
Court aligns with the Biblical principles emphasizing the importance of
integrity and accountability in leadership, as exemplified in Proverbs eleven three.
Just as the Bible advocates for leaders to be above
reproach in Titus one seven through nine. This code represents
an effort to hold the highest judicial figures in the
nation to a standard of ethical conduct, but fitting their role.
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Our faith underscores the significance of accountability not just to God,
but also to one another. Like James five to sixteen says,
this code, in essence serves as a commitment by the
justices to hold themselves accountable to ethical standards, thereby fostering
trust and confidence among the public that they serve. The
Supreme Court's decision to implement its first ever Code of
Conduct is a pivotal moment in its history. It symbolizes
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a commitment to higher ethical standards and a response to
public concern over judicial integrity. While the code is not
without its limitations and areas needing improvement, it is essential
step towards ensuring that the highest court in the land
upholds not only the law, but also the moral and
ethical standards expected of its stature. As believers, we recognize
this development as a reflection of the Biblical call for
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integrity and accountability and leadership, while also asking the necessary question,
why did this take so long? Let's pray, Dear Lord,
we thank you for guiding our leaders towards accountability and integrity.
We pray that this new code of conduct for the
Supreme Court Justice is serves as a foundation for ethical
decision making and transparency. May it strengthen the public's trust
in the judicial system and remind those in power of
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their responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness. Guide each justice
to act with wisdom and discernment, reflecting your principles in
every decision they make. Em thank you for joining us
today on premiews. It is our aim to be informed
and transformed. We pray today it would proceed with hope, love,
and determination. To be a force for good. If you've
enjoyed the stake on the news, consider writing this review
and share your experience. You can sign up for a
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newsletter at prenews dot com. There you'll find sources to
all of our reporting. To download the Prey dot com
app to make prayer priority in your life and experience
the Bible in new and exciting ways. God bless
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