There comes a time when the destructive actions and policies of leadership must be confronted by the people they represent. The national security enterprise has succeeded in developing a permanent system that diverts much of the country’s resources to the military/intelligence/security sector. This action undermines and threatens the social and economic status of our nation. The event, Speaking Truth to Power: a permanent state of war was an evening of provocative commentary by a collection of powerful speakers from academia, political activism and advanced peace studies including veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who shared their personal stories and perspectives of our permanent state of war and the true costs on human life. We believe the American people must know the truth.