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by chinathrow 1740 days ago
Crypto cannot be a way out IMHO - resistance, outrage and press coverage can be. If you rely on technical measures to fight opression, you're doomed long term.
2 comments

"Technical measures" are the necessary leverage to get into negotiation. Without any teeth, you can do as many demonstrations as you want, the enemy probably has a better propaganda machine than you and can win the pure opinion-shaping war long term.

People shape their opinion around the perceived space of possibilities. Good luck sustaining outrage on the long term against an enemy who can incentivize friendly public discourse with tangible rewards.

Why would that be? Are you aware of historic precedences for this?
Because the problem here is companies being pressured by states for political ends. So okay, route around the banking problem by switching to crypto. It's just 100 times harder for somebody to donate, and for the foundation to spend, but whatever.

Now this rogue nation state targets your landlords, your water company, your kids' school. How much can you route around or DIY before you're a prisoner?

The fix has to be other countries pushing back, ensuring freedom.

Just like with anything security, it's not about eliminating 100% of the risk but making it harder for enemies to attack you. Crypto might not be the holy grail solution, but securing your lifeline for living in society (money), is a pretty good start.

> Now this rogue nation state targets your landlords, your water company, your kids' school.

Without access to money you can't get any of these things. With cash, you can manage to find lodging, food and education for your kids.

Holding crypto does not guarantee access to cash.

I'm not saying it's worthless, it's far better than nothing, but you're still a prisoner if you're being denied mainstream staples like banking.

No, because technical measures don't have historic precedence. They're uniquely modern.