Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate and express ourselves. It is the foundation of human culture and society. Our words play a crucial role in shaping the world we live in today. The ability to use language to share ideas and articulate desires has enabled individuals to stand up for their rights and make their voices heard. This has led to the creation of important documents such as the Magna Carta, the U.S. Constitution, and Satoshi Nakamoto’s white paper which have helped to protect the rights and freedoms of people around the world. Language can also be used to manipulate and control people. The issue of censorship is a complex and ongoing one that touches on the balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of the state. In recent years, there has been a push to censor certain topics, which goes against the principles of free speech and expression enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The success of the U.S. Constitution can be attributed to its design of decentralizing power. By implementing checks and balances to prevent any one individual or branch of government from accumulating too much power the system has served as a model for other countries while contributing to the stability and prosperity of the United States. However, with the advent of modern technology, there are concerns that the current regime may be seeking to centralize power within the U.S. government. This could potentially undermine the principles of decentralization and checks and balances that have been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the Constitution. Preserving the rights and freedoms of the individual is vital for a legitimate democracy. It is important to remain vigilant if we the people want to ensure that the decentralization of power is preserved and upheld.
The relationship between the state and the individual can be complex. Depending on where you are born the state will almost certainly end up imposing taxes on income and property as well as regulating behavior through laws and policies that may not always align with an individual’s personal beliefs or values. This can lead to a lack of trust in the government. In the U.S., individuals are required to pay various taxes, such as property taxes on land they own, income taxes on their earnings, and inheritance taxes when they wish to pass wealth down to their family. There is also an exit tax for wealthy individuals who renounce their citizenship. While these taxes are meant to fund government services and programs, they can be a major source of frustration, especially when you consider that in the United States we have the power to print the money the global reserve currency. Wealthy individuals may seek the help of accountants and lawyers to minimize their tax burden and find ways to “game the system.” It is important for the government to ensure that its tax policies are fair and equitable. To build trust with its citizens by being transparent and accountable. If taxes were openly debated and decided upon by taxpayers, it is possible that a more fair and equitable tax system, such as a flat tax, could be implemented. Under a flat tax system, all taxpayers would pay the same percentage of their income in taxes, regardless of their income level. This would eliminate the need for a complex tax code with different rates for different types of income and would reduce the burden of compliance on taxpayers. It would also help shrink government spending because they wouldn’t need to hire an additional 87,000 IRS agents to prosecute those who try to cheat Uncle Sam. I understand it is not an easy job trying to balance the needs of the government with the ability of taxpayers to pay. By allowing taxpayers to have a say in the tax system, there is a greater likelihood that it will be viewed as legitimate and fair, and that it will gain the support of the public.
Unfortunately, it seems that there is currently little political will among those in power to implement a policy like this. Thus, the decentralization of power through open-source software and networks, like Bitcoin, can provide individuals with greater autonomy and control over their lives. This new system will facilitate the spread of ideas, including those outlined in the U.S. Constitution, around the world. The United States, with its tradition of private property and wealth creation, serves as a beacon of hope for many people. The government is there to protect private property and individual rights. This was best accomplished by the United States for a long time, but in this new system government might not be as necessary. If people are able to protect their private property without the need for a government, it raises questions about the legitimacy of the state’s actions, such as the imposition of taxes that take a significant portion of wealth from the population without providing sufficient value in return. The decision by the United States to go off the gold standard in 1971 marked a significant shift in the relationship between money and reality. Without the constraint of a fixed exchange rate with gold, the value of money became more susceptible to manipulation. When the money becomes manipulated so does everything else. There have been numerous examples since 1971 of the government attempting to centralize power and impose mandates without engaging in open debate and justification of its actions.
A great example he United States telling that Edward Snowden, who exposed the illegal surveillance practices of the National Security Agency (NSA) against U.S. citizens, was exiled for his actions. If the state was the guilty party yet Snowden was the one who ended up prosecuted this should raise questions about the nature of the state’s relationship with its citizens. It is important for the state to act as a responsible arbiter of law for its citizens. The state however should not be acting as a helicopter parent. A good parent woll help their children grow and develop into sovereign individuals. A healthy parent-child relationship is based on trust, mutual respect, and a sense of interdependence, with both parties benefiting from the relationship. In contrast, a relationship marked by abuse and control can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential and becoming productive members of society. When the state gets in the way of productive individuals they destroy value for the economy. It is important for the state to respect the autonomy and dignity of its citizens, and to work towards building a relationship of trust and mutual benefit. History has shown us that this power often gets corrupted when an empire loses sight of what made it so great.
Taking an objective look at the relationship between the state and the individual is difficult, even in the United States, which has some of the best property rights in the world. We are currently dealing with an abusive relationship, and if you think that the watchmen are going to fix the mess they made, I have a bridge to sell you (and yes, I accept bitcoin ;)). Jokes aside, we shouldn’t accept this relationship. We should demand that the government stop spending money it doesn’t have and get out of the way so people can provide value and build a life full of abundance for themselves. This all starts with property rights not being violated. The world is lucky that Satoshi figured out a way to grant property rights to all individuals through the bitcoin network. With a 12 or 24 word seed phrase, anyone can take their private property anywhere in the world, an incredible accomplishment that empowers individuals to break away from tyrannical governments. The more people who adopt this technology, the more expensive it becomes for tyranny to take place. I often take for granted the words written in the U.S. Constitution, but without them, I would not have the confidence to write this essay due to concerns about being thrown in jail or prosecuted for the “thought crime” of criticizing my own government. If words weren’t so powerful, there wouldn’t be a push by the gatekeepers of the world to censor certain topics. Next time someone tells you that your words aren’t powerful, remind them that words are the only way to maintain a healthy society.
…
One more day and then I will have to submit this bad boy. Tomorrow I would like to add a part about how we can’t even begin to imagine what a world would look like if everyone was playing a fair game that gave no one an advantage. People would be forced to provide value if they want to become wealthy rather than act as a parasitic middlemen. Bitcoin is dope guys :D
1/5/23
Conor Jay Chepenik
