TD₿: How Bitcoin Enforces Human Rights (a film) by Anita Posch
TL;DR The unique properties of Bitcoin allow it to protect the human rights of people all around the world.
Hey Bitcoiners,
When I look back on 2022, I think Bitcoin really showcased how it can be used as a tool for freedom for individuals around the world.
Bitcoin has unique properties such as its decentralization, censorship-resistance, and its permissionless nature that allows it to help people who are attempting to protect their wealth from confiscation, censorship, and debasement.
We saw numerous examples of this as the world spiraled out of control at times throughout the year. We saw refugees using Bitcoin during the Russia/Ukraine War to escape their respective countries with some wealth, increased rates of Bitcoin adoption in jurisdictions with high rates of debasement, and Bitcoin being used to fund peaceful protests like the Canadian Freedom Trucker Convoy after their bank accounts were frozen.
Today, an estimated 2.2 billion people live under double-digit inflation. With this rise in inflation, we should also expect a rise in capital controls and censorship as governments and central banks attempt to close off all the exits to keep their citizenry in the local currency they control. For this reason, I believe Bitcoin’s unique ability to protect the rights of individuals will continue to shine in the years to come.
But don’t take it from me, take it from 20 human rights advocates who wrote a letter to Congress over the summer on the global importance of Bitcoin as a tool for freedom as U.S. regulators consider new legislation.
Here are some excerpts from the letter:
“To most in the West, the horrors of monetary colonialism, misogynist financial policy, frozen bank accounts, exploitative remittance companies, and an inability to connect to the global economy might be distant ideas. To most of us and our communities — and to the majority of people worldwide — they are daily realities. If there were “far better solutions already in use” to overcome these challenges, we would know.”
“ample evidence suggests that Bitcoin has and will continue to empower Americans and global citizens in the coming decade, and that—alongside stablecoins—this open and decentralized monetary network will help defy tyranny and strengthen democratic movements abroad.”
“To claim that the practical value and future potential of cryptocurrencies “does not exist” denies the lived experience of millions of people like us and our colleagues who have depended on Bitcoin and stablecoins in times of crisis and autocracy.”
Anita Posch recently released a documentary that explains How Bitcoin Enforces Human Rights that’s the perfect watch for you this weekend. (12/16/2022)
Anyone who looks you in the eye and seriously says, “Bitcoin is useless,” fails to consider individuals all over the world who have suffered in ways beyond their comprehension.
To the critics who hate on Bitcoin, I have a simple question for them: What’s your solution for these people?
When it’s all said and done, Bitcoin simply works for individuals when everything else has failed them. As the human rights leaders eloquently wrote, “If there were “far better solutions already in use” to overcome these challenges, we would know.”
Tick tock next block,
Sam Callahan
Sign up for Swan and buy bitcoin with best-in-class service in minutes.
Quote of the Day
“There is no capacity to kill Bitcoin. Even the Chinese, with their firewall and their extreme intervention in their society, could not kill Bitcoin…My point here is: You can’t kill Bitcoin.” - US Congressman Patrick McHenry
Job of the Day
Riot Platforms is looking for a Social Media Intern to join their talented team. This is a summer internship, expected to last 10 weeks, with an average of 40 hours per week. It is their goal to provide a collaborative work environment that allows this intern to take ownership of their projects, experiment, and ask questions. This sounds like a great opportunity to break into the industry!
Not your particular skillset? Check out all the Bitcoin jobs at bitcoinerjobs.com.
Featured Event
Tomorrow — join other Bitcoiners at Running Bitcoin in Atlanta from 11:00-1:00 pm at Terminus Electric Money Laboratory. This is a wonderful event that is raising funds for ALS research. This fundraising run is organized by Bitcoin OG Hal Finney’s family to raise money for the ALS Association, which funds research into treatment and cures for ALS. This is a great cause and an excellent way to start off the year on a healthy, positive note.
Not in town for this? Check out all the Bitcoin events at bitcoinerevents.com.
Meme of the Day
Where is Patoshi?
Where is Patoshi?