A common tactic of political regimes grabbing more powers is to first direct these on unpopular, disreputable or otherwise easily discredited targets. They start there knowing that few will defend these unsavoury people on principle, and that the sheep can be distracted from the real issues by bringing up all these people’s defects. With those powers thus legitimized through precedent, the regime can advance to wield them on the general population.

A contemporary example is corporately-administered but state-directed censorship, first with Alex Jones, Milo, Spencer, etc. Since these people are hard to defend personally, even free speech advocates have to waste time throat clearing, after which there is only time for a weak defence of the principles involved. The tactic thus legitimized, the power grabbers were then free to move on to blanket censorship on major platforms.

Why does this matter now? Well, they are using the exact same tactic now in the “then they fight us now” phase of Bitcoin. The regime is targeting controversial people because of their past as bitcoiners, and some people that call themselves bitcoiners are bringing up the victims’ misdeeds instead of providing an unqualified and full-throated defence.

Let’s not fall into this trap. Let’s not waste precious time on bullshit. Let’s defend principles. Let’s defend people prosecuted for non-crimes or for crimes they didn’t commit, even if they may have committed other offences. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.

Women, OTOH, will not stop talking about their marriages. Often with a disturbing amount of detail.

You made me think with this post… can’t say any guy, including my closest friends, has ever asked about my marriage and if it happened, I would be very suspicious. If a woman asked, I would run for the hills to make sure I stay married.

You need standing to challenge. And, to have standing you need to be in jail. The Samourai people may not be heroes, but they are victims, are Bitcoiners, and have standing. Why not make this our hill? I’m ready to put my money where my mouth is and I’m sure others are as well.

But, are they too late? I’m surprised at the level of demoralization this week.

All positive law (i.e. legislation) is subjective. It is imposed from above and administered by State employees who happen to work for a different department than the legislators.

Interesting emphasis on first-seen by the network instead of PoW. Shows how much we have advanced in our understanding of Bitcoin.

History books are written by the victors.

Remember, the process is the punishment. If they want to take you out, they will. 99% conviction rate because they will throw a 100,000 page book at you. If you fight in court, you may “win” but only after spending years in jail and you will be bankrupt. Most likely you will lose on a technicality, or lose because you can’t afford to pay legal fees after all your funds have been civil forfeited. That’s why most times you will plead a deal.

This is not doomerism, just reality. Act accordingly, stay a nym, resist through civil disobedience and not fighting head on, and don’t become a martyr.

At least for me, this is a function of having children.

GM. TAKE THE HIGH ROAD. EVEN IF THE MORONS WON’T TAKE NOTE, MANY OTHERS WILL.

Too funny! Now I know you’re serious and not just engagement trolling.

You are over your skis. Maybe some developers feel constrained because one of nine OpenSats members is also a partner in a VC fund that invests in competitors to OpenSats grantees. That doesn’t mean that there is a secret agreement imposed. If you don’t like how OpenSats is allocating grants, then donate directly. If you are a developer and feel uncomfortable, raise donations directly from your users. No need for drama.

If he double spends it, the replacement will find its way to a miner via full rbf nodes.

grug gets paid in ice cubes that are melting faster and faster, cant save any for mama or baby grug so buys bitcoin. other grugs catch on, buy bitcoin from the grugs that were early. both happy, early grug has enough left, later grug got rid of ice cubes. big brains laugh at grugs, but their ice cubes melt too. soon enough, all grugs want bitcoin, only work for bitcoin and therefore can only spend bitcoin, ice cubes are for summer drinks only. bean counters are not grugs, but they have to count their beans in bitcoins cause nobody uses ice cubes no more.

I knew nothing about US vs Iran naval history but your post still triggered my BS detection senses. Glad to confirm these are working well. SEAL established in 1962. Plus, Iran was a US puppet from 1953 until 1979. Try harder.

There I was feeling like a genius because I smash-bought just 10 days ago. LOL!

Had no idea! The only reason I switched to nostr:npub12vkcxr0luzwp8e673v29eqjhrr7p9vqq8asav85swaepclllj09sylpugg was for the zaps. Probably not going back tho. No shade on nostr:npub18m76awca3y37hkvuneavuw6pjj4525fw90necxmadrvjg0sdy6qsngq955 but I’m happy where I am and switching costs are a thing, at least for almost-boomers like me.

I like the general sentiment though I don’t recommend whole-coiner as status symbol. We talk about Bitcoin, we never talk about _our_ bitcoins.

His donations are needed as much as Saylor’s… not at all.