@ eac63075:b4988b48

Since its creation in 2009, Bitcoin has symbolized innovation and resilience. However, from time to time, alarmist narratives arise about emerging technologies that could "break" its security. Among these, quantum computing stands out as one of the most recurrent. But does quantum computing truly threaten Bitcoin? And more importantly, what is the community doing to ensure the protocol remains invulnerable?

The answer, contrary to sensationalist headlines, is reassuring: Bitcoin is secure, and the community is already preparing for a future where quantum computing becomes a practical reality. Let’s dive into this topic to understand why the concerns are exaggerated and how the development of BIP-360 demonstrates that Bitcoin is one step ahead.

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What Is Quantum Computing, and Why Is Bitcoin Not Threatened?

Quantum computing leverages principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations that, in theory, could exponentially surpass classical computers—and it has nothing to do with what so-called “quantum coaches” teach to scam the uninformed. One of the concerns is that this technology could compromise two key aspects of Bitcoin’s security:

1. Wallets: These use elliptic curve algorithms (ECDSA) to protect private keys. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could deduce a private key from its public key.
2. Mining: This is based on the SHA-256 algorithm, which secures the consensus process. A quantum attack could, in theory, compromise the proof-of-work mechanism.

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Understanding Quantum Computing’s Attack Priorities

While quantum computing is often presented as a threat to Bitcoin, not all parts of the network are equally vulnerable. Theoretical attacks would be prioritized based on two main factors: ease of execution and potential reward. This creates two categories of attacks:

1. Attacks on Wallets

Bitcoin wallets, secured by elliptic curve algorithms, would be the initial targets due to the relative vulnerability of their public keys, especially those already exposed on the blockchain. Two attack scenarios stand out:

• Short-term attacks: These occur during the interval between sending a transaction and its inclusion in a block (approximately 10 minutes). A quantum computer could intercept the exposed public key and derive the corresponding private key to redirect funds by creating a transaction with higher fees.

• Long-term attacks: These focus on old wallets whose public keys are permanently exposed. Wallets associated with Satoshi Nakamoto, for example, are especially vulnerable because they were created before the practice of using hashes to mask public keys.

We can infer a priority order for how such attacks might occur based on urgency and importance.

Bitcoin Quantum Attack: Prioritization Matrix (Urgency vs. Importance)

2. Attacks on Mining

Targeting the SHA-256 algorithm, which secures the mining process, would be the next objective. However, this is far more complex and requires a level of quantum computational power that is currently non-existent and far from realization. A successful attack would allow for the recalculation of all possible hashes to dominate the consensus process and potentially "mine" it instantly.

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Satoshi Nakamoto in 2010 on Quantum Computing and Bitcoin Attacks

Recently, Narcelio asked me about a statement I made on Tubacast:

https://x.com/eddieoz/status/1868371296683511969

If an attack became a reality before Bitcoin was prepared, it would be necessary to define the last block prior to the attack and proceed from there using a new hashing algorithm. The solution would resemble the response to the infamous 2013 bug. It’s a fact that this would cause market panic, and Bitcoin's price would drop significantly, creating a potential opportunity for the well-informed.

Preferably, if developers could anticipate the threat and had time to work on a solution and build consensus before an attack, they would simply decide on a future block for the fork, which would then adopt the new algorithm. It might even rehash previous blocks (reaching consensus on them) to avoid potential reorganization through the re-mining of blocks using the old hash. (I often use the term "shielding" old transactions).

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How Can Users Protect Themselves?

While quantum computing is still far from being a practical threat, some simple measures can already protect users against hypothetical scenarios:

• Avoid using exposed public keys: Ensure funds sent to old wallets are transferred to new ones that use public key hashes. This reduces the risk of long-term attacks.
• Use modern wallets: Opt for wallets compatible with SegWit or Taproot, which implement better security practices.
• Monitor security updates: Stay informed about updates from the Bitcoin community, such as the implementation of BIP-360, which will introduce quantum-resistant addresses.
• Do not reuse addresses: Every transaction should be associated with a new address to minimize the risk of repeated exposure of the same public key.
• Adopt secure backup practices: Create offline backups of private keys and seeds in secure locations, protected from unauthorized access.

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BIP-360 and Bitcoin’s Preparation for the Future

Even though quantum computing is still beyond practical reach, the Bitcoin community is not standing still. A concrete example is BIP-360, a proposal that establishes the technical framework to make wallets resistant to quantum attacks.

BIP-360 addresses three main pillars:

1. Introduction of quantum-resistant addresses: A new address format starting with "BC1R" will be used. These addresses will be compatible with post-quantum algorithms, ensuring that stored funds are protected from future attacks.
2. Compatibility with the current ecosystem: The proposal allows users to transfer funds from old addresses to new ones without requiring drastic changes to the network infrastructure.
3. Flexibility for future updates: BIP-360 does not limit the choice of specific algorithms. Instead, it serves as a foundation for implementing new post-quantum algorithms as technology evolves.

This proposal demonstrates how Bitcoin can adapt to emerging threats without compromising its decentralized structure.

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Post-Quantum Algorithms: The Future of Bitcoin Cryptography

The community is exploring various algorithms to protect Bitcoin from quantum attacks. Among the most discussed are:

• Falcon: A solution combining smaller public keys with compact digital signatures. Although it has been tested in limited scenarios, it still faces scalability and performance challenges.
• Sphincs: Hash-based, this algorithm is renowned for its resilience, but its signatures can be extremely large, making it less efficient for networks like Bitcoin’s blockchain.
• Lamport: Created in 1977, it’s considered one of the earliest post-quantum security solutions. Despite its reliability, its gigantic public keys (16,000 bytes) make it impractical and costly for Bitcoin.

Two technologies show great promise and are well-regarded by the community:

1. Lattice-Based Cryptography: Considered one of the most promising, it uses complex mathematical structures to create systems nearly immune to quantum computing. Its implementation is still in its early stages, but the community is optimistic.
2. Supersingular Elliptic Curve Isogeny: These are very recent digital signature algorithms and require extensive study and testing before being ready for practical market use.

The final choice of algorithm will depend on factors such as efficiency, cost, and integration capability with the current system. Additionally, it is preferable that these algorithms are standardized before implementation, a process that may take up to 10 years.

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Why Quantum Computing Is Far from Being a Threat

The alarmist narrative about quantum computing overlooks the technical and practical challenges that still need to be overcome. Among them:

• Insufficient number of qubits: Current quantum computers have only a few hundred qubits, whereas successful attacks would require millions.
• High error rate: Quantum stability remains a barrier to reliable large-scale operations.
• High costs: Building and operating large-scale quantum computers requires massive investments, limiting their use to scientific or specific applications.

Moreover, even if quantum computers make significant advancements, Bitcoin is already adapting to ensure its infrastructure is prepared to respond.

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Conclusion: Bitcoin’s Secure Future

Despite advancements in quantum computing, the reality is that Bitcoin is far from being threatened. Its security is ensured not only by its robust architecture but also by the community’s constant efforts to anticipate and mitigate challenges.

The implementation of BIP-360 and the pursuit of post-quantum algorithms demonstrate that Bitcoin is not only resilient but also proactive. By adopting practical measures, such as using modern wallets and migrating to quantum-resistant addresses, users can further protect themselves against potential threats.

Bitcoin’s future is not at risk—it is being carefully shaped to withstand any emerging technology, including quantum computing.

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Based on a recent paper that included collaboration from renowned experts such as Lynn Alden, Steve Lee, and Ren Crypto Fish, we discuss in depth how Bitcoin's consensus is built, the main risks, and the complex dynamics of protocol upgrades.

PT-BR version

Podcast https://www.fountain.fm/episode/wbjD6ntQuvX5u2G5BccC

Presentation https://gamma.app/docs/Analyzing-Bitcoin-Consensus-Risks-in-Protocol-Upgrades-p66axxjwaa37ksn

1. Introduction to Consensus in Bitcoin

Consensus in Bitcoin is the foundation that keeps the network secure and functional, allowing users worldwide to perform transactions in a decentralized manner without the need for intermediaries. Since its launch in 2009, Bitcoin is often described as an "immutable" system designed to resist changes, and it is precisely this resistance that ensures its security and stability.

The central idea behind consensus in Bitcoin is to create a set of acceptance rules for blocks and transactions, ensuring that all network participants agree on the transaction history. This prevents "double-spending," where the same bitcoin could be used in two simultaneous transactions, something that would compromise trust in the network.

Evolution of Consensus in Bitcoin

Over the years, consensus in Bitcoin has undergone several adaptations, and the way participants agree on changes remains a delicate process. Unlike traditional systems, where changes can be imposed from the top down, Bitcoin operates in a decentralized model where any significant change needs the support of various groups of stakeholders, including miners, developers, users, and large node operators.

Moreover, the update process is extremely cautious, as hasty changes can compromise the network's security. As a result, the philosophy of "don't fix what isn't broken" prevails, with improvements happening incrementally and only after broad consensus among those involved. This model can make progress seem slow but ensures that Bitcoin remains faithful to the principles of security and decentralization.

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2. Technical Components of Consensus

Bitcoin's consensus is supported by a set of technical rules that determine what is considered a valid transaction and a valid block on the network. These technical aspects ensure that all nodes—the computers that participate in the Bitcoin network—agree on the current state of the blockchain. Below are the main technical components that form the basis of the consensus.

Validation of Blocks and Transactions

The validation of blocks and transactions is the central point of consensus in Bitcoin. A block is only considered valid if it meets certain criteria, such as maximum size, transaction structure, and the solving of the "Proof of Work" problem. The proof of work, required for a block to be included in the blockchain, is a computational process that ensures the block contains significant computational effort—protecting the network against manipulation attempts.

Transactions, in turn, need to follow specific input and output rules. Each transaction includes cryptographic signatures that prove the ownership of the bitcoins sent, as well as validation scripts that verify if the transaction conditions are met. This validation system is essential for network nodes to autonomously confirm that each transaction follows the rules.

Chain Selection

Another fundamental technical issue for Bitcoin's consensus is chain selection, which becomes especially important in cases where multiple versions of the blockchain coexist, such as after a network split (fork). To decide which chain is the "true" one and should be followed, the network adopts the criterion of the highest accumulated proof of work. In other words, the chain with the highest number of valid blocks, built with the greatest computational effort, is chosen by the network as the official one.

This criterion avoids permanent splits because it encourages all nodes to follow the same main chain, reinforcing consensus.

Soft Forks vs. Hard Forks

In the consensus process, protocol changes can happen in two ways: through soft forks or hard forks. These variations affect not only the protocol update but also the implications for network users:

• Soft Forks: These are changes that are backward compatible. Only nodes that adopt the new update will follow the new rules, but old nodes will still recognize the blocks produced with these rules as valid. This compatibility makes soft forks a safer option for updates, as it minimizes the risk of network division.

• Hard Forks: These are updates that are not backward compatible, requiring all nodes to update to the new version or risk being separated from the main chain. Hard forks can result in the creation of a new coin, as occurred with the split between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash in 2017. While hard forks allow for deeper changes, they also bring significant risks of network fragmentation.

These technical components form the base of Bitcoin's security and resilience, allowing the system to remain functional and immutable without losing the necessary flexibility to evolve over time.

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3. Stakeholders in Bitcoin's Consensus

Consensus in Bitcoin is not decided centrally. On the contrary, it depends on the interaction between different groups of stakeholders, each with their motivations, interests, and levels of influence. These groups play fundamental roles in how changes are implemented or rejected on the network. Below, we explore the six main stakeholders in Bitcoin's consensus.

1. Economic Nodes

Economic nodes, usually operated by exchanges, custody providers, and large companies that accept Bitcoin, exert significant influence over consensus. Because they handle large volumes of transactions and act as a connection point between the Bitcoin ecosystem and the traditional financial system, these nodes have the power to validate or reject blocks and to define which version of the software to follow in case of a fork.

Their influence is proportional to the volume of transactions they handle, and they can directly affect which chain will be seen as the main one. Their incentive is to maintain the network's stability and security to preserve its functionality and meet regulatory requirements.

2. Investors

Investors, including large institutional funds and individual Bitcoin holders, influence consensus indirectly through their impact on the asset's price. Their buying and selling actions can affect Bitcoin's value, which in turn influences the motivation of miners and other stakeholders to continue investing in the network's security and development.

Some institutional investors have agreements with custodians that may limit their ability to act in network split situations. Thus, the impact of each investor on consensus can vary based on their ownership structure and how quickly they can react to a network change.

3. Media Influencers

Media influencers, including journalists, analysts, and popular personalities on social media, have a powerful role in shaping public opinion about Bitcoin and possible updates. These influencers can help educate the public, promote debates, and bring transparency to the consensus process.

On the other hand, the impact of influencers can be double-edged: while they can clarify complex topics, they can also distort perceptions by amplifying or minimizing change proposals. This makes them a force both of support and resistance to consensus.

4. Miners

Miners are responsible for validating transactions and including blocks in the blockchain. Through computational power (hashrate), they also exert significant influence over consensus decisions. In update processes, miners often signal their support for a proposal, indicating that the new version is safe to use. However, this signaling is not always definitive, and miners can change their position if they deem it necessary.

Their incentive is to maximize returns from block rewards and transaction fees, as well as to maintain the value of investments in their specialized equipment, which are only profitable if the network remains stable.

5. Protocol Developers

Protocol developers, often called "Core Developers," are responsible for writing and maintaining Bitcoin's code. Although they do not have direct power over consensus, they possess an informal veto power since they decide which changes are included in the main client (Bitcoin Core). This group also serves as an important source of technical knowledge, helping guide decisions and inform other stakeholders.

Their incentive lies in the continuous improvement of the network, ensuring security and decentralization. Many developers are funded by grants and sponsorships, but their motivations generally include a strong ideological commitment to Bitcoin's principles.

6. Users and Application Developers

This group includes people who use Bitcoin in their daily transactions and developers who build solutions based on the network, such as wallets, exchanges, and payment platforms. Although their power in consensus is less than that of miners or economic nodes, they play an important role because they are responsible for popularizing Bitcoin's use and expanding the ecosystem.

If application developers decide not to adopt an update, this can affect compatibility and widespread acceptance. Thus, they indirectly influence consensus by deciding which version of the protocol to follow in their applications.

These stakeholders are vital to the consensus process, and each group exerts influence according to their involvement, incentives, and ability to act in situations of change. Understanding the role of each makes it clearer how consensus is formed and why it is so difficult to make significant changes to Bitcoin.

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4. Mechanisms for Activating Updates in Bitcoin

For Bitcoin to evolve without compromising security and consensus, different mechanisms for activating updates have been developed over the years. These mechanisms help coordinate changes among network nodes to minimize the risk of fragmentation and ensure that updates are implemented in an orderly manner. Here, we explore some of the main methods used in Bitcoin, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as historical examples of significant updates.

Flag Day

The Flag Day mechanism is one of the simplest forms of activating changes. In it, a specific date or block is determined as the activation moment, and all nodes must be updated by that point. This method does not involve prior signaling; participants simply need to update to the new software version by the established day or block.

• Advantages: Simplicity and predictability are the main benefits of Flag Day, as everyone knows the exact activation date.

• Disadvantages: Inflexibility can be a problem because there is no way to adjust the schedule if a significant part of the network has not updated. This can result in network splits if a significant number of nodes are not ready for the update.

An example of Flag Day was the Pay to Script Hash (P2SH) update in 2012, which required all nodes to adopt the change to avoid compatibility issues.

BIP34 and BIP9

BIP34 introduced a more dynamic process, in which miners increase the version number in block headers to signal the update. When a predetermined percentage of the last blocks is mined with this new version, the update is automatically activated. This model later evolved with BIP9, which allowed multiple updates to be signaled simultaneously through "version bits," each corresponding to a specific change.

• Advantages: Allows the network to activate updates gradually, giving more time for participants to adapt.

• Disadvantages: These methods rely heavily on miner support, which means that if a sufficient number of miners do not signal the update, it can be delayed or not implemented.

BIP9 was used in the activation of SegWit (BIP141) but faced challenges because some miners did not signal their intent to activate, leading to the development of new mechanisms.

User Activated Soft Forks (UASF) and User Resisted Soft Forks (URSF)

To increase the decision-making power of ordinary users, the concept of User Activated Soft Fork (UASF) was introduced, allowing node operators, not just miners, to determine consensus for a change. In this model, nodes set a date to start rejecting blocks that are not in compliance with the new update, forcing miners to adapt or risk having their blocks rejected by the network.

URSF, in turn, is a model where nodes reject blocks that attempt to adopt a specific update, functioning as resistance against proposed changes.

• Advantages: UASF returns decision-making power to node operators, ensuring that changes do not depend solely on miners.

• Disadvantages: Both UASF and URSF can generate network splits, especially in cases of strong opposition among different stakeholders.

An example of UASF was the activation of SegWit in 2017, where users supported activation independently of miner signaling, which ended up forcing its adoption.

BIP8 (LOT=True)

BIP8 is an evolution of BIP9, designed to prevent miners from indefinitely blocking a change desired by the majority of users and developers. BIP8 allows setting a parameter called "lockinontimeout" (LOT) as true, which means that if the update has not been fully signaled by a certain point, it is automatically activated.

• Advantages: Ensures that changes with broad support among users are not blocked by miners who wish to maintain the status quo.

• Disadvantages: Can lead to network splits if miners or other important stakeholders do not support the update.

Although BIP8 with LOT=True has not yet been used in Bitcoin, it is a proposal that can be applied in future updates if necessary.

These activation mechanisms have been essential for Bitcoin's development, allowing updates that keep the network secure and functional. Each method brings its own advantages and challenges, but all share the goal of preserving consensus and network cohesion.

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5. Risks and Considerations in Consensus Updates

Consensus updates in Bitcoin are complex processes that involve not only technical aspects but also political, economic, and social considerations. Due to the network's decentralized nature, each change brings with it a set of risks that need to be carefully assessed. Below, we explore some of the main challenges and future scenarios, as well as the possible impacts on stakeholders.

Network Fragility with Alternative Implementations

One of the main risks associated with consensus updates is the possibility of network fragmentation when there are alternative software implementations. If an update is implemented by a significant group of nodes but rejected by others, a network split (fork) can occur. This creates two competing chains, each with a different version of the transaction history, leading to unpredictable consequences for users and investors.

Such fragmentation weakens Bitcoin because, by dividing hashing power (computing) and coin value, it reduces network security and investor confidence. A notable example of this risk was the fork that gave rise to Bitcoin Cash in 2017 when disagreements over block size resulted in a new chain and a new asset.

Chain Splits and Impact on Stakeholders

Chain splits are a significant risk in update processes, especially in hard forks. During a hard fork, the network is split into two separate chains, each with its own set of rules. This results in the creation of a new coin and leaves users with duplicated assets on both chains. While this may seem advantageous, in the long run, these splits weaken the network and create uncertainties for investors.

Each group of stakeholders reacts differently to a chain split:

• Institutional Investors and ETFs: Face regulatory and compliance challenges because many of these assets are managed under strict regulations. The creation of a new coin requires decisions to be made quickly to avoid potential losses, which may be hampered by regulatory constraints.

• Miners: May be incentivized to shift their computing power to the chain that offers higher profitability, which can weaken one of the networks.

• Economic Nodes: Such as major exchanges and custody providers, have to quickly choose which chain to support, influencing the perceived value of each network.

Such divisions can generate uncertainties and loss of value, especially for institutional investors and those who use Bitcoin as a store of value.

Regulatory Impacts and Institutional Investors

With the growing presence of institutional investors in Bitcoin, consensus changes face new compliance challenges. Bitcoin ETFs, for example, are required to follow strict rules about which assets they can include and how chain split events should be handled. The creation of a new asset or migration to a new chain can complicate these processes, creating pressure for large financial players to quickly choose a chain, affecting the stability of consensus.

Moreover, decisions regarding forks can influence the Bitcoin futures and derivatives market, affecting perception and adoption by new investors. Therefore, the need to avoid splits and maintain cohesion is crucial to attract and preserve the confidence of these investors.

Security Considerations in Soft Forks and Hard Forks

While soft forks are generally preferred in Bitcoin for their backward compatibility, they are not without risks. Soft forks can create different classes of nodes on the network (updated and non-updated), which increases operational complexity and can ultimately weaken consensus cohesion. In a network scenario with fragmentation of node classes, Bitcoin's security can be affected, as some nodes may lose part of the visibility over updated transactions or rules.

In hard forks, the security risk is even more evident because all nodes need to adopt the new update to avoid network division. Experience shows that abrupt changes can create temporary vulnerabilities, in which malicious agents try to exploit the transition to attack the network.

Bounty Claim Risks and Attack Scenarios

Another risk in consensus updates are so-called "bounty claims"—accumulated rewards that can be obtained if an attacker manages to split or deceive a part of the network. In a conflict scenario, a group of miners or nodes could be incentivized to support a new update or create an alternative version of the software to benefit from these rewards.

These risks require stakeholders to carefully assess each update and the potential vulnerabilities it may introduce. The possibility of "bounty claims" adds a layer of complexity to consensus because each interest group may see a financial opportunity in a change that, in the long term, may harm network stability.

The risks discussed above show the complexity of consensus in Bitcoin and the importance of approaching it gradually and deliberately. Updates need to consider not only technical aspects but also economic and social implications, in order to preserve Bitcoin's integrity and maintain trust among stakeholders.

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6. Recommendations for the Consensus Process in Bitcoin

To ensure that protocol changes in Bitcoin are implemented safely and with broad support, it is essential that all stakeholders adopt a careful and coordinated approach. Here are strategic recommendations for evaluating, supporting, or rejecting consensus updates, considering the risks and challenges discussed earlier, along with best practices for successful implementation.

1. Careful Evaluation of Proposal Maturity

Stakeholders should rigorously assess the maturity level of a proposal before supporting its implementation. Updates that are still experimental or lack a robust technical foundation can expose the network to unnecessary risks. Ideally, change proposals should go through an extensive testing phase, have security audits, and receive review and feedback from various developers and experts.

2. Extensive Testing in Secure and Compatible Networks

Before an update is activated on the mainnet, it is essential to test it on networks like testnet and signet, and whenever possible, on other compatible networks that offer a safe and controlled environment to identify potential issues. Testing on networks like Litecoin was fundamental for the safe launch of innovations like SegWit and the Lightning Network, allowing functionalities to be validated on a lower-impact network before being implemented on Bitcoin.

The Liquid Network, developed by Blockstream, also plays an important role as an experimental network for new proposals, such as OP_CAT. By adopting these testing environments, stakeholders can mitigate risks and ensure that the update is reliable and secure before being adopted by the main network.

3. Importance of Stakeholder Engagement

The success of a consensus update strongly depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. This includes economic nodes, miners, protocol developers, investors, and end users. Lack of participation can lead to inadequate decisions or even future network splits, which would compromise Bitcoin's security and stability.

4. Key Questions for Evaluating Consensus Proposals

To assist in decision-making, each group of stakeholders should consider some key questions before supporting a consensus change:

• Does the proposal offer tangible benefits for Bitcoin's security, scalability, or usability?
• Does it maintain backward compatibility or introduce the risk of network split?
• Are the implementation requirements clear and feasible for each group involved?
• Are there clear and aligned incentives for all stakeholder groups to accept the change?

5. Coordination and Timing in Implementations

Timing is crucial. Updates with short activation windows can force a split because not all nodes and miners can update simultaneously. Changes should be planned with ample deadlines to allow all stakeholders to adjust their systems, avoiding surprises that could lead to fragmentation.

Mechanisms like soft forks are generally preferable to hard forks because they allow a smoother transition. Opting for backward-compatible updates when possible facilitates the process and ensures that nodes and miners can adapt without pressure.

6. Continuous Monitoring and Re-evaluation

After an update, it's essential to monitor the network to identify problems or side effects. This continuous process helps ensure cohesion and trust among all participants, keeping Bitcoin as a secure and robust network.

These recommendations, including the use of secure networks for extensive testing, promote a collaborative and secure environment for Bitcoin's consensus process. By adopting a deliberate and strategic approach, stakeholders can preserve Bitcoin's value as a decentralized and censorship-resistant network.

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7. Conclusion

Consensus in Bitcoin is more than a set of rules; it's the foundation that sustains the network as a decentralized, secure, and reliable system. Unlike centralized systems, where decisions can be made quickly, Bitcoin requires a much more deliberate and cooperative approach, where the interests of miners, economic nodes, developers, investors, and users must be considered and harmonized. This governance model may seem slow, but it is fundamental to preserving the resilience and trust that make Bitcoin a global store of value and censorship-resistant.

Consensus updates in Bitcoin must balance the need for innovation with the preservation of the network's core principles. The development process of a proposal needs to be detailed and rigorous, going through several testing stages, such as in testnet, signet, and compatible networks like Litecoin and Liquid Network. These networks offer safe environments for proposals to be analyzed and improved before being launched on the main network.

Each proposed change must be carefully evaluated regarding its maturity, impact, backward compatibility, and support among stakeholders. The recommended key questions and appropriate timing are critical to ensure that an update is adopted without compromising network cohesion. It's also essential that the implementation process is continuously monitored and re-evaluated, allowing adjustments as necessary and minimizing the risk of instability.

By following these guidelines, Bitcoin's stakeholders can ensure that the network continues to evolve safely and robustly, maintaining user trust and further solidifying its role as one of the most resilient and innovative digital assets in the world. Ultimately, consensus in Bitcoin is not just a technical issue but a reflection of its community and the values it represents: security, decentralization, and resilience.

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8. Links

Whitepaper: https://github.com/bitcoin-cap/bcap

Youtube (pt-br): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARycAibl9o&list=PL-qnhF0qlSPkfhorqsREuIu4UTbF0h4zb

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The future of physical money is at stake, and the discussion about DREX, the new digital currency planned by the Central Bank of Brazil, is gaining momentum. In a candid and intense conversation, Federal Deputy Julia Zanatta (PL/SC) discussed the challenges and risks of this digital transition, also addressing her Bill No. 3,341/2024, which aims to prevent the extinction of physical currency. This bill emerges as a direct response to legislative initiatives seeking to replace physical money with digital alternatives, limiting citizens' options and potentially compromising individual freedom. Let's delve into the main points of this conversation.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/i5YGJ9Ors3PkqAIMvNQ0

(PT-BR version here)

What is a CBDC?

Before discussing the specifics of DREX, it’s important to understand what a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) is. CBDCs are digital currencies issued by central banks, similar to a digital version of physical money. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which operate in a decentralized manner, CBDCs are centralized and regulated by the government. In other words, they are digital currencies created and controlled by the Central Bank, intended to replace physical currency.

A prominent feature of CBDCs is their programmability. This means that the government can theoretically set rules about how, where, and for what this currency can be used. This aspect enables a level of control over citizens' finances that is impossible with physical money. By programming the currency, the government could limit transactions by setting geographical or usage restrictions. In practice, money within a CBDC could be restricted to specific spending or authorized for use in a defined geographical area.

In countries like China, where citizen actions and attitudes are also monitored, a person considered to have a "low score" due to a moral or ideological violation may have their transactions limited to essential purchases, restricting their digital currency use to non-essential activities. This financial control is strengthened because, unlike physical money, digital currency cannot be exchanged anonymously.

Practical Example: The Case of DREX During the Pandemic

To illustrate how DREX could be used, an example was given by Eric Altafim, director of Banco Itaú. He suggested that, if DREX had existed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government could have restricted the currency’s use to a 5-kilometer radius around a person’s residence, limiting their economic mobility. Another proposed use by the executive related to the Bolsa Família welfare program: the government could set up programming that only allows this benefit to be used exclusively for food purchases. Although these examples are presented as control measures for safety or organization, they demonstrate how much a CBDC could restrict citizens' freedom of choice.

To illustrate the potential for state control through a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), such as DREX, it is helpful to look at the example of China. In China, the implementation of a CBDC coincides with the country’s Social Credit System, a governmental surveillance tool that assesses citizens' and companies' behavior. Together, these technologies allow the Chinese government to monitor, reward, and, above all, punish behavior deemed inappropriate or threatening to the government.

How Does China's Social Credit System Work?

Implemented in 2014, China's Social Credit System assigns every citizen and company a "score" based on various factors, including financial behavior, criminal record, social interactions, and even online activities. This score determines the benefits or penalties each individual receives and can affect everything from public transport access to obtaining loans and enrolling in elite schools for their children. Citizens with low scores may face various sanctions, including travel restrictions, fines, and difficulty in securing loans.

With the adoption of the CBDC — or “digital yuan” — the Chinese government now has a new tool to closely monitor citizens' financial transactions, facilitating the application of Social Credit System penalties. China’s CBDC is a programmable digital currency, which means that the government can restrict how, when, and where the money can be spent. Through this level of control, digital currency becomes a powerful mechanism for influencing citizens' behavior.

Imagine, for instance, a citizen who repeatedly posts critical remarks about the government on social media or participates in protests. If the Social Credit System assigns this citizen a low score, the Chinese government could, through the CBDC, restrict their money usage in certain areas or sectors. For example, they could be prevented from buying tickets to travel to other regions, prohibited from purchasing certain consumer goods, or even restricted to making transactions only at stores near their home.

Another example of how the government can use the CBDC to enforce the Social Credit System is by monitoring purchases of products such as alcohol or luxury items. If a citizen uses the CBDC to spend more than the government deems reasonable on such products, this could negatively impact their social score, resulting in additional penalties such as future purchase restrictions or a lowered rating that impacts their personal and professional lives.

In China, this kind of control has already been demonstrated in several cases. Citizens added to Social Credit System “blacklists” have seen their spending and investment capacity severely limited. The combination of digital currency and social scores thus creates a sophisticated and invasive surveillance system, through which the Chinese government controls important aspects of citizens’ financial lives and individual freedoms.

Deputy Julia Zanatta views these examples with great concern. She argues that if the state has full control over digital money, citizens will be exposed to a level of economic control and surveillance never seen before. In a democracy, this control poses a risk, but in an authoritarian regime, it could be used as a powerful tool of repression.

DREX and Bill No. 3,341/2024

Julia Zanatta became aware of a bill by a Workers' Party (PT) deputy (Bill 4068/2020 by Deputy Reginaldo Lopes - PT/MG) that proposes the extinction of physical money within five years, aiming for a complete transition to DREX, the digital currency developed by the Central Bank of Brazil. Concerned about the impact of this measure, Julia drafted her bill, PL No. 3,341/2024, which prohibits the elimination of physical money, ensuring citizens the right to choose physical currency.

“The more I read about DREX, the less I want its implementation,” says the deputy. DREX is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), similar to other state digital currencies worldwide, but which, according to Julia, carries extreme control risks. She points out that with DREX, the State could closely monitor each citizen’s transactions, eliminating anonymity and potentially restricting freedom of choice. This control would lie in the hands of the Central Bank, which could, in a crisis or government change, “freeze balances or even delete funds directly from user accounts.”

Risks and Individual Freedom

Julia raises concerns about potential abuses of power that complete digitalization could allow. In a democracy, state control over personal finances raises serious questions, and EddieOz warns of an even more problematic future. “Today we are in a democracy, but tomorrow, with a government transition, we don't know if this kind of power will be used properly or abused,” he states. In other words, DREX gives the State the ability to restrict or condition the use of money, opening the door to unprecedented financial surveillance.

EddieOz cites Nigeria as an example, where a CBDC was implemented, and the government imposed severe restrictions on the use of physical money to encourage the use of digital currency, leading to protests and clashes in the country. In practice, the poorest and unbanked — those without regular access to banking services — were harshly affected, as without physical money, many cannot conduct basic transactions. Julia highlights that in Brazil, this situation would be even more severe, given the large number of unbanked individuals and the extent of rural areas where access to technology is limited.

The Relationship Between DREX and Pix

The digital transition has already begun with Pix, which revolutionized instant transfers and payments in Brazil. However, Julia points out that Pix, though popular, is a citizen’s choice, while DREX tends to eliminate that choice. The deputy expresses concern about new rules suggested for Pix, such as daily transaction limits of a thousand reais, justified as anti-fraud measures but which, in her view, represent additional control and a profit opportunity for banks. “How many more rules will banks create to profit from us?” asks Julia, noting that DREX could further enhance control over personal finances.

International Precedents and Resistance to CBDC

The deputy also cites examples from other countries resisting the idea of a centralized digital currency. In the United States, states like New Hampshire have passed laws to prevent the advance of CBDCs, and leaders such as Donald Trump have opposed creating a national digital currency. Trump, addressing the topic, uses a justification similar to Julia’s: in a digitalized system, “with one click, your money could disappear.” She agrees with the warning, emphasizing the control risk that a CBDC represents, especially for countries with disadvantaged populations.

Besides the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Australia have also suspended studies on digital currencies, citing the need for further discussions on population impacts. However, in Brazil, the debate on DREX is still limited, with few parliamentarians and political leaders openly discussing the topic. According to Julia, only she and one or two deputies are truly trying to bring this discussion to the Chamber, making DREX’s advance even more concerning.

Bill No. 3,341/2024 and Popular Pressure

For Julia, her bill is a first step. Although she acknowledges that ideally, it would prevent DREX's implementation entirely, PL 3341/2024 is a measure to ensure citizens' choice to use physical money, preserving a form of individual freedom. “If the future means control, I prefer to live in the past,” Julia asserts, reinforcing that the fight for freedom is at the heart of her bill.

However, the deputy emphasizes that none of this will be possible without popular mobilization. According to her, popular pressure is crucial for other deputies to take notice and support PL 3341. “I am only one deputy, and we need the public’s support to raise the project’s visibility,” she explains, encouraging the public to press other parliamentarians and ask them to “pay attention to PL 3341 and the project that prohibits the end of physical money.” The deputy believes that with a strong awareness and pressure movement, it is possible to advance the debate and ensure Brazilians’ financial freedom.

What’s at Stake?

Julia Zanatta leaves no doubt: DREX represents a profound shift in how money will be used and controlled in Brazil. More than a simple modernization of the financial system, the Central Bank’s CBDC sets precedents for an unprecedented level of citizen surveillance and control in the country. For the deputy, this transition needs to be debated broadly and transparently, and it’s up to the Brazilian people to defend their rights and demand that the National Congress discuss these changes responsibly.

The deputy also emphasizes that, regardless of political or partisan views, this issue affects all Brazilians. “This agenda is something that will affect everyone. We need to be united to ensure people understand the gravity of what could happen.” Julia believes that by sharing information and generating open debate, it is possible to prevent Brazil from following the path of countries that have already implemented a digital currency in an authoritarian way.

A Call to Action

The future of physical money in Brazil is at risk. For those who share Deputy Julia Zanatta’s concerns, the time to act is now. Mobilize, get informed, and press your representatives. PL 3341/2024 is an opportunity to ensure that Brazilian citizens have a choice in how to use their money, without excessive state interference or surveillance.

In the end, as the deputy puts it, the central issue is freedom. “My fear is that this project will pass, and people won’t even understand what is happening.” Therefore, may every citizen at least have the chance to understand what’s at stake and make their voice heard in defense of a Brazil where individual freedom and privacy are respected values.

@ eac63075:b4988b48

Imagine sending a private message to a friend, only to learn that authorities could be scanning its contents without your knowledge. This isn't a scene from a dystopian novel but a potential reality under the European Union's proposed "Chat Control" measures. Aimed at combating serious crimes like child exploitation and terrorism, these proposals could significantly impact the privacy of everyday internet users. As encrypted messaging services become the norm for personal and professional communication, understanding Chat Control is essential. This article delves into what Chat Control entails, why it's being considered, and how it could affect your right to private communication.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/coOFsst7r7mO1EP1kSzV

Sections:

• Introduction
• What Is Chat Control?
• Why Is the EU Pushing for Chat Control?
• The Privacy Concerns and Risks
• The Technical Debate: Encryption and Backdoors
• Global Reactions and the Debate in Europe
• Possible Consequences for Messaging Services
• What Happens Next? The Future of Chat Control
• Conclusion

What Is Chat Control?

"Chat Control" refers to a set of proposed measures by the European Union aimed at monitoring and scanning private communications on messaging platforms. The primary goal is to detect and prevent the spread of illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and to combat terrorism. While the intention is to enhance security and protect vulnerable populations, these proposals have raised significant privacy concerns.

At its core, Chat Control would require messaging services to implement automated scanning technologies that can analyze the content of messages—even those that are end-to-end encrypted. This means that the private messages you send to friends, family, or colleagues could be subject to inspection by algorithms designed to detect prohibited content.

Origins of the Proposal

The initiative for Chat Control emerged from the EU's desire to strengthen its digital security infrastructure. High-profile cases of online abuse and the use of encrypted platforms by criminal organizations have prompted lawmakers to consider more invasive surveillance tactics. The European Commission has been exploring legislation that would make it mandatory for service providers to monitor communications on their platforms.

How Messaging Services Work

Most modern messaging apps, like Signal, Session, SimpleX, Veilid, Protonmail and Tutanota (among others), use end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This encryption ensures that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages being exchanged. Not even the service providers can access the content. This level of security is crucial for maintaining privacy in digital communications, protecting users from hackers, identity thieves, and other malicious actors.

Key Elements of Chat Control

• Automated Content Scanning: Service providers would use algorithms to scan messages for illegal content.
• Circumvention of Encryption: To scan encrypted messages, providers might need to alter their encryption methods, potentially weakening security.
• Mandatory Reporting: If illegal content is detected, providers would be required to report it to authorities.
• Broad Applicability: The measures could apply to all messaging services operating within the EU, affecting both European companies and international platforms.

Why It Matters

Understanding Chat Control is essential because it represents a significant shift in how digital privacy is handled. While combating illegal activities online is crucial, the methods proposed could set a precedent for mass surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights. Everyday users who rely on encrypted messaging for personal and professional communication might find their conversations are no longer as private as they once thought.

Why Is the EU Pushing for Chat Control?

The European Union's push for Chat Control stems from a pressing concern to protect its citizens, particularly children, from online exploitation and criminal activities. With the digital landscape becoming increasingly integral to daily life, the EU aims to strengthen its ability to combat serious crimes facilitated through online platforms.

Protecting Children and Preventing Crime

One of the primary motivations behind Chat Control is the prevention of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) circulating on the internet. Law enforcement agencies have reported a significant increase in the sharing of illegal content through private messaging services. By implementing Chat Control, the EU believes it can more effectively identify and stop perpetrators, rescue victims, and deter future crimes.

Terrorism is another critical concern. Encrypted messaging apps can be used by terrorist groups to plan and coordinate attacks without detection. The EU argues that accessing these communications could be vital in preventing such threats and ensuring public safety.

Legal Context and Legislative Drivers

The push for Chat Control is rooted in several legislative initiatives:

• ePrivacy Directive: This directive regulates the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in electronic communications. The EU is considering amendments that would allow for the scanning of private messages under specific circumstances.

• Temporary Derogation: In 2021, the EU adopted a temporary regulation permitting voluntary detection of CSAM by communication services. The current proposals aim to make such measures mandatory and more comprehensive.

• Regulation Proposals: The European Commission has proposed regulations that would require service providers to detect, report, and remove illegal content proactively. This would include the use of technologies to scan private communications.

Balancing Security and Privacy

EU officials argue that the proposed measures are a necessary response to evolving digital threats. They emphasize the importance of staying ahead of criminals who exploit technology to harm others. By implementing Chat Control, they believe law enforcement can be more effective without entirely dismantling privacy protections.

However, the EU also acknowledges the need to balance security with fundamental rights. The proposals include provisions intended to limit the scope of surveillance, such as:

• Targeted Scanning: Focusing on specific threats rather than broad, indiscriminate monitoring.

• Judicial Oversight: Requiring court orders or oversight for accessing private communications.

• Data Protection Safeguards: Implementing measures to ensure that data collected is handled securely and deleted when no longer needed.

The Urgency Behind the Push

High-profile cases of online abuse and terrorism have heightened the sense of urgency among EU policymakers. Reports of increasing online grooming and the widespread distribution of illegal content have prompted calls for immediate action. The EU posits that without measures like Chat Control, these problems will continue to escalate unchecked.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite the stated intentions, the push for Chat Control has been met with significant criticism. Opponents argue that the measures could be ineffective against savvy criminals who can find alternative ways to communicate. There is also concern that such surveillance could be misused or extended beyond its original purpose.

The Privacy Concerns and Risks

While the intentions behind Chat Control focus on enhancing security and protecting vulnerable groups, the proposed measures raise significant privacy concerns. Critics argue that implementing such surveillance could infringe on fundamental rights and set a dangerous precedent for mass monitoring of private communications.

Infringement on Privacy Rights

At the heart of the debate is the right to privacy. By scanning private messages, even with automated tools, the confidentiality of personal communications is compromised. Users may no longer feel secure sharing sensitive information, fearing that their messages could be intercepted or misinterpreted by algorithms.

Erosion of End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a cornerstone of digital security, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the messages exchanged. Chat Control could necessitate the introduction of "backdoors" or weaken encryption protocols, making it easier for unauthorized parties to access private data. This not only affects individual privacy but also exposes communications to potential cyber threats.

Concerns from Privacy Advocates

Organizations like Signal and Tutanota, which offer encrypted messaging services, have voiced strong opposition to Chat Control. They warn that undermining encryption could have far-reaching consequences:

• Security Risks: Weakening encryption makes systems more vulnerable to hacking, espionage, and cybercrime.
• Global Implications: Changes in EU regulations could influence policies worldwide, leading to a broader erosion of digital privacy.
• Ineffectiveness Against Crime: Determined criminals might resort to other, less detectable means of communication, rendering the measures ineffective while still compromising the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

Potential for Government Overreach

There is a fear that Chat Control could lead to increased surveillance beyond its original scope. Once the infrastructure for scanning private messages is in place, it could be repurposed or expanded to monitor other types of content, stifling free expression and dissent.

Real-World Implications for Users

• False Positives: Automated scanning technologies are not infallible and could mistakenly flag innocent content, leading to unwarranted scrutiny or legal consequences for users.
• Chilling Effect: Knowing that messages could be monitored might discourage people from expressing themselves freely, impacting personal relationships and societal discourse.
• Data Misuse: Collected data could be vulnerable to leaks or misuse, compromising personal and sensitive information.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Privacy advocates also highlight potential conflicts with existing laws and ethical standards:

• Violation of Fundamental Rights: The European Convention on Human Rights and other international agreements protect the right to privacy and freedom of expression.
• Questionable Effectiveness: The ethical justification for such invasive measures is challenged if they do not significantly improve safety or if they disproportionately impact innocent users.

Opposition from Member States and Organizations

Countries like Germany and organizations such as the European Digital Rights (EDRi) have expressed opposition to Chat Control. They emphasize the need to protect digital privacy and caution against hasty legislation that could have unintended consequences.

The Technical Debate: Encryption and Backdoors

The discussion around Chat Control inevitably leads to a complex technical debate centered on encryption and the potential introduction of backdoors into secure communication systems. Understanding these concepts is crucial to grasping the full implications of the proposed measures.

What Is End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)?

End-to-end encryption is a method of secure communication that prevents third parties from accessing data while it's transferred from one end system to another. In simpler terms, only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. Even the service providers operating the messaging platforms cannot decrypt the content.

• Security Assurance: E2EE ensures that sensitive information—be it personal messages, financial details, or confidential business communications—remains private.
• Widespread Use: Popular messaging apps like Signal, Session, SimpleX, Veilid, Protonmail and Tutanota (among others) rely on E2EE to protect user data.

How Chat Control Affects Encryption

Implementing Chat Control as proposed would require messaging services to scan the content of messages for illegal material. To do this on encrypted platforms, providers might have to:

• Introduce Backdoors: Create a means for third parties (including the service provider or authorities) to access encrypted messages.
• Client-Side Scanning: Install software on users' devices that scans messages before they are encrypted and sent, effectively bypassing E2EE.

The Risks of Weakening Encryption

1. Compromised Security for All Users

Introducing backdoors or client-side scanning tools can create vulnerabilities:

• Exploitable Gaps: If a backdoor exists, malicious actors might find and exploit it, leading to data breaches.
• Universal Impact: Weakening encryption doesn't just affect targeted individuals; it potentially exposes all users to increased risk.

2. Undermining Trust in Digital Services

• User Confidence: Knowing that private communications could be accessed might deter people from using digital services or push them toward unregulated platforms.
• Business Implications: Companies relying on secure communications might face increased risks, affecting economic activities.

3. Ineffectiveness Against Skilled Adversaries

• Alternative Methods: Criminals might shift to other encrypted channels or develop new ways to avoid detection.
• False Sense of Security: Weakening encryption could give the impression of increased safety while adversaries adapt and continue their activities undetected.

Signal’s Response and Stance

Signal, a leading encrypted messaging service, has been vocal in its opposition to the EU's proposals:

• Refusal to Weaken Encryption: Signal's CEO Meredith Whittaker has stated that the company would rather cease operations in the EU than compromise its encryption standards.
• Advocacy for Privacy: Signal emphasizes that strong encryption is essential for protecting human rights and freedoms in the digital age.

Understanding Backdoors

A "backdoor" in encryption is an intentional weakness inserted into a system to allow authorized access to encrypted data. While intended for legitimate use by authorities, backdoors pose several problems:

• Security Vulnerabilities: They can be discovered and exploited by unauthorized parties, including hackers and foreign governments.
• Ethical Concerns: The existence of backdoors raises questions about consent and the extent to which governments should be able to access private communications.

The Slippery Slope Argument

Privacy advocates warn that introducing backdoors or mandatory scanning sets a precedent:

• Expanded Surveillance: Once in place, these measures could be extended to monitor other types of content beyond the original scope.
• Erosion of Rights: Gradual acceptance of surveillance can lead to a significant reduction in personal freedoms over time.

Potential Technological Alternatives

Some suggest that it's possible to fight illegal content without undermining encryption:

• Metadata Analysis: Focusing on patterns of communication rather than content.
• Enhanced Reporting Mechanisms: Encouraging users to report illegal content voluntarily.
• Investing in Law Enforcement Capabilities: Strengthening traditional investigative methods without compromising digital security.

Conclusion of the Technical Debate

The technical community largely agrees that weakening encryption is not the solution:

• Consensus on Security: Strong encryption is essential for the safety and privacy of all internet users.
• Call for Dialogue: Technologists and privacy experts advocate for collaborative approaches that address security concerns without sacrificing fundamental rights.

Global Reactions and the Debate in Europe

The proposal for Chat Control has ignited a heated debate across Europe and beyond, with various stakeholders weighing in on the potential implications for privacy, security, and fundamental rights. The reactions are mixed, reflecting differing national perspectives, political priorities, and societal values.

Support for Chat Control

Some EU member states and officials support the initiative, emphasizing the need for robust measures to combat online crime and protect citizens, especially children. They argue that:

• Enhanced Security: Mandatory scanning can help law enforcement agencies detect and prevent serious crimes.
• Responsibility of Service Providers: Companies offering communication services should play an active role in preventing their platforms from being used for illegal activities.
• Public Safety Priorities: The protection of vulnerable populations justifies the implementation of such measures, even if it means compromising some aspects of privacy.

Opposition within the EU

Several countries and organizations have voiced strong opposition to Chat Control, citing concerns over privacy rights and the potential for government overreach.

Germany

• Stance: Germany has been one of the most vocal opponents of the proposed measures.
• Reasons:
• Constitutional Concerns: The German government argues that Chat Control could violate constitutional protections of privacy and confidentiality of communications.
• Security Risks: Weakening encryption is seen as a threat to cybersecurity.
• Legal Challenges: Potential conflicts with national laws protecting personal data and communication secrecy.

Netherlands

• Recent Developments: The Dutch government decided against supporting Chat Control, emphasizing the importance of encryption for security and privacy.
• Arguments:
• Effectiveness Doubts: Skepticism about the actual effectiveness of the measures in combating crime.
• Negative Impact on Privacy: Concerns about mass surveillance and the infringement of citizens' rights.

Table reference: Patrick Breyer - Chat Control in 23 September 2024

Privacy Advocacy Groups

European Digital Rights (EDRi)

• Role: A network of civil and human rights organizations working to defend rights and freedoms in the digital environment.
• Position:
• Strong Opposition: EDRi argues that Chat Control is incompatible with fundamental rights.
• Awareness Campaigns: Engaging in public campaigns to inform citizens about the potential risks.
• Policy Engagement: Lobbying policymakers to consider alternative approaches that respect privacy.

Politicians and Activists

Patrick Breyer

• Background: A Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Germany, representing the Pirate Party.
• Actions:
• Advocacy: Actively campaigning against Chat Control through speeches, articles, and legislative efforts.
• Public Outreach: Using social media and public events to raise awareness.
• Legal Expertise: Highlighting the legal inconsistencies and potential violations of EU law.

Global Reactions

International Organizations

• Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International: These organizations have expressed concerns about the implications for human rights, urging the EU to reconsider.

Technology Companies

• Global Tech Firms: Companies like Apple and Microsoft are monitoring the situation, as EU regulations could affect their operations and user trust.
• Industry Associations: Groups representing tech companies have issued statements highlighting the risks to innovation and competitiveness.

The Broader Debate

The controversy over Chat Control reflects a broader struggle between security interests and privacy rights in the digital age. Key points in the debate include:

• Legal Precedents: How the EU's decision might influence laws and regulations in other countries.
• Digital Sovereignty: The desire of nations to control digital spaces within their borders.
• Civil Liberties: The importance of protecting freedoms in the face of technological advancements.

Public Opinion

• Diverse Views: Surveys and public forums show a range of opinions, with some citizens prioritizing security and others valuing privacy above all.
• Awareness Levels: Many people are still unaware of the potential changes, highlighting the need for public education on the issue.

Conclusion of the Debate

The EU is at a crossroads, facing the challenge of addressing legitimate security concerns without undermining the fundamental rights that are central to its values. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of digital privacy and the balance between security and freedom in society.

Possible Consequences for Messaging Services

The implementation of Chat Control could have significant implications for messaging services operating within the European Union. Both large platforms and smaller providers might need to adapt their technologies and policies to comply with the new regulations, potentially altering the landscape of digital communication.

Impact on Encrypted Messaging Services

Signal and Similar Platforms

• Compliance Challenges: Encrypted messaging services like Signal rely on end-to-end encryption to secure user communications. Complying with Chat Control could force them to weaken their encryption protocols or implement client-side scanning, conflicting with their core privacy principles.

• Operational Decisions: Some platforms may choose to limit their services in the EU or cease operations altogether rather than compromise on encryption. Signal, for instance, has indicated that it would prefer to withdraw from European markets than undermine its security features.

Potential Blocking or Limiting of Services

• Regulatory Enforcement: Messaging services that do not comply with Chat Control regulations could face fines, legal action, or even be blocked within the EU.

• Access Restrictions: Users in Europe might find certain services unavailable or limited in functionality if providers decide not to meet the regulatory requirements.

Effects on Smaller Providers

• Resource Constraints: Smaller messaging services and startups may lack the resources to implement the required scanning technologies, leading to increased operational costs or forcing them out of the market.

• Innovation Stifling: The added regulatory burden could deter new entrants, reducing competition and innovation in the messaging service sector.

User Experience and Trust

• Privacy Concerns: Users may lose trust in messaging platforms if they know their communications are subject to scanning, leading to a decline in user engagement.

• Migration to Unregulated Platforms: There is a risk that users might shift to less secure or unregulated services, including those operated outside the EU or on the dark web, potentially exposing them to greater risks.

Technical and Security Implications

• Increased Vulnerabilities: Modifying encryption protocols to comply with Chat Control could introduce security flaws, making platforms more susceptible to hacking and data breaches.

• Global Security Risks: Changes made to accommodate EU regulations might affect the global user base of these services, extending security risks beyond European borders.

Impact on Businesses and Professional Communications

• Confidentiality Issues: Businesses that rely on secure messaging for sensitive communications may face challenges in ensuring confidentiality, affecting sectors like finance, healthcare, and legal services.

• Compliance Complexity: Companies operating internationally will need to navigate a complex landscape of differing regulations, increasing administrative burdens.

Economic Consequences

• Market Fragmentation: Divergent regulations could lead to a fragmented market, with different versions of services for different regions.

• Loss of Revenue: Messaging services might experience reduced revenue due to decreased user trust and engagement or the costs associated with compliance.

Responses from Service Providers

• Legal Challenges: Companies might pursue legal action against the regulations, citing conflicts with privacy laws and user rights.

• Policy Advocacy: Service providers may increase lobbying efforts to influence policy decisions and promote alternatives to Chat Control.

Possible Adaptations

• Technological Innovation: Some providers might invest in developing new technologies that can detect illegal content without compromising encryption, though the feasibility remains uncertain.

• Transparency Measures: To maintain user trust, companies might enhance transparency about how data is handled and what measures are in place to protect privacy.

Summary of Consequences

The potential consequences of Chat Control for messaging services are profound, affecting not only the companies that provide these services but also the users who rely on them daily. The balance between complying with legal requirements and maintaining user privacy and security presents a significant challenge that could reshape the digital communication landscape.

What Happens Next? The Future of Chat Control

The future of Chat Control remains uncertain as the debate continues among EU member states, policymakers, technology companies, and civil society organizations. Several factors will influence the outcome of this contentious proposal, each carrying significant implications for digital privacy, security, and the regulatory environment within the European Union.

Current Status of Legislation

• Ongoing Negotiations: The proposed Chat Control measures are still under discussion within the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Amendments and revisions are being considered in response to the feedback from various stakeholders.

• Timeline: While there is no fixed date for the final decision, the EU aims to reach a consensus to implement effective measures against online crime without undue delay.

Key Influencing Factors

1. Legal Challenges and Compliance with EU Law

• Fundamental Rights Assessment: The proposals must be evaluated against the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, ensuring that any measures comply with rights to privacy, data protection, and freedom of expression.

• Court Scrutiny: Potential legal challenges could arise, leading to scrutiny by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which may impact the feasibility and legality of Chat Control.

2. Technological Feasibility

• Development of Privacy-Preserving Technologies: Research into methods that can detect illegal content without compromising encryption is ongoing. Advances in this area could provide alternative solutions acceptable to both privacy advocates and security agencies.

• Implementation Challenges: The practical aspects of deploying scanning technologies across various platforms and services remain complex, and technical hurdles could delay or alter the proposed measures.

3. Political Dynamics

• Member State Positions: The differing stances of EU countries, such as Germany's opposition, play a significant role in shaping the final outcome. Consensus among member states is crucial for adopting EU-wide regulations.

• Public Opinion and Advocacy: Growing awareness and activism around digital privacy can influence policymakers. Public campaigns and lobbying efforts may sway decisions in favor of stronger privacy protections.

4. Industry Responses

• Negotiations with Service Providers: Ongoing dialogues between EU authorities and technology companies may lead to compromises or collaborative efforts to address concerns without fully implementing Chat Control as initially proposed.

• Potential for Self-Regulation: Messaging services might propose self-regulatory measures to combat illegal content, aiming to demonstrate effectiveness without the need for mandatory scanning.

Possible Scenarios

Optimistic Outcome:

• Balanced Regulation: A revised proposal emerges that effectively addresses security concerns while upholding strong encryption and privacy rights, possibly through innovative technologies or targeted measures with robust oversight.

Pessimistic Outcome:

• Adoption of Strict Measures: Chat Control is implemented as initially proposed, leading to weakened encryption, reduced privacy, and potential withdrawal of services like Signal from the EU market.

Middle Ground:

• Incremental Implementation: Partial measures are adopted, focusing on voluntary cooperation with service providers and emphasizing transparency and user consent, with ongoing evaluations to assess effectiveness and impact.

How to Stay Informed and Protect Your Privacy

• Follow Reputable Sources: Keep up with news from reliable outlets, official EU communications, and statements from privacy organizations to stay informed about developments.

• Engage in the Dialogue: Participate in public consultations, sign petitions, or contact representatives to express your views on Chat Control and digital privacy.

• Utilize Secure Practices: Regardless of legislative outcomes, adopting good digital hygiene—such as using strong passwords and being cautious with personal information—can enhance your online security.

The Global Perspective

• International Implications: The EU's decision may influence global policies on encryption and surveillance, setting precedents that other countries might follow or react against.

• Collaboration Opportunities: International cooperation on developing solutions that protect both security and privacy could emerge, fostering a more unified approach to addressing online threats.

Looking Ahead

The future of Chat Control is a critical issue that underscores the challenges of governing in the digital age. Balancing the need for security with the protection of fundamental rights is a complex task that requires careful consideration, open dialogue, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

As the situation evolves, staying informed and engaged is essential. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the digital landscape for years to come, affecting how we communicate, conduct business, and exercise our rights in an increasingly connected world.

Conclusion

The debate over Chat Control highlights a fundamental challenge in our increasingly digital world: how to protect society from genuine threats without eroding the very rights and freedoms that define it. While the intention to safeguard children and prevent crime is undeniably important, the means of achieving this through intrusive surveillance measures raise critical concerns.

Privacy is not just a personal preference but a cornerstone of democratic societies. End-to-end encryption has become an essential tool for ensuring that our personal conversations, professional communications, and sensitive data remain secure from unwanted intrusion. Weakening these protections could expose individuals and organizations to risks that far outweigh the proposed benefits.

The potential consequences of implementing Chat Control are far-reaching:

• Erosion of Trust: Users may lose confidence in digital platforms, impacting how we communicate and conduct business online.
• Security Vulnerabilities: Introducing backdoors or weakening encryption can make systems more susceptible to cyberattacks.
• Stifling Innovation: Regulatory burdens may hinder technological advancement and competitiveness in the tech industry.
• Global Implications: The EU's decisions could set precedents that influence digital policies worldwide, for better or worse.

As citizens, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments. Engage in conversations, reach out to your representatives, and advocate for solutions that respect both security needs and fundamental rights. Technology and policy can evolve together to address challenges without compromising core values.

The future of Chat Control is not yet decided, and public input can make a significant difference. By promoting open dialogue, supporting privacy-preserving innovations, and emphasizing the importance of human rights in legislation, we can work towards a digital landscape that is both safe and free.

In a world where digital communication is integral to daily life, striking the right balance between security and privacy is more important than ever. The choices made today will shape the digital environment for generations to come, determining not just how we communicate, but how we live and interact in an interconnected world.

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Thank you for reading this article. We hope it has provided you with a clear understanding of Chat Control and its potential impact on your privacy and digital rights. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let's work together towards a secure and open digital future.

Read more:

• https://www.patrick-breyer.de/en/posts/chat-control/
• https://www.patrick-breyer.de/en/new-eu-push-for-chat-control-will-messenger-services-be-blocked-in-europe/
• https://edri.org/our-work/dutch-decision-puts-brakes-on-chat-control/
• https://signal.org/blog/pdfs/ndss-keynote.pdf
• https://tuta.com/blog/germany-stop-chat-control
• https://cointelegraph.com/news/signal-president-slams-revised-eu-encryption-proposal
• https://mullvad.net/en/why-privacy-matters

@ f977c464:32fcbe00

Güneşin kaybolmasının üçüncü günü, saat öğlen on ikiyi yirmi geçiyordu. Trenin kalkmasına yaklaşık iki saat vardı. Hepimiz perondaydık. Valizlerimiz, kolilerimiz, renk renk ve biçimsiz çantalarımızla yan yana dizilmiş, kısa aralıklarla tepemizdeki devasa saati kontrol ediyorduk.

Ama ne kadar dik bakarsak bakalım zaman bir türlü istediğimiz hızla ilerlemiyordu. Herkes birkaç dakika sürmesi gereken alelade bir doğa olayına sıkışıp kalmış, karanlıktan sürünerek çıkmayı deniyordu.

Bekleme salonuna doğru döndüm. Nefesimden çıkan buharın arkasında, kalın taş duvarları ve camlarıyla morg kadar güvenli ve soğuk duruyordu. Cesetleri o yüzden bunun gibi yerlere taşımaya başlamışlardı. Demek insanların bütün iyiliği başkaları onları gördüğü içindi ki gündüzleri gecelerden daha karanlık olduğunda hemen birbirlerinin gırtlağına çökmüş, böğürlerinde delikler açmış, gözlerini oyup kafataslarını parçalamışlardı.

İstasyonun ışığı titrediğinde karanlığın enseme saplandığını hissettim. Eğer şimdi, böyle kalabalık bir yerde elektrik kesilse başımıza ne gelirdi?

İçerideki askerlerden biri bakışlarımı yakalayınca yeniden saate odaklanmış gibi yaptım. Sadece birkaç dakika geçmişti.

“Tarlalarım gitti. Böyle boyum kadar ayçiçeği doluydu. Ah, hepsi ölüp gidiyor. Afitap’ın çiçekleri de gi-”

“Dayı, Allah’ını seversen sus. Hepimizi yakacaksın şimdi.”

Karanlıkta durduğunda, görünmez olmayı istemeye başlıyordun. Kimse seni görmemeli, nefesini bile duymamalıydı. Kimsenin de ayağının altında dolaşmamalıydın; gelip kazayla sana çarpmamalılar, takılıp sendelememeliydiler. Yoksa aslında hedefi sen olmadığın bir öfke gürlemeye başlar, yaşadığın ilk şoku ve acıyı silerek üstünden geçerdi.

İlk konuşan, yaşlıca bir adam, kafasında kasketi, nasırlı ellerine hohluyordu. Gözleri ve burnu kızarmıştı. Güneşin kaybolması onun için kendi başına bir felaket değildi. Hayatına olan pratik yansımalarından korkuyordu olsa olsa. Bir anının kaybolması, bu yüzden çoktan kaybettiği birinin biraz daha eksilmesi. Hayatta kalmasını gerektiren sebepler azalırken, hayatta kalmasını sağlayacak kaynaklarını da kaybediyordu.

Onu susturan delikanlıysa atkısını bütün kafasına sarmış, sakalı ve yüzünün derinliklerine kaçmış gözleri dışında bedeninin bütün parçalarını gizlemeye çalışıyordu. İşte o, güneşin kaybolmasının tam olarak ne anlama geldiğini anlamamış olsa bile, dehşetini olduğu gibi hissedebilenlerdendi.

Güneşin onlardan alındıktan sonra kime verileceğini sormuyorlardı. En başta onlara verildiğinde de hiçbir soru sormamışlardı zaten.

İki saat ne zaman geçer?

Midemin üstünde, sağ tarafıma doğru keskin bir acı hissettim. Karaciğerim. Gözlerimi yumdum. Yanımda biri metal bir nesneyi yere bıraktı. Bir kafesti. İçerisindeki kartalın ıslak kokusu burnuma ulaşmadan önce bile biliyordum bunu.

“Yeniden mi?” diye sordu bana kartal. Kanatları kanlı. Zamanın her bir parçası tüylerinin üstüne çöreklenmişti. Gagası bir şey, tahminen et parçası geveliyor gibi hareket ediyordu. Eski anılar kolay unutulmazmış. Şu anda kafesinin kalın parmaklıklarının ardında olsa da bunun bir aldatmaca olduğunu bir tek ben biliyordum. Her an kanatlarını iki yana uzatıverebilir, hava bu hareketiyle dalgalanarak kafesi esneterek hepimizi içine alacak kadar genişleyebilir, parmaklıklar önce ayaklarımızın altına serilir gibi gözükebilir ama aslında hepimizin üstünde yükselerek tepemize çökebilirdi.

Aşağıya baktım. Tahtalarla zapt edilmiş, hiçbir yere gidemeyen ama her yere uzanan tren rayları. Atlayıp koşsam… Çantam çok ağırdı. Daha birkaç adım atamadan, kartal, suratını bedenime gömerdi.

“Bu sefer farklı,” diye yanıtladım onu. “Yeniden diyemezsin. Tekrarladığım bir şey değil bu. Hatta bir hata yapıyormuşum gibi tonlayamazsın da. Bu sefer, insanların hak etmediğini biliyorum.”

“O zaman daha vahim. Süzme salaksın demektir.”

“İnsanların hak etmemesi, insanlığın hak etmediği anlamına gelmez ki.”

Az önce göz göze geldiğim genççe ama çökük asker hâlâ bana bakıyordu. Bir kartalla konuştuğumu anlamamıştı şüphesiz. Yanımdakilerden biriyle konuştuğumu sanmış olmalıydı. Ama konuştuğum kişiye bakmıyordum ona göre. Çekingence kafamı eğmiştim. Bir kez daha göz göze geldiğimizde içerideki diğer iki askere bir şeyler söyledi, onlar dönüp beni süzerken dışarı çıktı.

Yanımızdaki, az önce konuşan iki adam da şaşkınlıkla bir bana bir kartala bakıyordu.

“Yalnız bu sefer kalbin de kırılacak, Prometheus,” dedi kartal, bana. “Belki son olur. Biliyorsun, bir sürü soruna neden oluyor bu yaptıkların.”

Beni koruyordu sözde. En çok kanıma dokunan buydu. Kasıklarımın üstüne oturmuş, kanlı suratının ardında gözleri parlarken attığı çığlık kulaklarımda titremeye devam ediyordu. Bu tabloda kimsenin kimseyi düşündüğü yoktu. Kartalın, yanımızdaki adamların, artık arkama kadar gelmiş olması gereken askerin, tren raylarının, geçmeyen saatlerin…

Arkamı döndüğümde, asker sahiden oradaydı. Zaten öyle olması gerekiyordu; görmüştüm bunu, biliyordum. Kehanetler… Bir şeyler söylüyordu ama ağzı oynarken sesi çıkmıyordu. Yavaşlamış, kendisini saatin akışına uydurmuştu. Havada donan tükürüğünden anlaşılıyordu, sinirliydi. Korktuğu için olduğunu biliyordum. Her seferinde korkmuşlardı. Beni unutmuş olmaları işlerini kolaylaştırmıyordu. Sadece yeni bir isim vermelerine neden oluyordu. Bu seferkiyle beni lanetleyecekleri kesinleşmişti.

Olması gerekenle olanların farklı olması ne kadar acınasıydı. Olması gerekenlerin doğasının kötücül olmasıysa bir yerde buna dayanıyordu.

“Salaksın,” dedi kartal bana. Zamanı aşan bir çığlık. Hepimizin önüne geçmişti ama kimseyi durduramıyordu.

Sonsuzluğa kaç tane iki saat sıkıştırabilirsiniz?

Ben bir tane bile sıkıştıramadım.

Çantama uzanıyordum. Asker de sırtındaki tüfeğini indiriyordu. Benim acelem yoktu, onunsa eli ayağı birbirine dolaşıyordu. Oysaki her şey tam olması gerektiği anda olacaktı. Kehanet başkasının parmaklarının ucundaydı.

Güneş, bir tüfeğin patlamasıyla yeryüzüne doğdu.

Rayların üzerine serilmiş göğsümün ortasından, bir çantanın içinden.

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2021 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

@ f977c464:32fcbe00

Kendisini aynada ilk defa gördüğü o gün, diğerleri gibi olduğunu anlamıştı. Oysaki her insan biricik olmalıydı. Sözgelimi sinirlendiğinde bir kaşı diğerinden birkaç milimetre daha az çatılabilirdi veya sevindiğinde dudağı ona has bir açıyla dalgalanabilirdi. Hatta bunların hiçbiri mümkün değilse, en azından, gözlerinin içinde sadece onun sahip olabileceği bir ışık parlayabilirdi. Çok sıradan, öyle sıradan ki kimsenin fark etmediği o milyonlarca minik şeyden herhangi biri. Ne olursa.

Ama yansımasına bakarken bunların hiçbirini bulamadı ve diğer günlerden hiç de farklı başlamamış o gün, işe gitmek için vagonunun gelmesini beklediği alelade bir metro istasyonunda, içinde kaybolduğu illüzyon dağılmaya başladı.

İlk önce derisi döküldü. Tam olarak dökülmedi aslında, daha çok kıvılcımlara dönüşüp bedeninden fırlamış ve bir an sonra sönerek külleşmiş, havada dağılmıştı. Ardında da, kaybolmadan hemen önce, kısa süre için hayal meyal görülebilen, bir ruhun yok oluşuna ağıt yakan rengârenk peri cesetleri bırakmıştı. Beklenenin aksine, havaya toz kokusu yayıldı.

Dehşete düştü elbette. Dehşete düştüler. Panikle üstlerini yırtan 50 işçi. Her şeyin sebebiyse o vagon.

Saçları da döküldü. Her tel, yere varmadan önce, her santimde ikiye ayrıla ayrıla yok oldu.

Bütün yüzeylerin mat olduğu, hiçbir şeyin yansımadığı, suyun siyah aktığı ve kendine ancak kameralarla bakabildiğin bir dünyada, vagonun içine yerleştirilmiş bir aynadan ilk defa kendini görmek.

Gözlerinin akları buharlaşıp havada dağıldı, mercekleri boşalan yeri doldurmak için eriyip yayıldı. Gerçeği görmemek için yaratılmış, bu yüzden görmeye hazır olmayan ve hiç olmayacak gözler.

Her şeyin o anda sona erdiğini sanabilirdi insan. Derin bir karanlık ve ölüm. Görmenin görmek olduğu o anın bitişi.

---

Ben geldiğimde ölmüşlerdi.

Yani bozulmuşlardı demek istiyorum.

Belleklerini yeni taşıyıcılara takmam mümkün olmadı. Fiziksel olarak kusursuz durumdaydılar, olmayanları da tamir edebilirdim ama tüm o hengamede kendilerini baştan programlamış ve girdilerini modifiye etmişlerdi.

Belleklerden birini masanın üzerinden ileriye savurdu. Hınca hınç dolu bir barda oturuyorlardı. O ve arkadaşı.

Sırf şu kendisini insan sanan androidler travma geçirip delirmesin diye neler yapıyoruz, insanın aklı almıyor.

Eliyle arkasını işaret etti.

Polislerin söylediğine göre biri vagonun içerisine ayna yerleştirmiş. Bu zavallılar da kapı açılıp bir anda yansımalarını görünce kafayı kırmışlar.

Arkadaşı bunların ona ne hissettirdiğini sordu. Yani o kadar bozuk, insan olduğunu sanan androidi kendilerini parçalamış olarak yerde görmek onu sarsmamış mıydı?

Hayır, sonuçta belirli bir amaç için yaratılmış şeyler onlar. Kaliteli bir bilgisayarım bozulduğunda üzülürüm çünkü parasını ben vermişimdir. Bunlarsa devletin. Bana ne ki?

Arkadaşı anlayışla kafasını sallayıp suyundan bir yudum aldı. Kravatını biraz gevşetti.

Bira istemediğinden emin misin?

İstemediğini söyledi. Sahi, neden deliriyordu bu androidler?

Basit. Onların yapay zekâlarını kodlarken bir şeyler yazıyorlar. Yazılımcılar. Biliyorsun, ben donanımdayım. Bunlar da kendilerini insan sanıyorlar. Tiplerine bak.

Sesini alçalttı.

Arabalarda kaza testi yapılan mankenlere benziyor hepsi. Ağızları burunları bile yok ama şu geldiğimizden beri sakalını düzeltip duruyor mesela. Hayır, hepsi de diğerleri onun sakalı varmış sanıyor, o manyak bir şey.

Arkadaşı bunun delirmeleriyle bağlantısını çözemediğini söyledi. O da normal sesiyle konuşmaya devam etti.

Anlasana, aynayı falan ayırt edemiyor mercekleri. Lönk diye kendilerini görüyorlar. Böyle, olduğu gibi...

Nedenmiş peki? Ne gerek varmış?

Ne bileyim be abicim! Ahiret soruları gibi.

Birasına bakarak dalıp gitti. Sonra masaya abanarak arkadaşına iyice yaklaştı. Bulanık, bir tünelin ucundaki biri gibi, şekli şemalı belirsiz bir adam.

Ben seni nereden tanıyorum ki ulan? Kimsin sen?

Belleği makineden çıkardılar. İki kişiydiler. Soruşturmadan sorumlu memurlar.

─ Baştan mı başlıyoruz, diye sordu belleği elinde tutan ilk memur.

─ Bir kere daha deneyelim ama bu sefer direkt aynayı sorarak başla, diye cevapladı ikinci memur.

─ Bence de. Yeterince düzgün çalışıyor.

Simülasyon yüklenirken, ayakta, biraz arkada duran ve alnını kaşıyan ikinci memur sormaktan kendisini alamadı:

─ Bu androidleri niye böyle bir olay yerine göndermişler ki? Belli tost olacakları. İsraf. Gidip biz baksak aynayı kırıp delilleri mahvetmek zorunda da kalmazlar.

Diğer memur sandalyesinde hafifçe dönecek oldu, o sırada soruyu bilgisayarın hoparlöründen teknisyen cevapladı.

Hangi işimizde bir yamukluk yok ki be abi.

---

Ama bir son değildi. Üstlerindeki tüm illüzyon dağıldığında ve çıplak, cinsiyetsiz, birbirinin aynı bedenleriyle kaldıklarında sıra dünyaya gelmişti.

Yere düştüler. Elleri -bütün bedeni gibi siyah turmalinden, boğumları çelikten- yere değdiği anda, metronun zemini dağıldı.

Yerdeki karolar öncesinde beyazdı ve çok parlaktı. Tepelerindeki floresan, ışığını olduğu gibi yansıtıyor, tek bir lekenin olmadığı ve tek bir tozun uçmadığı istasyonu aydınlatıyorlardı.

Duvarlara duyurular asılmıştı. Örneğin, yarın akşam kültür merkezinde 20.00’da başlayacak bir tekno blues festivalinin cıvıl cıvıl afişi vardı. Onun yanında daha geniş, sarı puntolu harflerle yazılmış, yatay siyah kesiklerle çerçevesi çizilmiş, bir platformdan düşen çöp adamın bulunduğu “Dikkat! Sarı bandı geçmeyin!” uyarısı. Biraz ilerisinde günlük resmi gazete, onun ilerisinde bir aksiyon filminin ve başka bir romantik komedi filminin afişleri, yapılacakların ve yapılmayacakların söylendiği küçük puntolu çeşitli duyurular... Duvar uzayıp giden bir panoydu. On, on beş metrede bir tekrarlanıyordu.

Tüm istasyonun eni yüz metre kadar. Genişliği on metre civarı.

Önlerinde, açık kapısından o mendebur aynanın gözüktüğü vagon duruyordu. Metro, istasyona sığmayacak kadar uzundu. Bir kılıcın keskinliğiyle uzanıyor ama yer yer vagonların ek yerleriyle bölünüyordu.

Hiçbir vagonda pencere olmadığı için metronun içi, içlerindekiler meçhuldü.

Sonrasında karolar zerrelerine ayrılarak yükseldi. Floresanın ışığında her yeri toza boğdular ve ortalığı gri bir sisin altına gömdüler. Çok kısa bir an. Afişleri dalgalandırmadılar. Dalgalandırmaya vakitleri olmadı. Yerlerinden söküp aldılar en fazla. Işık birkaç kere sönüp yanarak direndi. Son kez söndüğünde bir daha geri gelmedi.

Yine de etraf aydınlıktı. Kırmızı, her yere eşit dağılan soluk bir ışıkla.

Yer tamamen tele dönüşmüştü. Altında çapraz hatlarla desteklenmiş demir bir iskelet. Işık birkaç metreden daha fazla aşağıya uzanamıyordu. Sonsuzluğa giden bir uçurum.

Duvarın yerini aynı teller ve demir iskelet almıştı. Arkasında, birbirine vidalarla tutturulmuş demir plakalardan oluşan, üstünden geçen boruların ek yerlerinden bazen ince buharların çıktığı ve bir süre asılı kaldıktan sonra ağır, yağlı bir havayla sürüklendiği bir koridor.

Diğer tarafta paslanmış, pencerelerindeki camlar kırıldığı için demir plakalarla kapatılmış külüstür bir metro. Kapının karşısındaki aynadan her şey olduğu gibi yansıyordu.

---

Bir konteynırın içini andıran bir evde, gerçi gayet de birbirine eklenmiş konteynırlardan oluşan bir şehirde “andıran” demek doğru olmayacağı için düpedüz bir konteynırın içinde, masaya mum görüntüsü vermek için koyulmuş, yarı katı yağ atıklarından şekillendirilmiş kütleleri yakmayı deniyordu. Kafasında hayvan kıllarından yapılmış grili siyahlı bir peruk. Aynı kıllardan kendisine gür bir bıyık da yapmıştı.

Üstünde mavi çöp poşetlerinden yapılmış, kravatlı, şık bir takım.

Masanın ayakları yerine oradan buradan çıkmış parçalar konulmuştu: bir arabanın şaft mili, üst üste konulmuş ve üstünde yazı okunamayan tenekeler, boş kitaplar, boş gazete balyaları... Hiçbir şeye yazı yazılmıyordu, gerek yoktu da zaten çünkü merkez veri bankası onları fark ettirmeden, merceklerden giren veriyi sentezleyerek insanlar için dolduruyordu. Yani, androidler için. Farklı şekilde isimlendirmek bir fark yaratacaksa.

Onların mercekleri için değil. Bağlantıları çok önceden kopmuştu.

─ Hayatım, sofra hazır, diye bağırdı yatak odasındaki karısına.

Sofrada tabak yerine düz, bardak yerine bükülmüş, çatal ve bıçak yerine sivriltilmiş plakalar.

Karısı salonun kapısında durakladı ve ancak kulaklarına kadar uzanan, kocasınınkine benzeyen, cansız, ölü hayvanların kıllarından ibaret peruğunu eliyle düzeltti. Dudağını, daha doğrusu dudağının olması gereken yeri koyu kırmızı bir yağ tabakasıyla renklendirmeyi denemişti. Biraz da yanaklarına sürmüştü.

─ Nasıl olmuş, diye sordu.

Sesi tek düzeydi ama hafif bir neşe olduğunu hissettiğinize yemin edebilirdiniz.

Üzerinde, çöp poşetlerinin içini yazısız gazete kağıtlarıyla doldurarak yaptığı iki parça giysi.

─ Çok güzelsin, diyerek kravatını düzeltti kocası.

─ Sen de öylesin, sevgilim.

Yaklaşıp kocasını öptü. Kocası da onu. Sonra nazikçe elinden tutarak, sandalyesini geriye çekerek oturmasına yardım etti.

Sofrada yemek niyetine hiçbir şey yoktu. Gerek de yoktu zaten.

Konteynırın kapısı gürültüyle tekmelenip içeri iki memur girene kadar birbirlerine öyküler anlattılar. O gün neler yaptıklarını. İşten erken çıkıp yemyeşil çimenlerde gezdiklerini, uçurtma uçurduklarını, kadının nasıl o elbiseyi bulmak için saatlerce gezip yorulduğunu, kocasının kısa süreliğine işe dönüp nasıl başarılı bir hamleyle yaşanan krizi çözdüğünü ve kadının yanına döndükten sonra, alışveriş merkezinde oturdukları yeni dondurmacının dondurmalarının ne kadar lezzetli olduğunu, boğazlarının ağrımasından korktuklarını...

Akşam film izleyebilirlerdi, televizyonda -boş ve mat bir plaka- güzel bir film oynayacaktı.

İki memur. Çıplak bedenleriyle birbirinin aynı. Ellerindeki silahları onlara doğrultmuşlardı. Mum ışığında, tertemiz bir örtünün serili olduğu masada, bardaklarında şaraplarla oturan ve henüz sofranın ortasındaki hindiye dokunmamış çifti gördüklerinde bocaladılar.

Hiç de androidlere bilinçli olarak zarar verebilecek gibi gözükmüyorlardı.

─ Sessiz kalma hakkına sahipsiniz, diye bağırdı içeri giren ikinci memur. Söylediğiniz her şey...

Cümlesini bitiremedi. Yatak odasındaki, masanın üzerinden gördüğü o şey, onunla aynı hareketleri yapan android, yoksa, bir aynadaki yansıması mıydı?

Bütün illüzyon o anda dağılmaya başladı.

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2020 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Embarking on the journey of operating your own Lightning node on the Bitcoin Layer 2 network is more than just a tech-savvy endeavor; it's a step into a realm of financial autonomy and cutting-edge innovation. By running a node, you become a vital part of a revolutionary movement that's reshaping how we think about money and digital transactions. This role not only offers a unique perspective on blockchain technology but also places you at the heart of a community dedicated to decentralization and network resilience. Beyond the technicalities, it's about embracing a new era of digital finance, where you contribute directly to the network's security, efficiency, and growth, all while gaining personal satisfaction and potentially lucrative rewards.

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Running your own Lightning node for the Bitcoin Layer 2 network can be an empowering and beneficial endeavor. Here are 10 reasons why you might consider taking on this task:

1. Direct Contribution to Decentralization: Operating a node is a direct action towards decentralizing the Bitcoin network, crucial for its security and resistance to control or censorship by any single entity.

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7. Personalized Fee Structures: You have the flexibility to set your own fee policies, which can balance earning potential with the service you provide to the network.

8. Empowerment Through Knowledge: The process of setting up and managing a node provides deep learning opportunities, empowering you with knowledge that can be applied in various areas of blockchain and fintech.

9. Boosting Transaction Capacity: By running a node, you help to increase the overall capacity of the Lightning Network, enabling more transactions to be processed quickly and at lower costs.

10. Community Leadership and Reputation: As an active node operator, you gain recognition within the Bitcoin community, which can lead to collaborative opportunities and a position of thought leadership in the space.

These reasons demonstrate the impactful and transformative nature of running a Lightning node, appealing to those who are deeply invested in the principles of bitcoin and wish to actively shape its future. Jump aboard, and embrace the journey toward full independence. 🐶🐾🫡🚀🚀🚀

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Chef's notes

Serving these two dishes together will create a delightful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal, offering a perfect blend of traditional flavors with a homemade touch.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 30 min
• 🍳 Cook time: 1 - 2 hours
• 🍽️ Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 lbs), thawed and ready to cook
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• Apple and Sage Stuffing
• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into cubes
• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: Mix the softened butter with the chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove any giblets from the turkey and pat it dry. Loosen the skin and spread a generous amount of herb butter under and over the skin.
4. Add Aromatics: Inside the turkey cavity, place the quartered onion, lemon halves, and garlic cloves.
5. Roast: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Tent with aluminum foil and roast. A general guideline is about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
7. Next: Apple and Sage Stuffing
8. Dry the Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry overnight, or toast them in the oven.
9. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
10. Combine Ingredients: Add the apples, sage, and bread cubes to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth until the mixture is moist. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on top.

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Testing a brand new YakiHonne native client for iOS. Smooth as butter (not penis butter 🤣🍆🧈) with great visual experience and intuitive navigation. Amazing work by the team behind it! * lists * work

Bold text work!

Images could have used nostr.build instead of raw S3 from us-east-1 region.

Very impressive! You can even save the draft and continue later, before posting the long-form note!

🐶🐾🤯🤯🤯🫂💜

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

As the title states, scratch behind my ear and you get it. 🐶🐾🫡

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

Ingredients

• 1 kg of pork roast with rind, such as shoulder or a lean belly
• 1 bottle of beer, light or dark
• chopped German-style mirepoix (best combination, for this recipe, includes celery root, carrot, red onion, and leeks)
• salt, pepper, nutmeg
• 1 diced garlic clove

Directions

1. Spread the vegetables on the bottom of the roasting pan.
2. Pour half the beer over the roast. (Drink the other half.)
3. Season the meat, to taste.
4. Roast the meat at 180 °C, until done (depends upon the weight of the roast).
5. Remove the meat from the oven, and wrap in aluminum foil.
6. Pour 2-3 cups of water into the roasting pan.
7. Pour/scrape everything from the pan into a sieve over a sauce pot.
8. Press the vegetables against the sieve, with the back of a spoon, to ensure that you get all that good dripping flavor into the sauce.
9. Defat the sauce with a grease separator, then pour it back into the pot.
10. Thicken the sauce, slightly (it should remain slightly watery, and not turn into a gravy), according to your usual method.
11. Open the foil and slice the roast.
12. Serve with the sauce.

@ 3ffac3a6:2d656657

Prologue: The Last Trade

Ethan Nakamura was a 29-year-old software engineer and crypto enthusiast who had spent years building his life around Bitcoin. Obsessed with the idea of financial sovereignty, he had amassed a small fortune trading cryptocurrencies, all while dreaming of a world where decentralized systems ruled over centralized power.

One night, while debugging a particularly thorny piece of code for a smart contract, Ethan stumbled across an obscure, encrypted message hidden in the blockchain. It read:

"The key to true freedom lies beyond. Burn it all to unlock the gate."

Intrigued and half-convinced it was an elaborate ARG (Alternate Reality Game), Ethan decided to follow the cryptic instruction. He loaded his entire Bitcoin wallet into a single transaction and sent it to an untraceable address tied to the message. The moment the transaction was confirmed, his laptop screen began to glitch, flooding with strange symbols and hash codes.

Before he could react, a flash of light engulfed him.

---

Chapter 1: A New Ledger

Ethan awoke in a dense forest bathed in ethereal light. The first thing he noticed was the HUD floating in front of him—a sleek, transparent interface that displayed his "Crypto Balance": 21 million BTC.

“What the…” Ethan muttered. He blinked, hoping it was a dream, but the numbers stayed. The HUD also showed other metrics:

• Hash Power: 1,000,000 TH/s
• Mining Efficiency: 120%
• Transaction Speed: Instant

Before he could process, a notification pinged on the HUD:

"Welcome to the Decentralized Kingdom. Your mining rig is active. Begin accumulating resources to survive."

Confused and a little terrified, Ethan stood and surveyed his surroundings. As he moved, the HUD expanded, revealing a map of the area. His new world looked like a cross between a medieval fantasy realm and a cyberpunk dystopia, with glowing neon towers visible on the horizon and villagers dressed in tunics carrying strange, glowing "crypto shards."

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him. A towering beast, part wolf, part machine, snarled, its eyes glowing red. Above its head was the name "Feral Node" and a strange sigil resembling a corrupted block.

Instinct kicked in. Ethan raised his hands defensively, and to his shock, the HUD offered an option:

"Execute Smart Contract Attack? (Cost: 0.001 BTC)"

He selected it without hesitation. A glowing glyph appeared in the air, releasing a wave of light that froze the Feral Node mid-lunge. Moments later, it dissolved into a cascade of shimmering data, leaving behind a pile of "Crypto Shards" and an item labeled "Node Fragment."

---

Chapter 2: The Decentralized Kingdom

Ethan discovered that the world he had entered was built entirely on blockchain-like principles. The land was divided into regions, each governed by a Consensus Council—groups of powerful beings called Validators who maintained the balance of the world. However, a dark force known as The Central Authority sought to consolidate power, turning decentralized regions into tightly controlled fiefdoms.

Ethan’s newfound abilities made him a unique entity in this world. Unlike its inhabitants, who earned wealth through mining or trading physical crypto shards, Ethan could generate and spend Bitcoin directly—making him both a target and a potential savior.

---

Chapter 3: Allies and Adversaries

Ethan soon met a colorful cast of characters:

• Luna, a fiery rogue and self-proclaimed "Crypto Thief," who hacked into ledgers to redistribute wealth to oppressed villages. She was skeptical of Ethan's "magical Bitcoin" but saw potential in him.

• Hal, an aging miner who ran an underground resistance against the Central Authority. He wielded an ancient "ASIC Hammer" capable of shattering corrupted nodes.

• Oracle Satoshi, a mysterious AI-like entity who guided Ethan with cryptic advice, often referencing real-world crypto principles like decentralization, trustless systems, and private keys.

Ethan also gained enemies, chief among them the Ledger Lords, a cabal of Validators allied with the Central Authority. They sought to capture Ethan and seize his Bitcoin, believing it could tip the balance of power.

---

Chapter 4: Proof of Existence

As Ethan delved deeper into the world, he learned that his Bitcoin balance was finite. To survive and grow stronger, he had to "mine" resources by solving problems for the people of the Decentralized Kingdom. From repairing broken smart contracts in towns to defending miners from feral nodes, every task rewarded him with shards and upgrades.

He also uncovered the truth about his arrival: the blockchain Ethan had used in his world was a prototype for this one. The encrypted message had been a failsafe created by its original developers—a desperate attempt to summon someone who could break the growing centralization threatening to destroy the world.

---

Chapter 5: The Final Fork

As the Central Authority's grip tightened, Ethan and his allies prepared for a final battle at the Genesis Block, the origin of the world's blockchain. Here, Ethan would face the Central Authority's leader, an amalgamation of corrupted code and human ambition known as The Miner King.

The battle was a clash of philosophies as much as strength. Using everything he had learned, Ethan deployed a daring Hard Fork, splitting the world’s blockchain and decentralizing power once again. The process drained nearly all of his Bitcoin, leaving him with a single satoshi—a symbolic reminder of his purpose.

---

Epilogue: Building the Future

With the Central Authority defeated, the Decentralized Kingdom entered a new era. Ethan chose to remain in the world, helping its inhabitants build fairer systems and teaching them the principles of trustless cooperation.

As he gazed at the sunrise over the rebuilt Genesis Block, Ethan smiled. He had dreamed of a world where Bitcoin could change everything. Now, he was living it.

@ b83e6f82:73c27758

Citrine 0.7.0

• Update quartz dependency
• Check if events are deleted
• Recover service after crash
• Add back button in the events screen
• Fix delete old events
• Fix backup dialog showing up again

Download it with zap.store, Obtainium, f-droid or download it directly in the releases page

If you like my work consider making a donation

Verifying the release

In order to verify the release, you'll need to have gpg or gpg2 installed on your system. Once you've obtained a copy (and hopefully verified that as well), you'll first need to import the keys that have signed this release if you haven't done so already:

bash gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D

Once you have his PGP key you can verify the release (assuming manifest-v0.7.0.txt and manifest-v0.7.0.txt.sig are in the current directory) with:

bash gpg --verify manifest-v0.7.0.txt.sig manifest-v0.7.0.txt

You should see the following if the verification was successful:

bash gpg: Signature made Fri 13 Sep 2024 08:06:52 AM -03 gpg: using RSA key 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D gpg: Good signature from "greenart7c3 <greenart7c3@proton.me>"

That will verify the signature on the main manifest page which ensures integrity and authenticity of the binaries you've downloaded locally. Next, depending on your operating system you should then re-calculate the sha256 sum of the binary, and compare that with the following hashes:

bash cat manifest-v0.7.0.txt

One can use the shasum -a 256 <file name here> tool in order to re-compute the sha256 hash of the target binary for your operating system. The produced hash should be compared with the hashes listed above and they should match exactly

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Test Bounty Note

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Was du bist hängt von drei Faktoren ab: \ Was du geerbt hast, \ was deine Umgebung aus dir machte \ und was du in freier Wahl \ aus deiner Umgebung und deinem Erbe gemacht hast. \ Aldous Huxley

Das brave Mitmachen und Mitlaufen in einem vorgegebenen, recht engen Rahmen ist gewiss nicht neu, hat aber gerade wieder mal Konjunktur. Dies kann man deutlich beobachten, eigentlich egal, in welchem gesellschaftlichen Bereich man sich umschaut. Individualität ist nur soweit angesagt, wie sie in ein bestimmtes Schema von «Diversität» passt, und Freiheit verkommt zur Worthülse – nicht erst durch ein gewisses Buch einer gewissen ehemaligen Regierungschefin.

Erklärungsansätze für solche Entwicklungen sind bekannt, und praktisch alle haben etwas mit Massenpsychologie zu tun. Der Herdentrieb, also der Trieb der Menschen, sich – zum Beispiel aus Unsicherheit oder Bequemlichkeit – lieber der Masse anzuschließen als selbstständig zu denken und zu handeln, ist einer der Erklärungsversuche. Andere drehen sich um Macht, Propaganda, Druck und Angst, also den gezielten Einsatz psychologischer Herrschaftsinstrumente.

Aber wollen die Menschen überhaupt Freiheit? Durch Gespräche im privaten Umfeld bin ich diesbezüglich in der letzten Zeit etwas skeptisch geworden. Um die Jahreswende philosophiert man ja gerne ein wenig über das Erlebte und über die Erwartungen für die Zukunft. Dabei hatte ich hin und wieder den Eindruck, die totalitären Anwandlungen unserer «Repräsentanten» kämen manchen Leuten gerade recht.

«Desinformation» ist so ein brisantes Thema. Davor müsse man die Menschen doch schützen, hörte ich. Jemand müsse doch zum Beispiel diese ganzen merkwürdigen Inhalte in den Social Media filtern – zur Ukraine, zum Klima, zu Gesundheitsthemen oder zur Migration. Viele wüssten ja gar nicht einzuschätzen, was richtig und was falsch ist, sie bräuchten eine Führung.

Freiheit bedingt Eigenverantwortung, ohne Zweifel. Eventuell ist es einigen tatsächlich zu anspruchsvoll, die Verantwortung für das eigene Tun und Lassen zu übernehmen. Oder die persönliche Freiheit wird nicht als ausreichend wertvolles Gut angesehen, um sich dafür anzustrengen. In dem Fall wäre die mangelnde Selbstbestimmung wohl das kleinere Übel. Allerdings fehlt dann gemäß Aldous Huxley ein Teil der Persönlichkeit. Letztlich ist natürlich alles eine Frage der Abwägung.

Sind viele Menschen möglicherweise schon so «eingenordet», dass freiheitliche Ambitionen gar nicht für eine ganze Gruppe, ein Kollektiv, verfolgt werden können? Solche Gedanken kamen mir auch, als ich mir kürzlich diverse Talks beim viertägigen Hacker-Kongress des Chaos Computer Clubs (38C3) anschaute. Ich war nicht nur überrascht, sondern reichlich erschreckt angesichts der in weiten Teilen mainstream-geformten Inhalte, mit denen ein dankbares Publikum beglückt wurde. Wo ich allgemein hellere Köpfe erwartet hatte, fand ich Konformismus und enthusiastisch untermauerte Narrative.

Gibt es vielleicht so etwas wie eine Herdenimmunität gegen Indoktrination? Ich denke, ja, zumindest eine gestärkte Widerstandsfähigkeit. Was wir brauchen, sind etwas gesunder Menschenverstand, offene Informationskanäle und der Mut, sich freier auch zwischen den Herden zu bewegen. Sie tun das bereits, aber sagen Sie es auch dieses Jahr ruhig weiter.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Intro

This short tutorial will help you set up your own Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) on your own LND Node that is not using Umbrel. If you are a user of Umbrel, you should use their version of NWC.

Requirements

You need to have a working installation of LND with established channels and connectivity to the internet. NWC in itself is fairly light and will not consume a lot of resources. You will also want to ensure that you have a working installation of Docker, since we will use a docker image to run NWC.

• Working installation of LND (and all of its required components)
• Docker (with Docker compose)

Installation

For the purpose of this tutorial, we will assume that you have your lnd/bitcoind running under user bitcoin with home directory /home/bitcoin. We will also assume that you already have a running installation of Docker (or docker.io).

Prepare and verify

git version - we will need git to get the latest version of NWC. docker version - should execute successfully and show the currently installed version of Docker. docker compose version - same as before, but the version will be different. ss -tupln | grep 10009- should produce the following output: tcp LISTEN 0 4096 0.0.0.0:10009 0.0.0.0: tcp LISTEN 0 4096 [::]:10009 [::]:**

For things to work correctly, your Docker should be version 20.10.0 or later. If you have an older version, consider installing a new one using instructions here: https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/

Create folders & download NWC

In the home directory of your LND/bitcoind user, create a new folder, e.g., "nwc" mkdir /home/bitcoin/nwc. Change to that directory cd /home/bitcoin/nwc and clone the NWC repository: git clone https://github.com/getAlby/nostr-wallet-connect.git

Creating the Docker image

In this step, we will create a Docker image that you will use to run NWC.

• Change directory to nostr-wallet-connect: cd nostr-wallet-connect
• Run command to build Docker image: docker build -t nwc:$(date +'%Y%m%d%H%M') -t nwc:latest . (there is a dot at the end)
• The last line of the output (after a few minutes) should look like => => naming to docker.io/library/nwc:latest
• nwc:latest is the name of the Docker image with a tag which you should note for use later.

Creating docker-compose.yml and necessary data directories

• Let's create a directory that will hold your non-volatile data (DB): mkdir data
• Indocker-compose.ymlfile, there are fields that you want to replace (<> comments) and port “4321” that you want to make sure is open (check with ss -tupln | grep 4321which should return nothing).
• Create docker-compose.ymlfile with the following content, and make sure to update fields that have <> comment:

version: "3.8" services: nwc: image: nwc:latest volumes: - ./data:/data - ~/.lnd:/lnd:ro ports: - "4321:8080" extra_hosts: - "localhost:host-gateway" environment: NOSTR_PRIVKEY: <use "openssl rand -hex 32" to generate a fresh key and place it inside ""> LN_BACKEND_TYPE: "LND" LND_ADDRESS: localhost:10009 LND_CERT_FILE: "/lnd/tls.cert" LND_MACAROON_FILE: "/lnd/data/chain/bitcoin/mainnet/admin.macaroon" DATABASE_URI: "/data/nostr-wallet-connect.db" COOKIE_SECRET: <use "openssl rand -hex 32" to generate fresh secret and place it inside ""> PORT: 8080 restart: always stop_grace_period: 1m

Starting and testing

Now that you have everything ready, it is time to start the container and test.

• While you are in the nwcdirectory (important), execute the following command and check the log output, docker compose up
• You should see container logs while it is starting, and it should not exit if everything went well.
• At this point, you should be able to go to http://<ip of the host where nwc is running>:4321 and get to the interface of NWC
• To stop the test run of NWC, simply press Ctrl-C , and it will shut the container down.
• To start NWC permanently, you should execute docker compose up -d , “-d” tells Docker to detach from the session.
• To check currently running NWC logs, execute docker compose logs to run it in tail mode add -f to the end.
• To stop the container, execute docker compose down

That's all, just follow the instructions in the web interface to get started.

Updating

As with any software, you should expect fixes and updates that you would need to perform periodically. You could automate this, but it falls outside of the scope of this tutorial. Since we already have all of the necessary configuration in place, the update execution is fairly simple.

• Change directory to the clone of the git repository, cd /home/bitcoin/nwc/nostr-wallet-connect
• Run command to build Docker image: docker build -t nwc:$(date +'%Y%m%d%H%M') -t nwc:latest . (there is a dot at the end)
• Change directory back one level cd ..
• Restart (stop and start) the docker compose config docker compose down && docker compose up -d
• Done! Optionally you may want to check the logs: docker compose logs

@ eee391ee:8d0b97c2

Amber 3.1.0

• Fix bunker requests showing up again after accepting
• Move bunker and nostrconnect to its own files
• Fix a infinite loop when receiving bunker requests
• Show relays after the app is connected
• Recover service when app crashes
• Update quartz dependency
• Fix ui contrast when using dark theme

Download it with zap.store, Obtainium, f-droid or download it directly in the releases page

If you like my work consider making a donation

Verifying the release

In order to verify the release, you'll need to have gpg or gpg2 installed on your system. Once you've obtained a copy (and hopefully verified that as well), you'll first need to import the keys that have signed this release if you haven't done so already:

bash gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D

Once you have his PGP key you can verify the release (assuming manifest-v3.1.0.txt and manifest-v3.1.0.txt.sig are in the current directory) with:

bash gpg --verify manifest-v3.1.0.txt.sig manifest-v3.1.0.txt

You should see the following if the verification was successful:

bash gpg: Signature made Fri 13 Sep 2024 08:06:52 AM -03 gpg: using RSA key 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D gpg: Good signature from "greenart7c3 <greenart7c3@proton.me>"

That will verify the signature on the main manifest page which ensures integrity and authenticity of the binaries you've downloaded locally. Next, depending on your operating system you should then re-calculate the sha256 sum of the binary, and compare that with the following hashes:

bash cat manifest-v3.1.0.txt

One can use the shasum -a 256 <file name here> tool in order to re-compute the sha256 hash of the target binary for your operating system. The produced hash should be compared with the hashes listed above and they should match exactly.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Heute möchte ich ein Gedicht mit euch teilen. Es handelt sich um eine Ballade des österreichischen Lyrikers Johann Gabriel Seidl aus dem 19. Jahrhundert. Mir sind diese Worte fest in Erinnerung, da meine Mutter sie perfekt rezitieren konnte, auch als die Kräfte schon langsam schwanden.

Dem originalen Titel «Die Uhr» habe ich für mich immer das Wort «innere» hinzugefügt. Denn der Zeitmesser – hier vermutliche eine Taschenuhr – symbolisiert zwar in dem Kontext das damalige Zeitempfinden und die Umbrüche durch die industrielle Revolution, sozusagen den Zeitgeist und das moderne Leben. Aber der Autor setzt sich philosophisch mit der Zeit auseinander und gibt seinem Werk auch eine klar spirituelle Dimension.

Das Ticken der Uhr und die Momente des Glücks und der Trauer stehen sinnbildlich für das unaufhaltsame Fortschreiten und die Vergänglichkeit des Lebens. Insofern könnte man bei der Uhr auch an eine Sonnenuhr denken. Der Rhythmus der Ereignisse passt uns vielleicht nicht immer in den Kram.

Was den Takt pocht, ist durchaus auch das Herz, unser «inneres Uhrwerk». Wenn dieses Meisterwerk einmal stillsteht, ist es unweigerlich um uns geschehen. Hoffentlich können wir dann dankbar sagen: «Ich habe mein Bestes gegeben.»

Ich trage, wo ich gehe, stets eine Uhr bei mir; \ Wieviel es geschlagen habe, genau seh ich an ihr. \ Es ist ein großer Meister, der künstlich ihr Werk gefügt, \ Wenngleich ihr Gang nicht immer dem törichten Wunsche genügt.

Ich wollte, sie wäre rascher gegangen an manchem Tag; \ Ich wollte, sie hätte manchmal verzögert den raschen Schlag. \ In meinen Leiden und Freuden, in Sturm und in der Ruh, \ Was immer geschah im Leben, sie pochte den Takt dazu.

Sie schlug am Sarge des Vaters, sie schlug an des Freundes Bahr, \ Sie schlug am Morgen der Liebe, sie schlug am Traualtar. \ Sie schlug an der Wiege des Kindes, sie schlägt, will's Gott, noch oft, \ Wenn bessere Tage kommen, wie meine Seele es hofft.

Und ward sie auch einmal träger, und drohte zu stocken ihr Lauf, \ So zog der Meister immer großmütig sie wieder auf. \ Doch stände sie einmal stille, dann wär's um sie geschehn, \ Kein andrer, als der sie fügte, bringt die Zerstörte zum Gehn.

Dann müßt ich zum Meister wandern, der wohnt am Ende wohl weit, \ Wohl draußen, jenseits der Erde, wohl dort in der Ewigkeit! \ Dann gäb ich sie ihm zurücke mit dankbar kindlichem Flehn: \ Sieh, Herr, ich hab nichts verdorben, sie blieb von selber stehn.

Johann Gabriel Seidl (1804-1875)

@ f9cf4e94:96abc355

Scuttlebutt foi iniciado em maio de 2014 por Dominic Tarr ( dominictarr ) como uma rede social alternativa off-line, primeiro para convidados, que permite aos usuários obter controle total de seus dados e privacidade. Secure Scuttlebutt (ssb) foi lançado pouco depois, o que coloca a privacidade em primeiro plano com mais recursos de criptografia.

Se você está se perguntando de onde diabos veio o nome Scuttlebutt:

Este termo do século 19 para uma fofoca vem do Scuttlebutt náutico: “um barril de água mantido no convés, com um buraco para uma xícara”. A gíria náutica vai desde o hábito dos marinheiros de se reunir pelo boato até a fofoca, semelhante à fofoca do bebedouro.

Marinheiros se reunindo em torno da rixa. ( fonte )

Dominic descobriu o termo boato em um artigo de pesquisa que leu.

Em sistemas distribuídos, fofocar é um processo de retransmissão de mensagens ponto a ponto; as mensagens são disseminadas de forma análoga ao “boca a boca”.

Secure Scuttlebutt é um banco de dados de feeds imutáveis apenas para acréscimos, otimizado para replicação eficiente para protocolos ponto a ponto. Cada usuário tem um log imutável somente para acréscimos no qual eles podem gravar. Eles gravam no log assinando mensagens com sua chave privada. Pense em um feed de usuário como seu próprio diário de bordo, como um diário de bordo (ou diário do capitão para os fãs de Star Trek), onde eles são os únicos autorizados a escrever nele, mas têm a capacidade de permitir que outros amigos ou colegas leiam ao seu diário de bordo, se assim o desejarem.

Cada mensagem possui um número de sequência e a mensagem também deve fazer referência à mensagem anterior por seu ID. O ID é um hash da mensagem e da assinatura. A estrutura de dados é semelhante à de uma lista vinculada. É essencialmente um log somente de acréscimo de JSON assinado. Cada item adicionado a um log do usuário é chamado de mensagem.

Os logs do usuário são conhecidos como feed e um usuário pode seguir os feeds de outros usuários para receber suas atualizações. Cada usuário é responsável por armazenar seu próprio feed. Quando Alice assina o feed de Bob, Bob baixa o log de feed de Alice. Bob pode verificar se o registro do feed realmente pertence a Alice verificando as assinaturas. Bob pode verificar as assinaturas usando a chave pública de Alice.

Estrutura de alto nível de um feed

Pubs são servidores de retransmissão conhecidos como “super peers”. Pubs conectam usuários usuários e atualizações de fofocas a outros usuários conectados ao Pub. Um Pub é análogo a um pub da vida real, onde as pessoas vão para se encontrar e se socializar. Para ingressar em um Pub, o usuário deve ser convidado primeiro. Um usuário pode solicitar um código de convite de um Pub; o Pub simplesmente gerará um novo código de convite, mas alguns Pubs podem exigir verificação adicional na forma de verificação de e-mail ou, com alguns Pubs, você deve pedir um código em um fórum público ou chat. Pubs também podem mapear aliases de usuário, como e-mails ou nome de usuário, para IDs de chave pública para facilitar os pares de referência.

Depois que o Pub enviar o código de convite ao usuário, o usuário resgatará o código, o que significa que o Pub seguirá o usuário, o que permite que o usuário veja as mensagens postadas por outros membros do Pub, bem como as mensagens de retransmissão do Pub pelo usuário a outros membros do Pub.

Além de retransmitir mensagens entre pares, os Pubs também podem armazenar as mensagens. Se Alice estiver offline e Bob transmitir atualizações de feed, Alice perderá a atualização. Se Alice ficar online, mas Bob estiver offline, não haverá como ela buscar o feed de Bob. Mas com um Pub, Alice pode buscar o feed no Pub mesmo se Bob estiver off-line porque o Pub está armazenando as mensagens. Pubs são úteis porque assim que um colega fica online, ele pode sincronizar com o Pub para receber os feeds de seus amigos potencialmente offline.

Um usuário pode, opcionalmente, executar seu próprio servidor Pub e abri-lo ao público ou permitir que apenas seus amigos participem, se assim o desejarem. Eles também podem ingressar em um Pub público. Aqui está uma lista de Pubs públicos em que todos podem participar . Explicaremos como ingressar em um posteriormente neste guia. Uma coisa importante a observar é que o Secure Scuttlebutt em uma rede social somente para convidados significa que você deve ser “puxado” para entrar nos círculos sociais. Se você responder às mensagens, os destinatários não serão notificados, a menos que estejam seguindo você de volta. O objetivo do SSB é criar “ilhas” isoladas de redes pares, ao contrário de uma rede pública onde qualquer pessoa pode enviar mensagens a qualquer pessoa.

Perspectivas dos participantes

Scuttlebot

O software Pub é conhecido como servidor Scuttlebutt (servidor ssb ), mas também é conhecido como “Scuttlebot” e sbotna linha de comando. O servidor SSB adiciona comportamento de rede ao banco de dados Scuttlebutt (SSB). Estaremos usando o Scuttlebot ao longo deste tutorial.

Os logs do usuário são conhecidos como feed e um usuário pode seguir os feeds de outros usuários para receber suas atualizações. Cada usuário é responsável por armazenar seu próprio feed. Quando Alice assina o feed de Bob, Bob baixa o log de feed de Alice. Bob pode verificar se o registro do feed realmente pertence a Alice verificando as assinaturas. Bob pode verificar as assinaturas usando a chave pública de Alice.

Estrutura de alto nível de um feed

Pubs são servidores de retransmissão conhecidos como “super peers”. Pubs conectam usuários usuários e atualizações de fofocas a outros usuários conectados ao Pub. Um Pub é análogo a um pub da vida real, onde as pessoas vão para se encontrar e se socializar. Para ingressar em um Pub, o usuário deve ser convidado primeiro. Um usuário pode solicitar um código de convite de um Pub; o Pub simplesmente gerará um novo código de convite, mas alguns Pubs podem exigir verificação adicional na forma de verificação de e-mail ou, com alguns Pubs, você deve pedir um código em um fórum público ou chat. Pubs também podem mapear aliases de usuário, como e-mails ou nome de usuário, para IDs de chave pública para facilitar os pares de referência.

Depois que o Pub enviar o código de convite ao usuário, o usuário resgatará o código, o que significa que o Pub seguirá o usuário, o que permite que o usuário veja as mensagens postadas por outros membros do Pub, bem como as mensagens de retransmissão do Pub pelo usuário a outros membros do Pub.

Além de retransmitir mensagens entre pares, os Pubs também podem armazenar as mensagens. Se Alice estiver offline e Bob transmitir atualizações de feed, Alice perderá a atualização. Se Alice ficar online, mas Bob estiver offline, não haverá como ela buscar o feed de Bob. Mas com um Pub, Alice pode buscar o feed no Pub mesmo se Bob estiver off-line porque o Pub está armazenando as mensagens. Pubs são úteis porque assim que um colega fica online, ele pode sincronizar com o Pub para receber os feeds de seus amigos potencialmente offline.

Um usuário pode, opcionalmente, executar seu próprio servidor Pub e abri-lo ao público ou permitir que apenas seus amigos participem, se assim o desejarem. Eles também podem ingressar em um Pub público. Aqui está uma lista de Pubs públicos em que todos podem participar . Explicaremos como ingressar em um posteriormente neste guia. Uma coisa importante a observar é que o Secure Scuttlebutt em uma rede social somente para convidados significa que você deve ser “puxado” para entrar nos círculos sociais. Se você responder às mensagens, os destinatários não serão notificados, a menos que estejam seguindo você de volta. O objetivo do SSB é criar “ilhas” isoladas de redes pares, ao contrário de uma rede pública onde qualquer pessoa pode enviar mensagens a qualquer pessoa.

Perspectivas dos participantes

Pubs - Hubs

Pubs públicos

| Pub Name | Operator | Invite Code | | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | scuttle.us | @Ryan | scuttle.us:8008:@WqcuCOIpLtXFRw/9vOAQJti8avTZ9vxT9rKrPo8qG6o=.ed25519~/ZUi9Chpl0g1kuWSrmehq2EwMQeV0Pd+8xw8XhWuhLE= | | pub1.upsocial.com | @freedomrules | pub1.upsocial.com:8008:@gjlNF5Cyw3OKZxEoEpsVhT5Xv3HZutVfKBppmu42MkI=.ed25519~lMd6f4nnmBZEZSavAl4uahl+feajLUGqu8s2qdoTLi8= | | Monero Pub | @Denis | xmr-pub.net:8008:@5hTpvduvbDyMLN2IdzDKa7nx7PSem9co3RsOmZoyyCM=.ed25519~vQU+r2HUd6JxPENSinUWdfqrJLlOqXiCbzHoML9iVN4= | | FreeSocial | @Jarland | pub.freesocial.co:8008:@ofYKOy2p9wsaxV73GqgOyh6C6nRGFM5FyciQyxwBd6A=.ed25519~ye9Z808S3KPQsV0MWr1HL0/Sh8boSEwW+ZK+8x85u9w= | | ssb.vpn.net.br | @coffeverton | ssb.vpn.net.br:8008:@ze8nZPcf4sbdULvknEFOCbVZtdp7VRsB95nhNw6/2YQ=.ed25519~D0blTolH3YoTwSAkY5xhNw8jAOjgoNXL/+8ZClzr0io= | | gossip.noisebridge.info | Noisebridge Hackerspace @james.network | gossip.noisebridge.info:8008:@2NANnQVdsoqk0XPiJG2oMZqaEpTeoGrxOHJkLIqs7eY=.ed25519~JWTC6+rPYPW5b5zCion0gqjcJs35h6JKpUrQoAKWgJ4= |

Pubs privados

Você precisará entrar em contato com os proprietários desses bares para receber um convite.

| Pub Name | Operator | Contact | | --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- | | many.butt.nz | @dinosaur | mikey@enspiral.com | | one.butt.nz | @dinosaur | mikey@enspiral.com | | ssb.mikey.nz | @dinosaur | mikey@enspiral.com | | ssb.celehner.com | @cel | cel@celehner.com |

Pubs muito grandes

Aviso: embora tecnicamente funcione usar um convite para esses pubs, você provavelmente se divertirá se o fizer devido ao seu tamanho (muitas coisas para baixar, risco para bots / spammers / idiotas)

| Pub Name | Operator | Invite Code | | --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | scuttlebutt.de | SolSoCoG | scuttlebutt.de:8008:@yeh/GKxlfhlYXSdgU7CRLxm58GC42za3tDuC4NJld/k=.ed25519~iyaCpZ0co863K9aF+b7j8BnnHfwY65dGeX6Dh2nXs3c= | | Lohn's Pub | @lohn | p.lohn.in:8018:@LohnKVll9HdLI3AndEc4zwGtfdF/J7xC7PW9B/JpI4U=.ed25519~z3m4ttJdI4InHkCtchxTu26kKqOfKk4woBb1TtPeA/s= | | Scuttle Space | @guil-dot | Visit scuttle.space | | SSB PeerNet US-East | timjrobinson | us-east.ssbpeer.net:8008:@sTO03jpVivj65BEAJMhlwtHXsWdLd9fLwyKAT1qAkc0=.ed25519~sXFc5taUA7dpGTJITZVDCRy2A9jmkVttsr107+ufInU= | | Hermies | s | net:hermies.club:8008~shs:uMYDVPuEKftL4SzpRGVyQxLdyPkOiX7njit7+qT/7IQ=:SSB+Room+PSK3TLYC2T86EHQCUHBUHASCASE18JBV24= |

GUI - Interface Gráfica do Utilizador(Usuário)

Patchwork - Uma GUI SSB (Descontinuado)

Patchwork é o aplicativo de mensagens e compartilhamento descentralizado construído em cima do SSB . O protocolo scuttlebutt em si não mantém um conjunto de feeds nos quais um usuário está interessado, então um cliente é necessário para manter uma lista de feeds de pares em que seu respectivo usuário está interessado e seguindo.

Fonte: scuttlebutt.nz

Quando você instala e executa o Patchwork, você só pode ver e se comunicar com seus pares em sua rede local. Para acessar fora de sua LAN, você precisa se conectar a um Pub. Um pub é apenas para convidados e eles retransmitem mensagens entre você e seus pares fora de sua LAN e entre outros Pubs.

Lembre-se de que você precisa seguir alguém para receber mensagens dessa pessoa. Isso reduz o envio de mensagens de spam para os usuários. Os usuários só veem as respostas das pessoas que seguem. Os dados são sincronizados no disco para funcionar offline, mas podem ser sincronizados diretamente com os pares na sua LAN por wi-fi ou bluetooth.

Patchbay - Uma GUI Alternativa

Patchbay é um cliente de fofoca projetado para ser fácil de modificar e estender. Ele usa o mesmo banco de dados que Patchwork e Patchfoo , então você pode facilmente dar uma volta com sua identidade existente.

Planetary - GUI para IOS

Planetary é um app com pubs pré-carregados para facilitar integração.

Manyverse - GUI para Android

Manyverse é um aplicativo de rede social com recursos que você esperaria: posts, curtidas, perfis, mensagens privadas, etc. Mas não está sendo executado na nuvem de propriedade de uma empresa, em vez disso, as postagens de seus amigos e todos os seus dados sociais vivem inteiramente em seu telefone .

Fontes

• https://scuttlebot.io/

• https://decentralized-id.com/decentralized-web/scuttlebot/#plugins

• https://medium.com/@miguelmota/getting-started-with-secure-scuttlebut-e6b7d4c5ecfd

• Secure Scuttlebutt : um protocolo de banco de dados global.

@ f9cf4e94:96abc355

Na era das grandes navegações, piratas ingleses eram autorizados pelo governo para roubar navios.

A única coisa que diferenciava um pirata comum de um corsário é que o último possuía a “Carta do Corso”, que funcionava como um “Alvará para o roubo”, onde o governo Inglês legitimava o roubo de navios por parte dos corsários. É claro, que em troca ele exigia uma parte da espoliação.

Bastante similar com a maneira que a Receita Federal atua, não? Na verdade, o caso é ainda pior, pois o governo fica com toda a riqueza espoliada, e apenas repassa um mísero salário para os corsários modernos, os agentes da receita federal.

Porém eles “justificam” esse roubo ao chamá-lo de imposto, e isso parece acalmar os ânimos de grande parte da população, mas não de nós. Não é por acaso que 'imposto' é o particípio passado do verbo 'impor'. Ou seja, é aquilo que resulta do cumprimento obrigatório -- e não voluntário -- de todos os cidadãos. Se não for 'imposto' ninguém paga. Nem mesmo seus defensores. Isso mostra o quanto as pessoas realmente apreciam os serviços do estado.

Apenas volte um pouco na história: os primeiros pagadores de impostos eram fazendeiros cujos territórios foram invadidos por nômades que pastoreavam seu gado. Esses invasores nômades forçavam os fazendeiros a lhes pagar uma fatia de sua renda em troca de "proteção". O fazendeiro que não concordasse era assassinado.

Os nômades perceberam que era muito mais interessante e confortável apenas cobrar uma taxa de proteção em vez de matar o fazendeiro e assumir suas posses. Cobrando uma taxa, eles obtinham o que necessitavam. Já se matassem os fazendeiros, eles teriam de gerenciar por conta própria toda a produção da fazenda. Daí eles entenderam que, ao não assassinarem todos os fazendeiros que encontrassem pelo caminho, poderiam fazer desta prática um modo de vida.

Assim nasceu o governo.

Não assassinar pessoas foi o primeiro serviço que o governo forneceu. Como temos sorte em ter à nossa disposição esta instituição!

Assim, não deixa de ser curioso que algumas pessoas digam que os impostos são pagos basicamente para impedir que aconteça exatamente aquilo que originou a existência do governo. O governo nasceu da extorsão. Os fazendeiros tinham de pagar um "arrego" para seu governo. Caso contrário, eram assassinados. Quem era a real ameaça? O governo. A máfia faz a mesma coisa.

Mas existe uma forma de se proteger desses corsários modernos. Atualmente, existe uma propriedade privada que NINGUÉM pode tirar de você, ela é sua até mesmo depois da morte. É claro que estamos falando do Bitcoin. Fazendo as configurações certas, é impossível saber que você tem bitcoin. Nem mesmo o governo americano consegue saber.

brasil #bitcoinbrasil #nostrbrasil #grownostr #bitcoin

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Falls du beim Lesen des Titels dieses Newsletters unwillkürlich an positive Neuigkeiten aus dem globalen polit-medialen Irrenhaus oder gar aus dem wirtschaftlichen Umfeld gedacht hast, darf ich dich beglückwünschen. Diese Assoziation ist sehr löblich, denn sie weist dich als unverbesserlichen Optimisten aus. Leider muss ich dich diesbezüglich aber enttäuschen. Es geht hier um ein anderes Thema, allerdings sehr wohl ein positives, wie ich finde.

Heute ist ein ganz besonderer Tag: die Wintersonnenwende. Genau gesagt hat heute morgen um 10:20 Uhr Mitteleuropäischer Zeit (MEZ) auf der Nordhalbkugel unseres Planeten der astronomische Winter begonnen. Was daran so außergewöhnlich ist? Der kürzeste Tag des Jahres war gestern, seit heute werden die Tage bereits wieder länger! Wir werden also jetzt jeden Tag ein wenig mehr Licht haben.

Für mich ist dieses Ereignis immer wieder etwas kurios: Es beginnt der Winter, aber die Tage werden länger. Das erscheint mir zunächst wie ein Widerspruch, denn meine spontanen Assoziationen zum Winter sind doch eher Kälte und Dunkelheit, relativ zumindest. Umso erfreulicher ist der emotionale Effekt, wenn dann langsam die Erkenntnis durchsickert: Ab jetzt wird es schon wieder heller!

Natürlich ist es kalt im Winter, mancherorts mehr als anderswo. Vielleicht jedoch nicht mehr lange, wenn man den Klimahysterikern glauben wollte. Mindestens letztes Jahr hat Väterchen Frost allerdings gleich zu Beginn seiner Saison – und passenderweise während des globalen Überhitzungsgipfels in Dubai – nochmal richtig mit der Faust auf den Tisch gehauen. Schnee- und Eischaos sind ja eigentlich in der Agenda bereits nicht mehr vorgesehen. Deswegen war man in Deutschland vermutlich in vorauseilendem Gehorsam schon nicht mehr darauf vorbereitet und wurde glatt lahmgelegt.

Aber ich schweife ab. Die Aussicht auf nach und nach mehr Licht und damit auch Wärme stimmt mich froh. Den Zusammenhang zwischen beidem merkt man in Andalusien sehr deutlich. Hier, wo die Häuser im Winter arg auskühlen, geht man zum Aufwärmen raus auf die Straße oder auf den Balkon. Die Sonne hat auch im Winter eine erfreuliche Kraft. Und da ist jede Minute Gold wert.

Außerdem ist mir vor Jahren so richtig klar geworden, warum mir das südliche Klima so sehr gefällt. Das liegt nämlich nicht nur an der Sonne als solcher, oder der Wärme – das liegt vor allem am Licht. Ohne Licht keine Farben, das ist der ebenso simple wie gewaltige Unterschied zwischen einem deprimierenden matschgraubraunen Winter und einem fröhlichen bunten. Ein großes Stück Lebensqualität.

Mir gefällt aber auch die Symbolik dieses Tages: Licht aus der Dunkelheit, ein Wendepunkt, ein Neuanfang, neue Möglichkeiten, Übergang zu neuer Aktivität. In der winterlichen Stille keimt bereits neue Lebendigkeit. Und zwar in einem Zyklus, das wird immer wieder so geschehen. Ich nehme das gern als ein Stück Motivation, es macht mir Hoffnung und gibt mir Energie.

Übrigens ist parallel am heutigen Tag auf der südlichen Halbkugel Sommeranfang. Genau im entgegengesetzten Rhythmus, sich ergänzend, wie Yin und Yang. Das alles liegt an der Schrägstellung der Erdachse, die ist nämlich um 23,4º zur Umlaufbahn um die Sonne geneigt. Wir erinnern uns, gell?

Insofern bleibt eindeutig festzuhalten, dass “schräg sein” ein willkommener, wichtiger und positiver Wert ist. Mit anderen Worten: auch ungewöhnlich, eigenartig, untypisch, wunderlich, kauzig, … ja sogar irre, spinnert oder gar “quer” ist in Ordnung. Das schließt das Denken mit ein.

In diesem Sinne wünsche ich euch allen urige Weihnachtstage!

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Dieser Beitrag ist letztes Jahr in meiner Denkbar erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Das Betriebsklima ist das einzige Klima, \ das du selbst bestimmen kannst. \ Anonym

Eine Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel hat das deutsche Bundeskabinett diese Woche beschlossen. Da «Wetterextreme wie die immer häufiger auftretenden Hitzewellen und Starkregenereignisse» oft desaströse Auswirkungen auf Mensch und Umwelt hätten, werde eine Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels immer wichtiger. «Klimaanpassungsstrategie» nennt die Regierung das.

Für die «Vorsorge vor Klimafolgen» habe man nun erstmals klare Ziele und messbare Kennzahlen festgelegt. So sei der Erfolg überprüfbar, und das solle zu einer schnelleren Bewältigung der Folgen führen. Dass sich hinter dem Begriff Klimafolgen nicht Folgen des Klimas, sondern wohl «Folgen der globalen Erwärmung» verbergen, erklärt den Interessierten die Wikipedia. Dabei ist das mit der Erwärmung ja bekanntermaßen so eine Sache.

Die Zunahme schwerer Unwetterereignisse habe gezeigt, so das Ministerium, wie wichtig eine frühzeitige und effektive Warnung der Bevölkerung sei. Daher solle es eine deutliche Anhebung der Nutzerzahlen der sogenannten Nina-Warn-App geben.

Die ARD spurt wie gewohnt und setzt die Botschaft zielsicher um. Der Artikel beginnt folgendermaßen:

«Die Flut im Ahrtal war ein Schock für das ganze Land. Um künftig besser gegen Extremwetter gewappnet zu sein, hat die Bundesregierung eine neue Strategie zur Klimaanpassung beschlossen. Die Warn-App Nina spielt eine zentrale Rolle. Der Bund will die Menschen in Deutschland besser vor Extremwetter-Ereignissen warnen und dafür die Reichweite der Warn-App Nina deutlich erhöhen.»

Die Kommunen würden bei ihren «Klimaanpassungsmaßnahmen» vom Zentrum KlimaAnpassung unterstützt, schreibt das Umweltministerium. Mit dessen Aufbau wurden das Deutsche Institut für Urbanistik gGmbH, welches sich stark für Smart City-Projekte engagiert, und die Adelphi Consult GmbH beauftragt.

Adelphi beschreibt sich selbst als «Europas führender Think-and-Do-Tank und eine unabhängige Beratung für Klima, Umwelt und Entwicklung». Sie seien «global vernetzte Strateg*innen und weltverbessernde Berater*innen» und als «Vorreiter der sozial-ökologischen Transformation» sei man mit dem Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis ausgezeichnet worden, welcher sich an den Zielen der Agenda 2030 orientiere.

Über die Warn-App mit dem niedlichen Namen Nina, die möglichst jeder auf seinem Smartphone installieren soll, informiert das Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK). Gewarnt wird nicht nur vor Extrem-Wetterereignissen, sondern zum Beispiel auch vor Waffengewalt und Angriffen, Strom- und anderen Versorgungsausfällen oder Krankheitserregern. Wenn man die Kategorie Gefahreninformation wählt, erhält man eine Dosis von ungefähr zwei Benachrichtigungen pro Woche.

Beim BBK erfahren wir auch einiges über die empfohlenen Systemeinstellungen für Nina. Der Benutzer möge zum Beispiel den Zugriff auf die Standortdaten «immer zulassen», und zwar mit aktivierter Funktion «genauen Standort verwenden». Die Datennutzung solle unbeschränkt sein, auch im Hintergrund. Außerdem sei die uneingeschränkte Akkunutzung zu aktivieren, der Energiesparmodus auszuschalten und das Stoppen der App-Aktivität bei Nichtnutzung zu unterbinden.

Dass man so dramatische Ereignisse wie damals im Ahrtal auch anders bewerten kann als Regierungen und Systemmedien, hat meine Kollegin Wiltrud Schwetje anhand der Tragödie im spanischen Valencia gezeigt. Das Stichwort «Agenda 2030» taucht dabei in einem Kontext auf, der wenig mit Nachhaltigkeitspreisen zu tun hat.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

Week 02-11

• Nsite zap by hzrd149 Support page

Content creator want more users. They can go to Bluesky.

Great that Nostr is a Echo Chambers. As stated by Rabble during NostRiga, Nostr is a bitcoin meetup. And it is very difficult as said several times, to subvert this fact. It seems that many bitcoiners don't like this, but they can't do anything, leave Nostr and migrate to other lids.

I'm reading Nostr adventar calendar of Japanese Nostr users.

The first two Don and Jun speak of a Mahjong game and the other of how possibly to count the followers of a given account, countfollowed. - Adventar calendar continue until Christmas 🎅

• Even Bluesky is looking at MLS , is not a soccer league, is a protocol for message by groups, "circles" Post on Bluesky

• Relays chakany is introduce sunday. link

I've never seen such dead animals as in Nostr. Something reminds me facebook. The carnivore folks

Hivemind podcast by Max, the kilometric comment on fountain under the podcast is the most appetizing thing of all. Just one comment, little one.

He interviewed Kagi's and searched for a brownie pill, perhaps caused a little headache. ( Brownie pill is orange plus purple)

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Loss dog on Nostr this week 😔😔 Pam and Derek family dog

conspiracy theory: Fiatjaf was the reply guy!!!

I tried to download voyage, from zapstore but nothing does not work even the 17.1 does not go. Too bad.

I hear so much about notedeck that I want to make a notedeck do it yourself.

Cherry tree, stuck hzrd149 is making an app a day, Chunked blobs on blossom.

A like is used to send your writing Relays

Announcement of a possible wallet in Damus, this could make things better, zap and whatnot.

---

• Or I'm posting a song here, a musical interlude. song on wavlake

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There seems to be a good buzz on Nostr, maybe it's already a Christmassy atmosphere.

• Backup di Bluesky cool things Bluesky post

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On another rssfeed thing.

nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzq9h35qgq6n8ll0xyyv8gurjzjrx9sjwp4hry6ejnlks8cqcmzp6tqqs93j2remdw2pxnctasa9vlsaerrrsl7p5csx5wj88kk0yq977rtdqxt7glp

It's the same thing as following a cross de bridge, but if they do 3 bridge, I say something is wrong. A bot is attached to a Relay. The Relay goes down and so much greetings, then I can look for RSS feeds in my computer without need of Nostr. I can share a particular opml file on Nostr, but I don't know how to do it I asked Fiatjaf but didn't answer it was taken by dichotomie.

Nip19 really Easy to do filter query.

You have events_id pubkey Relay Instead with Nostr:note you only have the event_id.

• Sebastix says he has to implement it in his library, discover the latest weekly report. nostr-php-helper-library

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Oh no Pablo has become super Saiyan 🤣

There is a way to make a podcast starting from a long text, blog. With artificial intelligence. But then I thought, but if one does not have time could not have the text of the article summarized, perhaps we like generating content. It can be an option, either you read or you listen. But if you do not have time perhaps it is better to just summarize, dear chatgpt summarize this text, done. Essential points and make a thread for the social network and do what you want.

• Homemade Traditional Boozy Mincemeat, I didn't even know that existed 🤙 link to shopstr

Hodlbod news on bunker burrow

nostr:nevent1qqs84na25g6mdelvl0408nnq8m29j5070dm9mvjrzxyc6yrx2udjyuczyztuwzjyxe4x2dwpgken87tna2rdlhpd02

• In case you don't see the note burrow on github

Once you have the email what do you do with your encrypted key? No Enterprise user maybe. Rember the article of Hodlbod in "Is Always a political move". ✅

List of artists on Nostr nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4xqpzqfngzhsvjggdlgeycm96x4emzjlwf8dyyzdfg4hefp89zpkdgz99qyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2tcpzfmhxue69uhkummnw3e82efwvdhk6tcqp9qku6tdv96x7unng9grdr

• An article for food recipe on Nostr Article link

I don't know if they'll ever be there. You can write a recipe book. Or to put recipes on wiki, there doesn't seem to be that attention or that desire. One more relay is always better

• Olas has a website 🥊 Olas app

Oh i see cool Hodlbod bot A summary bot

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That's all!!

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Die Ungerechtigkeit ist uns nur in dem Falle angenehm,\ dass wir Vorteile aus ihr ziehen;\ in jedem andern hegt man den Wunsch,\ dass der Unschuldige in Schutz genommen werde.\ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Politiker beteuern jederzeit, nur das Beste für die Bevölkerung zu wollen – nicht von ihr. Auch die zahlreichen unsäglichen «Corona-Maßnahmen» waren angeblich zu unserem Schutz notwendig, vor allem wegen der «besonders vulnerablen Personen». Daher mussten alle möglichen Restriktionen zwangsweise und unter Umgehung der Parlamente verordnet werden.

Inzwischen hat sich immer deutlicher herausgestellt, dass viele jener «Schutzmaßnahmen» den gegenteiligen Effekt hatten, sie haben den Menschen und den Gesellschaften enorm geschadet. Nicht nur haben die experimentellen Geninjektionen – wie erwartet – massive Nebenwirkungen, sondern Maskentragen schadet der Psyche und der Entwicklung (nicht nur unserer Kinder) und «Lockdowns und Zensur haben Menschen getötet».

Eine der wichtigsten Waffen unserer «Beschützer» ist die Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Die tiefen Gräben, die Politiker, Lobbyisten und Leitmedien praktisch weltweit ausgehoben haben, funktionieren leider nahezu in Perfektion. Von ihren persönlichen Erfahrungen als Kritikerin der Maßnahmen berichtete kürzlich eine Schweizerin im Interview mit Transition News. Sie sei schwer enttäuscht und verspüre bis heute eine Hemmschwelle und ein seltsames Unwohlsein im Umgang mit «Geimpften».

Menschen, die aufrichtig andere schützen wollten, werden von einer eindeutig politischen Justiz verfolgt, verhaftet und angeklagt. Dazu zählen viele Ärzte, darunter Heinrich Habig, Bianca Witzschel und Walter Weber. Über den aktuell laufenden Prozess gegen Dr. Weber hat Transition News mehrfach berichtet (z.B. hier und hier). Auch der Selbstschutz durch Verweigerung der Zwangs-Covid-«Impfung» bewahrt nicht vor dem Knast, wie Bundeswehrsoldaten wie Alexander Bittner erfahren mussten.

Die eigentlich Kriminellen schützen sich derweil erfolgreich selber, nämlich vor der Verantwortung. Die «Impf»-Kampagne war «das größte Verbrechen gegen die Menschheit». Trotzdem stellt man sich in den USA gerade die Frage, ob der scheidende Präsident Joe Biden nach seinem Sohn Hunter möglicherweise auch Anthony Fauci begnadigen wird – in diesem Fall sogar präventiv. Gibt es überhaupt noch einen Rest Glaubwürdigkeit, den Biden verspielen könnte?

Der Gedanke, den ehemaligen wissenschaftlichen Chefberater des US-Präsidenten und Direktor des National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) vorsorglich mit einem Schutzschild zu versehen, dürfte mit der vergangenen Präsidentschaftswahl zu tun haben. Gleich mehrere Personalentscheidungen des designierten Präsidenten Donald Trump lassen Leute wie Fauci erneut in den Fokus rücken.

Das Buch «The Real Anthony Fauci» des nominierten US-Gesundheitsministers Robert F. Kennedy Jr. erschien 2021 und dreht sich um die Machenschaften der Pharma-Lobby in der öffentlichen Gesundheit. Das Vorwort zur rumänischen Ausgabe des Buches schrieb übrigens Călin Georgescu, der Überraschungssieger der ersten Wahlrunde der aktuellen Präsidentschaftswahlen in Rumänien. Vielleicht erklärt diese Verbindung einen Teil der Panik im Wertewesten.

In Rumänien selber gab es gerade einen Paukenschlag: Das bisherige Ergebnis wurde heute durch das Verfassungsgericht annuliert und die für Sonntag angesetzte Stichwahl kurzfristig abgesagt – wegen angeblicher «aggressiver russischer Einmischung». Thomas Oysmüller merkt dazu an, damit sei jetzt in der EU das Tabu gebrochen, Wahlen zu verbieten, bevor sie etwas ändern können.

Unsere Empörung angesichts der Historie von Maßnahmen, die die Falschen beschützen und für die meisten von Nachteil sind, müsste enorm sein. Die Frage ist, was wir damit machen. Wir sollten nach vorne schauen und unsere Energie clever einsetzen. Abgesehen von der Umgehung von jeglichem «Schutz vor Desinformation und Hassrede» (sprich: Zensur) wird es unsere wichtigste Aufgabe sein, Gräben zu überwinden.

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@ a95c6243:d345522c

Konsum ist Therapie.
Wolfgang Joop

Umweltbewusstes Verhalten und verantwortungsvoller Konsum zeugen durchaus von einer wünschenswerten Einstellung. Ob man deswegen allerdings einen grünen statt eines schwarzen Freitags braucht, darf getrost bezweifelt werden – zumal es sich um manipulatorische Konzepte handelt. Wie in der politischen Landschaft sind auch hier die Etiketten irgendwas zwischen nichtssagend und trügerisch.

Heute ist also wieder mal «Black Friday», falls Sie es noch nicht mitbekommen haben sollten. Eigentlich haben wir ja eher schon eine ganze «Black Week», der dann oft auch noch ein «Cyber Monday» folgt. Die Werbebranche wird nicht müde, immer neue Anlässe zu erfinden oder zu importieren, um uns zum Konsumieren zu bewegen. Und sie ist damit sehr erfolgreich.

Warum fallen wir auf derartige Werbetricks herein und kaufen im Zweifelsfall Dinge oder Mengen, die wir sicher nicht brauchen? Pure Psychologie, würde ich sagen. Rabattschilder triggern etwas in uns, was den Verstand in Stand-by versetzt. Zusätzlich beeinflussen uns alle möglichen emotionalen Reize und animieren uns zum Schnäppchenkauf.

Gedankenlosigkeit und Maßlosigkeit können besonders bei der Ernährung zu ernsten Problemen führen. Erst kürzlich hat mir ein Bekannter nach einer USA-Reise erzählt, dass es dort offenbar nicht unüblich ist, schon zum ausgiebigen Frühstück in einem Restaurant wenigstens einen Liter Cola zu trinken. Gerne auch mehr, um das Gratis-Nachfüllen des Bechers auszunutzen.

Kritik am schwarzen Freitag und dem unnötigen Konsum kommt oft von Umweltschützern. Neben Ressourcenverschwendung, hohem Energieverbrauch und wachsenden Müllbergen durch eine zunehmende Wegwerfmentalität kommt dabei in der Regel auch die «Klimakrise» auf den Tisch.

Die EU-Kommission lancierte 2015 den Begriff «Green Friday» im Kontext der überarbeiteten Rechtsvorschriften zur Kennzeichnung der Energieeffizienz von Elektrogeräten. Sie nutzte die Gelegenheit kurz vor dem damaligen schwarzen Freitag und vor der UN-Klimakonferenz COP21, bei der das Pariser Abkommen unterzeichnet werden sollte.

Heute wird ein grüner Freitag oft im Zusammenhang mit der Forderung nach «nachhaltigem Konsum» benutzt. Derweil ist die Europäische Union schon weit in ihr Geschäftsmodell des «Green New Deal» verstrickt. In ihrer Propaganda zum Klimawandel verspricht sie tatsächlich «Unterstützung der Menschen und Regionen, die von immer häufigeren Extremwetter-Ereignissen betroffen sind». Was wohl die Menschen in der Region um Valencia dazu sagen?

Ganz im Sinne des Great Reset propagierten die Vereinten Nationen seit Ende 2020 eine «grüne Erholung von Covid-19, um den Klimawandel zu verlangsamen». Der UN-Umweltbericht sah in dem Jahr einen Schwerpunkt auf dem Verbraucherverhalten. Änderungen des Konsumverhaltens des Einzelnen könnten dazu beitragen, den Klimaschutz zu stärken, hieß es dort.

Der Begriff «Schwarzer Freitag» wurde in den USA nicht erstmals für Einkäufe nach Thanksgiving verwendet – wie oft angenommen –, sondern für eine Finanzkrise. Jedoch nicht für den Börsencrash von 1929, sondern bereits für den Zusammenbruch des US-Goldmarktes im September 1869. Seitdem mussten die Menschen weltweit so einige schwarze Tage erleben.

Kürzlich sind die britischen Aufsichtsbehörden weiter von ihrer Zurückhaltung nach dem letzten großen Finanzcrash von 2008 abgerückt. Sie haben Regeln für den Bankensektor gelockert, womit sie «verantwortungsvolle Risikobereitschaft» unterstützen wollen. Man würde sicher zu schwarz sehen, wenn man hier ein grünes Wunder befürchten würde.

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@ a95c6243:d345522c

Und plötzlich weißt du:
Es ist Zeit, etwas Neues zu beginnen
und dem Zauber des Anfangs zu vertrauen.
Meister Eckhart

Schwarz, rot, gold leuchtet es im Kopf des Newsletters der deutschen Bundesregierung, der mir freitags ins Postfach flattert. Rot, gelb und grün werden daneben sicher noch lange vielzitierte Farben sein, auch wenn diese nie geleuchtet haben. Die Ampel hat sich gerade selber den Stecker gezogen – und hinterlässt einen wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Trümmerhaufen.

Mit einem bemerkenswerten Timing hat die deutsche Regierungskoalition am Tag des «Comebacks» von Donald Trump in den USA endlich ihr Scheitern besiegelt. Während der eine seinen Sieg bei den Präsidentschaftswahlen feierte, erwachten die anderen jäh aus ihrer Selbsthypnose rund um Harris-Hype und Trump-Panik – mit teils erschreckenden Auswüchsen. Seit Mittwoch werden die Geschicke Deutschlands nun von einer rot-grünen Minderheitsregierung «geleitet» und man steuert auf Neuwahlen zu.

Das Kindergarten-Gehabe um zwei konkurrierende Wirtschaftsgipfel letzte Woche war bereits bezeichnend. In einem Strategiepapier gestand Finanzminister Lindner außerdem den «Absturz Deutschlands» ein und offenbarte, dass die wirtschaftlichen Probleme teilweise von der Ampel-Politik «vorsätzlich herbeigeführt» worden seien.

Lindner und weitere FDP-Minister wurden also vom Bundeskanzler entlassen. Verkehrs- und Digitalminister Wissing trat flugs aus der FDP aus; deshalb darf er nicht nur im Amt bleiben, sondern hat zusätzlich noch das Justizministerium übernommen. Und mit Jörg Kukies habe Scholz «seinen Lieblingsbock zum Obergärtner», sprich: Finanzminister befördert, meint Norbert Häring.

Es gebe keine Vertrauensbasis für die weitere Zusammenarbeit mit der FDP, hatte der Kanzler erklärt, Lindner habe zu oft sein Vertrauen gebrochen. Am 15. Januar 2025 werde er daher im Bundestag die Vertrauensfrage stellen, was ggf. den Weg für vorgezogene Neuwahlen freimachen würde.

Apropos Vertrauen: Über die Hälfte der Bundesbürger glauben, dass sie ihre Meinung nicht frei sagen können. Das ging erst kürzlich aus dem diesjährigen «Freiheitsindex» hervor, einer Studie, die die Wechselwirkung zwischen Berichterstattung der Medien und subjektivem Freiheitsempfinden der Bürger misst. «Beim Vertrauen in Staat und Medien zerreißt es uns gerade», kommentierte dies der Leiter des Schweizer Unternehmens Media Tenor, das die Untersuchung zusammen mit dem Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach durchführt.

«Die absolute Mehrheit hat absolut die Nase voll», titelte die Bild angesichts des «Ampel-Showdowns». Die Mehrheit wolle Neuwahlen und die Grünen sollten zuerst gehen, lasen wir dort.

Dass «Insolvenzminister» Robert Habeck heute seine Kandidatur für das Kanzleramt verkündet hat, kann nur als Teil der politmedialen Realitätsverweigerung verstanden werden. Wer allerdings denke, schlimmer als in Zeiten der Ampel könne es nicht mehr werden, sei reichlich optimistisch, schrieb Uwe Froschauer bei Manova. Und er kenne Friedrich Merz schlecht, der sich schon jetzt rhetorisch auf seine Rolle als oberster Feldherr Deutschlands vorbereite.

Was also tun? Der Schweizer Verein «Losdemokratie» will eine Volksinitiative lancieren, um die Bestimmung von Parlamentsmitgliedern per Los einzuführen. Das Losverfahren sorge für mehr Demokratie, denn als Alternative zum Wahlverfahren garantiere es eine breitere Beteiligung und repräsentativere Parlamente. Ob das ein Weg ist, sei dahingestellt.

In jedem Fall wird es notwendig sein, unsere Bemühungen um Freiheit und Selbstbestimmung zu verstärken. Mehr Unabhängigkeit von staatlichen und zentralen Institutionen – also die Suche nach dezentralen Lösungsansätzen – gehört dabei sicher zu den Möglichkeiten. Das gilt sowohl für jede/n Einzelne/n als auch für Entitäten wie die alternativen Medien.

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@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

The rise of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies has reshaped the global financial system, igniting new possibilities for innovation and development. In North America, a region at the forefront of technological advancements and economic influence, Bitcoin communities have played a pivotal role in advancing the adoption and utilization of digital currencies. These communities are engaged in a wide array of activities, from fostering education and providing technical support to promoting business opportunities and advocating for policy changes. This article will highlight 23 Bitcoin communities across North America, shedding light on their latest achievements and future ambitions in driving the expansion of Bitcoin technology, education, and economic empowerment. It offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the North American Bitcoin ecosystem and its significant influence on the global stage.

Thank you, nostr:npub1yzvxlwp7wawed5vgefwfmugvumtp8c8t0etk3g8sky4n0ndvyxesnxrf8q decentralized media client on Nostr to support people in owning their voice. #iOS #​Android, for supporting the publication of the Bitcoin Community Newsletter. Most of the content has been reviewed and confirmed by the South American communities. If there are any omissions, please feel free to reach out to me.

1.PlebLabs nostr:npub1an84q6c03wml5lf0uwcqcr20ydwv0t0lvv0xktlcfs9seattef8sdhz6yg * Introduction PlebLab is a hacker space and community accelerator based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to supporting the next generation of Bitcoin developers and startups. It brings together developers, hackers, creatives, and open-source builders to create a collaborative and innovative environment. PlebLab offers workshops, hackathons, and Startup Days to foster learning and growth within the Bitcoin ecosystem. By providing exposure, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, PlebLab helps early-stage Bitcoin projects succeed. Its core philosophy is to support free and open-source development, driving innovation and progress within the Bitcoin space. * Latest Updates Recently, the PlebLab has continued to make significant strides in driving Bitcoin innovation and entrepreneurship. They have launched the second season of Top Builder, with a series of top-tier workshops focusing on Bitcoin Accounting, Bitcoin UX & UI Design, Bitcoin Marketing and Media, and more. These workshops aim to discover the next generation of Bitcoin industry startups, with participants having the chance to win up to $15,000 in BTC. The events will bring together Bitcoin developers and entrepreneurs, providing opportunities for showcasing ideas and networking. Additionally, PlebLab will host workshops related to Bitcoin technology and applications, helping members deepen their understanding of Bitcoin Core and enhance their development skills.

2.BAYAREA * Introduction Bay Area Bitcoin Users is a community formed by the people, for the people, aimed at providing an open and inclusive platform for all Bitcoin enthusiasts. The community regularly hosts events in the Bay Area, offering a space to share ideas, opinions, memes, and have relaxed discussions. It’s a great fit for anyone looking to dive deeper into Bitcoin technology or simply enjoy gatherings with like-minded individuals. * Latest Updates Recently, the Bay Area Bitcoin Users community hosted a Bitcoin Holiday Party at Eve (1535 Folsom St) in San Francisco, California. The event featured a Socratic seminar co-hosted by BitDevs and LitDevs at Digital Garage, followed by a festive celebration with music, snacks, a bar, and Bitcoin-related interactions. Designed as a family-friendly gathering, the event welcomed children accompanied by guardians, even though no specific activities for kids were organized.

3.Ann Arbor Bitcoin nostr:npub1j4dvdn24dp963f4sfak0g6nz0chnw8tyglvs3pn9gqhhhfukmrfsyznne7 * Introduction Ann Arbor Bitcoin is a community-focused organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to fostering Bitcoin adoption and engagement. The group hosts regular meetups and events, providing a platform for Bitcoin enthusiasts to share knowledge and exchange ideas. * Latest Updates Recently, there have been no new updates from the community, with the latest event dating back to December 2022, which encouraged everyone to join their Telegram group to stay updated on all the latest news about meetups.

4.Bit Miami * Introduction BitMiami is a vibrant community dedicated to exploring and learning about the Bitcoin ecosystem in South Florida. * Latest Updates Recently, the BitMiami community has shared various Bitcoin-related events and updates. They highlighted Bitcoin Vortex Week in Miami and also focused on the HODLween event. BitMiami continues to support the growth of the South Florida Bitcoin community by reposting valuable content from local Bitcoin enthusiasts and organizations. They also encourage community members to actively engage with the Bitcoin ecosystem through meetups and educational opportunities.

5.Seattle Bitcoin and Beer nostr:npub1x2dm3cwqt0v9tqlf0ppzztaskn3th2x40p33hepl8rkwdgedw8eshypm5s * Introduction Seattle Bitcoin and Beer is a community that brings together Bitcoin enthusiasts and freedom lovers in Seattle. They regularly meet to discuss Bitcoin and build strong local connections in a city that may not always embrace freedom. The group fosters collaboration while enjoying good beer along the way. * Latest Updates Recently, the Seattle Bitcoin and Beer community hosted a monthly meetup on December 26th at the Old Stove Brewery on Nickerson St. Ship Canal, aiming to expand the sovereignty of the Bitcoin user network in the Great Northwest. Although this wasn't a cryptocurrency-exclusive meetup, participants gathered in a relaxed atmosphere to discuss Bitcoin and strengthen community connections.

6.Bitcoin Aruba * Introduction Bitcoin Aruba is a community dedicated to promoting the use and acceptance of Bitcoin across the beautiful island of Aruba. Their mission is to encourage local businesses and individuals to embrace Bitcoin as a payment option, creating a vibrant ecosystem where people can experience the freedom and potential of decentralized currency.. * Latest Updates Recently, the Bitcoin Aruba community has shared various Bitcoin-related updates on Twitter. They highlighted and reposted content from several Bitcoin initiatives, including the StackSats 250k Sat giveaway, BTCPay Server’s holiday greetings, and discussions on the importance of running your own Bitcoin node. Additionally, Bitcoin Aruba has been encouraging community members to actively engage in the Bitcoin ecosystem, with a focus on topics like node operation and privacy protection.

7.Bitcoin Beach Yucatan nostr:npub1w2my0n7rklzdgw7anjdnssq8mjzkpr54apqeg3pk9qjauu9dt26smyydvm * Introduction Bitcoin Beach Yucatán is a community dedicated to promoting Bitcoin education and adoption throughout the Yucatán state. * Latest Updates Recently, there have been no new updates from the community. The latest event dates back to Oct 2024, when they shared a post calling for help for the disaster-stricken area of Sisal, requesting food, clothing, and other essential supplies.

8.Bitcoin Brunch Miami * Introduction Bitcoin Brunch Miami is a community where Bitcoin enthusiasts gather every Sunday for casual discussions over brunch. * Latest Updates Recently, there have been no new updates from the community on twitter, The latest event dates back to July 2023. However, Bitcoin Brunch Miami has already hosted five brunch discussions in December.

9.Bitcoin Charlotte nostr:npub1p7g986pc56qmvryplgzka0fsrpuwlk6mxk3h686w4e46n74e56qqhz88vk * Introduction Bitcoin Charlotte is a community for those passionate about Bitcoin, decentralization, privacy, and freedom. It provides opportunities to connect with individuals at the forefront of this transformative technology through social events, workshops, and online hangouts. The community’s mission is to educate and empower people to break free from financial dependence on banks and governments by embracing Bitcoin, the most superior form of money in history. * Latest Updates Recently, the Bitcoin Charlotte community hosted several events, including an in-person meetup at Southern Strain Brewery in Plaza Midwood, where members connected with like-minded individuals and celebrated Bitcoin's potential for financial liberation by purchasing beer with Bitcoin. Additionally, the community held an online Bitcoin meetup and knowledge-sharing session on December 2, further promoting Bitcoin education and awareness.

10.Bitcoin Ciudadela * Introduction Bitcoin Ciudadela is focused on transforming San Cristóbal de las Casas and Chiapas into strongholds for Bitcoin adoption and education. The community aims to build a robust network of Mexican Bitcoiners who are united in promoting the benefits of decentralized finance and empowering individuals with knowledge about Bitcoin. * Latest Updates Recently, there have been no new updates from the community. The latest event dates back to Apr 2024, when they shared a post criticizing those who supported restrictions on freedom and praised those who fought for liberty, questioned authority, and stood against oppression.

11.Bitcoin Jungle nostr:npub14f26g7dddy6dpltc70da3pg4e5w2p4apzzqjuugnsr2ema6e3y6s2xv7lu * Introduction Bitcoin Jungle is an open-source community project built on the Bitcoin Lightning Network, aiming to create a circular Bitcoin economy. It supports individuals and businesses by providing education, resources, and technology to drive Bitcoin adoption. Starting in the Golden Triangle region of Costa Rica, the project strives to set an example for Bitcoin communities. The goal is to establish a sustainable Bitcoin ecosystem for communities worldwide. * Latest Updates Recently, Bitcoin Jungle is actively preparing for the next Bitcoin Freedom Festival, which will take place from February 20th to 24th, 2025, at the Awake Earth Festival in Uvita, Costa Rica. The event will combine Bitcoin seminars with a music festival, lectures, and discussions, aiming to attract new audiences to the Bitcoin space in a unique and engaging way.

12.Bitcoin Lake Guatemala nostr:npub1a4excy7uf9z3mcafvm9cwdr549dl5lpazuvpr2nc550vf27n5a4scqq5k2 * Introduction Bitcoin Lake Guatemala is a Bitcoin community located in Guatemala, focused on promoting the use and education of Bitcoin in the Lake Atitlán region. By supporting local businesses in adopting Bitcoin payments and providing educational resources, the community aims to build a sustainable economy based on Bitcoin. * Latest Updates Recently, the community has shared one update，this post celebrates the continued growth and resilience of the Bitcoin movement, marking a significant milestone for the community.

13.Round Rock Bitcoiners nostr:npub17ysayggwumkpkpgsq75axd7ed9guw03wz9jldz5d0zrkgz0cja2qd09tzu * Introduction Round Rock Bitcoiners is a Bitcoin community in Round Rock, Texas, dedicated to promoting Bitcoin knowledge and adoption. Through monthly meetups and resource sharing, the group supports individuals and small businesses in adopting Bitcoin and fosters a local peer-to-peer network. * Latest Updates Recently, The Round Rock Bitcoiners community has been actively organizing events to promote Bitcoin education and strengthen community bonds. Recently, they hosted a screening of the film No More Inflation, exploring the future of money and inflation-free solutions, followed by a Bitcoin-themed happy hour. Additionally, they announced the second biennial Base58 Bitcoin LARP event, offering participants a unique experience of hands-on learning, networking, and fun. Additionally, they shared posts addressing KYC privacy risks, critical discussions about the IRS, the legacy of cypherpunk ideals, and new features in the Bitcoin ecosystem, such as Zaps integration with the Rumble platform.

14.SacTown Bitcoin * Introduction Sactown Bitcoiners is a Bitcoin-focused community with members from across the Greater Sacramento region. The group hosts two monthly events: a discussion and member-led presentation at the Arden-Dimick Library on the 4th Thursday and a social gathering at a brewery or restaurant on the 2nd Thursday. Discussions revolve around Bitcoin, covering topics like money, hope, and the future under a Bitcoin standard. Open to Bitcoin enthusiasts, beginners, and maximalists alike, the community maintains a strict “Bitcoin only” policy, creating a dedicated space for pure Bitcoin conversations. * Latest Updates Recently, SacTown Bitcoin hosted a Christmas Party and highlighted Bitcoin's transformative impact. On December 12, 2024, SacTown Bitcoin hosted the Sactown Bitcoiners Christmas Party at Turkovich Family Wines Tasting Room. The event featured a potluck, a white elephant gift exchange (participants were asked to bring a gift worth approximately $20), and a raffle. Additionally, SacTown Bitcoin has been focusing on the profound impact of Bitcoin on personal financial understanding and its potential to disrupt economic inequalities. They have shared posts highlighting insights from financial and investment professionals inspired by Bitcoin, as well as discussions on how Bitcoin empowers ordinary people to benefit from asset growth.

15.San Diego Bitcoiners * Introduction San Diego Bitcoiners is a community dedicated to learning and discussing Bitcoin, providing a platform for anyone interested in the cryptocurrency. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community hosts monthly events featuring guest speakers, brief presentations, or casual conversations. Meetings are held every second Thursday of the month at Quantum Brewing in Kearny Mesa, welcoming all Bitcoin enthusiasts. * Latest Updates Recently, San Diego Bitcoiners have been actively engaged in promoting Bitcoin education and fostering community interaction. They were featured in a local news article as the oldest running Bitcoin meetup in San Diego. The community has been sharing important reminders, such as testing Bitcoin wallet backups every six months. They also continue to host regular meetups, with a focus on practical demonstrations, including CoinJoin and wallet integrations like Sparrow Wallet and JoinMarket. The latest meetup took place in December at Quantum Brewing, where members gathered to discuss Bitcoin and explore new tools in the ecosystem.

16.SLC-BTC * Introduction The SLC-BTC community focuses on Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, welcoming participants of all experience levels. Regular meetups feature discussions on topics such as Bitcoin protocol, software, economics, self-custody, and mining. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced user, the community encourages open dialogue and answers any Bitcoin-related questions. * Latest Updates Recently, the SLC-BTC community hosted a series of successful events, including a Christmas party, thanks to the active participation and support of its members. During the party, the community offered a variety of giveaways and collaborated with several partners. Additionally, the community organized a Christmas Potluck Party and celebrated the milestone of Bitcoin's price breaking 100K. SLC-BTC continues to provide opportunities for Bitcoin enthusiasts to connect, learn, and grow together.

17.Topeka Bitcoin * Introduction The Topeka Bitcoin Meet-up aims to expand knowledge and awareness within the community. Hosted at local businesses, the group discusses topics such as Bitcoin (network vs asset), the Lightning Network, running a full node, self-custody, and accumulation strategies. Additionally, the community explores Bitcoin literature, podcasts, and other relevant topics. * Latest Updates Recently, the Topeka Bitcoin community shared some interesting Bitcoin-related insights and updates on Twitter. Members celebrated the new year, highlighting the concept of "time is money" and encouraging everyone to accumulate at least 31,536,000 Sats this year (one sat per second). The community also discussed the concept of "sat/cent parity," offering a unique perspective on Bitcoin's value. Additionally, Topeka Bitcoin shared creative activities related to Bitcoin, such as Bitcoin-friendly cruise line initiatives.

18.Vancouver Bitcoiners * Introduction The Vancouver Bitcoin community is a dedicated group of Bitcoin enthusiasts actively engaging in events like Bitdevs and more. With the motto “Splendor Sine Inflatione” (Splendor Without Inflation), the community focuses on fostering knowledge and connections around Bitcoin. * Latest Updates Recently, the Vancouver Bitcoiners community has been actively involved in advocating for Vancouver to become a Bitcoin-friendly city. Community members have supported Mayor Ken Sim's proposal to invest in Bitcoin and have participated in backing the city council's Bitcoin-friendly motion. Additionally, the community has voiced concern over the Bitcoin mining ban in British Columbia, suggesting the use of local renewable energy sources like tidal, wind, and solar power for Bitcoin mining to expand the grid and utilize excess heat from mining rigs. During the council's discussions, the community also supported the idea of Vancouver building a Bitcoin reserve, despite the associated risks.

19.Victoria Bitcoin * Introduction Victoria Bitcoin is a community that regularly hosts Bitcoin-focused meetups and BitDevs seminars, typically held one to two times a month. These events are free and open to the public, providing opportunities for discussion, learning, and networking. Community members can also win prizes from Canada's Bitcoin self-custody pioneers, Bull Bitcoin and Coinkite. The community places a strong emphasis on privacy, with all discussions following Chatham House rules. * Latest Updates Recently, the Victoria Bitcoin community has been actively hosting several Bitcoin-related events, fostering interaction and engagement among local Bitcoin enthusiasts. The community regularly organizes “Bitcoin & Coffee” meetups, providing members with opportunities to discuss Bitcoin. The most recent event was scheduled for December 22 at Discovery Coffee. Additionally, the community hosted an exciting Christmas party on December 13, where attendees enjoyed free pizza, beer, and champagne, and Christmas gifts were purchased with Bitcoin, showcasing the practical use of Bitcoin in everyday life. The event also included a Bitcoin giveaway for lucky participants..

20.Michigan Bitcoin Meetup in Benton Harbor * Introduction Michigan Bitcoin Meetup in Benton Harbor is a community focused on exploring Bitcoin's impact on investing, entrepreneurship, and self-sovereignty. It provides a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, learn, and share ideas. * Latest Updates Recently, there have been no new updates from the community. The latest event dates back to Nov 2024, which Announced Bitcoin Meetup Night in Benton Harbor on Thursday, November 21.

21.Western Mass Bitcoin Meetup nostr:npub1xgyjasdztryl9sg6nfdm2wcj0j3qjs03sq7a0an32pg0lr5l6yaqxhgu7s * Introduction Western Mass Bitcoin Meetup is a community focused on connecting local bitcoiners, promoting bitcoin education, and increasing merchant adoption. The group hosts monthly meetups and offers support for newcomers in areas like self-custody, Lightning Network, and mining. * Latest Updates Recently, the Western Mass Bitcoin Meetup has been actively organizing events to foster community engagement and growth. On December 8th, they hosted a social meetup at Fitzwilly's in Northampton, providing a space for Bitcoin enthusiasts to connect and share ideas. Additionally, they are preparing for their 29th meetup on January 5th in East Longmeadow, continuing to offer a platform for local Bitcoin supporters to gather and collaborate.

22.Yes Bitcoin Haiti nostr:npub1mjmaggp53xan2435wdse8ts06pzfcjejfex4pxasu67kxs5hqdpsyk7hx8 * Introduction Yes Bitcoin Haiti is Haiti's first Bitcoin-only initiative, launched to empower communities through Bitcoin education and adoption. Founded by Phanor Mendelking in February 2024, the project focuses on spreading financial literacy, promoting economic growth, and building a circular Bitcoin economy. Its mission includes offering local Bitcoin certification, hosting meetups and workshops, and onboarding businesses and community members. Operating from St. Michel de l'Attalaye, it aims to drive financial inclusion and resilience in Haiti's challenging economic landscape. * Latest Updates Recently, the Yes Bitcoin Haiti community has been actively advancing Bitcoin education. The first batch of students is nearing the end of their courses, with two students leading the discussion of Chapter 10 in preparation for the upcoming final exams and graduation. Additionally, the community has showcased proof-of-work in action, reinforcing the spread of Bitcoin knowledge through student-led lessons and engagement in activities.

23.YYC Bitcoin * Introduction YYC Bitcoin is a community-focused meetup dedicated to growing, educating, and supporting the Bitcoin ecosystem in Calgary. The group hosts biweekly meetups for networking and learning, covering essential Bitcoin topics such as wallet setup, privacy, multisig, lightning, and mining. Newcomers are encouraged to visit the website to familiarize themselves with key concepts and bring their questions to future events. * Latest Updates Recently, YYC Bitcoin has actively promoted Bitcoin education and outreach through several updates. They shared the BTC Sessions year-end recap and the The 4th Annual BTC Sessions HODLiday Special, engaging community participation. Additionally, YYC Bitcoin reposted Blockstream Jade's promotional offer, encouraging the purchase of hardware wallets. The community also highlighted Bitcoin Mentor's personalized coaching services to help members better understand Bitcoin technology. Furthermore, they supported and promoted ticket sales for the Learning Bitcoin 2025 conference, further advancing Bitcoin education.

@ 4d41a7cb:7d3633cc

Review

\ Dedicated to bitcoiners, who stand to benefit financially from the great wealth transfer that is taking place while the fiat system is being demonetized, the book emphasizes that true wealth is in the inner virtues and not in the outer.  Virtues are the spirit in which we do things; they are the most important thing because they define who we really are, beyond what we have. 

Real wealth comes from the virtues we live by.

As we navigate through periods of darkness, transition, and madness, marking the end of one cycle and the start of another, bushido serves as a beacon of light for those who seek to comprehend their own virtuous selves and contribute to the development of civilization. It recognizes that virtues serve as the foundation, a metaphysical science or natural law that surpasses religious beliefs.

The Bushido of Bitcoin serves as a guide for individuals seeking personal growth and a higher purpose during this period of change and adversity. We cannot acquire these values with fiat, gold, or bitcoin; we must cultivate them with patience and practice them on a daily basis. This is the ultimate form of lowering time preference: considering our legacy and future generations.

The War of All Ages

It is important to recognize that we are at war. This war is not new; I call it the war of all ages, and it is a war between slavery and freedom. Our ancestors have been fighting this war for millennia, and it is thanks to the warriors of the past that we are here now, enjoying our freedoms and all the things of modern life. 

This eternal war is interdimensional: it is a spiritual, intellectual, and physical war. To win, or at least have a worthy battle, we must start from the spiritual realm, the source of all. Only by becoming strong spirits and expanding consciousness can we win on the mental and physical plane. 

However, if we confine ourselves to the physical realm and attempt to combat and shape ourselves from there, we are unlikely to attain any significant outcomes. The war starts from within (against ourselves), and this book is here to help us understand exactly that. 

How you act physically shows your intellectual and spiritual state. The physical is the result of the metaphysical, and only by understanding this can we understand the immorality, the criminality, the ugliness, and the failure of the present system. These are the harmful fruits of a poisonous tree.

Aspects of the war & the virtues we must embody to win

It's better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.

The Bushido of Bitcoin virtues are justice/righteousness, courage, compassion/love, honor, honesty/integrity, responsibility, excellence, respect, duty/loyalty, and restraint/self-control.

These are the qualities associated with leadership and responsibility. It takes active cultivation and practice to develop this set of virtues, but they are the key to achieve success in whatever we want to.  (...) In the materialistic world we are living in, these virtues are scarce, and as we know scarcity for something desirable makes it more valuable. Especially honor, responsibility and excellence virtues that are very difficult to find in the marketplace. 

> We transcend childhood by taking responsibility. (...)* The price of freedom, or more specifically autonomy, is responsibility. 

All these virtues are necessary to become real men and give a worthy fight during this war we call life, because the war starts with our biggest enemy: ourselves.  

### \ A war against ourselves

-Individuals = micro

The fiat system aims to crush our spirit and steal our soul. In order to win, we need to become the best version of ourselves. We need to improve in the fiscal, emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects. How we all live and behave reflects our values back into society. Our behavior shapes who we become.

The Samurai believed in doing, not saying. Action and behavior demonstrated their faith, knowledge, and values more than words ever could. 

The miracle of being alive means that we had 4096 ancestors during the last 10 generations before us. That implies that there were 2048 couples of men and women who overcame hardship, built civilization, learned, taught, fought, reproduced, and died. They went through all of this, and who knows what else had to happen for us to be here and now. 

This is a sign of gratitude to be alive and an awakening of a desire to honor our ancestors and our descendants. We have in our blood a strand of DNA that contains unique information from all of them. If we fail to follow the lineage of our ancestors, we are essentially discarding centuries of biological, intellectual, and economic wealth.

THIS IS WHY BUILDING A STRONG FAMILY IS OUR PRIMARY DUTY.

True mastery lies in the real beyond comfort, and requires you transcend technology, by becoming the protagonist of the story. (...) You are either the producer or the product. You are either the master of your domain, or you are a slave to circumstance. You either establish your own territory, or you are a guest (or a captive) of somebody else (…) Territory is not only physical, it is also metaphysical; it includes the body, the mind and the spirit.** 

In order to be a protagonist, you need to be honest with yourself; you need to take responsibility and stop outsourcing the result to politicians, priests, or experts. We possess the power, and we must reclaim it as we relinquished it voluntarily. If we outsource the responsibility, we are victims or slaves. Victims and slaves are weak; they are domesticated humans. 

Victims are not free; they are slaves of their fears, beliefs, and circumstances. Being free is about taking responsibility, making everything you can shape your fault, and placing yourself at the cause and not at the effect. It's not what happens to you but what you do with it that matters.

Without self-control, you are a slave; you are at the behest or control of something else—be it the circumstances, impulses, or another person. It’s not virtuous to be a slave, to live dependent, or to impose ideas on others that you do not live by.

> If courage is the peak virtue of a warrior, then self-control is the peak virtue of the leader.*

Lying is a sign of weakness, dishonor, and shame. And this starts with the lies we tell ourselves, before we lie to others. In order to be free we have to recognize we are slaves sometimes in some ways, and it has always been like this. 

As the battle for the soul of humanity rages on, Bitcoiners, being the most likely group to ascend economically speaking, have a duty to become better people, and men in particular must lead. 

Given the current leadership crisis, it is imperative that we develop into strong leaders as soon as possible. If we don't, then who will? And in order to do this, we must lead by example, especially by resisting impulses that might lead to harmful or destructive behaviors.

Becoming stronger, wiser, and richer is not an option; it is our duty. If we are soft of the body, we are also soft of the mind and spirit. 

Whether the goal is strength, endurance, courage, or self-control, instead of trying to minimize pain all the time, we might seek instead to gradually increase how much pain we can bear. The goal being not an escape from pain, but a transcendence or integration of it. 

Also being mindful of your relationships and time with others is your greatest asset.

The ability to say no is a superpower. Slaves must say ‘yes’ to everything, but the master and the sovereign individual is he who can say no.**

You are in charge of your own destiny. 

### \ Culture war

-Sum of the individuals = macro

The materialistic view of humanity is what brought us here: Marxist, Keynesian, collectivist, mob rule democracies, and every ideology and system that ignores the universal truths. Such systems are bound to collapse from their inception. The immorality of the monetary system, which supported the information war against us through lies, indoctrination, and false mental models that most people operate under, is the direct cause of these systems' failure.

Dystopian societies are built on micromanagement, interruption, interference, and surveillance. They are built on the idea that the human beings who make them up are numbers on a spreadsheet that can be mathematically manipulated as though they’re all equal.

History has repeatedly demonstrated the failure of this ideology and its system. The only thing keeping it alive is the infinite debt system. However, the cycle is nearing its conclusion, and the fiat system has reached its peak; there's no turning back.

Argentina has become aware of this phenomenon and has expressed its desire for freedom and a reduction in state intervention. They have come to understand that socialism is the root of all evils, a realization that began with their central bank. Even the former president recognized this fact and communicated it to the people, educating them about Austrian economics. This is a sign of the changing times we are going through. 

Not only do we believe fairy tales about world affairs in this culture war, but we also learn toy versions of economics, law, and politics. Not only do they teach us to despise our history, our ancestors, and those "backward systems," but they also instill a hatred for our past.

People tell us that the founding fathers of our republic were racists and tyrants, that the Bible and the constitutions were merely a creation of primitive minds, and that its significance has diminished in modern times. This is all part of a plan to create chaos and weaken the foundations of our society so they can gain control. 

To be truly honorable and worthy of remembrance is to have respect for yourself, for others, for tradition, for authority, and even for your enemy.

If we use our common sense and judge by their fruits, paying attention to the architecture, the arts, the literature, and the culture of the time, it's easy to see that they were achieving better results than those we are experiencing today. So we should ask the question: Why? 

Of course, weak money has a significant influence on our time preference, but it's not the only factor. The root cause lies in the virtues; it is evident that the religions, cultures, and governments of the past performed their function more effectively than we do today because they were somehow more truthful and virtuous in their intentions. 

We are transitioning, but we are still living in a culture that incentivizes weakness and immorality while disincentivizing strength and character. Cheap dopamine and excessive comfort are depleting our energy and purpose, contributing to the high rates of depression and suicide.

It’s our responsibility to start changing this. We are going through a death spiral that is destroying families, the fundamental core of our humanity, with debt, inflation, and taxes. The ideologies, distractions, and challenges of the modern world are leading us in a completely opposite direction to the one our ancestors followed, and it is not difficult to see that that direction is the abyss.

Family is the most important unit and is precisely what’s been attacked by the globalist, communist, slave, and ghoul classes of the world because it is an institution of saving and compounding, not only for material wealth, but for biological, intellectual, and spiritual wealth.** 

The power structures are actively pursuing this goal through various means. The power structures are not only extracting our economic wealth through fiat money, which is in danger of collapsing, but they are also taking our spiritual and biological wealth. This is the real three-dimensional war I talk about. 

Instead of needing to rebuild again from scratch, the new generation of strong men can make the necessary repairs and build onwards to new heights. (...) allow humanity to better converse and compound its progress. This is the key to real civilizational progress. 

The status quo has reached this level of madness and tyranny because people do not want to see, hear, and speak the truth. Lying is a sign of weakness, dishonor, and shame; these are common aspects of today's democratic systems and fiat institutions, which act as magnets for dishonest people and parasites.

As G. Michael Hopf said: 'Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.

We are going through hard times created by weak men that were corrupted by power, not because power is evil.

It’s very easy to see people selling their soul for material possessions, and this is a clear sign of weakness and a lack of self-respect. (...) Slaves and parasites sell their souls, their dignity, and their honor for money. The point of being sovereign is that you do not.

“For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Jesus Christ 

Now we are transitioning, strong men are rising to create good times again.

These are the acts of a hero: to tell the truth in a world of lies. To inspire others to do the same.

But saying the truth is not enough, we need to take action, create, expand and protect.

Economic war

Thanks, Satoshi, for Bitcoin!

Empires and nations crumble along with their currencies and trade. Financial education is crucial to navigate this process and emerge stronger, rather than weaker.

Money is power, and you must learn how to channel it (...) We must master money like we master the sword or the pen (...) You have to both adopt the virtues laid out in this book and master the economic game. Money is power, and power is necessary—not evil. Power is just your capacity to channel energy, and money is fundamentally just that: energy.

By becoming better, smarter, and more affluent, we will beat them at their own game. (...) To ultimately wrest control from the parasites, we need a new class of leader: warrior-merchant-philosopher-king.**

Not all value can be measured in money, and this is critical for maintaining a relationship to the ‘moral’ or sacred dimension of the universe. While material wealth is important, spiritual wealth remains something no amount of money can buy. 

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16**

Satoshi solved one of the biggest problems in human history: an unjust monetary system. Specifically, the debt-based fractional reserve system that the moneychangers created to steal from producers.

Broken money breaks everything else downstream. It destroys the individual, the family, and the community, and in time, it destroys the state itself, unless they have full, digital, panopticon control over it—which is why they want CBDCs so badly. They will distract you with fairy tales about AI, racism, and climate change, while the real threat is coming to a bank account near you.

This system and its traps are as old as civilization itself, from the times of Jesus Christ to Napoleon to the present. The immorality and criminality of this system have significantly impacted various aspects of our civilization and culture, including the economic situation, education, communication, and the food and health industries, to name a few.

We need to understand and respect the stage of the cycle we are in, recognize it, and adapt. 

> Bitcoin makes this whole game of monetary inflation and hidden theft much harder to play. In fact, it’s impossible to issue new bitcoin, so if you adopt it, you’re on that standard, and if you do not, in time the money you are using will trend to worthless against Bitcoin. We either choose to adapt to its reality or pay the price of not doing so.We need to understand and respect the stage of the cycle we are in, recognize it, and adapt.*

Bitcoin makes this whole game of monetary inflation and hidden theft much harder to play. In fact, it’s impossible to issue new bitcoin, so if you adopt it, you’re on that standard, and if you do not, in time the money you are using will trend to worthless against Bitcoin. We either choose to adapt to its reality or pay the price of not doing so.

For the first time we have a culture of savers, known as hodlers” (...) “Bitcoin made savings great again (...) Saving is the cornerstone for a functional, stable, and sovereign life and civilization. 

Humankind will forever remember October 31, 2008, as the turning point in its timeline. Since that moment, we have gained access to a set of rules devoid of rulers, enabling us to retain and store all the fruits of our labor in a parallel energy based hard money system. This allows us to enjoy the benefits of natural deflation, which artificial inflation had been stealing from us for decades.

Satoshi fixed the money, the foundation of our society, the backbone of commerce, and the most significant language of humanity, enabling global communication and value exchange without any barriers. He also provided us with a tool to break free from financial slavery.

For the first time in history, we can safeguard our private property in a pure metaphysical manner, shielding it from physical threats and violent theft. This completely changes the dynamic of power and incentives. 

If you have any interest in the importance of family, children, or legacy, then saving independent, incorruptible money (i.e., Bitcoin) must be the central part of your economic focus. Wake up and stop supporting the enemy. Stop feeding the parasite. Have some self-respect and store your wealth in Bitcoin.

Governance war

Globalism vs National Sovereignty

Globalism contradicts national sovereignty by allowing a supranational entity to make decisions for the "greater good of the earth." This may seem absurd, but it's precisely what they're attempting to achieve.

Globalism (hidden communism / collectivism) is a failure. Every nation and culture has its unique ways; we are not equal, it is impossible to lump them all together and attempt to control them at the same time under the same ways. This is what institutions like the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the IMF want. Instead, they should not do it because they lack authority and nobody asked them to, and because it's practically impossible.

Lying is a sign of weakness, dishonor, and shame; common aspects of nowadays democratic systems and fiat institutions that act like magnets for dishonest people and parasites.

Feudalism was not all tyranny and oppression.” (...) “This gross misunderstanding of feudalism is somewhat expected considering what happened during the French Revolution.” (...) “It was only after the fall of feudalism that we opened the door to true despotism and large-scale democracy worldwide. Democracy and mob rule lead to the fall of nations, peoples, and empires. Money printing comes after and helps it along.

The only thing they can do, and they have been doing, is destabilizing the nations, incentivizing mass migrations, and creating economic chaos just to justify their interference (going a)and “help.” All of this is aimed at creating justifications for increasing the deficit and printing more money for their own agendas.

They envision a society of mindless automatons, or NPCs, controlled by algorithms, akin to numbers in a computer. They have already been enslaving the nations and succeeded in many aspects. This was only made possible by their ability to control the nations through their access to credit and their conditions.

The parasites and hyenas have become overly confident and arrogant, thinking they can nip at our heels, torment our families, and tear down everything beautiful around us, as if we won’t notice. They have confused tolerance and slumber for weakness.

But Bitcoin can change this dynamic forever. If nations want to protect their sovereignty, they have to grow their hashrate capacity and bitcoin reserves. Additionally, it is crucial for their citizens to increase their production, savings, and investments in bitcoin. The first step to killing a parasite is to stop feeding it, so we need to stop using their system whenever possible and adopt alternative and parallel options. Prioritizing local producers and consumer-focused products over solely profit-seeking businesses is crucial.

Good governance comes from good leadership. By inspiring people and pulling them along, you create more leaders who each have more autonomy. Ruling by fear and punishment is ineffective in the long run (...)

> Now we are coming awake and getting angry—which is precisely what the bureaucratic class is most afraid of.*

Be The Change (BTC)

You want to see in the world

It is time to stand up for what’s right. We are at war—a war against our freedom. 1776 or 1984 is our choice, and we vote with our behavior; whether conscious or unconscious, we are participating in the outcome.

Bitcoin comes with a duty and loyalty to your future self, your family, your community or tribe, and, for a select few, a duty to the world (...) This is the ultimate lowering of one’s time preference and perhaps the most fundamental utility of a sound money like Bitcoin (...) To be a bitcoiner comes with the duty to be an honorable person, because having freedom comes with the responsibility to do something with it.

Courage is not the absence of fear but the quality of mind and spirit that enables one to meet danger in spite of it. It’s faith in action—the virtue to face danger or death in order to defend what’s right. Courage is doing what's right, despite the consequences.

Fear is the number one enemy, killer of initiative, abundance, and a fulfilling life. The Bible writes "Fear not" 365 times. The number one fear is the fear of death. Once you conquer this fear, you'll overcome most others, and nothing can stop you.

A phrase I love is: Let your fear of regret be stronger than your fear of failure. So embrace courage and live the life you want to. 

We need to get stronger, more conscious, wiser, and more powerful. Elevate ourselves and surround ourselves with like-valued individuals. 

Build an alliance of men to protect your women, your families, and your tribe. Use this alliance to strengthen each other and hold each other accountable. Develop rites of passage together. 

> The pace of change is faster than it has ever been.* 

We have the power, and we need to demonstrate this, leading by example and inspiring others to take action.

We are the only legitimate teachers and role models for our children, and they are likewise the only legitimate role models for their—not the government, Hollywood, Netflix, social media, their ‘peers, and certainly not some disembodied virtue-signaling global organization that thinks it knows best.

We are empowered to shape history. Following these virtues, seeking truth and taking action is the way. With tools like Bitcoin and Nostr, freeing money and data sharing from centralized control, we can break the chains forever, to build a more just and free world.

Build family, create deep relations with like-valued people, and leave a legacy for the coming ones. (...) Find a mission, a family, a tribe, or virtues worth dying for. 

This is our time. A new energy is rising.

I want to thank you, Aleksandar Svetski, for this masterpiece and encourage you to continue sharing your wisdom with others.

Bitcoin and Nostr, or slavery!

@ 44189afb:b62f396c

Changes

Daniel D’Aquino (20):

• Automated i18n file changes from npm run build
• Add notedeck waitlist page
• Refactor code into several smaller blocks
• Add tab component
• Add Nostr DM OTP support to Purple checkout
• Purple welcome page
• Add better troubleshooting to OTP auth
• Fix subtle purple icon issue
• Update navigation around the website
• Improve checkout refresh stability
• npm run i18n
• Improve build process
• Fix checkout and login for npubs devoid of a profile
• Fix expired session token detection and automatic logout
• Add Purple checkout maintenance mode option
• Add nix-shell support
• Notedeck alpha landing page and install instructions page
• Storybook setup for development
• Add Nostr note component
• WIP 2024 review page

William Casarin (2):

• notedeck tweaks
• 2024 damus wrapped

ashleendaly (1):

• fix good first link

pushed to damus.io:refs/heads/master

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Es ist besser, ein Licht zu entzünden, als auf die Dunkelheit zu schimpfen. Konfuzius

Die Bemühungen um Aufarbeitung der sogenannten Corona-Pandemie, um Aufklärung der Hintergründe, Benennung von Verantwortlichkeiten und das Ziehen von Konsequenzen sind durchaus nicht eingeschlafen. Das Interesse daran ist unter den gegebenen Umständen vielleicht nicht sonderlich groß, aber es ist vorhanden.

Der sächsische Landtag hat gestern die Einsetzung eines Untersuchungsausschusses zur Corona-Politik beschlossen. In einer Sondersitzung erhielt ein entsprechender Antrag der AfD-Fraktion die ausreichende Zustimmung, auch von einigen Abgeordneten des BSW.

In den Niederlanden wird Bill Gates vor Gericht erscheinen müssen. Sieben durch die Covid-«Impfstoffe» geschädigte Personen hatten Klage eingereicht. Sie werfen unter anderem Gates, Pfizer-Chef Bourla und dem niederländischen Staat vor, sie hätten gewusst, dass diese Präparate weder sicher noch wirksam sind.

Mit den mRNA-«Impfstoffen» von Pfizer/BioNTech befasst sich auch ein neues Buch. Darin werden die Erkenntnisse von Ärzten und Wissenschaftlern aus der Analyse interner Dokumente über die klinischen Studien der Covid-Injektion präsentiert. Es handelt sich um jene in den USA freigeklagten Papiere, die die Arzneimittelbehörde (Food and Drug Administration, FDA) 75 Jahre unter Verschluss halten wollte.

Ebenfalls Wissenschaftler und Ärzte, aber auch andere Experten organisieren als Verbundnetzwerk Corona-Solution kostenfreie Online-Konferenzen. Ihr Ziel ist es, «wissenschaftlich, demokratisch und friedlich» über Impfstoffe und Behandlungsprotokolle gegen SARS-CoV-2 aufzuklären und die Diskriminierung von Ungeimpften zu stoppen. Gestern fand eine weitere Konferenz statt. Ihr Thema: «Corona und modRNA: Von Toten, Lebenden und Physik lernen».

Aufgrund des Digital Services Acts (DSA) der Europäischen Union sei das Risiko groß, dass ihre Arbeit als «Fake-News» bezeichnet würde, so das Netzwerk. Staatlich unerwünschte wissenschaftliche Aufklärung müsse sich passende Kanäle zur Veröffentlichung suchen. Ihre Live-Streams seien deshalb zum Beispiel nicht auf YouTube zu finden.

Der vielfältige Einsatz für Aufklärung und Aufarbeitung wird sich nicht stummschalten lassen. Nicht einmal der Zensurmeister der EU, Deutschland, wird so etwas erreichen. Die frisch aktivierten «Trusted Flagger» dürften allerdings künftige Siege beim «Denunzianten-Wettbewerb» im Kontext des DSA zusätzlich absichern.

Wo sind die Grenzen der Meinungsfreiheit? Sicher gibt es sie. Aber die ideologische Gleichstellung von illegalen mit unerwünschten Äußerungen verfolgt offensichtlich eher das Ziel, ein derart elementares demokratisches Grundrecht möglichst weitgehend auszuhebeln. Vorwürfe wie «Hassrede», «Delegitimierung des Staates» oder «Volksverhetzung» werden heute inflationär verwendet, um Systemkritik zu unterbinden. Gegen solche Bestrebungen gilt es, sich zu wehren.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I didn’t have much at stake this weekend, only my home picking pool — I finished second this week, so no $70 payout — and not becoming a buyer in the Steak League. Jonnu Smith did just enough in the late games to keep me in fifth place out of eight, which is self-buyer status, perfect if I don’t make it back to LA this summer. The reason you want to be the self-buyer if you don’t show for the dinner is you neither have to pay, nor do you let one of the NLMs who should have had to foot your tab off the hook! If I go to LA, I’ll be happy to pay for my own steak.

I also went 4-1 ATS in Circa to finish at 48-41-1, not nearly good enough to cash, but at least respectable.

• I laid the 18 with the Ravens, and it was easy. DTR is the worst QB of all time, and Bailey Zappe is maybe the 60th best in the league. Rashod Bateman came through big time for me in Steak and will be important if Zay Flowers isn’t ready for the playoffs.

• I would give Lamar Jackson the MVP — his numbers are off the charts (8.8 YPA, 41:4 TD/INT, 915 rushing yards, 6.6 YPC) — and the Ravens are still the No. 3 seed. He led the league in YPA and YPC! But it’s Josh Allen’s “turn”, and his teammates weren’t as good, so he’ll probably win.

• Derrick Henry led all RBs with 5.9 YPC on 325 carries including short yardage. He just turned 31 the other day too.

• It’s too bad the Bengals missed the playoffs. A bad call Week 1 against the Pats cost them that game (and my Survivor entry.)

• Ja’Marr Chase had a fantasy season for the ages — not just a triple crown, but one where he had a 12-175-4 lead over the second best performers in every category (ARSB, Justin Jefferson and Terry McLaurin, respectively.)

• The Steelers have zero upside, even if they are ever-so-slightly dangerous to their division rival in Round 1.

• The Bucs really struggled with a garbage Saints team. I didn’t think they’d have to force-feed Mike Evans the record and his bonus at the minute risk of nuking their season, but they did.

• The Eagles backups were better than the Giants starters, who knew? Malik Nabers had 109 catches in 15 games with garbage QB play. He’s a first-rounder next year.

• The Giants get the No. 3 pick which is great because they might avoid the QB minefield and get Travis Hunter.

• Someone made a good point about Saquon Barkley potentially getting the rushing record in 17 games — he’d still have done it in fewer carries than Eric Dickerson. Moot point, obviously.

• Think the Broncos have a puncher’s chance against the Bills.

• Jonathan Taylor sure had some big games after his fantasy owners were eliminated from the playoffs. He’ll go in the second round again next year.

• Josh Downs has 100-catch upside if he stays healthy and the Colts get passable QB play. Not sure what they’ll do with Anthony Richardson though — maybe going down the Trey Lance career path.

• Brian Thomas is going early to mid-second round next year, and I’ll be in.

• Circa Survivor had some insane sweats with the Packers and Falcons. Ten people out of 18 went down on those two games. The Packers one was especially bad as the Bears had it locked up, fumbled, got the Packers a miracle reprieve, only to win the game on their own last-second 50-plus FG.

• I guess the Packers went all-out because they really didn’t want to have to play in Philly next week, but now Jordan Love is banged up, Christian Watson tore his ACL and they’re going to Philly anyway.

• Bryce Young made one of the biggest comebacks I’ve ever seen. To be as bad as he was his rookie year, then so bad his second year he lost his job to Andy Dalton, only to finish this strong is amazing. The Panthers probably would still prefer C.J. Stroud, but it’s much less egregious than it was.

• Bijan Robinson had one of the quietest monster RB years I can remember. He was a quasi-bust at cost early on but finished with 61 catches, 15 TDs and 1,887 YFS.

• I didn’t see much of 12-inch, but the Falcons put up 38 points, and Drake London went off. London will go late first-early second again next year.

• Of course Kyler Murray has his monster game when it doesn’t matter. Actually, I was going against him in Steak, and the guy behind me (Josh Ross) nearly caught me for self-buyer, so it almost mattered.

• I nearly cost myself steak by starting Aaron Rodgers over Joe Flacco last week, and this week I started Flacco. Lineup setting is the worst part of fantasy football — you will be wrong at least 40 percent of the time when it’s close. I think the Dolphins were No. 1 in stinginess against opposing fantasy QBs too.

• I’m happy Rodgers likely finished his career with a good game and a win. People can ding him for his personality, but the signal is he stood up to unimaginable vitriol and hate and did the right thing for his health. He makes for a 10x better role model than the “class-acts” who complied.

• Jonnu Smith was such a beast for me in the second half of the year. He’s got to be a top-five TE on next year’s boards as he always showed flashes of this, and Tyreek Hill isn’t getting any younger.

• The Rams host the Vikings instead of the Killer Redskins as a result of their loss. That sounds bad, but given how poorly Sam Darnold played in the biggest game of the year and how the teams have suffered the subsequent week after playing the physical Lions, it might work out in their favor. The Rams are a sleeper in the NFC.

• I thought the Chargers might rest people, but I was wrong. I guess playing the Texans rather than the Ravens is kind of a big deal. I was also going against Quentin Johnston in Steak, which only worked out for me because it’s half PPR, and he didn’t score.

• Brock Bowers broke Malik Nabers’ briefly held rookie catch record. I probably wouldn’t take Bowers in Round 1, but there’s a case for it.

• I had Wil Lutz in Steak, and I was pleading for the Broncos not to keep scoring TDs. Usually in blowouts, you get lots of FGs in the second half.

• Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims are entertaining in Sean Payton’s offense. They’ll probably get crushed by the Bills, but if you’re Buffalo you’d rather draw the Texans or Steelers than a young team with this kind of energy.

• Another reason I’m not buying in Steak is Ross started based Harrison Butker who missed his only kick and got a zero.

• Remember all those midwits who said you always draft a QB early, and running backs don’t matter? The Lions took a washed up, unwanted Jared Goff, surrounded him with a first-round offensive tackle and running back and decisively secured the No. 1 seed depsite losing half their defense.

• So much for Sam Darnold as a dark horse MVP. He couldn’t deal with the Lions pressure and didn’t see the field well. What a change in trajectory from last week. If the Rams knock out the Vikings, and Darnold plays poorly, who knows whether the Vikings will commit to him?

• Gibbs is such a beast. He took a nasty hit early in that game too.

• The Lions deserved the top seed. They were the best team in the NFL all year, lost a ton of defensive players to injury, but seem to be coming together again at the right time.

@ c631e267:c2b78d3e

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum dritten Geburtstag, liebe Denk Bar! Wieso zum dritten? Das war doch 2022 und jetzt sind wir im Jahr 2024, oder? Ja, das ist schon richtig, aber bei Geburtstagen erinnere ich mich immer auch an meinen Vater, und der behauptete oft, der erste sei ja schließlich der Tag der Geburt selber und den müsse man natürlich mitzählen. Wo er recht hat, hat er nunmal recht. Konsequenterweise wird also heute dieser Blog an seinem dritten Geburtstag zwei Jahre alt.

Das ist ein Grund zum Feiern, wie ich finde. Einerseits ganz einfach, weil es dafür gar nicht genug Gründe geben kann. «Das Leben sind zwei Tage», lautet ein gängiger Ausdruck hier in Andalusien. In der Tat könnte es so sein, auch wenn wir uns im Alltag oft genug von der Routine vereinnahmen lassen.

Seit dem Start der Denk Bar vor zwei Jahren ist unglaublich viel passiert. Ebenso wie die zweieinhalb Jahre davor, und all jenes war letztlich auch der Auslöser dafür, dass ich begann, öffentlich zu schreiben. Damals notierte ich:

«Seit einigen Jahren erscheint unser öffentliches Umfeld immer fragwürdiger, widersprüchlicher und manchmal schier unglaublich - jede Menge Anlass für eigene Recherchen und Gedanken, ganz einfach mit einer Portion gesundem Menschenverstand.»

Wir erleben den sogenannten «großen Umbruch», einen globalen Coup, den skrupellose Egoisten clever eingefädelt haben und seit ein paar Jahren knallhart – aber nett verpackt – durchziehen, um buchstäblich alles nach ihrem Gusto umzukrempeln. Die Gelegenheit ist ja angeblich günstig und muss genutzt werden.

Nie hätte ich mir träumen lassen, dass ich so etwas jemals miterleben müsste. Die Bosheit, mit der ganz offensichtlich gegen die eigene Bevölkerung gearbeitet wird, war früher für mich unvorstellbar. Mein (Rest-) Vertrauen in alle möglichen Bereiche wie Politik, Wissenschaft, Justiz, Medien oder Kirche ist praktisch komplett zerstört. Einen «inneren Totalschaden» hatte ich mal für unsere Gesellschaften diagnostiziert.

Was mich vielleicht am meisten erschreckt, ist zum einen das Niveau der Gleichschaltung, das weltweit erreicht werden konnte, und zum anderen die praktisch totale Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Haben wir das tatsächlich mit uns machen lassen?? Unfassbar! Aber das Werkzeug «Angst» ist sehr mächtig und funktioniert bis heute.

Zum Glück passieren auch positive Dinge und neue Perspektiven öffnen sich. Für viele Menschen waren und sind die Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre ein Augenöffner. Sie sehen «Querdenken» als das, was es ist: eine Tugend.

Auch die immer ernsteren Zensurbemühungen sind letztlich nur ein Zeichen der Schwäche, wo Argumente fehlen. Sie werden nicht verhindern, dass wir unsere Meinung äußern, unbequeme Fragen stellen und dass die Wahrheit peu à peu ans Licht kommt. Es gibt immer Mittel und Wege, auch für uns.

---

Danke, dass du diesen Weg mit mir weitergehst!

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Ein Lämmchen löschte an einem Bache seinen Durst. Fern von ihm, aber näher der Quelle, tat ein Wolf das gleiche. Kaum erblickte er das Lämmchen, so schrie er:

"Warum trübst du mir das Wasser, das ich trinken will?"

"Wie wäre das möglich", erwiderte schüchtern das Lämmchen, "ich stehe hier unten und du so weit oben; das Wasser fließt ja von dir zu mir; glaube mir, es kam mir nie in den Sinn, dir etwas Böses zu tun!"

"Ei, sieh doch! Du machst es gerade, wie dein Vater vor sechs Monaten; ich erinnere mich noch sehr wohl, daß auch du dabei warst, aber glücklich entkamst, als ich ihm für sein Schmähen das Fell abzog!"

"Ach, Herr!" flehte das zitternde Lämmchen, "ich bin ja erst vier Wochen alt und kannte meinen Vater gar nicht, so lange ist er schon tot; wie soll ich denn für ihn büßen."

"Du Unverschämter!" so endigt der Wolf mit erheuchelter Wut, indem er die Zähne fletschte. "Tot oder nicht tot, weiß ich doch, daß euer ganzes Geschlecht mich hasset, und dafür muß ich mich rächen."

Ohne weitere Umstände zu machen, zerriß er das Lämmchen und verschlang es.

Das Gewissen regt sich selbst bei dem größten Bösewichte; er sucht doch nach Vorwand, um dasselbe damit bei Begehung seiner Schlechtigkeiten zu beschwichtigen.

Quelle: https://eden.one/fabeln-aesop-das-lamm-und-der-wolf

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

[07/10 week]

Thinking about it, even the protocol is a cathedral, Rabble in the speech in Riga on Bluesky.

He said the protocol is a bazaar. But you have to converge on the scheme in the NIPs or between Apps.

NIPs for example are like Luther's 95 theses, but they change continuously and adapt, but they always remain those 95.

Maybe that Pr on theother curve keys could lead to saying this is "nostr" these others are similar. Creating more points, but I just think it would have led to endless diatribes.

What will be of the protocol and who knows. He can do everything or maybe nothing and from tomorrow we will see and it will be, it will be what it will be. Italian Song

Notifications with nostter are not hidden, they are in your feed and this is good, you always know if someone has searched for you. While in the others you do not know.

---

I saw a sliver of light pass by it was Unanimity.

It's a very stupid idea, it takes a long time. it's basically a community + channel, where you post the channel in the community and start talking about that topic in the channel. The channel is an approved message. I made musicbook channel, it's the collection of albums released on Friday. The idea of ​​also making a blogger channel, where to put long-form articles.

Following nostr trending on Openvibe social, with a new profile, the Lost One, sad, in this One follow fiatjaf, means I won't bother him anymore . Now I follow 62 profiles, it's an account that I will use to read the notes of the top profiles. Curious if this number will grow enormously or is there a spectre.

The strength of the protocol is the developers if they collaborate together, otherwise it can still work, everyone goes their own way, but it's like saying I want to make my own fence.

One who in his long form doing an analysis of the various social networks. npub19mq9swna4dkhlm3jaux4yhgv5kjj556lkfhv3qnjtyh0kcljph6s88e295 Nostr is all based on Bitcoin. The difficult thing is Bitcoin not Nostr and he says so.

Controversies are useful, or my doubts, but maybe people who can't write code don't understand much, the so-called end users. No one is an end user at this time. The end user doesn't care about the person behind it, only having their own service, if the service is good they also do promotion, they become sponsors. We have seen in recent months sponsoring a Nostr app, result a small attack can damage that app. But the strength of having all these apps is that the other app doesn't have that problem. Spam attack example. The problem is that you can't sponsor an ecosystem, so it becomes difficult to suggest 10 apps to download. The best 10 apps of Nostr and the other 100, there is no easy way out. It's a bit like proposing a new place in NY, then everyone goes to that place and it loses a bit. What the sponsor must understand is that Nostr has only one "one shot".

I saw a video on Nostr of two people posting content on social media, making a review. Not bad, compared to the previous video, that Nostr doesn't even have a token. It doesn't give me a sign up. The main feature they say is a platform or at least they reviewed damus, damus for Bitcoin maxi. And so Nostr is populated by people who Number go up, only fiat thought they would say on Nostr. It's true in part there are those obsessed, even the non-obsessed are obsessed.

How nice it would be to call them NPs Nostr protocol specification, today supertestnet called them that. (the nice thing is that they are pronounced the same way).

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

Week 23th September

It's not your voice anymore if it's available to everyone.

Video Ai Voice

Nostr is psycho pop.

Nostrasia took place today. It all seemed beautiful. A muffled meeting, a bit in the clouds compared to the air you breathe in social media.

It seems there are two types of Nostr the one who doesn't want to grow and the one who wants to grow. 😅

1. There has always been a misconception that kind1 is the discovery layer, but in reality it is the opposite. If someone publishes a long form article there is less audience, it is true, but then it is easier to find quality content, therefore quality profiles to follow in the kind1 client aka twitter clone. And this can be true for all portable data layers, video streaming, audio, long form, ngit, wiki and whatsoever. So you have finally good follow.

2. The fact that in Nostr you don't see who follows you generally, only in a few clients, I only know one where you see who started following you. It's a strange thing, made to avoid seeing masses of bots that follow you and you can want to block, and you increase that list to the point of absurdity. It's strange because there is a lot of focus on the social graph, if you follow me it's an important aspect.

So in Nostr there are - portable data layers (Twitter style and other social) - non-portable, applications that use disposable npub, where the key is ephemeral.

1. 0xchat was becoming a good client, they killed it because it has to focus on chat. I don't use chat, I don't have anyone to chat with, I follow the 0xchat channel and then I read things from Moment. I use it with my second account, because after the nos2x-amber affair with the Odell result, which I had already told you about, I no longer tried to have the first profile even on the mobile. In the end they are all keys that will be burned 😔

Maybe I won't use Nostr anymore in the future just with burn npub, pow and whatsoever. In the end you don't build anything because it's a "stateless" communication.

---

Lol Moment

On Nostr the poor answer guy is helping the network 🤣🤣

call the police 911: what is your emergency?

a spam bot is attacking "nostr" relays.

you want some government censorship on those relays that contain spam, yes we can do that.

---

-Previous week- 16 09 Machines Like Me was a good book, maybe now it will become reality.

1. The cool thing about Plebchain radio, it's not the guests, it's these two Nostr users that do a podcast. And they focused on Bitcoin and Nostr and lightning, but maybe it's just the beginning, first you have to focus on a niche and then you expand to the whole world. I think the whole world phase is starting, the podcast topics would become too repetitive. The best part is the 15 10 minute intro. Or in the live show part, there could be some interesting clips.

2. • idea White button for activity pub user on voyage (app).

   • People hate Nostr. Don't use it

   • UnNip, now we've seen it all

   • Until the morale improves

3. People think Sync works like this by magic. Unfortunately it doesn't, I think, at least that's what those who are trying to do say, auto-merge, tinybase, evolu. There is an interesting local-first project. Jaguard a collaborative environment for writing empirical research papers.

4. Now I can search by id. I couldn't do it and I didn't understand the mechanism. Everything has to be instantiated. it works. Now I have to create a function maybe note_list_id and note_id. I continued to edit the NIPs page with asciidoc, categorizing this table is very fun.

New wave of Opensats grants.

1. If you haven't heard about WoT this week, you probably live on Mars. There are people who didn't know you could edit on amethyst.

You need to do a podcast of NIPs, features and whatsoever, maybe doing a podcast is not the best solution because it assumes you know something more and something that could change the next day or be no longer valid. maybe you should avoid doing things you don't have full control over, or at least not spread it outside. Maybe because last year at this time I was recording audio.

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

09 09 week

The billboard has reached its first goal.

I don't understand anything, too much.

The web is a dangerous place, maybe the couch at home is for you.

Nostr is like being in a public place like a bar and you listen to the radio, and you can decide which radio to choose, you can also talk on the radio, only those who follow you and those who are connected to that frequency can listen to you.

We talk on multiple frequencies so if one is offline they can hear me on the other.

Spam will always be a constant as are fixed costs, personnel costs, taxes things that people in general hate

A lot of talk that will be blown away by the wind.

Jack Dorsey says Nostr will be a protocol for private encrypted chats

1. Open-sats drama

2. Carnivore dietitian

3. Lightning diatribe

4. This is already Twitter 😉

Fiatjaf explained for the umpteenth time what the outbox model is, now those who look at images instead of reading books must have understood it too. My note, Patricia writes in her relays write, including select some in her outbox 10002 kind. it was a dev page of something, so maybe it won't be online for long

---

Thinking that with Kamala Harris's victory, the price of Bitcoin would hit a low and holders would be happy to buy. 🤣🤣 Instead with Trump new all time High, holders would be happy. 🤣🤣 Lol Moment.

---

I read the article about btcmap maps, there were some notes to make but I didn't, it's beyond my level, it was only for builders.

Satlantis, trustroots, and wherostr were not noted.

---

I had this thought that we will not "succeed" in building the openness of type 1, in the following nips, because of the relays and because discovering new things has a cost, and no one wants to discover new things. And then after that the others should use them, but how and after that at least two others appear who are doing a similar thing, but they don't talk to each other because they don't have time.

---

If the time horizon is 10 years, those who survive will see.

Keeping calm seems difficult.

I tried nostr-relay-tray works. It works, I would suggest a couple of changes

1. Delete some events.
2. View events
3. Search by npub id or time
4. Delete by time.

These are difficult things but they can be done with a database, so they may as well not be done.

I hope that all the controversies are forgotten and overcome and we are more serene.

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

A Ux designer has arrived on Nostr. I thought run away while you can. He could get rich, if there was a little economy.

Klout, do you remember that service, which took data from Twitter and made a ~~ WoT~~.

From a note of chip, I understood one thing:

Bitcoin is your "sovereign" currency. Nostr is just third party protocol. If you have a service you can use Nostr to face your customers. "Sovereign" people offer services. They can be bitcoiners or not. So at this stage Nostr is a layer 3 Bitcoin.

So to grow the enveiroment it must be attractive. Let's paraphrase: the protocol is agnostic, the people are fundamentalist Catholics.

So when an atheist person arrives he says ah ok, how do I silence these people and use the protocol If a Protestant Catholic arrives he is laughed at or ignored or at most converted.

---

I had a disagreement with Dergigi, in the end he won, but he is not right... (True)

Post more notes, zap more, follow 1000 people update FAQ to the nth degree. We are in the desert of the Tartars and the enemy is coming and there are those who say every day we must be ready, sooner or later, it will happen, ah ok. Everything must be perfect. Push harder. This leads to exhaustion.

New Grant from Opensat to Victor of Amethyst, totally deserved, pushed the envelope. If you are a grapheneos user download Amethyst. It's not just Amethyst it's also orbot, citrine, amber, zap store or obtainium or f-droid.

GitCitadel has raised its first fund I wonder if it was just a test on geyser, I wonder if it is the right project to do on nostrocket, but I think Opensat grant for nostrocket makes it irreconcilable. This opens a pandora's box, as always. We are silent as fish.

I tried not to answer some questions even in one case I knew the answer, I apologize, Nostr is much older than me, so it's okay not to answer sometimes. Tomorrow begins nostRiga, The last unconference of Nostr.

(First day) The morning was so-so, in the evening the situation improved a little. In the evening I played a bit with Nostr and it broke The second day good in the morning bad in the evening. I saw little of the backstage maybe only two panels, Will by Damus, and P2Phash on Nostr.

I don't follow anyone anymore, I did a little bit of a unfollow. I saw that two users had 200 followers in common, and I said to myself ah ok what is this thing, I have to understand how they do it there is something that doesn't work, let's try to be a little more distant.

It's weird, too much reliance on following, you have to go and look, not be stationary.

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

Week 12-08 a suitable protocol

The knots come to a head, some of you have gray hair, you get older.

Tkinter is better than ws://, more secure, but has limitations, unless you know how to use figma and do some magic. The project of Nabismo.

Maybe Nostr doesn't work for me.

Aspirin moment Nip-17, works with nip-44 and nip-59. Someone said they made the groups encrypted with nip-17. I tried and succeeded, now you can DM me, don't do it. I had sent the link to a conversation of nip-87 closed groups. There's JeffG doing something with MLS. Then there's keychat.io which uses signal Nostr Bitcoin ecash and that's it... But in dart. It's a bit like the Matrix analogue for Nostr.

Final controversy not all nips are mandatory.

Build the foundation. You can't think about selling the house

Yakihonne has a countdown. What can a desktop app be. Community Lists, Nip-29

A birthday on Nostr, no that's not possible, they're all cypherpunks. 🎉🎉 (Except me)

There is a different attitude from Nostr when updates are released compared to Bluesky, everyone there is still enthusiastic, on Nostr ah ok but this is missing oh but this is missing or but support this other one, or but * zap, wait a minute, keep calm 🙇‍♂️, I'm the first to do this. (The revolt of the developers)

Deletetion: Client that have relay paired can do delete, more intelligently, Perhaps you can think of a delete.nrelay subdomain as a filter. This id is deleted. Be careful what you don't want to do. Maybe a session with a psychologist is better, because then you find yourself doing what you said you didn't want to do.

Does it make sense to follow someone on Bluesky? In my opinion no, or better yet yes. There are several algorithms on Bluesky, which do their job well. In the end it's just a matter of arranging them better on the screen. Yes you can have lists to save someone, but then you read everything, so lists with algorithm seems like a next feature. this way they can keep the following small, almost minimal, because there are algorithms that work for the user. People will start writing for SEO algorithm and AI and other things, which tech gurus really like and so on. The fact that it is almost exclusively an app will greatly facilitate this trend, there will be almost no need for moderation, and you can get it all in just a few apps. (Great)

Oh yegorpetrov has abandoned. Pegorpetrov said that he is coming back 😌 It might be an invention but I'm a little heartened by it.

Bankify, a new wallet of super testnet, only for crush testers.

You can't stream on zap stream without reach, maybe it's better audio space. Contact someone maybe an influencer or Nostr elite or whatever. Open Source Justice Foundation streaming

Designer, I wanted to propose comment on wikifreedia nielliesmons article and follow #nostrdesign, but too many answers for today. NVK note is ~~mainstream~~

I think I'm not suited to Nostr.

Nostr-ava bike file geo tag sharing. (NIP-113) Sebastix doesn't respond, I must have done something bad to him, or maybe I'm stressing him too much. Finally he replied 🤙. In the end maybe, I have too much hype about this proposal and it's something I don't know maybe, but maybe if they were already doing something with geo tags it's better to say so.

Another birthday, less cypher more punk 😌

Usdt on Nostr, there must be some error. (freeform app)

USDT on tron ​​is like Money. (Bitcoiner not really)

Privacy issue, deletion motion, or deletion request, go go.

Nip29 hype, i don't have hype at all. I'm tired of words, I record a podcast on Nostr. Let's see if I can do it, at least think it. (It's more of a workflow thing than actually something I would do)

1. Create an npub (easy)
2. Record the audio episode (I think I can do it). Terrible audio
3. Loading on a Nostrhosting, if less than 10 MB it should go smoothly.
4. Publish the video or audio of the episode on some Nostr client, perhaps using blastr relay 😞.
5. Do the nostree link, by putting the episode, and also the npub.pro and put the URL on café-society. 6) Publish all these links on the Main profile, saying that, made a podcast about Nostr in Nostr of nostr. 😂

I thought a client could have poll, form, spreadsheet, collaboration document. It's the kind of otherstuff we want to see. Something that goes beyond a normal feed.

Emoj on bluesky, Eventually also zap 🥜 link emoj Blue

Eventually there will be a developer revolt And they will only do a social network in their downtime, they will call it Nostr.

There is a storm, Nostr does not work in 4g with two bars. Or now 4G is gone too.

Yakihonne Smart widgets, something to try on the weekend.

@ f977c464:32fcbe00

3724

Dürbününü yazı masasının çekmecesine koydu. O adamın bakışlarında bir şey vardı, tüylerini ürperten bir aşinalık.

Sağ tarafa kavislenen toprak yol, şehir merkezindeki idam platformuna doğru uzanırdı. On, on beş adım aralıkla, telefon ve radyo tellerini taşıyan, aynı zamanda geceleri yağ fenerlerinin asıldığı direkleri geçerdiniz. At arabalarının kaldırdığı toz ve yaydığı koku gözlerinizi yaşartırdı.

Ve darağacının önüne geldiğinizde, arkanızda bıraktığınız direklerin ne kadar güçsüz, acınası olduğu, öncesinde defalarca fark etmediyseniz bile, tam o anda, yüreğinize otururdu. Platformun üstünden gökyüzünü tehdit eden, ölüme mahkûm edilenleri kınayan gövdesi ve aniden yere eğdiği, acıyla çarpılmış boynuyla kaba tahtadan bir ucube!

Oysaki geçip geldiğiniz direklerin aksine, yanınızda uzanan, çoğunluğu iki katlı evler de tahtadan yapılmıştı ve çatıların, yağmur oluklarının, kapı çerçevelerinin, pencere kapaklarının üstündeki doğa tasviri süslemeleriyle öyle kibarlardı ki...

Dikkat etmemiş olacaksınız ama aralarında, soğuk elleriyle sizi yere bastıran, tasvirlerin yerini görkemli hayvanların -kartalların, aslanların, köpeklerin- aldığı taş evler sıralanırdı. Darağacının bedeni diğer evlerdense, ruhu kesinlikle bunlardan geliyordu.

Uzaktan kuş sesleri duyuluyordu. Bülbül. Buraya ait olmayan, dalgınlığını tamamlayan, kafese kapatılmış bir ses.

Çalışma masasının üzerine, pencereye doğru abandı. Artık ezberlediği bu hac yolculuğuna ihtiyacı yoktu. Evinden olanları az buçuk seçebiliyordu ve zaten görmeye katlanabileceğini görmüştü.

Adamın boynuna ilmeği çoktan geçirmişlerdi. Otuzlu yaşlarının başında gösteriyordu. Teni güneşten sertleşmişti. Çatlaklar gözlerinin yanından elmacık kemiklerine uzanıyordu. Saçı ve sakalı uzun, mat siyahtı.

Neredeyse kimse izlemiyordu. Sadece tek tük, aralarına mesafe koymuş ilgisiz kişiler...

Radyo her zamanki gibi celladın konuşmasını canlı olarak yayınlıyordu.

“...lece günahlarımızdan arınmış olacağız! Doğaya küfür olan tüm bu ucubeler, düzensizlikler...”

Bir kişiyi kurtarmak için ölen onlarca insan... Attıkları çığlıklar bilinçaltının derinliklerinde hafifçe kıvrandı.

İdamların başladığı o gün...

Erken saatlerde ortaya çıkıveren genci tanımıyorlardı. İnsanlara garip sorular sormuş ve kısa süre sonra ortadan kaybolmuştu. Öğlen vakti kucağındaki paketle geri dönmüştü.

“...lumumuz için büyük tehdit teşkil etmektedirler. Şüphesiz bundan birkaç yıl sonra yapacağı hareketleriyle sadece öldüreceği insanların değil, toplumun çökü...”

Darağacını hiç değiştirmediler. Yoksa bu da hafızasındaki bulanıklığın çarpıttığı anılardan mıydı? Hatırlamaya her çalıştığında başı ağrıyordu.

Gence üzülmüş ve apar topar alınan karar karşısında dehşete düşmüştü. Diğerlerinin arasına karışmak, sesini çıkarmak, hiç değilse bunların neden olduğunu öğrenmek istemişti.

“...esin iyiliğini gözetmek zorundayız. Bunu yapabilecek gücümüzün kalmış olduğu için şükretmeliyiz. Omzumuzdaki bu gö...”

Vazgeçmişti. Korkmuştu. Ellerini titreten ilkel dürtüden değil, uzun zamandır üzerinde çalıştığı romanının bittiğini görememe ihtimalinden. “Ertesi gün,” demişti, “ertesi gün orada olacağım.”

Odanın büyük bölümünü işgal eden radyoyu kapattı. İnsan boyu ve genişliğinde, üzerindeki kontrol düğmeleri dışında cilalı ahşaptandı. Güzel olsa da pili hızlı tükeniyordu. Yenisini alması gerekecekti.

Banyoya gitti. Evin her yerinde az eşya bulundurmayı severdi: içi temiz su dolu kova, küvet olarak kullandığı büyük varil ve ayna.

Şehirdeki diğerleri gibi hafif esmer tenli, kahverengiye çalan koyu saçlı ve gözlüydü. Onların aksine gözlerinin içinde hâlâ heyecan ateşi yanıyordu. Saçları bile daha canlıydı sanki. Ve ne kısa ne uzun ne yakışıklı ne çirkin... Olması gereken neyse o. Yüzünü yıkadı, gülümseyip çalışma odasına geri döndü.

Yeniden kâğıtlarının karşısına geçi. Romanını nihayet bitiriyordu. Son cümlelerini yazdı.

Her şeye geç kalmasına değmişti.

9386

Dürbününü pencerenin iç denizliğine, yaslandığı yerin kenarına bıraktı. O adamın bakışlarında açıklayamadığı bir şey vardı. Tüylerini ürperten bir aşinalık.

Adamın boynuna ilmeği çoktan geçirmişlerdi. Orta yaşlarındaydı. Beyazlaşmaya, griye dönmeye yeni yeni başlamış saçı ve sakalı, rengi atmış kıyafetleriyle oldukça hırpaniydi.

Kimdi o? Tanıyordu sanki..

Mutlaka yakından bakmalıydı.

“...felaketin eşiğinden döndüğümüz günün üzerinden uzun zaman geçmedi. Unutmayın! Unutmanız on...”

Radyoyu kapattı. Pili hızlı bitiyordu. Ne zaman değiştirmişti? Baş ağrısı geri geliyordu.

Merdivenlerden indi. En az dört basamağı gıcırdamıştı. Yenilenmelerinin zamanı geliyordu, temizlenmelerinin de. Parmak kalınlığında toz! Eski ve yeni ayak izleri üst üste binmişti.

Kulaklarındaki ince çınlama, ensesindeki ter... İçinden yükselip göğsünü ittiren, dengesini bozup neredeyse düşercesine aşağıya inmesine neden olan panik...

Holü geçerken diğer odalara kısaca göz attı. Hepsinin durumu aynıydı. Onu asıl şaşırtansa yatak odası oldu. Her gün uyuduğu yatağın, yanındaki bazanın, kirli çamaşır sepetinin ve etejerin üzeri... Nasıl fark etmemişti tüm bunları? Peki elbiselerinin böyle eskidiğini?

Dokunduğu elinde kalıyor veya kapalı kalmışlık kokusu yüzünden midesini bulandırıyordu. Eline geçen paçavraları apar topar giydi. Dokuması incelmiş bol beyaz keten gömleği, rengi griye yaklaşmış pantolonu -önceden? Belki siyah-, her tarafı çatlamış ve dikişleri atmış uzun deri çizmesi.

Neler oluyor neler oluyor neler oluyor neler oluyor...

Sokağa çıktı ve hava soluk borusunu temizlerken gözleri yaşardı. Hayır, kendimi kaptırmış olmalıyım. Kesin zamanın ucunu kaçırdım. Ev dün böyle değildi. Hayır hayır hayır hayır hayır...

Bulanık görüyordu ama hiç değilse burası normaldi.

İdam platformu şehir merkezindeydi. Oraya koştu.

Buranın o eğlenceli, panayır havasından eser kalmamıştı elbette. Kahveye girip çıkanlar, yan sokaktaki pazara gidip gelenler... Kimsenin olup bitenlere ilgisi yoktu. Dükkânların yarısı kapalıydı zaten. İnsanların burada oyalanmak için gittikçe daha az sebebi oluyordu.

“...lediğimiz kurtuluşumuz.”

Cellat, onun tam karşısında durduğunu görünce sustu. Herkes merakla onlara döndü.

Ve işte o anda, darağacındaki adamın bağırmasıyla celladın koşup kolu çekmesi ve zemindeki kapağı açması, infazı tamamlaması bir oldu.

“Koñrul! Onu...”

Çığlıkları ancak onu eve, yatağına taşıdıklarında biraz dindi. Sayıklamaya devam ediyordu: “Romanım romanım romanım romanım..."

Sakinleşmesi için yukarıdan kâğıtlarını ve kalemini getirdiler. Son cümlesini yazdı. Yarını göremeyecekti.

14796

Masanın üzerinde, koyduğu yerde durmayan, yuvarlanan ve düşüp merceği kırılan dürbünü fark etmedi. O adamın bakışlarında açıklayamadığı bir şey vardı. Tüylerini ürperten bir aşinalık.

Ve yine aynı gün, diğerlerinin aynı... İnsanlar bile gün geçtikçe birbirine benziyordu.

Adamın boynuna ilmeği çoktan geçirmişlerdi. Yaşlı sayılırdı veya yaşlanmaya başlıyordu. Saçı ve sakalı beyaz ama gösterdiği yaşa rağmen hâlâ gürdü. Istırap çekmenin, büyük yük taşımanın bezginliği her yerinden hissediliyordu.

“...rine inmemiz gerek. Bu insan müsveddeleri toplumumuz için büyük tehdit...”

Evet... evet. Demek bu adam da kimsenin anlamadığı haltlar yemek üzereydi.

Rahatı kaçanlar olacaktı, belki ölenler.

Adamı gerçekten tanıyor olabilir miydi?

Kendini aşırı zorlamıştı. Radyoyu kapatıp banyoya gitti. Yeni pili ne zaman takmıştı?

Aynada kendine baktı. Geceleri uyuyup uyumadığını bile bilmiyordu. Gözleri iyice yuvalarına kaçmış, etrafı kararırken akları sararmış, zayıf ve soluk, yüzünün üstüne bırakılıp unutulmuş çöplerden farksızdı. Saçlarını düzeltmeye çalıştı, her hareketiyle onlarca saç teli kopunca vazgeçti. Renkleri solmuştu.

Şehirde yiyecek kalmamıştı. Her gün stoklar azalıyordu. Tarlalardaki olgunlaşmamış meyve sebzelere düşmüşlerdi. Tüccarlar niye gelmiyordu ki? Diğer şehirlerde de mi durum kötüydü?

Kafasından aşağı su döküp geri döndü. Kâğıtlarını önüne çekti. Romanını bitirmeliydi, açlıktan ölmeden veya idam edilen sonraki kişi olmadan. Son cümlelerini yazdı:

“Dünya yine ölürken ve her şey baştan başlarken gidebileceği bir yer kalmamıştı. Eski çağların roketlerini düşündü. Gerçekten başka gezegenler var mıydı? O zamanlarda yaşasaydı Güneş’e giderdi! Şimdi hareket etmek için duracaktı. Sonraki güne kadar.”

20251

Dürbününü kapıdan çıkarken tuvalet kovasının içine attı. Yine bir idam. Saçları dökülüyordu. Alnının iki yanı geriye doğru açılmış, sakallarıyla birleşip yekpare olan tellerin arasından kafa derisi seçilebiliyordu.

Ne ilgi çekici... Bıraksalar kendisi ölecekti zaten. Pazara gidip ne bulabileceğine bakmayı tercih ederdi.

İnsanlar ayağını sürüyerek yürüyordu. Celladın konuşması dışında çıt çıkaran yoktu. Ne kuş ötüşü veya köpek havlaması ne çocuk gülüşmeleri... Konuşanları görebiliyordu, duyamıyordu. Fısıltıdan fazlasını çıkaracak istekleri yoktu.

“...hennemin böyleleriyle dolu olduğundan şüphesi olan var mı aranızda? Onları tekrar layık oldukları yere göndereceğiz. Bunun için yardı...”

Evet... evet. “Elma kaça?”

Pazarcı taburesinden kalkıp tezgâha geldi. O da aynıydı. Farklı bedende aynı sefalet. “Hangisi?”

“Fazla ham olmayanlardan.”

“Tanesi 600 lira.”

“Yarım ver. Şundan da...” Lafını tamamlayamadı. Biri bağırıyordu. Genç, on yedisinde bile göstermeyen biri. Yüzü etli, hareketleri canlı, kıyafetleri yeni ancak kendisine büyük gelmiş ve epey hırpalanmıştı. Hele o paltosu... İçi pamukla dolu olmalıydı. Kocamandı.

“Ya idam ne demek abi! Manyak mısınız lan siz? Kaçıncı yüzyıldasınız a...”

Küfrünün ortasında ağzını kapattılar. Koluna girmiş, kahveye geri sokuyorlardı.

Tezgâhtara “Kim bu?” diye sordu.

“Birinin torunuymuş, öyle diyor. Daha önce duyduysam n’olayım. Meczup herhalde,” dedi tezgâhtar.

“İsmi neymiş dedesinin?”

“Hakan mı, Hasan mı, öyle bi’şey.”

“Ekmekten çeyrek dilim, deri parçasını da ver. Çorbalık, değil mi?”

“Evet, çorbalık.”

Hakan... Şu saçma romanını bitirmek için evine döndü. Artık tozlar ayak bileğine geliyordu. Umursamadı. Son cümlelerini yazdı, kâğıt tomarını masanın yanından tertemiz yere bıraktı.

25803

Dürbünüyle ensesini kaşıdı. O adamın gözlerinde küçük cinler vardı. Neşeyle hoplayıp zıpladıklarını ta buradan seçebiliyordu! Ah, tatlılığa bak! Hahaha!Boynundaki ilmekle, gözlerinin içine bakan, hiç korkmayan ama bıkkın, ölümün bile hayatında olup bitenleri değiştirmeyeceğini kabullenmiş bir adamın duruşuna sahipti. Çok yaşlı, kafasında tel tel beyaz saçları, göbeğine uzanan sakallarıyla kurumuş bir ceset. Omuzları çökmek üzereydi, kamburunun ağırlığıyla ipi geriyordu.

Dürümü tekrar gözüne kaldırdı. Dürüm? Hahaha! Evet... evet! Radyoda cellat konuşuyordu.

“...endinizde değişiklik hissederseniz yakınınızdaki güvenlik güçleriyle ileti...”

Ah! Kendisine şöyle baktı. Yok... Aynı ben ya!

Sahneye -Tam bir gösteri! Gösteri!- doğru koşan adamı gördü. Üzerindeki puf puf paltosuyla, orta yaşlarında...

Masanın üzerine fırladı, dizlerinin üstüne çöküp içindeki safrayı pencereden dışarıya kustu. Eliyle ağzını silerken derisinin yapışarak etinden ayrıldığını hissedebiliyor ve o bant sökülürken çıkana benzeyen sesi duyabiliyordu. Cellat konuşmayı bırakmıştı. N’oldu? N’oulduuv?

Yaşlı adamı asmışlardı. Şimdi dik duruyordu, yükü hafiflemişti ama huzurlu olduğunu söyleyemezdiniz.

Diğer adam onları umursamadı, yere eğilip mikrofonun kablosunu tuttu ve ayaklığını devirerek kendisine çekti.

“Tabutun kapağını kaldırdığında yerin altına döne döne ilerleyen o kuyuyu... Tamam... tamam!”

Adamın şakağına inen ilk sopadan çıkan ses odayı doldurdu. Sonrası sessizlik ve ölüm. Ahhh... ahhh...

Hemen bağdaş kurup kaldığı sayfayı buldu. Ne ilham! NE İLHAM!

Son cümlelerini yazıp romanını bitirdi.

34125

Dürbünü öylece dışarıya bırakıverdi. Derisi kemiklerine yapışmış, kaşına kadar her tüyü dökülmüş bir ihtiyarı asıyorlardı. Açıktaki tüm bedeni yaşlılık lekeleriyle doluydu. Bembeyaz sakalı uzun ve temizdi. Dönecek! İpin ucunda! Sağa sola!_Tahta pencereleri kapadı ve -_Ha ha!- fenerin fitilini -Ha ha _ha!- yaktı. Duvardaki gölgeleri beğenmedi ama. Söndürdü. Püf füfüfüf ha ha _ha! Tekrar yaktı. Yine istediği gibi olmasa da iş görürdü.

Radyonun sesini açtı. Evet... Evet açtım! Tiz ve kalın, tanıdık ve yabancı... Burnu kanadı.

“...EN HİÇBİR ŞEYİN SONU YOKTUR! SONU OLAN HİÇBİR ŞEY BİTMİŞ DEĞİLDİR VE BİTEN HİÇBİR ŞEYİN SONU YOKTUR! SONU OLAN HİÇBİR ŞEY...”

Yüzüne döktüğü suyu alttaki tasla toplayıp içtikten sonra -Ha ha _ha! Hazırım, evet hazırım! Romanı bitirelim. Bundan iyisi olamaz! Olamaz! Ha ha!- masasına dönüp kâğıtlarını önüne çekti. Son cümleler ve sonrasında -Özgürüm! Özgürüm!” Radyo yayınına başka, yabancı biri karıştı. Öyle bağırıyordu ki duvarlar titriyordu. Çok yaşlıydı, çok...

“Geldiğimden beri, her gün! Asmayın artık şu adamı! Görmüyor mu...”

Sonra celladın sesi duyuldu. Cılız, uzaktan...

“Bunu da hazırlayın.”

“Evet... evet. Ne olacak, beni de her gün asın a...”

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2019 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

Marketing myself online has been an unexpected, and often eye-opening, part of my journey as an independent escort. When I first started, I really didn’t know what I was getting into. I figured I’d set up a profile, promote my services, and let the rest follow. But the reality is far more nuanced, and today I want to share how I've navigated marketing myself, from my initial steps on AdultWork to discovering Nostr, and how the support I receive online has started to evolve in exciting ways.

AdultWork: Where It All Started

When I began this journey, AdultWork was the obvious place to start. It’s a platform designed specifically for escorts, offering a range of services—from profiles to booking systems, to a built-in review mechanism. For me, it was the easiest, most professional way to begin advertising myself. I created my profile, uploaded photos, and listed my services, knowing that people could easily find me if they were looking for someone like me.

What I didn’t realise at first was how much of my online identity would be shaped by AdultWork. The reviews are integral to the platform. The good ones boost my confidence, and the negative ones, though difficult at times, serve as learning opportunities. Over time, I’ve refined my profile to reflect not only my services but also who I am. I’ve become more comfortable with sharing parts of myself in my descriptions and photos, building my profile into a place that represents my personality as well as what I offer.

Still, as I grew in my career, I wanted to expand beyond the confines of a booking platform. I felt the need to tell my story more deeply and connect with people on a personal level—something I couldn’t fully do on AdultWork alone.

X: A Place to Be Real (and Sometimes Overwhelm)

For a long time, X was my go-to platform. It felt more informal, a space where I could interact with others, share thoughts, and promote my services in a less rigid way than I could on AdultWork. I loved the freedom it gave me—though I quickly realised it also had its downsides. X can feel like a constant pressure to perform, to be entertaining, to remain visible, all while managing the fine line between personal and professional.

It was easy to get lost in the need for engagement, to check the likes and retweets, to respond to the messages. At the same time, X often felt shallow. It’s a platform where posts get buried quickly, and it’s hard to get the depth of interaction I was craving. Plus, there’s always the element of online trolls and unwanted attention, which can make things feel draining. While X has its perks, I found myself wanting more—a space where I could truly share my thoughts without the limitations of brevity or constantly having to fight for visibility.

Moving to Nostr: A Platform That Feels Like Home

That’s when I discovered Nostr. Initially, I was curious, but after diving deeper into its features, I realised it was exactly what I’d been looking for. Nostr is a decentralised platform, meaning it isn’t governed by any single company or algorithm, which gives me control over my content and how it’s shared. Unlike X, which often limits the reach of your posts based on engagement, Nostr gives me the freedom to publish long-form content, something I’ve always wanted to do with Behind Closed Doors.

Nostr allows me to share my stories, reflections, and insights in a more meaningful way. There’s no character limit, no algorithms skewing what people see—just raw, real content. I can write the posts I want, whether it’s about my day-to-day experiences as an escort, lessons I’ve learned, or reflections on what it means to be in this line of work.

But what really drew me to Nostr wasn’t just its ability to support long-form content—it was the community it fosters. There’s a real sense of connection with the people who follow me there. The platform allows people to support my work directly, which brings me to something that’s made a big difference: zapping.

Zapping: A New Way to Support My Work

One of the features Nostr offers that has truly resonated with me is the ability for my followers to “zap” my posts. For those unfamiliar with the term, zapping is a way of sending small tips or donations directly to content creators in exchange for their work. It's decentralised, meaning that the money goes directly to me, and there are no middlemen or platforms taking a cut.

At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. I’d always been wary of asking for support, but as I’ve gotten more comfortable with the idea, I’ve realised that it’s not about begging or asking for handouts. It’s a way for people to say, “I see you. I appreciate your work. Here’s a way for me to show my support.”

It’s been amazing to feel the direct appreciation from my followers. Some zaps have been small, others larger, but each one has meant so much. It’s not just about the money—it’s about knowing that people value my work enough to contribute. It feels like a true exchange, where my content isn’t just for a transactional purpose but is actually connecting with people on a deeper level.

For me, this is a game-changer. Not only does Nostr give me the space to create and share without restrictions, but it allows me to build an entirely different kind of relationship with my audience. I can continue sharing my journey with them and receive direct, heartfelt support in return. It’s the kind of genuine, positive reinforcement that I’ve always wanted in my work.

Why I’m Excited About the Future

As I continue to build my presence on Nostr, I’m feeling more empowered than ever. It’s freeing to know that I’m not bound by any platform’s rules or algorithms. I can share my thoughts, my experiences, and my reflections without fear of being silenced or censored. And the ability for my followers to zap my posts is allowing me to feel truly supported in this journey.

Of course, I’ll still use AdultWork and X for the more practical side of my work—booking clients and staying visible in certain spaces—but Nostr is becoming my space to create, share, and connect in a way that feels authentic. It’s a platform that understands the value of long-form content, supports decentralised communication, and allows my followers to directly support my work.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how my presence on Nostr evolves. It feels like the perfect space to continue my blog series Behind Closed Doors, share new insights, and explore all the complexities of my life as an escort. It’s a place where I can finally market myself on my own terms—without compromise—and where my work is truly appreciated.

So, if you’ve enjoyed reading my posts here, I encourage you to join me on Nostr. Whether you want to read more of my journey, zap my posts to show your support, or just follow along as I continue to navigate this career, I’d love to have you along for the ride. I’m so grateful to have a platform where I can truly be myself.

Rebecca x

@ a24d0c86:ec0f47ce

It's been nearly two years since I generated my Nostr npub, and I'm still blown away by its impact. Nostr has been THE catalyst for my rabbit hole journey, opening doors to new worlds and experiences.

Back when I was trying to figure out how to handle my nsec, I was stuck in a rut. I'd founded and run a business for over a decade, but my passion had fizzled out along with it's revenues. Compound that with the accelerating decline in fiat and it was a depressing situation. It was time for a change, but I wasn't ready to burn the boat without a clear (or even general) direction.

Fast forward to today, and I've officially closed that chapter. I'm beyond excited to embark on this new journey into FOSS product, and 2025 marks the year I'm fully committed to this new path. It's taken longer than I wanted, but good things come to those who wait, right? And if I'm being honest, I have much more clarity, support and 100k never hurts as I start down this pursuit!

My journey from 2023 to 2025 has been a wild ride and I wouldn't change all that I had to slog through to get here. Recently as I've gotten back into the habit of checking in on Nostr I'm reminded why I fell in love so quickly, with its unique blend of humor, creativity, and innovation.

Nostr is a gateway for me to better understanding software engineers especially. It's incredible the amount of knowledge and PoW so many devs on Nostr have and it's humbling to even bounce around with you on this wonky protocol.

That constant experience made me want to put the effort and sats into attending the Lightning Summit at Bitcoin Park in the summer of 2023. And it didn't disappoint. I got to see up close so many talented devs tackling complex technical challenges with fearlessness and ingenuity. These pioneers are paving the way for future adoption, and I'm ready to dive in and help push the ecosystem forward with the skillset I have today and what I'm building in my toolbox for the future.

Meeting fellow Nostr enthusiasts at Nosterville took my enthusiasm to another level in November 2023. It's like reigniting the excitement I felt when I first discovered the internet. It's mind-blowing to think about the potential this new protocol has to remake the web. 2024 I was much less active on Nostr as I was planning and taking the steps needed to move on in 2025. And now I'm finally ready to rock and roll.

As a product enthusiast, I'm stoked to help engineers get their projects ready for the masses. Let's make open source awesome, and let's get a ton of plebs on board!

To better contribute and build with developers, I'm committed to expanding my technical knowledge too. This includes learning the basics with GitHub to Python, Rust, AI, and ML. I'm also going to be switching to GrapheneOS as my daily driver and learning Linux. I'm eager to bring my product experience to the table and collaborate with others.

Going forward, I'm focusing specifically on helping build the Cashu protocol and how it intersects with Nostr and Lightning.

If you're a developer, especially one working on Cashu, I'd love to hear from you!

How can I assist with product-related tasks?

I'm here to build and contribute to the growth of the freedom tech ecosystem.

LFG.

@ da19b5d2:1f6cbfaa

I hear it all the time. People want to save up X amount so they can retire. Apparently, it is this time and space we are all supposed to want to get to. But what does it mean? I hear things like I want to travel, I want to have free time to spend with family, I want to not have to work, I want to play golf, I want to buy some property. And what else? What next? For me, if I am not working on building or contributing something towards a vision, I feel like I have no purpose. What is a hu-man with no purpose? Where are we truly headed, perhaps it is a mirage. I think what we really want is freedom to work on the things we want to work on. Don't we all want a reason to get up in the morning? Don't we always want to have a goal in mind to work towards? What if you suddenly had financial freedom? How would you actually spend your days. Have you thought about what you would do in your 'retirement'? Obviously this is a very personal question. I want to hear what people are passionate about making happen in their future. And if we are making things happen, are we really re-tired or are we just finally free? Why would want anyone to be tired again? 😉 Thank you for reading and commenting. 💚

@ 9d92077c:38d27146

Happy new year friends, and thank you for tuning in again to our techno-adventures.

Welcome to the first perfectly square year (2025=45²) since 1936 (=44²). Funny enough, 1936 is when Alan Turing publishedOn Computable Numbers.This is the paper that created the theoretical framework for modern computing... before any physical computer even existed! Thanks to UK copyright laws and the timing of Turing’s death, as of January 1st, 2025 this paper has entered the public domain. The foundation of computer science is now open-source. It was published on a perfect square year, and made public domain the following perfect square year. Poetic.

Here’s to hoping this year brings breakthroughs in healthy human connections with these machines.

As promised, we’ll keep things shorter this time. Onward.

Development Updates

Nostr Commerce Coordinators Whitepaper

Last month we published a paper outlining a severe limitation we found with the NIP-15 marketplace specification. We also proposed a solution, along with corresponding pull requests on Github.If you want to geek out with us you can read the full paper here.

Here’s a rough abstract:

Without a system capable of automating the process between a Customer's intent to purchase and a Merchant's acceptance, e-commerce on Nostr will not grow beyond small sales plagued with high-friction manual checkout steps. This proposal contains the groundwork for a new type of Nostr bot. A Nostr bot whose core function is handling NIP-15 checkout events automatically on behalf of a Merchant.

In plain English:

While building the functions of a real-life Nostr e-commerce store, we found a big problem causing checkout failures. This can be solved with an automated program, but we need an update to the Nostr marketplace specification to allow it to happen.

We also published home grown organic memes this month.

To be clear, lack of approval on our proposal doesn’t stop us from developing Conduit independently. We do feel a solution is needed for broader adoption, though.

This is the type of action we need to take to connect to the Nostr open-source development community and push important changes. So, expect more of these as we develop.

Joining Forces

Showing our work and reaching out to likeminded folks for comment didn’t take long to pay dividends. We’re now honored to be in a collaborative group with a few other teams developing Nostr-marketplace apps such as: - Cypher Space - Shopstr - Plebeian Market

This is the beautiful spirit of open-source collaboration at work. We’re all taking different approaches to a similar problem with the common goal of spreading freedom tech across the world. Instead of competing, we’re growing a new ecosystem together.

Open-source incentivizes this type of industry collaboration vs. the traditional competitive model. When your tech is instantly commoditized, other value vectors like brand reputation, team and operations matter a lot more. These things get better when you work together as an industry to grow your collective market share. This is common in mature commoditized industries. For example, US construction has lots of industry groups providing shared best practices to all companies. Open-source, along with the Nostr and Bitcoin protocols, incentivizes these pro-social business behaviors.

Medusa JS x Strfry Relay Accelerator

Medusais an open-source project we’ve had our eyes on since the beginning. They’ve already built out a ton of modular e-commerce solutions for folks like us looking to break the mold. Medusa provides all the features needed for modern e-commerce so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We’d hoped their work would provide a scaffolding for us to develop faster. Until recently, we couldn’t figure out how to tie it into a Nostr-based system without causing endless headaches.

Strfryis an efficient Nostr relay system developed by a talented Canadian programmer named Doug Hoyte. It’s currently used by most of the high traffic relays on Nostr. If you want to geek out on it, we recommend thisYouTube video of Doug’s presentation on Strfry. This was the clear relay of choice for ourConduit Commerce Coordinator(the bot system we proposed in theWhitepapermentioned above).

Last month, our tech chiefAcea Spades,pulled one out of his sleeve and got these two working together behind the scenes:

Pictured above: Conduit’s Medusa-based system successfully updating Nostr product events on a Strfry relay

He was able to update a product in Medusa, have it auto-sign a Nostr event, post it to the relay, and have the relay auto-delete the old product while keeping the new one. By doing this, he may have established the first product posting system between MedusaJS and a Nostr relay. That’s pretty cool, folks- and a huge step towards our vision of an easy to use Nostr system for merchants.

Conduit UX Sneak Peak

Last but not least, we made huge progress on our UX design through our collaboration withSantoral.

Screenshot 1 from the editing room: featuring the multi-cart HUD we’re excited to introduce.

This process has been fun and informative. While we’re spending time on the backend engineering too, Conduit is taking a UX-first approach to the build of the platform. This creative process is already paying dividends. It's helping us uncover the product design needed to give users a smooth and feature-rich experience.

The social experience is the top differentiator for a Nostr-based marketplace. This topic is front and center in all our UX working sessions.

Screenshot 2 from the editing room: showing the filter option for “My Network” vs. “Global” within a product category.

How do we show users the significance of the reputation-based content sorting system? How do we do this without taking away from a modern e-commerce experience? How can we do this in a way that’s fun and intuitive? We’re thinking about this in every working session with Santoral.

We’ll leave it there for now. Excited to share more on the UX front next month.

Upcoming Developments

Moar UX & a Landing Page

After an incredible “Phase 1” experience with Santoral, we’ve tasked them with more creative work. You can already see some of it in the screenshots above. They’re currently working on finalizing our design guidelines and applying them to the Hi-Fi wireframes. Then they'll deliver us the master Figma file for our developers to bring to life. This will include mobile screens.

We’ve got a new logo in the works, too. The fun part about our base Hamsa + Lightning logo design is we can rework it in so many ways without losing the essence:

Logo type 3/n. The alien lightning meteorite.

They’re also working with us on an updated landing page that will showcase what we’re building and tell the Conduit story visually. This page will serve as a portal to bring in a community of merchants and users who are excited about what we’re building.

Stayin’ Legal

Behind UX, our second biggest spend was on legal services. We’re going to be working with a forward thinking firm who will help us navigate the choppy regulatory waters of the Bitcoin e-commerce ocean. Beyond the normal start-up stuff, we hope for them to give us input on our designs to avoid potential pitfalls.

A wise Nostrich Lama.

We know that the platform we are building is just. We know that Nostr and Bitcoin are pro-humanity technologies. We believe them to be pro-democracy technologies as well. As we push forward, we’re bound to ruffle some feathers. So we need to make sure what we’re doing falls well within the established legal frameworks for us to survive (and thrive). Not everyone in this community will take this approach, and we respect that. But, this is the path Conduit is taking.

Plugging in Conduit.Coffee

Once we have the finalized design we’re going to start by launching and testing our own store, Conduit Coffee, on the platform. This one might be out a couple months, but it’s an important step to mention and one we’re really looking forward to!

In the meantime, don’t forget to stock up on yourConduit.Coffee.Our FOSS Friday sale was a success, and together we sent a solid bag of Christmas Bitcoin to OpenSats.In fact, we managed to sell out of our first coffee run! This is perfect, since we want to make sure we’re always delivering fresh roasted product to our followers. Thank you for your support.

Note: some of you have requested a “how-to” for Bitcoin/Lightning beginners for the current Conduit.Coffee site. We’ll get that to you in an interim bulletin soon! We’d be honored if your first Bitcoin commercial transaction was with us, and excited for you if it were to be the start of your freedom-tech journey.

Concluding 01/45²

When you’ve got a huge goal (like revolutionizing e-commerce or something like that), it’s tough to feel like you’ve accomplished anything. Especially at the beginning. Looking back on our recent developments has us motivated though. 2024 was a very creative and transformative year for us, with a lot built up under the surface preparing to show itself in 2025.

We’ve got an exciting year ahead. We wish you and your families health, wealth and happiness in the new year- whatever that uniquely means for each of you.

Please feel free toreach out to usand let us know your thoughts on anything we’ve shared. We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Eric FJ- Caffeinated Operating Officer,Conduit Hodlings

Acea Spades- Caffeinated Tech Officer,Conduit Hodlings

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Postscript: Growing the Conduit Team

We are actively seeking motivated individuals to accelerate our mission. We’re courting a few people already, but as it stands we feel there are currently roles available in the following areas: - Social Media Marketing / Community Building - Merchant Relations / Strategic Partnerships - Web Development

Please reach out to us by Nostr DM if you are inspired by our mission and interested in helping with any of the above.

@ 3f770d65:7a745b24

New Year’s resolutions often feel boring and repetitive. Most revolve around getting in shape, eating healthier, or giving up alcohol. While the idea is interesting—using the start of a new calendar year as a catalyst for change—it also seems unnecessary. Why wait for a specific date to make a change? If you want to improve something in your life, you can just do it. You don’t need an excuse.

That’s why I’ve never been drawn to the idea of making a list of resolutions. If I wanted a change, I’d make it happen, without worrying about the calendar. At least, that’s how I felt until now—when, for once, the timing actually gave me a real reason to embrace the idea of New Year’s resolutions.

Enter Olas.

If you're a visual creator, you've likely experienced the relentless grind of building a following on platforms like Instagram—endless doomscrolling, ever-changing algorithms, and the constant pressure to stay relevant. But what if there was a better way? Olas is a Nostr-powered alternative to Instagram that prioritizes community, creativity, and value-for-value exchanges. It's a game changer.

Instagram’s failings are well-known. Its algorithm often dictates whose content gets seen, leaving creators frustrated and powerless. Monetization hurdles further alienate creators who are forced to meet arbitrary follower thresholds before earning anything. Additionally, the platform’s design fosters endless comparisons and exposure to negativity, which can take a significant toll on mental health.

Instagram’s algorithms are notorious for keeping users hooked, often at the cost of their mental health. I've spoken about this extensively, most recently at Nostr Valley, explaining how legacy social media is bad for you. You might find yourself scrolling through content that leaves you feeling anxious or drained. Olas takes a fresh approach, replacing "doomscrolling" with "bloomscrolling." This is a common theme across the Nostr ecosystem. The lack of addictive rage algorithms allows the focus to shift to uplifting, positive content that inspires rather than exhausts.

Monetization is another area where Olas will set itself apart. On Instagram, creators face arbitrary barriers to earning—needing thousands of followers and adhering to restrictive platform rules. Olas eliminates these hurdles by leveraging the Nostr protocol, enabling creators to earn directly through value-for-value exchanges. Fans can support their favorite artists instantly, with no delays or approvals required. The plan is to enable a brand new Olas account that can get paid instantly, with zero followers - that's wild.

Olas addresses these issues head-on. Operating on the open Nostr protocol, it removes centralized control over one's content’s reach or one's ability to monetize. With transparent, configurable algorithms, and a community that thrives on mutual support, Olas creates an environment where creators can grow and succeed without unnecessary barriers.

Join me on my New Year's resolution. Join me on Olas and take part in the #Olas365 challenge! It’s a simple yet exciting way to share your content. The challenge is straightforward: post at least one photo per day on Olas (though you’re welcome to share more!).

Download on iOS.

Download on Android or download via Zapstore.

Let's make waves together.

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

In our hyper-connected world, we are constantly bombarded with information — news of tragedies, celebrity gossip, and societal controversies — all delivered to us in real-time, whether we ask for it or not.

But here’s a profound truth: If you don’t know about it, it doesn’t matter to you. It’s almost like it doesn’t even happen!

This isn’t about apathy or ignoring the suffering of others. It’s about recognizing that our minds and hearts have limits. There’s only so much we can hold, care for, or act upon before it all becomes noise. And when we step back and filter out what truly matters to us, we find a liberating sense of peace.

In our hyper-connected world, we are constantly bombarded with information — news of tragedies, celebrity gossip, and societal controversies — all delivered to us in real-time, whether we ask for it or not.

When Knowing is a Burden

Consider this: if a bus full of strangers tragically ran off a cliff halfway around the world, it’s undeniably sad. But if you never heard about it, would it affect your day, your thoughts, or your actions? It wouldn’t. Not because you’re heartless but because it’s not within your sphere of influence or awareness.

Similarly, when a celebrity you barely know goes through a messy divorce, why does that need to occupy your thoughts? If you never knew about it, it would make no difference in your life. And yet, the world shouts these details at us, demanding our attention for things that often have no real bearing on our existence.

The Cost of Knowing Too Much

Knowing everything that happens everywhere comes with a cost:

• Emotional Overload\ The human mind isn’t designed to process the pain, suffering, or drama of millions of people at once. Constant exposure to these stories can lead to anxiety, sadness, or even a sense of helplessness.
• Loss of Focus\ The more attention we give to distant events or irrelevant gossip, the less energy we have for the people and moments that truly matter in our own lives.
• Manufactured Cravings\ Advertisements and media feed us desires we didn’t have before. A new product, a luxurious vacation, or a perfect lifestyle — all things you might not have craved if you hadn’t been shown them.

The Beauty of Not Knowing

When you step away from the constant influx of information, you create space to focus on what’s real and meaningful in your life.

• Your family and close friends. Their joys and struggles are the ones you can genuinely care about and impact.
• Your passions and goals. These deserve your full attention, free from unnecessary distractions.
• Your mental peace. Without the noise, you can think clearly, feel deeply, and live authentically.

What Truly Matters?

Not knowing isn’t about closing your eyes to the world. It’s about understanding the difference between what’s important and what’s irrelevant. It’s a practice of asking yourself:

• Does this affect me or the people I love?
• Can I do anything meaningful about this?
• Will knowing this bring me peace, joy, or purpose?
• Will BUYING this bring me peace, joy or purpose?

If the answer is no, it’s okay to let it go.

Living in Your Sphere of Influence

Focusing on what you can control and care for has immense power. Your energy has the most impact in your sphere of influence—the people, places, and things you interact with directly.

By letting go of what lies outside that sphere, you free yourself from unnecessary burdens and find deeper joy in the things that truly matter.

A New Year’s Challenge

This year, challenge yourself to embrace the art of not knowing.

• Curate your inputs: Limit news consumption to what directly affects you.
• Mute the noise: Avoid gossip, sensational headlines, and irrelevant drama.
• Stay present: Focus on the people and moments around you.

In doing so, you’ll find not only peace but also the clarity to live a life driven by your own values and priorities — not the ever-changing noise of the world.

The Freedom of Letting Go

When you embrace the profound truth that if you don’t know about it, it doesn’t matter to you, you unlock a freedom that few ever experience. You stop carrying the weight of the world’s chaos and instead focus on the beauty, joy, and love within your own life.

This year, let’s make peace with not knowing — and in doing so, rediscover what truly matters.

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Consumerism

Consumerism isn’t just about buying things — it’s about the constant hunger for more. More stuff, more information, more experiences. It thrives on the idea that what you have and who you are isn’t enough, and it manipulates you into believing that fulfillment lies just one purchase or experience away. But here’s the truth: the cycle of consumerism isn’t designed to fulfill you — it’s designed to keep you chasing.

If we want to find peace with not knowing, we must also confront the role consumerism plays in feeding our dissatisfaction and overstimulation.

The Problem with Consumerism

Consumerism is fueled by two main forces:

• Artificial Wants: Advertising and media don’t just sell products; they sell dissatisfaction. They show you a life that seems better than yours and make you believe that buying their product will bridge the gap.
• Overexposure: The constant influx of social media, news, and targeted ads ensures you’re always aware of what you don’t have, subtly making you feel inadequate or left out.
• The result? A world where happiness feels like it’s always just out of reach — an exhausting race that benefits corporations far more than individuals.

The Cost of Consumerism

The cycle of consumerism doesn’t just drain your wallet; it also takes a toll on your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being:

• Mental Overload: Constant exposure to new products and ideas creates decision fatigue and anxiety.
• Emotional Burnout: Comparing your life to idealized versions portrayed in ads or social media can lead to dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.
• Spiritual Disconnect: Consumerism shifts your focus away from meaningful relationships, personal growth, and spiritual fulfillment, tethering your joy to material possessions.

# Combatting Consumerism: A Game Plan for Freedom

Breaking free from consumerism requires intentional effort, but it’s deeply rewarding. Here’s a game plan to start:

## 1. Detox Your Inputs - Unfollow Excess: Reduce your exposure to ads and influencers who push a lifestyle of constant consumption. - Limit Social Media: Spend less time scrolling through content designed to spark envy or desire. - Set Boundaries: Avoid shopping as a pastime or browsing “just to look.”

## 2. Shift Your Mindset - Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you already have, not what you lack. - Redefine Success: Measure your life by relationships, growth, and experiences, not possessions. - Adopt Minimalism: Learn to appreciate simplicity and find joy in having less.

## 3. Choose Quality Over Quantity - Invest in Essentials: Buy fewer items, but prioritize durability and quality. - Focus on Experiences: Spend on memories, not material things. - Be Mindful of Upgrades: Don’t replace what’s working fine just because something new is available.

## 4. Build Intentional Habits - Wait Before Buying: Give yourself 24 hours to think before making any purchase. - Create a Wishlist: Write down non-essential items you want. Review the list monthly to see if you still want them. - Track Spending: Be aware of where your money goes, and prioritize needs over wants.

## 5. Engage with Your Community - Support Local: Choose local businesses and artisans over big corporations. - Focus on Relationships: Invest time in people, not possessions. - Participate in Sharing Economies: Borrow, lend, and swap items with neighbors or friends instead of buying.

# Living a Life of Intentional Simplicity

This is food for thought and I promise you it is a battle at this point. It will be difficult but you must gain back control of your own thoughts, desires etc…

Take care and God bless!

@ e356a30c:11e846f7

On January 3, 2025, Bitcoin celebrated its 16th birthday, marking another year of resilience, innovation, and transformation in the world of finance. Born from the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis, Bitcoin was introduced to the world by the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto through a whitepaper titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System." Since then, this cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche experiment to a fundamental component of the digital economy, challenging traditional financial systems and redefining the concept of money.

**The Genesis Block: A Message of Change ** The first Bitcoin block, known as the Genesis Block, was mined on January 3, 2009, with a message embedded within it, a headline from The Times newspaper: "Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks." This message was not just a timestamp but a statement of Bitcoin's purpose - to offer an alternative to the centralized financial systems that had failed so many.

From Obscurity to Mainstream

In its early years, Bitcoin was largely the domain of tech enthusiasts and libertarians. Transactions were slow, the infrastructure was basic, and the value of Bitcoin was negligible. However, as more people began to understand its potential, Bitcoin's price and adoption began to soar. The first significant price increase came in 2010 when Bitcoin's value jumped from pennies to dollars, and by 2017, it reached thousands.

Surviving the Volatility

Bitcoin's journey hasn't been without turbulence. From the infamous Mt. Gox collapse to the dramatic price swings, Bitcoin has weathered storms that would have sunk other financial ventures. Yet, each crisis has only served to strengthen the network, with developers and users continuously improving security, scalability, and usability. These challenges have also brought about significant technological advancements, like the Lightning Network, which promises to solve some of Bitcoin's scalability issues.

Institutional Adoption and Regulatory Scrutiny

As Bitcoin matured, so did the interest from institutional investors and governments. Today, major companies like Tesla and MicroStrategy hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, and financial giants like Fidelity offer Bitcoin services to their clients. This institutional embrace has been a double-edged sword, however, bringing with it regulatory scrutiny that seeks to balance innovation with consumer protection and financial stability.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

Bitcoin has not only influenced finance but also culture. It has given rise to a whole lexicon ("HODL", "to the moon"), inspired countless memes, and even influenced music, art, and literature. Looking forward, Bitcoin's role in the future of money could be pivotal. With countries like El Salvador adopting it as legal tender, and others exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) inspired by its technology, Bitcoin's influence on global financial systems seems set to expand.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its successes, Bitcoin faces significant challenges. Environmental concerns related to its energy consumption, the need for better user experience to achieve mass adoption, and the ongoing debate about its scalability are still hurdles to overcome. Moreover, the question of how Bitcoin will integrate with or fend off future technological advancements in blockchain and beyond remains open.

Conclusion: A Teenager with a Legacy

At 16, Bitcoin is no longer just a rebellious teen in the financial world; it's a young adult with a legacy. It has proven that a decentralized, trustless system can function and thrive. As we look to the future, Bitcoin's journey will continue to be one of the most fascinating stories in economic history, potentially reshaping our understanding of value, trust, and financial sovereignty. Here's to Bitcoin, at 16 - may its next years be as revolutionary as the last.

@ 0c539565:97a00f7f

The unequal path to Bitcoin: Vampires, Sacrifice, and the fiat Trap

The journey to Bitcoin ownership is anything but equal, and the disparity in how individuals and institutions accumulate it is striking—and deeply unfair. When you look closely, it becomes clear that some are playing the game with loaded dice while others are sacrificing their very essence to participate.

Fiat as leverage: a rigged system

Take someone like Michael Saylor and his company, MicroStrategy. By tapping into the corrupt fiat system, they access printed money—essentially conjured out of thin air—and use it to buy Bitcoin, the hardest money humanity has ever known. They take on minimal risk. Cheap loans, often at rates below inflation, mean the real cost of their borrowing diminishes with time. For them, converting this fiat into Bitcoin is a calculated, nearly effortless move.

This is the ultimate cheat code of the fiat system:

1. Unlimited Access to Capital: Institutions like these can borrow obscene amounts of money at laughably low costs. It’s a system designed to reward the already-powerful.
2. Hoarding Hard Money: This borrowed fiat, a temporary and decaying asset, is transformed into Bitcoin—a scarce, unforgeable, and appreciating store of value.

The Plebeian struggle: blood, sweat, and fiat

Now compare that to the everyday Bitcoiner—the "plebs." They don’t get loans handed to them on a silver platter. Their fiat isn’t printed; it’s earned with hard work, grueling hours, and, often, at the cost of their physical and mental health. Every sat they stack represents their life force, spent and converted into sound money.

But their journey is riddled with risk and sacrifice:

1. The Cruel Diminishing of Labor: Fiat earned through work loses value every day due to inflation. By the time it’s exchanged for Bitcoin, it’s worth less than it was when they earned it.
2. Irreplaceable Time: Unlike an institutional loan that can be repaid or refinanced, the time and energy spent earning fiat are gone forever. These people are literally trading pieces of their lives for freedom in Bitcoin.

It’s not just a financial disparity—it’s existential. The plebs sacrifice their health, time, and effort for Bitcoin, while institutions merely shuffle numbers around, reaping immense rewards with no equivalent effort.

The "vampire attack" on Bitcoin

The term "vampire attack" isn’t just apt—it’s chillingly accurate. In cryptography, a vampire attack describes a system being drained of its resources by an external parasite. Here, the fiat system enables institutions to act as vampires, draining the lifeblood of working people while amassing Bitcoin with minimal effort.

• The healthy human (Bitcoiners): Plebs are the lifeblood of Bitcoin. They pour their heart and soul into acquiring it, sacrificing so much along the way.
• The vampire (Institutions): Institutions like MicroStrategy use fiat privileges to suck value from the system, growing their Bitcoin hoards with a fraction of the effort. They’re immortal in this setup, feeding on the sacrifices of the plebs, bite by bite, while the plebs are left drained and mortal.

A Dangerous precedent for Bitcoin

This dynamic isn’t just unfair; it’s dangerous. It risks recreating the same inequalities Bitcoin was designed to escape:

1. Concentration of Power: As institutions leverage fiat to dominate Bitcoin holdings, the dream of widespread, decentralized ownership fades.
2. Betrayal of Values: Bitcoin’s ethos of fairness, sovereignty, and freedom is at risk of being co-opted by the same forces it was meant to fight.
3. Shadow of Influence: Large institutional holders could manipulate Bitcoin’s narrative, development, or governance in ways that serve their interests, not the greater good.

The fight for Bitcoin’s soul

Bitcoin was created to be a tool for liberation—a way to escape the exploitative fiat system. But as long as that system exists, its poison seeps into Bitcoin’s ecosystem. The plebs, who bear the brunt of this unfairness, are the true heart of Bitcoin. They give it meaning. They must remain vigilant against these "vampire" forces, ensuring that Bitcoin stays true to its purpose: a fair, decentralized, and incorruptible form of money.

The battle isn’t just about accumulating Bitcoin. It’s about preserving its soul.

\ Kim De Vos (AVB)

@ 0c539565:97a00f7f

Let's start writing here, for the nostr / bitcoin audience.

@ d57360cb:4fe7d935

These no doubt have had profound effects on my life. If you undertake them consistently over years you’ll undergo change.

1. Reading. Read everything, eventually you’ll get curious and find what you enjoy. Your focus will improve.
2. Meditate. Finding peace in yourself is a cheat code. Then you can bring the peace with you anywhere you go.
3. Exercise. Build muscle, build cardio. You’ll feel better mentally and physically.
4. Recover. Make recovery your highest priority. Get enough sleep, spend less time on screen, clean up your diet, drink water, touch grass, play, and get some sun.
5. Buy Bitcoin, humbly ignore any alternative, hold strong.

This is the list. It’s basic, it’s simple, too good to be true.

It works, only if you stay the course.

@ 55e343e6:880acd1b

In the silence of the night, I find myself confronting the immensity of the unknown universe. Against its vastness, I am nothing: a fleeting particle in a cosmos so infinite it defies comprehension. To accept this nothingness is not an act of despair but one of liberation. The universe owes me no explanation, no validation of my existence. And I, in return, owe it no pretense of grandeur. In acknowledging my insignificance, I find clarity: I am free from the burden of inflated self-importance, free to simply be.

The time given to me in this life is absurdly brief, a moment suspended between the infinite stretches of what came before and what lies ahead. The very fact that I exist, against an incalculable number of odds, is incomprehensible. My presence is a miracle of chance, and to lament its brevity is to misunderstand its value. Life’s worth is not measured by its length but by the depth of attention we give to it. Each breath is an act of defiance against the void, and every moment an invitation to embrace what is, without clinging to what could have been.

I eat every day. It is a simple, unremarkable fact for many, yet it is an extraordinary luxury when viewed against the harsh reality of the world. Nearly 9% of humanity over 700 million people live in hunger, unsure of when or if they will eat again. For me to have food, day after day, is a privilege so profound it demands humility. Gratitude is not merely an acknowledgment of this fortune; it is a responsibility to live simply and take only what I need. The less I consume, the more space I leave for others to live.

This simplicity is not deprivation; it is freedom. The less I am tethered to the material world, the lighter I feel. Dependence breeds anxiety. On wealth, on possessions, on fleeting desires. The more I cut away, the closer I come to understanding what truly matters. To need less is to live more fully, to reclaim the space within myself that is too often crowded with unnecessary wants.

I do not seek happiness. Happiness is an artificial construct, a fleeting and hollow pursuit peddled by the modern world as a false ideal. Instead, I seek peace: a state not tied to external circumstances or temporary pleasures. Peace is not the absence of pain or conflict but the ability to remain steady in their presence. Happiness is fragile; it crumbles under the weight of reality. Peace endures because it is grounded in acceptance, in the quiet embrace of what is.

Even my consciousness, this thing I so often mistake for the essence of myself, is but a mechanism, a sensory system responding to stimuli, like a plant turning toward the sun. The plant does not worship the sun, nor does a photophobic bacterium flee the light out of fear. They respond, simply and without meaning. To imagine that my awareness is more complex than this is a comforting illusion. I am not a soul adrift in cosmic meaning; I am a collection of responses, an organism interpreting its surroundings. And yet, within this simplicity, there is beauty: a beauty that does not demand purpose or permanence to exist.

In embracing these truths, I find freedom: from the weight of self-importance, from the endless chase for more, from the need to define myself through external validation. I am nothing, and I am everything. I am a moment, passing swiftly in the endless expanse of time.

To live is to accept, and in acceptance, to find peace.

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Der Mempool ist voll. Voller als das Rosenrot an Heiligabend. Dies bedeutet in erster Linie hohe Transaktionsgebühren für On-Chain-Transaktionen. Doch auch während der Mempool verstopft ist, wie der Gotthardtunnel in der Urlaubssaison, bietet Bitcoins Layer 2 Lösung - das Lightning Netzwerk - schnelle und günstige Zahlungen, um Bitcoins Skalierungsgrenze zu überbrücken. Gerade in Zeiten von hohen Transaktionsgebühren und einem Mempool, der voller ist als Til Schweiger nach 13 Uhr, werden kleine Zahlungen, die On-Chain getätigt werden, immer unökonomischer und Lightning Zahlungen dadurch attraktiver.

Doch nicht jede/r Nutzer//in möchte auch gleichzeitig eine Lightning-Node betreiben, um in den Genuss zu kommen Lightning zu benutzen. In diesem Fall bieten Lightning Service Provider (LSP) und verschiedene Apps Abhilfe. Es gibt viele verschiedene Anbieter und viele verschiedene Varianten das gleiche Problem umzusetzen: Der/die Nutzer//in möchte mit möglichst wenig Aufwand Lightning benutzen und muss dazu seine/ihre Lightning Wallet zunächst erstmal mit (On-Chain) Bitcoin füttern. Das Umwandeln von L1 Bitcoin zu L2 Bitcoin übernimmt dann die Software. Aber auch andersherum kann es sein, dass Nutzer//innen viele Lightning Zahlungen erhalten und die gesammelten Sats gerne in L1 Bitcoin tauschen möchten. Um diesen Tauschvorgang abzuwickeln gibt es verschiedene Methoden. Eine dieser Methoden sind sogenannte Submarine Swaps.

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Erstmal vorab: Bitcoin ist Bitcoin, ob On-Chain auf der Basisschicht (Layer 1), oder Off-Chain auf der zweiten Schicht (Layer 2) in Form von Lightning. Man könnte es mit Bargeld vergleichen: Geld auf dem Konto kann problemlos hin- und hergeschoben werden, man kann es auf andere Konten schieben, Überweisungen tätigen oder Depots bezahlen. Wenn man allerdings Bargeld in der Tasche haben will, muss man eine Brücke von der digitalen Kontenwelt in die analoge Bargeldwelt schlagen. Diese Brücke stellen Bankautomaten, Supermarktkassen oder Bankschalter dar, oder eben jede Stelle, an der man Bargeld abheben kann. Das Geldmittel bleibt dabei das gleiche, es verändert nur seinen Aggregatzustand. So kann man Bitcoin in Lightning auch beschreiben, denn Bitcoin bleibt Bitcoin, es hat nur seinen Aggregatzustand temporär verändert. Auf der einen Seite sind also On-Chain-Transaktionen oder Layer 1 (L1) Zahlungen, auf der anderen Seite werde ich von Off-Chain- oder Lightning-Zahlungen oder Layer 2 (L2) und Sats sprechen.

Refresher

Im Bitcoin Stack gibt es verschiedene aufeinander aufbauende Layer und Bitcoin - das Netzwerk - bildet dabei die Grundschicht, das Fundament, auf dem weitere Schichten aufbauen. Bitcoin braucht zusätzlichen Protokolle und Netzwerke, um einen hohen Transaktionsdurchsatz und zukünftiges Wachstum zu gewährleisten. Das bedeutet ganz einfach, dass die Leistung und Geschwindigkeit der Blockchain und der darauf erfolgenden Transaktionen nicht darunter leidet, wenn mehr Nutzer//innen und höhere Transaktionsmengen hinzukommen. Denn Bitcoin selbst ist nicht skalierbar. Die Blockgröße ist begrenzt, die Blockzeit wird auf 10 Minuten geeicht und zusätzlich aufgewendete Energie verschnellert die Erstellung neuer Blöcke nicht, macht sie nicht günstiger und auch nicht effizienter.

Layer 2, also die zweite Schicht, beschreibt Anwendungen und Protokolle, die auf der Basis des ersten Layers, der originären Bitcoin Blockchain, aufbauen. Diese Anwendungen sind unabhängig von Bitcoin insofern, als dass sie den Ablauf und den Code von Bitcoin nicht direkt beeinflussen, das Bitcoin Protokoll bleibt dabei unangetastet. Allerdings erlauben sie dem/der Nutzer//in einen Umgang mit Bitcoin und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten, die über die nativen Funktionen von Bitcoin hinausgehen und fördern somit das Ökosystem rund um Bitcoin.

Lightning, die bekannteste Layer 2 Lösung, basiert auf einem Peer-to-Peer-System zur Durchführung von Mikrozahlungen über ein Mesh-Netzwerk von bidirektionalen Zahlungskanälen. Genau wie bei Bitcoin können bei Lightning eigene Netzwerkknoten betrieben und somit eigene Zahlungskanäle verwaltet werden.

Diese Zahlungskanäle ermöglichen es den Teilnehmer//innen, sich gegenseitig Geld zu überweisen, ohne alle ihre Transaktionen auf der Bitcoin-Blockchain öffentlich machen zu müssen. Zahlungskanäle werden geöffnet und die Blockchain sperrt in diesem Moment die verwendeten Bitcoins für die weitere Verwendung, und in Lightning wird nur der Gegenwert dieser Bitcoins gehandelt. Immer wenn Zahlungskanäle geschlossen werden, werden diese Transaktionen auf die Bitcoin Blockchain übertragen. Lightning-Zahlungen können auch über direkte Kanäle hinaus an andere Teilnehmer gesendet werden, da viele aufeinanderfolgende Kanäle miteinander verkettet werden können und sich eine Zahlung den besten Weg durch die Knotenpunkte dieses weitverzweigten P2P-Netzwerks sucht.

Anders als bei Bitcoin, muss der/die Betreiber//in eines Lightning-Knotens aktiv seine/ihre Kanäle und damit seine/ihre Liquidität managen. Es muss immer genug inbound (eingehend) und genug outbound (ausgehend) Liquidität zur Verfügung stehen, um Zahlungen sowohl zu tätigen als auch zu erhalten. Dies erfordert ein gewisses Verständnis und einen Verwaltungsaufwand, den nicht jede/r Nutzer//in bereit ist aufzubringen, da Kanäle (noch) jederzeit auf ihre Balance überwacht werden müssen.

Submarine Swaps erleichtern die Verwaltung der Liquidität dieser Lightning-Knoten. Sie können dabei helfen, eingehende Liquidität zu erhalten und Kanäle wieder aufzufüllen, wenn die Kapazität erschöpft ist, oder Tageseinnahmen in On-Chain Bitcoin umzuwandeln, um diese in Eigenverwahrung zu schützen.

Das Hauptproblem bei den verschiedenen Schichten im Bitcoin-Stack besteht darin, dass Transaktionen zwischen On-Chain-Bitcoin-Adressen (L1) und Off-Chain-Lightning-Adressen (L2) nicht direkt kompatibel sind. Man kann nicht einfach eine Lightning-Transaktion an jemanden senden, der Lightning nicht verwendet, sondern "nur" Bitcoin, oder umgekehrt. Diese Trennung schafft eine Barriere zwischen der Bitcoin-Blockchain und den Layer 2 Protokollen.

Submarine Swaps ermöglichen den direkten Austausch von Vermögenswerten zwischen Bitcoin (L1) und dem Lightning-Netzwerk (L2). Submarine Swaps sind eine spezielle Art von Atomic Swaps, die ohne Verwahrungsrisiko oder Counterparty Risk durchgeführt werden können.

Atomic Swaps

Atomic Swaps wurden eigentlich erfunden, um den Handel von Vermögenswerten zwischen zwei Blockchains mit unterschiedlichen Coins durchzuführen, heute bekannt als On-Chain Atomic Swap. Ein Beispiel wäre der direkte Austausch von Dogecoin oder Litecoin mit Bitcoin. Mit der Entwicklung und Einführung von Layer 2 Protokollen wurden Atomic Swaps schnell auch für Off-Chain-Transaktionen verwendet, ergo Off-Chain Atomic Swaps.

Was bedeutet dies in der Praxis? Ganz einfach dargestellt nehmen wir an, Person 1 und Person 2 wollen Bitcoin gegen Lightning-Bitcoin eintauschen. Person 1 hat einen bitcoin und bevorzugt 100.000.000 Sats im Lightning Netzwerk (🔗➡️⚡), da sie oft viele kleine Transaktionen tätigt, Person 2 hat 100.000.000 Sats im Lightning Netzwerk und würde gerne in On-Chain-Bitcoin tauschen (⚡➡️🔗), um ihr Erspartes in Selbstverwahrung zu verschieben. Wir nehmen auch an, dass Person 1 und Person 2 keine Lightning-Nodes oder Apps besitzen, die diesen Vorgang für sie automatisch übernehmen, es soll hier einfach die Transaktion verdeutlicht werden.

Um den Austausch durchzuführen, erstellt Person 2 zunächst eine Geheimzahl, einen Wert. Aus diesem Wert generiert sie dann auch einen Hash und sendet diesen Hash an Person 1, ohne den verborgenen Wert zu teilen. Dann erstellt Person 2 eine Transaktion und sperrt 100.000.000 Sats. Diese Sats können nur auf zwei Arten entsperrt werden. Entweder kann Person 1 mit Hilfe des ihr bekannten Werts die Sats einfordern, oder Person 2 kann ihre Sats nach Ablauf eines festgelegten Zeitraums (Anzahl von Blöcken) wieder zurückholen.

Im Moment können weder Person 1 noch Person 2 die Sats beanspruchen, da Person 1 den geheimen Wert nicht kennt (nur den Hash), und Person 2 kann die Sats nicht beanspruchen, da der Zeitraum noch nicht verstrichen ist. Diese zeitlich beschränkten Verträge nennt man Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLC).

Gleichzeitig erstellt Person 1 ihre Transaktion, die einen bitcoin sperrt. Der in dieser Transaktion gesperrte bitcoin kann auch wiederum nur auf zwei Arten eingefordert werden. Entweder kann Person 2 mit Hilfe des bekannten Werts den bitcoin einfordern, oder Person 1 holt sich ihren bitcoin zurück, nachdem der festgelegte Zeitraum verstrichen ist.

Beide Parteien haben also ihren jeweiligen Gegenwert für sich selbst gesperrt und für den anderen freigegeben, aber nur solange die Transaktion von beiden Seiten (in dem festgelegten Zeitraum) durchgeführt wird. Denn in dem Moment, in dem Person 2 den bitcoin einfordert, stellt sie Person 1 auch ihren geheimen Wert zur Verfügung, sodass sie die 100.000.000 Sats ausgezahlt bekommt. Für diese Transaktion zwischen zwei Parteien bedarf es keines Dritten. Lediglich die genutzten Smart-Contracts begünstigen diesen vertrauenslosen Handel, einen Atomic Swap zwischen dem Bitcoin-On-Chain und dem Bitcoin-Off-Chain-Lightning-Netzwerk.

Zurück zu Submarine Swaps

Ich möchte nochmal hervorheben, dass es sich um eine sehr vereinfachte Darstellung der Funktionsweise handelt, allerdings wollte ich auf abstrakte WEise erklären, wie diese SmartContracts funktionieren, ohne auf dem gleichen Protokoll zu laufen. Was bei Lightning-Lösungen zu Reibungen führt, ist das Verwalten von Kanälen, denn diese können aufgebraucht werden oder müssen neu ausbalanciert werden, wenn Nutzer//innen überwiegend Zahlungen empfangen oder versenden. Die größten Einschränkungen der aktuellen Lightning-Implementierung stellen das Öffnen und Schließen dieser Kanäle dar, da es dafür Transaktionsgebühren bedarf und eine gewisse Menge Bitcoin eingefroren wird, um einen Kanal zu öffnen. Dies bedeutet, dass ein Problem zwischen Lightning und On-Chain Bitcoin darin besteht, Gelder in und aus den beiden Umgebungen zu bekommen, ohne Kanäle öffnen und schließen zu müssen (um Kosten und Zeit zu sparen). Des Weiteren können Kanäle aufgebraucht werden, wenn Zahlungen hauptsächlich abfließen und es müssen neue Kanäle geöffnet werden, um die Nutzung fortzusetzen, obwohl im Wesentlichen unbegrenzte Transaktionen innerhalb eines Kanals gesendet werden können, solange die Netto Ein- und Ausgänge relativ stabil bleiben.

Die Verwaltung von Kanälen kostet On-Chain-Transaktionsgebühren und ist umso teurer, wenn der Mempool voller ist, als Johnny Depp nach der Trennung, was es unbequem, ineffizient und teuer macht, mehrere Kanäle wiederholt zu öffnen.

Submarine Swaps ermöglichen es, On-Chain Bitcoin in Off-Chain Bitcoin (🔗➡️⚡)- oder umgekehrt (⚡➡️🔗) - umzuwandeln. Sie basieren auf der gleichen Art von Bitcoin Smart-Contract wie Atomic Swaps, HTLCs, da diese sowohl On-Chain- als auch Off-Chain-Transaktionen umfassen können. Der Vorteil bei dieser Lösung liegt darin, dass HTLCs auch bei der Verkettung von Kanälen und Zahlungen verwendet werden und somit das Hauptkonstrukt für den Geldtransfer über das Lightning Netzwerk bilden. So wird Nutzer//innen und Wallet-Anbietern ermöglicht, Gelder vom Bitcoin-L1-Netzwerk direkt an das Lightning-Netzwerk oder andersrum vom Lightning-Netzwerk an das Bitcoin-L1-Netzwerk zu senden, ohne einen Drittanbieterdienst zu nutzen.

Damit bergen Submarine Swaps kein Counterparty Risiko und können ohne zusätzliche Barrieren wie Hintergrundprüfungen oder vertragliche Vereinbarungen durchgeführt werden. Entweder tauschen die beiden Parteien erfolgreich ihre Vermögenswerte aus, oder der Tausch findet nach Ablauf des festgelegten Zeitraums nicht statt. Aber zu keinem Zeitpunkt ist eine der Parteien in der Lage, mit den Einlagen der anderen Seite davonzukommen.

Die im Submarine Swap verwendete Form von HTLC-Smart-Contracts nennt man auch Swap-Provider und kann von einem Drittanbieter verwaltet werden, ist aber ein Smart Contract auf der Blockchain.Bekannte Implementierungen von Submarine Swaps direkt ins Endprodukt sind Lightning Wallets, wie Muun oder Breez.

Muun

Die Muun-Wallet ist notorisch dafür bekannt, eigentlich kein "echtes" Lightning-Wallet zu sein, denn alle Guthaben werden On-Chain in der Blockchain verwaltet. Die Muun-Wallet öffnet keine Kanäle für jeden Nutzer und verwendet stattdessen Submarine Swaps für Lightning-Zahlungen, was bedeutet, dass jedes Mal, wenn gesendet oder empfangen wird, eine On-Chain-Transaktion durchgeführt werden muss (und somit auch On-Chain-Gebühren anfallen). Dies bedeutet auch, dass Muun erstmal in Vorkasse geht, um schnelle Zahlungen aufrecht zu erhalten und ggf. Lightning-Zahlungen auf eine Blockbestätigung warten müssen, wenn Muun entscheidet, dass diese Transaktion ein zu hohes Risiko hat, unbestätigt ersetzt zu werden.

Der Vorteil dieses Ansatzes liegt darin, dass ein einheitlicher Kontostand dargestellt werden kann, der sowohl On-Chain- als auch Lightning-Transaktionen ermöglicht. Allerdings ist es nicht besonders einleuchtend, warum man sowohl L1 und L2 in einer Wallet verbinden muss, vor allem, wenn es bedeutet, dass sowohl Anbieter als auch Kunden potenziell höheren Gebühren ausgesetzt sind.

Breez

Ein weiterer Lightning-Wallet-Anbieter ist Breez. Auch hier werden Submarine Swaps genutzt, allerdings nur um Liquidität zu erzeugen. Denn obwohl L1-Bitcoin Zahlungen in Breez gespeichert werden können, bietet die Wallet die Möglichkeit, On-Chain-Bitcoin-Gelder über Submarine Swaps auf die Lightning-Wallet zu verschieben (🔗➡️⚡). Submarine Swaps werden in erster Linie verwendet, um eine einfache Benutzeroberfläche bereitzustellen. Das ermöglicht Breez vor allem auch, weniger Kanäle für seine Nutzer zu verwalten.

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Das Lightning-Netzwerk, aber auch alle andere Layer 2 Lösungen, sind unabdinglich, wenn es darum geht Bitcoin als Zahlungsmittel möglichst reibungslos, benutzfreundlich und vorallem günstig zu gestalten. Allerdings besteht immernoch ein Reibungspunkt zwischen L1 und L2 und dem verschieben von Geldwerten zwischen diesen beiden Schichten. Submarine Swaps sind eine Methode diese Reibung zu verringern, da sie Entwicklern die Möglichkeit bieten benutzerfreundliche Konzepte umzusetzen, die es ermöglichen Lightning-Wallets und -Services so zu programmieren, dass dem/der Nutzer//in der Transfer von Aggregatszuständen nicht bewusst wird.

Natürlich besteht auch die Möglichkeit diese Swaps selbst durchzuführen. Dafür gibt es viele Dienste, mit denen man einen Handel (Swap) durchführen kann. Einige Anbieter können sogar genutzt werden, um ein wenig Profit zu erzielen, denn manche Anbieter lassen sich Vorabliquidität in Form von On-Chain Bitcoin etwas kosten.

🫳🎤

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In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌

@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

Today feels like a moment of reflection. It’s been a while since I’ve had the space to truly pause and take stock of how much I’ve changed over the past few weeks. The challenges that come with being an escort aren’t just about the work itself—they stretch into personal realms, forcing me to evolve in ways I never imagined when I first started this journey. It’s strange, in a way, how these obstacles can become stepping stones for growth, if you’re open to them. Here’s how I've navigated a few of the challenges that have shaped me so far.

Facing the Emotional Tolls

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been managing the emotional toll this work can take. I’m someone who cares deeply about others, and sometimes that means I get emotionally invested in the people I meet. It’s easy to get caught up in someone’s story or to feel empathy for their struggles, but that can blur the line between professional and personal. Early on, I learned that I had to set boundaries—not just for my clients, but for myself.

It’s not always easy to compartmentalise feelings, especially when a client shares something that resonates with me. I have had moments where I’ve walked away from a session feeling weighed down by someone else’s pain, or by a deeply personal revelation that I didn’t expect. But these experiences have taught me to be more self-aware. I’ve had to learn to protect my mental and emotional energy, to understand the difference between caring and over-investing.

The growth here comes from understanding my limits and learning how to emotionally care for myself as much as I care for others. I’ve come to realise that my well-being isn’t just a matter of physical health—it’s deeply emotional, too.

Managing Expectations: My Own and Others'

Another major challenge I’ve faced recently is managing expectations. People have a lot of preconceived notions about what an escort does, and sometimes, those expectations can be unrealistic, both from clients and myself. In the past, I’ve tried to meet every need, to fulfil every request, and to please everyone. But that’s not sustainable. I’ve had to become very clear about what I’m willing to offer and what is beyond my boundaries.

Clients, for the most part, are respectful. However, there are moments where they might push limits, or where their expectations stray far from what I’m comfortable with. The key to navigating this has been communication. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to set boundaries, especially when I’m afraid of disappointing someone or losing a client, but I’ve learned that being firm about what I can and cannot do is essential. I don’t owe anyone more than I’m willing to give, and that has been a powerful lesson in self-respect.

And then there’s the pressure I put on myself. At the beginning of my career, I thought I had to be perfect—always composed, always in control. But perfection is a myth, and it only sets you up for burnout. I’ve had to unlearn the notion that I need to be flawless in everything I do. Learning to embrace imperfection, both in myself and in my work, has been a transformative part of my growth.

Financial Independence and the Weight It Carries

Another layer of complexity has been the relationship between my work and my financial independence. On one hand, the ability to earn my own money, to be in control of my financial destiny, is empowering. It’s freedom like I’ve never known. I’ve made choices about how to spend, save, and invest, and I’ve built something for myself that feels incredibly rewarding.

But financial independence isn’t without its challenges. It comes with its own pressures. Sometimes, I feel this weight to constantly “perform,” to always be available, to always book clients in order to maintain the lifestyle I’ve come to enjoy. There’s a constant balancing act between my work and my personal life. If I’m not careful, it can start to feel all-consuming, as though my identity is defined by the number of sessions I have booked or the amount of money I’m earning.

This has taught me that personal growth isn’t just about developing emotionally or physically—it’s about maintaining balance. Financial freedom is important, but so is emotional and mental freedom. I’ve had to learn how to disconnect, how to leave work at work, and how to take time off to recharge. After all, money might be essential, but peace of mind is priceless.

The Path to Empowerment

In all of this, I’m learning that true empowerment doesn’t come from external validation or approval—it comes from within. The challenges I face every day push me to dig deeper into who I am and what I’m capable of. I’ve grown stronger, more confident, and more self-aware because I’ve had no choice but to navigate these complexities head-on.

Every difficult client, every awkward situation, every moment of self-doubt has been an opportunity for growth. I’ve realised that I’m more resilient than I thought, that I can handle tough situations with grace, and that I have the power to choose how I respond to challenges. The work isn’t just about physical intimacy; it’s about building mental, emotional, and financial strength that will serve me in all aspects of my life.

Looking Ahead

As I move forward in this journey, I know that personal growth will continue to be a theme. It’s not a destination but a process—a constant evolution. I’m excited to see where it takes me. There will be more challenges, of course, but I’m ready for them. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, to grow, and to become a better version of myself. And for that, I’m grateful.

I’m not the same person I was when I started, and that’s the beauty of it. I’m constantly evolving, adapting, and finding strength I never knew I had. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Rebecca x

@ 6f4d57a2:be4cc879

ในวันที่ 3 มกราคม 2009 โลกได้เข้าสู่ยุคใหม่ของการเงินและเทคโนโลยี เมื่อบุคคลหรือกลุ่มที่ใช้ชื่อว่า “ซาโตชิ นากาโมโตะ” สร้างบล็อกแรกของ บิตคอยน์ (Bitcoin) หรือที่เรียกว่า Genesis Block บล็อกนี้ไม่ได้เป็นเพียงแค่จุดเริ่มต้นของสกุลเงินดิจิทัล แต่ยังเป็นสัญลักษณ์ของความหวัง ความฝัน และความพยายามในการสร้างระบบการเงินที่ยุติธรรมและเปิดกว้างสำหรับทุกคน

Genesis Block จุดเริ่มต้นของความเปลี่ยนแปลง

Genesis Block ไม่ใช่เพียงแค่บล็อกแรกของบิตคอยน์ แต่ยังแฝงด้วยข้อความที่สะท้อนถึงสถานการณ์ทางเศรษฐกิจในขณะนั้น ซึ่งซาโตชิได้บันทึกไว้ในบล็อกว่า:

“The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.”

ข้อความนี้แสดงถึงความไม่มั่นคงของระบบการเงินแบบดั้งเดิมและการมองหาทางเลือกใหม่ที่ยุติธรรมและโปร่งใสมากขึ้น **

เป้าหมายของบิตคอยน์** บิตคอยน์ถูกออกแบบมาเพื่อเป็นเงินดิจิทัลที่

1. ไม่มีตัวกลาง การทำธุรกรรมไม่ต้องพึ่งพาธนาคารหรือสถาบันการเงิน
2. ยุติธรรมและโปร่งใส ทุกธุรกรรมถูกบันทึกในเครือข่าย Blockchain ซึ่งทุกคนสามารถตรวจสอบได้
3. เข้าถึงได้สำหรับทุกคน ไม่ว่าคุณจะอยู่ที่ใดในโลก คุณสามารถเข้าร่วมในระบบการเงินนี้ได้

ผลกระทบต่อโลก ในช่วงกว่า 15 ปีที่ผ่านมา บิตคอยน์ได้เปลี่ยนมุมมองต่อเงินและการลงทุนอย่างมหาศาล:

• การกระจายอำนาจทางการเงิน ผู้คนไม่ต้องพึ่งพาธนาคารอีกต่อไป
• เทคโนโลยีบล็อกเชน นำไปสู่การพัฒนานวัตกรรมใหม่ในหลายอุตสาหกรรม
• การลงทุนและเศรษฐกิจดิจิทัล บิตคอยน์กลายเป็นทรัพย์สินที่นักลงทุนทั่วโลกให้ความสนใจ

บทสรุป 3 มกราคม 2009 เป็นมากกว่าวันที่ Genesis Block ถูกสร้างขึ้น แต่เป็นวันที่เริ่มต้นของการเปลี่ยนแปลงวิธีการมองเงินและเศรษฐกิจของโลก บิตคอยน์ไม่เพียงแค่เป็นสกุลเงินดิจิทัล แต่ยังเป็นตัวแทนของความฝันในระบบการเงินที่ทุกคนสามารถมีส่วนร่วมได้

นี่คือจุดเริ่มต้นของเรื่องราวที่ยังคงดำเนินต่อไป และยังมีอีกหลายบทที่รอให้เราค้นพบในอนาคตของโลกการเงินที่เปิดกว้างและไร้ขีดจำกัด 🌍💡

แหล่งอ้างอิง The Times (3 มกราคม 2009). “Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.” (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ อาจต้องสมัครสมาชิกเพื่อเข้าถึง)

Whitepaper ของ Bitcoin

Satoshi Nakamoto. (2008). Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.

ข้อความใน Genesis Block

Blockchain Explorer หรือแหล่งข้อมูลที่เกี่ยวข้องกับ Blockchain

เว็บไซต์และบทความที่เกี่ยวข้อง

Bitcoin.org: เว็บไซต์ทางการของ Bitcoin (https://bitcoin.org)

Nakamoto Institute: รวมบทความและข้อมูลจากซาโตชิ (https://nakamotoinstitute.org)

หนังสือและงานวิจัยเกี่ยวกับบิตคอยน์

Antonopoulos, Andreas M. (2017). Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies.

Vigna, Paul & Casey, Michael J. (2015). The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and Digital Money Are Challenging the Global Economic Order.

ข่าวจาก The Times

The Times (3 มกราคม 2009). “Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.”

@ 123711f7:c0a0c17e

Former United States President and incoming President-elect Donald Trump has condemned the United Kingdom’s energy policy, urging the nation to abandon wind farms and expand oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.

“The UK is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of Windmills!” Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.

According to Reuters, the region, one of the world’s earliest offshore energy hubs, has experienced a steady production decline since the early 2000s while evolving into a major offshore wind energy area.

Trump’s remarks reignited his longstanding opposition to wind energy, a stance dating back to a 2015 legal challenge against the construction of wind turbines near his golf course in Scotland.

THE LOUNGE: Merry Christmas Loungers, It’s Gist Time0:00 / 0:00Former United States President and incoming President-elect Donald Trump has condemned the United Kingdom’s energy policy.

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Os humanos evoluíram para contar maçãs, não estrelas. Estamos programados para compreender números pequenos e tangíveis com facilidade, mas, no momento em que atingimos centenas ou milhares, os nossos cérebros começam a ter dificuldades. Esta limitação desempenha um papel significativo na fricção que as pessoas sentem ao tentar compreender Bitcoin, desde os seus fundamentos de segurança até ao seu sistema monetário.

A natureza abstracta de Bitcoin é construída sobre conceitos matemáticos complexos, incluindo criptografia e números grandes. No entanto, estes elementos podem ser esmagadores para muitos potenciais utilizadores, investidores e até especialistas. Neste artigo, vamos explorar porque é que os humanos têm dificuldade com números grandes e como esta limitação afecta a nossa compreensão de Bitcoin.

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Porque é que os humanos têm dificuldade com números grandes

O nosso cérebro está programado para pensar de forma linear e processar números pequenos com facilidade. No entanto, quando se trata de números grandes, tudo começa a parecer confuso. Limitações evolutivas significam que fomos desenvolvidos para contar maçãs, não estrelas. Para além de algumas dezenas, os números começam a parecer "muitos" em vez de quantidades específicas.

Por exemplo, considere o número de chaves privadas possíveis em Bitcoin. Com 256 bits usados para encriptação, isto traduz-se em aproximadamente $$2^{256}$$ chaves únicas. Embora este número seja impressionante, a maioria das pessoas tem dificuldade em compreender a sua enormidade. Para colocar em perspectiva: - Existem mais átomos no universo observável do que grãos de areia em todas as praias da Terra.

Além disso, o nosso cérebro frequentemente luta para entender fenómenos exponenciais, que desempenham um papel crucial no sucesso de Bitcoin. O crescimento da população mundial ou o número de hashes efectuados por segundo pelos mineradores de Bitcoin podem parecer incompreensíveis devido à sua natureza rápida.

Finalmente, a falta de pontos de referência do dia a dia dificulta a compreensão de conceitos complexos como chaves privadas e hashrate. Por exemplo, dizer "100 biliões" pode significar algo para si, mas decompor isso em números mais pequenos e manejáveis é uma história completamente diferente.

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A História do Tabuleiro de Xadrez e o Grão de Arroz - uma pequena explicação didáctica sobre exponenciais.

Certa vez, um matemático indiano inventou o jogo de xadrez e apresentou-o ao rei local (frequentemente chamado de Maharaja). O rei ficou tão impressionado com o jogo que ofereceu recompensar o matemático com qualquer coisa que ele desejasse.

O matemático humildemente pediu um único grão de arroz para ser colocado na primeira casa do tabuleiro de xadrez, e que a quantidade de arroz fosse duplicada em cada casa seguinte. O rei, pensando que este era um pedido modesto, concordou imediatamente.

O processo começou: - 1 grão na primeira casa,
- 2 grãos na segunda,
- 4 grãos na terceira,
- 8 grãos na quarta, e assim por diante.

Mas, à medida que avançavam, os números começaram a crescer rapidamente. Na 20.ª casa, já eram necessários mais de 1 milhão de grãos de arroz. Na 40.ª casa, o total ultrapassava 1 bilião de grãos. Na 64.ª e última casa, o total era um espantoso 18 quintiliões de grãos de arroz ($$2^{64} - 1$$).

Esta quantidade era tão vasta que exigiria mais arroz do que poderia ser cultivado na Terra naquela época. O rei, ao perceber que subestimara o pedido do matemático, foi forçado a admitir derrota ou, em algumas versões da história, puniu o matemático pela sua astúcia.

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Bitcoin e Números Grandes: A Tecnologia Incompreendida

A complexidade de Bitcoin reside na sua dependência de criptografia e números imensos. Vamos explorar três áreas chave onde estes conceitos podem criar atrito.

A Segurança Incompreensível das Chaves Privadas

A segurança de Bitcoin assenta na escala absoluta do seu espaço de chaves privadas. Existem $$2^{256}$$ chaves possíveis — um número tão grande que tentar adivinhar uma chave não é apenas improvável, é praticamente impossível. É como se lhe pedisse para adivinhar o número em que estou a pensar entre 1 e 115792089237316195423570985008687907853269984665640564039457584007913129639936!

Para colocar isto em perspectiva: - Imagine que existem mais estrelas no universo observável do que grãos de areia nas praias da Terra. Mesmo que combinasse todos os grãos de areia e estrelas, o número resultante ainda seria inferior a ```$$2^{256}$$```.

Esta escala impressionante garante a robustez da segurança criptográfica de Bitcoin, mas pode parecer esmagadora para os recém-chegados.

O Hashrate de 1 Zettahash/s

Recentemente, a mineração de Bitcoin ultrapassou a marca de 1 zettahash por segundo ($$10^{21}$$ hashes por segundo). Esta medida de poder computacional destaca a escala imensa da segurança da rede.

Para ilustrar: - Imagine tentar adivinhar um número biliões de vezes por segundo, por pessoa, para todos os humanos na Terra. Mesmo com todo este esforço combinado, mal arranharíamos a superfície do actual hashrate de Bitcoin.

Este poder computacional imenso é o que garante que, uma vez adicionada uma transacção à timechain (ou blockchain se preferir) de Bitcoin, seja praticamente impossível alterá-la.

A Barreira da Criptografia

A criptografia de curva elíptica, ECC, um elemento chave em Bitcoin, utiliza matemática avançada que pode parecer abstracta para não especialistas. Baseia-se em "funções unidireccionais," onde gerar uma chave pública a partir de uma chave privada é fácil, mas reverter o processo é quase impossível.

O recente medo da computação quântica (apenas FUD), mostra bem esta segurança na matemática. O Willow, o computador da quântico da Google, com 105 qubits, resolveu um problema de benchmark em 5 minutos, que levaria a um super computador 10 septiliões de anos a resolver (mais tempo que a idade do universo, 13.8 mil milhões de anos).

Para conseguir encontrar a chave privada a partir de uma chave publica, seriam necessários cerca de 124000 Willows para o fazer em 1 dia, ou cerca de 340 para o fazer em 1 ano. E mesmo assim, apenas os endereços mais antigos, P2PK (Pay to Public Key) estariam vulneráveis, os endereços P2PKH (Pay to Public Key Hash) tem mais um nível de segurança, o hash.

O Willow teria que ter milhões ou milhares de milhões de qubits para conseguir descobrir uma chave privada a partir da chave publica. Não temos ainda tecnologia para isso...

Para simplificar: - Pense nisso como uma fechadura que só pode ser aberta com uma chave única. Uma vez trancada, o processo é irreversível sem essa chave, proporcionando uma segurança incomparável.

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O Obstáculo Psicológico: Viés de Unidade

Além dos aspectos técnicos, a psicologia desempenha um papel importante na forma como as pessoas percebem o valor, ou melhor o preço, de bitcoin. O viés da unidade — a tendência de preferir números inteiros — pode criar uma barreira emocional.

O Problema do "Preço Alto" de bitcoin

Ver o preço de bitcoin em dezenas (centenas?) de milhares de euros pode dissuadir potenciais investidores, que podem sentir que é demasiado caro ou inacessível. Esta percepção persiste, embora bitcoin possa ser dividido em unidades mais pequenas.

Satoshis como Solução

A menor unidade de bitcoin, o satoshi (1/100.000.000 BTC), oferece uma solução para este viés. Apresentar bitcoin em termos de satoshis permite pontos de preço mais compreensíveis. Por exemplo: - "1.000 sats custam €1,00" soa muito mais acessível do que "€100.000 por bitcoin."

O uso de satoshis reformula o valor de bitcoin, facilitando a sua compreensão e acessibilidade. E sim, pode comprar €1,00 de bitcoin, ou até mesmo menos de €0,01!

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Conclusão

A dificuldade com números grandes não é única de Bitcoin, mas a sua natureza digital e abstracta amplifica o desafio. Desde a escala incompreensível das chaves privadas até à enorme hashrate e ao obstáculo psicológico do viés de unidade, estas barreiras podem dificultar a compreensão e adopção.

No entanto, ao: 1. Simplificar conceitos criptográficos,
2. Usar analogias compreensíveis, e
3. Promover os satoshis como unidade padrão,

podemos tornar Bitcoin mais acessível para a pessoa comum. Assim como a sociedade aprendeu a abraçar a electricidade sem precisar entender os electrões, também podemos abraçar Bitcoin sem compreender completamente cada número por trás dele.

bitcoin #quantum

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Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

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Today is Bitcoin genesis block day, literally Bitcoin’s birthday number 16th. The purpose of this article is to deep dive into Bitcoin's beginnings, what it was meant to be, what its creator's incentives were, why the collaborators were interested in contributing to its success, and what Bitcoin is achieving.

Bitcoin exists to solve a problem.

The root problem with conventional currency is all the trust that's required to make it work. The central bank must be trusted not to debase the currency, but the history of fiat currencies is full of breaches of that trust. Banks must be trusted to hold our money and transfer it electronically, but they lend it out in waves of credit bubbles with barely a fraction in reserve. We have to trust them with our privacy, trust them not to let identity thieves drain our accounts. Their massive overhead costs make micropayments impossible.

Satoshi Nakamoto, February 11, 2009

In this post, Satoshi reveals the main problem: central banking, how this institution has abused the trust we have put in them. Bitcoin is an alternative to a “broken” or corrupt monetary system that it’s been running and stealing from people for centuries, creating credit bubbles with their debt-based fractional reserve banking system

Ponzi nature of banking system

For those who don’t understand this system and its corrupt and inviable nature, think about it as a rigged musical chairs game.

When the music (trust in the banking system and its currency) is on, everyone is happy playing the economic game. Economic activity is soaring; we see new businesses, new products, cheap credit, high lending, asset prices inflate, and people consuming more (thus pushing the economic numbers higher). Everything seems to be okay. But then something happens.

Under this monetary game, deposits are chairs and depositors are players; as the game goes on, there are always more players than chairs or depositors than deposits because banks “lend” currency that they don’t have. When the music (trust in the bank) is stopped, the game is over, and many people lose their chairs (their deposit), creating deflationary recessions and economic crises.

When this happens, everything starts trending the exact opposite way. The economic activity starts slowing down, debt problems arise, bankruptcies occur, people lose their jobs and consume less, asset prices deflate, until the central bank intervenes and the cycle starts again.

This is officially known as the “economic cycle,” and it's sold to us as a natural phenomenon. But the truth is this is a pure central bank–artificially created cycle by monetary manipulation, as we can learn from the Austrian school of economics.

I call the central bankers the market wizards because they hold the lever to manipulate the economic game. They are the money masters, the financial alchemists, the kings of the economic and financial game of commerce where all economic agents operate under.

Bitcoin is a revolution against the central bank monarch, but Satoshi was not shouting about this to the four winds. He didn’t want to get attention before Bitcoin was strong enough, because it would have implied a great risk to its success. Central banks are the most powerful institutions on earth; they literally have the power to create currency in unlimited amounts and buy anything they need to maintain their monopoly.

If we need a more clear confirmation of this, we can look into the encrypted message that Satoshi left in the genesis block. To understand the genesis block, imagine a bookkeeping ledger that adds new pages (blocks) daily and contains a record of all bitcoin transactions ever made. The very first page of this book is called the genesis block.

Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks

Satoshi Nakamoto 03 January 2009

Here’s the newspaper cover he was making reference to.

In allusion to the bank bailouts that were taking place at the time, Satoshi included this intriguing line in the genesis block when he created Bitcoin during the Great Global Financial Crisis. In addition to providing the remedy, those who caused the issue (and profit from it) were making unprecedented profits. \ \ This game is about privatizing profits and socializing losses. This is the opposite of free markets and capitalism. It's clear that Satoshi Nakamoto, whomever he was, detested the established financial system. Since the Bank of England, which was the subject of this article, was established in 1694, we may trace the debt based fractional reserve banking system history back at least 331 years. \ \ This allusion to traditional banking's shortcomings was a declaration of what Bitcoin was trying to combat: fractional reserve banking and its consequences, which include debt, taxation, and inflation.

\ \ The bookkeepers \ \ In essence, banking and money management are bookkeeping, keeping track of who owns what and who owes what. Due to its revolutionary impact on accounting, Bitcoin has been dubbed "triple entry bookkeeping" by some. \ \ These days, banks are in charge of bookkeeping; they basically have the authority to make changes to the books and add new entries, or "print money." Inflation is basically a robber of time, energy, and wealth from everyone using that currency denomination, and banks are the ones who create it. Additionally, they have the ability to cause economic crises and market crashes for their own financial gain, making them deflation inductors. \ \ The incapacity of gold (real money) to meet the demands of a growing global economy gave banks this authority. They essentially became gold safe-keepers and gold IOU bookkeepers' ledgers because people trusted these organizations to provide scalability and lower the cost and risk of gold transactions. \ \ The purpose of banking was to enable credit and payments. Governments and banks did not create money. The free market determined the value of gold and silver, and people only trusted banknotes that were backed by gold. \ \ “Gold is money, everything else is credit" JP Morgan, 1912. \ \ Since banks began growing, they have sought to increase their size even more. When they discovered that the metal money system was restricting their ability to increase credit and bank profits, they literally plotted to seize control of the money market and overthrow governments by demonetizing these metals, effectively eliminating the demand for money in general and substituting it with debt and credit instruments. Essentially promissory notes issued by banks based on debt. \ \ "The borrower is a slave to the lender, and the wealthy dominate the poor”. Proverbs 22:7\ \ Human history is a chronicle of the literal plot by banks to enslave humanity, which resulted in hundreds of wars, thousands of assassinations, and the loss of millions of innocent lives in order to fulfill the banksters' objective of creating a global fractional reserve credit system. The currency that they decided to control? The term "U.S dollars" is frequently and incorrectly used to refer to Federal Reserve Notes. \ \ Slavery is essentially personified in this system. Slavery, in my opinion, is working for a currency that someone else can print without any effort or labor. This is the underlying cause of legal inequality. Theoretically, we live in a democracy and capitalist society where everyone is treated equally, but income taxes and central banking are vital components of the communist manifiesto. \ \ Where do we draw the boundary between a free human being and a slave citizen, given that this system directly violates private property rights? You are 100% slave when you pay 100% taxes, and 40% slave when you pay 40% taxes. It is being violently imposed upon you if it is not a voluntary business deal. Violence or the threat of losing your freedom are used to compel people to pay taxes. \ \ Natural law, often known as moral law, states that every person has the right to keep all of the fruits of their labor. However, this fraudulent financial system is robbing everyone of their means of trade, whether they are called coins, currencies, deposits, checks, etc. Furthermore, ceasing to feed a parasite is the only way to eradicate it. \ \ A purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.

Satoshi Nakamoto, October 31, 2008\ \ \ \ What backs fiat currencies?\ \ The worst aspect of this system is that it views people as collateral cattle for the currency's purchasing power. In essence, "government currencies" are credits of their corresponding debts, or government bonds, which are effectively secured by the government's “authority” to impose taxes on its populace. In essence, the government's power to compel its people to give them X percent of their income without providing them with equal recompense.

In essence, citizens' wealth is "baking" the government's debts. Since the currency cannot be exchanged for wealth at a particular rate, it is inaccurate to state that it is backed, thus I said "baking." However, if we must identify a valuable component of the currency, it is as follows: wealth and labor (i.e., human time and energy).

\ And what makes up this wealth? Among other things, land, homes, resources, businesses, and human time. They have demand for trade and exchanges because they make up half of every transaction. However, what do people trade more for currency? Energy and time. \ \ Those who can produce currency out of thin air with little effort (simply adding numbers to the bank ledger) can effectively steal from everyone else who has to labor and invest time and energy (real wealth), as most people exchange their time and energy for currency. Clearly, this is the root cause of inequality. \ \ Not only is this utterly immoral and unfair, but it gets worse. The worst aspect is not that they want to charge interest and can easily generate currency, but rather that they insist that WE repay them! \ \ What am I saying? Every currency unit's counterpart in government bonds is a public debt that generates compound interest on a continuous basis. There is a dollar due plus interest for every dollar that exists. In essence, this debt is a claim on the nation's wealth, which includes the labor (time and energy) and wealth of its citizens. \ \ And to whom is this debt owed? The banks. Therefore, if we apply common logic, it is easy to see that just as borrowers are slaves to lenders, governments and "we the people" are slaves to banks. \ \ However, what precisely do we owe? What kind of material have they given our governments? Is it wealth of any sort, whether it land, gold, or resources? No, it's not. is essentially a promissory note issued by a private bank, a document that serves as a means of exchange and may be produced in an infinite quantity. A counterfeit check.\ \ Global slavery to the banks is the price we pay for a scalable medium of exchange! \ \ And now we have a great substitute! \ \ To sum up, we spend our lives, precious time, energy, stress, suffering, and effort to obtain these currencies and pay our taxes, while another group sits there making up new reasons to add currency the ledger —also known as "printing digital money"—that we must repay plus interest! It's crazy. \ \ The worst aspect is that because the debt exceeds the amount of money in circulation due to compound interest, which keeps accruing and increasing the loan's size, it is mathematically impossible to pay back.\ \ It is equivalent to burning the currency because we pay taxes to cover the interest on an ever-increasing debt that we are unable to pay back. A black hole for taxpayer funds, debt-based currencies are essentially human slavery that is supported by banks and maintained by governments. \ \ Why isn't everyone voicing their disapproval and exposing this? The answer is brainwashing and a lack of knowledge. Much of this has been concealed or esoteric, and a major contributing factor to this blind spot is the misinformation we receive regarding the operation of this system. In order to play the game the way they want us to and avoid the game ending anytime soon, we are given a children's interpretation of human history and reality. \ \ \ Libertarianism\ \ Bitcoin's libertarian nature cannot be disregarded; even Satoshi acknowledged this when he stated:\ \ It’s very attractive to the libertarian viewpoint if we can explain it properly.\ I’m better with code than with words though.

Satoshi Nakamoto, November 14, 2008\ \ Libertarianism is a political philosophy that holds freedom and liberty as primary values. Many libertarians conceive of freedom in accord with the Non-Aggression Principle, according to which each individual has the right to live as they choose, so long as it does not involve violating the rights of others by initiating force or fraud against them.

Libertarians advocate for the expansion of individual autonomy and political self-determination, emphasizing the principles of equality before the law and the protection of civil rights, including the rights to freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of choice. They generally support individual liberty and oppose authority, state power, warfare, militarism and nationalism, but some libertarians diverge on the scope and nature of their opposition to existing economic and political systems. 1\ \ Here are several arguments in favor of Bitcoin's libertarian nature. \ \ Non-Aggression Principle: Unlike taxes and fiat currencies, which are supported by state aggression, Bitcoin is supported by energy, math, and processing power. The monopoly of violence “belongs” to governments, and banks use this authority to compel everyone to follow their rules (I'm talking about business). \ \ Personal independence: Bitcoin doesn't require confidence and doesn't have counterparty risk. With bitcoin, the person has complete control over his finances and doesn't require "permission" from a third party to earn, save, or spend it. Bitcoin is referred to be "freedom money" for this reason. \ \ Equality before the law: Unlike the actual banking system, where a group can create money out of thin air with little effort and can alter the rules to suit their interests, the bitcoin protocol ensures that everyone is playing by the same rules and that there is no possibility of cheating or inflating the supply of bitcoin. Equality exists under the Bitcoin protocol. \ \ Indeed there is nobody to act as central bank or federal reserve to adjust the money supply as the population of users grows.\ Satoshi Nakamoto, Febrero 18, 2009\ \ Freedom of speech: To uphold justice and the truth in an era of widespread censorship, freedom of speech is an essential human right. The fact that Bitcoin is information also fits into this category; money is a means of conveying value, but this time in an unstoppable manner that is impervious to censorship. \ \ Freedom of thought: Using bitcoin does not require you to subscribe to any particular philosophy or set of beliefs, including libertarianism or anarchism. Bitcoin is unbiased and doesn't care. \ \ Freedom of choice: Unlike fiat currencies, where you frequently have no other choice, no one will compel you to use bitcoin. \ \ Libertarians reject the current political and economic structures because they are blatantly immoral, criminal, and illegitimate. It is "shaped" by indoctrinated mob rule democracies, supported by violence, and based on lies.

Bitcoin's ascent \ \ Bitcoin wasn't created overnight; rather, it was the result of decades' worth of research, development, and technology. Above all else, however, bitcoin represented a breakthrough—a new method of accomplishing tasks that had previously been impossible. \ \ A lot of people automatically dismiss e-currency as a lost cause because of all the companies that failed since the 1990's. I hope it's obvious it was only the centrally controlled nature of those systems that doomed them. I think this is the first time we're trying a decentralized, non-trust-based system.

Satoshi Nakamoto, Febrero 15, 2009\ \ Due to their centralization and unique points of failure, all of the numerous attempts to implement alternative e-currencies failed. The distributed nature of the bitcoin network makes it more robust and challenging to attack. \ \ The secret to developing a decentralized unchangeable ledger was Satoshi's solution to a problem that had been thought to be intractable since the 1970s. Following years of failure and lessons learned, Satoshi established a finite amount of money that is governed by processing power and energy.\ \ The proof-of-work chain is a solution to the Byzantine Generals Problem.\ Satoshi Nakamoto, Febrero 15, 2009

The return of money \ \ Bitcoin has also had a significant impact on the monetary front, particularly on the system's capacity to function as money and not simply a currency. It has been shown to be the best store of value (SOV) in addition to being an excellent medium of exchange (MOE).

Since currencies replaced money during the last century, we have lost track of what money is. And in order to protect our wealth, we need to be aware of the important distinctions between these technologies. \ \ A currency must be recognized, divisible, fungible, portable, and widely accepted in order to function as a medium of exchange. \ \ All of those qualities are present in money, but it also has the capacity to hold value over time, and it must be scarce in order to function as a store of value. A currency, in contrast to money, is susceptible to inflation due to its ease of replication. This is the cause of the constant price increases. \ \ The money supply needs to be scarce in order to preserve its purchasing power over time (i.e., to be immune to inflation). For thousands of years, gold and silver have been the preferred forms of money. \ \ At first, paper currency was only used to facilitate transitions by serving as a convenient alternative (derivative) to precious metals. Since goldsmiths and subsequent bankers used fractional reserve banking to lend more money (i.e., print more paper currency) than they actually had in storage, paper currencies—which are easily reproducible—have always been vulnerable to inflation. This resulted in the recurring "bank run" crises that are documented throughout history.\ \ But before bitcoin, we didn't have any money since 1933 because banks had taken it and devalued it. Real state, stocks, bonds, and other choices had been selected as alternatives due to the absence of money (a store of value). People buy real estate, stocks, and bonds to protect their wealth because fiat currencies are continually being inlfated, not because they love them. \ \ An estimated 900 trillion dollars' worth of wealth is held in financial and tangible assets worldwide. \ \ In real state, 330 trillions (36.6%)\ \ Bonds worth 300 billions (33.3%)\ \ Currency totaling 120 trillions (13.3%)\ \ Equity of 115 trillions (12,7%)\ \ Art worth 18 billions (2%)\ \ Gold worth 16 trillions (1,77%)\ \ Automobiles and collectibles worth 6 trillions (0,66%)\ \ Bitcoin worth two trillions (0,22%)\ \ Bitcoin only makes up about 0.22% of the world's total wealth. The greatest money ever created, property that you can actually own, with a sovereign protocol, no counterparty risk, a limited supply (better than scarce), and no need for banks or governments. Freedom money is unaffected by debt, taxes, or inflation. \ \ A bitcoin market cap of x10 ($1,000,000) would represent 2,22% of the world's wealth, and a market cap of x100 ($10,000,000) would represent 22,22%. \ \ The denominator, the dollar, is always losing value since it is created infinitely by continuously increasing the debt supply, and wealth is not fixed—rather, it is eternally increasing. According to CBNC the U.S. national debt is rising by $1 trillion about every 100 days.

Bitcoin is energy \ \ Bankers and significant international leaders are aware that energy is the foundation of all human activity. They are aware that they must control the energy sources, including their supply, distribution, and price, in order to establish a monopoly over every industry and a system of slave labor. They even clarified in several released documents that this is the only way to engineer the global economy.

:Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars explains:

In order to achieve such sovereignty, we must at least achieve this one end: that the public will not make either the logical or mathematical connection between economics and the other energy sciences or learn to apply such knowledge.

It is only a matter of time before the new breed of private programmer/economists will catch on to the far-reaching implications of the work begun at Harvard in 1948. The speed with which they can communicate their warning to the public will largely depend upon how effective we have been at controlling the media, subverting education, and keeping the public distracted with matters of no real importance.

The Harvard Economic Research Project (1948-) was an extension of World War II Operations Research. Its purpose was to discover the science of controlling an economy: at first the American economy, and then the world economy. It was felt that with sufficient mathematical foundation and data, it would be nearly as easy to predict and control the trend of an economy as to predict and control the trajectory of a projectile. Such has proven to be the case. Moreover, the economy has been transformed into a guided missile on target.

As we can see, the actual monetary system was created as a system of control (SOC), which is essentially founded on thievery and has restrictions, barriers, closed doors, a lack of transparency, and different rules for different actors. Through fabricated inflation and economic crises, it has been stealing our riches and freedom and controlling not just the electrical supply but also the social energies of humanity. (Inductors and economic conductors)\ \ However, Bitcoin is restoring our freedom. A way to make money, save it, and spend it without any restrictions, inflation, or capricious regulations. A novel kind of property that is not dependent on a counterparty, like banks or governments, and that requires energy to manufacture rather than being formed spontaneously.

Bitcoin generation should end up where it's cheapest. Maybe that will be in cold climates where there's electric heat, where it would be essentially free.

Satoshi Nakamoto, August, 2010

This fact is key to unlock the benefits of deflation that had been opaqued by the artificially created inflation.

Natural deflation

The primary benefit of bitcoin is deflation. Deflation incentives people to delay consumption and save more. Saving is the key to economic growth, because it can help to increase investment and productivity.

With the increase in productivity, prices tend to go down as they are more abundant and we find cheaper ways to produce thanks to technology.

The only reason that prices are not going down today -except in products where improvements are very rapid (e.g., computers)- is because of government-caused-currency inflation.

They have been stealing the benefits of natural deflation from us, but now we can access it thanks to Bitcoin.

It might make sense just to get some in case it catches on. If enough people think the same way, that becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

Satoshi Nakamoto, 1/17/2009

Conclusion

To only way to scape the slavery system is to earn, save and spend bitcoin; a money that’s not controlled by the governments and banks, that is not subject to inflation and where everyone has to play under the same rules.

Happy birthday Bitcoin!

Bitcoin or Slavery!

@ bf47c19e:c3d2573b

Originalan tekst na linkedin.com

12.04.2024 / Autor: Aleksandar Matanović

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60/40 portfolio je dugo važio za idealan izbor nekome ko ima umerenu sklonost ka riziku, a nema vremena da prati berzu. Dakle, ubaciš 60% u akcije, 40% u obveznice i pustiš vreme da radi svoje.

Malo sam se igrao sa brojkama i računao šta bi bilo da je neko u taj portfolio ubacio malo Bitkoina. Period koji je obrađen je januar 2014 - januar 2024. Ovde napominjem da nikako nisam radio "cherry picking", to jest nisam birao period u kome se Bitkoin pokazao u najboljem mogućem svetlu. Maltene sam uradio suprotno. Da sam izabrao bilo koji januar pre 2014-te, prinosi na BTC bi bili neuporedivo veći. Čak i da sam izabrao januar 2015-te ili 2016-te, takođe bi prinosi bili veći jer je cena tada bila niža nego u januaru 2014-te. Izbor datuma je bio posledica želje da zaokružim jednu celu deceniju, period nakon kojeg su strpljivi investitori nagrađeni time što ne plaćaju porez na kapitalnu dobit.

Obradio sam 3 realna scenarija:

1. Klasičan 60/40 portfolio. Na uloženih $10.000 u januaru 2014. godine, 10 godina kasnije bismo imali tačno $17.434. Prosečan godišnji prinos je 5,72%.
2. 99% uloženo u 60/40 portfolio, 1% uloženo u Bitkoin. Na uloženih $10.000, imali bismo $22.505 ili 8,45% godišnje. Samo 1% u BTC, a skoro 3% veći godišnji prinos. (narandžasta linija)
3. 90% uloženo u 60/40 portfolio, 10% uloženo u Bitkoin. Sad već postaje zabavno... od $10.000 do $68.145, što bi bilo 21,16% godišnje - jače od proseka Vorena Bafeta. (zelena linija)

Uzeo sam u obzir i rizike i zamislio da je u ovom periodu cena Bitkoina polako padala i na kraju pala na 0. Dakle naredna 2 scenarija su hipotetička.

1. 99% uloženo u 60/40 portfolio, 1% uloženo u Bitkoin, Bitkoin propao. Investirano $10.000, dobijeno $17.259 ili 5.61% godišnje. Minimalni gubitak u odnosu na čist 60/40 portfolio iz prvog scenarija. Zbog toga se na grafiku vide 4 linije iako ih ima 5, toliko je mala razlika.
2. 90% uloženo u 60/40 portfolio, 10% uloženo u Bitkoin, Bitkoin propao. Investirano $10.000, dobijeno $15.690 ili 4.61% godišnje. To je ona donja. ljubičasta linija na grafikonu. Nije neki prinos, ali nije ni katastrofa.

Mogao sam da idem i sa preko 10%, naravno završili bismo na preko $100.000. Međutim, hteo sam da budem konzervativan i stvari gledam iz ugla investitora koji ipak ima nešto manji apetit ka riziku i nedovljno poznaje Bitkoin. Mogao sam i da uzmem drugačiji period. Na primer, za jan 2012 - jan 2022 bi narandžasta linija završila na preko milion dolara, a zelena na preko 10 miliona. Da, nije greška u računici... zaista biste za 10 godina, počev od januara 2012-te imali preko milion dolara da ste uložili ukupno $10.000, 99% u akcije i obveznice, a 1% u Bitkoin. Sa 90% u akcijama i obveznicama i 10% u Bitkoinu, već ste na 8 cifara.

Istorijske performanse nisu garancija budućih prinosa. Investiranje u Bitkoin je rizično. Ignorisanje Bitkoina je rizično. Svako bira svoj rizik. Ovo nije investicioni savet, ovo je prijateljski savet.

@ e373ca41:b82abcc5

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I was told the following story at one of my readings last year.

An elderly couple from a Swiss town with a high density of anthroposophically minded people were said to have been vaccinated against coronavirus. My conversation partner found this unusual, wanted to know the “why” and asked.

“Oh, you know, the two of us had wanted to end our lives voluntarily and in a self-determined way for a long time,” they explained. “When the coronavirus vaccinations came along, we thought: This is our chance!”

Absurd times

I had to laugh. What an absurd time to live in. Actually only bearable as a meme. Last year was also a year in which things were reversed. Everything is upside down and yet should seem normal. Calling minister of economy Habeck a moron in a meme resulted in a house search and an insult lawsuit. Calling Alice Weidel, leader of opposition AFD a "Nazi bitch", on the other hand, is no problem. The new normal: reality as permanent satire.

(when you read this, you caught it already)

But this image is breaking down, it is being recognized and increasingly rejected:

• Stagings with satanic overtones at the Olympics & Co. caused a wave of outrage.
• Medium magazine named the nomenklatura journalists from Correctiv as journalist of the year, at the same time as their core thesis of a remigration conspiracy was melting away.
• The “reason of state for Israel” was a Nibelung allegiance for war criminals: a Netanyahu would have to be arrested on German soil if Germany wanted to comply with international law.
• The woke influencer and Böhmermann gag writer “El Hotzo”, one of the “self-reflective feminist men” in the outside media world (he wished Trump dead after the assassination attempt), has now had to publicly confess to having manipulated and gaslighted women for years and to having exploited his media position to do so.
• The Magdeburg attacker is being framed on the right, police laws and surveillance are to be stepped up, but the media are warning that extremists are now exploiting this event for their own ends. Very interesting: because the danger comes from the right, we protect Christmas markets instead of mosques. Nobody takes all this seriously anymore.

Many half-dead zombie topics are starting to move again. The lab leak theory has been confirmed once again. The Paul Ehrlich Institute (whose job is the oversight of vaccines, among others) virtually admitted that certain vaccine batches were more dangerous than others. Why didn't it intervene? This is what state-perpetrated killing and bodily harm by omission looks like. Has Paul Cichutek (former head of PEI) already been arrested, his house searched and documents confiscated (along with the "Federal Cross of Merit")?

Most recently, a Yale study (still unpublished) showed that spike proteins were still detectable two years after vaccination, and an effect on genetic material is not ruled out. Sounds a lot like the “conspiracy theories” of 3 years ago. Yet in this country, the state still recommends this vaccination to pregnant women. It won't be possible to put all these educational topics in a repository for toxic information, as the leaked RKI protocols have recently shown. The tide is turning, the picture is clearing. But slowly and not on page 1 of the newspapers and their editors, who are now fighting for survival because nobody wants to read their lies anymore. “Another hundred years of newspapers and all words will stink,” Nietzsche said a good 100 years ago.

("Power replaces first class talent by idiots, as lack of intelligence and creativity is always the best guarantee for loyalty", Hannah Arendt)

Do not live with lies

Fifty years ago, Alexander Solzhenitsyn published the text “Do not live with lies” (1974), in which he points out the antidote to lies:

“Our way: CONSCIOUSLY SUPPORT THE LIE IN NOTHING! Recognize where the boundary of the lie is (it looks different for everyone) - and then step back from this life-threatening boundary! Do not glue together the dead knuckles and scales of ideology, do not mend the rotten rag - and we will be amazed at how quickly and helplessly the lie falls away, and what should stand naked and bare will then stand naked and bare before the world.”

You can laboriously help build lies, submit to an ideology that nourishes you for a while. But when the edifice of lies collapses, nothing else will help. Every lie wears out and is eventually overtaken by reality. We see that the spans of lies are getting shorter and shorter, that the roller of reality is rolling over them faster and faster.

“We can't force them to tell the truth. But we can make them lie more and more brazenly.”

I've read this sentence a lot recently. Sometimes it is attributed to Ulrike Meinhof, sometimes to Bernward Vesper, Gudrun Ensslin's husband. I find the quote remarkable because it directs our attention away from what we cannot and will never change, namely the existence of the lie itself, towards what we can change: the soil on which the lie grows or does not grow. In the Luhmannian sense, we must look away from the system (the lie) and towards the environment or surroundings in which it thrives or not. The path from lies to truth is the same as the path from slavery to freedom. The revolutionary poet Georg Herwegh formulated this in his poem “A lane for freedom - der Freiheit eine Gasse” (1841):

“When all the world lost courage,\ To begin the feud,\ You, my people, stand before the nations,\ Let your heart's blood run!\ Give us the man who grasps the banner\ Of the new age,\ And through Europe we will break\ A lane for freedom!”

• Julian Assange is free! He is Herwegh's “man” for me.
• Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of Bitcoin, is Herwegh's “man” for me.
• Austrian singer Udo Jürgens, tenth anniversary of whose death was recently celebrated, was Herwegh's “man” for me: “I am in favor of dissent being allowed, I even consider it a duty.”, he sings. Even chansonniers from 20 years back would qualify as subversive today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McgZEA6BZiY * We are all Herwegh's “man”. There is not just one to hope and wait for, but many of our kind and more and more of them.

I was able to get to know many of them this year when I visited a good 50 places on my reading tour. Four years ago, we worked together to create an avenue for freedom when we published the “Appeal for free debate spaces”. * Today, together with a team of developers, I am building the Pareto project, another alleyway for the freedom of information.

I wish you all a happy new year and thank you very much for your loyalty and support of my work!

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This article by Milosz Matuschek first appeared in German on Freischwebende Intelligenz.

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Join the marketplace of ideas! We are building a publishing ecosystem on Nostr for citizen-journalism, starting with a client for blogging and newsletter distribution. Sound money and sound information should finally be in the hands of the people, right? Want to learn more about the Pareto Project? Zap me, if you want to contribute (all Zaps go to the project).

Update: Since my last article on the Pareto project, we have received more than 50 messages from publications, journalists, authors, testers and supporters. Thank you very much, we are happy to help everyone become censorship-resistant! May just take a little time. Are you a publication and want to be part of it, test us, migrate your content to Nostr? Write to team@pareto.space

Not yet on Nostr and want the full experience? Easy onboarding via Nosta.me.

@ bf47c19e:c3d2573b

Originalan tekst na ecd.rs

05.04.2022. / Autor: Aleksandar Matanović

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Većinu ljudi ka Bitkoinu privuče mogućnost brze zarade. Gledajući istorijsko kretanje cene, deluje im da je bilo izuzetno lako obogatiti se uz odgovarajući tajming kupovine i prodaje. Naravno, u praksi stvari umeju dosta drugačije da izgledaju. Jednom kada se uđe, najjači poriv da se kupuje bude baš kad je cena najviša i euforija na vrhuncu, dok pad cene uglavnom uzrokuje paničnu prodaju baš u najgorem trenutku. Novajlije se tu retko odmah snađu.

Neki posle gubitaka i razočarenja kompletno napuste ceo kripto ekosistem misleći da je problem u tržištu, a ne u njihovoj naivnosti i brzopletosti. Drugi ostanu, pa se ili izvešte u trgovanju ili počnu da rudare ili se zaljube u tehnologiju ili nauče da budu strpljivi ili nađi neki svoj put u ovoj industriji. Ipak, mnogima, neretko i pravim veteranima koji su već godinama tu, prečesto promaknu najbitnije karakteristike Bitkoina.

Zamrzavanje bankovnih računa

Nažalost, ponekad su potrebne teške situacije da bi se prave vrednosti nečega shvatile. Ne kaže se uzalud: „Na muci se poznaju junaci“. U poslednjih mesec-dva svedoci smo događaja za koje smo mislili, ili smo se barem nadali da nisu mogući. Najpre protesti u Kanadi i reakcija „demokratske“ vlasti koja je bila tako oštra, da je se ni najveći diktatori ne bi postideli. Zatim i nešto mnogo gore, a to je rat u Ukrajini.

Ne ulazeći u to ko je za šta kriv, jer dovoljno se njih tom tematikom bavi, činjenica da je su neki Kanađani, Rusi i Ukrajinci praktično preko noći postali odsečeni od finansijskog sistema od kojeg u nekoj meri zavise. U Kanadi je vlada nepodobnima zamrzavala bankovne račune, Rusima su uglavnom spolja „isekli“ mnoge novčane tokove na način da, kao što to obično i biva, najviše trpe građani koji ništa nikome nisu skrivili, a šta tek reći za Ukrajince koji su, bez dileme, najgore prošli.

Prava vrednost Bitkoina

Neki često kažu da Bitkoin nema upotrebnu vrednost i da služi samo za špekulacije. Međutim, u situaciji kada je račun u banci zamrznut zbog učešća u protestima, nije loše imati neku vrednost koju je nemoguće zamrznuti, a vrlo lako se može unovčiti po potrebi. Kada više ne rade PayPal, VISA, MasterCard, SWIFT… a imate poslovnog partnera koji treba nešto da vam uplati ili rođaka koji treba da vam pošalje novac, dosta je koristan novac koji niko ne može da zaustavi i za čije korišćenje ničija dozvola nije potrebna Na kraju, ako padaju bombe i treba da bežite glavom bez obzira, imati imovinu koja je u digitalnom obliku i koja ide svuda sa vama, a ne mora da se nosi, je zlata vredno. Ili možda bolje reći „digitalnog zlata (kako neki zovu Bitkoin) vredno“.

Najbitnije karakteristika Bitkoina mnogima promiču, jer srećom mnogi nisu bili u situaciji da im te njegove karakteristike budu bitne. Te karakteristike su neotuđivost, dostupnost i otpornost na sve vrste cenzure.

Nikada u istoriji nismo imali mogućnost da novac ili neku drugu vrednost sa par klikova prenesemo na drugi kraj sveta, a da ne moramo nikoga da pitamo za dozvolu da to uradimo. I dok god standardni kanali rade, teško razumemo pravu vrednost koju ta mogućnost pruža.

„Problem je što je cena mnogo volatilna, pa je zato neupotrebljiv za bilo šta ozbiljno“, često se može čuti. Da, problem je dok ne dođete u situaciju da možete sa sobom poneti nešto ili ništa. Problem je dok niste suočeni sa izborom da novac pošaljete tako ili nikako. Onda par procenata promene cene na dnevnom nivou ne znači ništa jer rešavate problem koji nikako drugačije ne možete rešiti. I postaje nebitno da li ste ga kupili u savršenom trenutku ili ste možda mogli i bolje da prođete.

@ 58937958:545e6994

2024年1月3日 ビットコインのお誕生日に合わせて ビットコインっぽい具材を入れたおせちを作りました 全部手作りです

1の重

（左上から）

• 田作り…田んぼに田作り（カタクチイワシ）を肥料として撒いたことから、豊作祈願の意味合いがある。
• くわいの煮物…大きく芽が出る野菜で、出世や成功を祈る。
• 昆布巻き…「喜ぶ（よろこぶ）」の語呂合わせで縁起物。
• 松風焼き…表面だけケシの実やゴマをまぶす＝裏がない→隠し事のない正直な生き方ができるように、という意味が込められている
• 黒豆…「まめに働く」ことや健康を祈る。
• 伊達巻き…巻物に似ていることから、知識が豊富になるようにと願いが込められている。
• ぶりの幽庵焼き…ぶりは成長とともに名前が変わる出世魚で、将来の出世を願う。
• 鮭のテリーヌ…洋風おせちの定番。鮭には「出世」「災いを避け（サケ）る」「子孫繁栄」などの意味がある
• たたきごぼう…根が深く張るごぼうは家族や子孫繁栄の象徴。

2の重

• 金柑の甘露煮…金柑の「金」の文字から、金運や財運を祈る。
• なます…紅白の水引のような形状で祝いの意味がある
• 栗きんとん…黄金色が金運を表し、豊かな1年を願う。

以下はビットコイン具材として入れました

• カボチャようかん
• 鶏とほうれん草のテリーヌ
• きな粉棒

3の重

煮しめ…様々な具材を一緒に煮ることから、「皆で仲良く、末永く繁栄するように」という願いが込められている きぬさやのBは我ながらちょっと笑ってしまった

ビットコインを意識して作った具材

カボチャようかん

固めの牛乳かんを作り、包丁でBの形に切り抜いて、カボチャのようかんを流す感じです

鶏とほうれん草のテリーヌ

鶏むね肉とはんぺんをミンチにして、半分にほうれん草を入れて形作りました 初めて作ったので不安でしたが丁寧に作ればもっと良い形になると思いました

きな粉棒

はちみつときな粉だけで作る駄菓子的なおやつです のばして包丁で切り抜いてきな粉をまぶします

金柑の甘露煮

丸くてオレンジ色なので作ってみました しかも名前に「金（ゴールド）」が入っているのでビットコイン食材のポテンシャルがあると思います とろける感じでめっちゃおいしかったです

nostr:nevent1qqspu8gegzdamtx2rsm4995t3sg8qssw3vn3yn25ru8plghsqyrwtkcn0u7vy

サトシはビットコインが生まれたその日に何を食べていたのかなぁと おせちをつまみながらパソコンに向かっていたりしたら面白いなぁと思いながら作りました （日本文化が好きだから日本名にした可能性はあるかな～とか）

今頃のんびりおせちを食べてくつろいでいる・・・なんてことはないですかね 何にせよサトシが平和に暮らしていればいいなぁと思います

@ 46025249:0a7e0424

Hello world

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

To use American vernacular, ya’ll gonna hate on me, but back when Ledger announced their Stax, I ordered one for delivery in 3 months. Two years later, about 3 months ago, I finally received it.

Because of their doxxing and seed grab policies I would no longer consider using it for any serious holdings, but my wife is starting to acquire her own stack of Bitcoin and so believing it was the iPOD of Bitcoin wallets, I gave it to her to use as her hardware wallet.

Because she was new to self custody I had already setup the ledger and I sat with her while she tried to use it.

She used her phone and the Ledger app to attempt to move Bitcoin from Revolut to the wallet.

Nothing worked, nothing.

The Ledger Stax needed updating, but would turn off in the middle of updating so would never finish, we gave up trying to do that.

We then tried to obtain an address to receive funds to, it offer 4 types of Bitcoin wallets Legacy, Segwit, Native Segwit and Taproot. But it didn’t explain them at all, meaning you had no idea which was which.

Then when it offered to verify the address the Stax got into a loop, which required me to do a physical reboot (long press power button).

At last we managed to verify an address, but this wasn’t displayed on the Stax as a QR code, an unbelievably obvious reason for having a epaper screen, instead having to use the iPhone to copy and paste the address between the Ledger Live app and Revolut.

When we did this, Revolut said there was an error with the address and to try again later.

I know you’re all going to mock me for attempting to use the Stax, but I had assumed up until yesterday that it at least had a good UI.

Boy, was I wrong

@ 1c7629da:d831cb25

Introduction

The Bitcoin Whitepaper is the foundation of the modern cryptocurrency world. Written by Satoshi Nakamoto, it marked the start of a revolution in finance. In this post, we take a detailed look at the Whitepaper: when and why it was written, what it contains, what is missing, and how Bitcoin has developed since then.

When and why was the Bitcoin Whitepaper published?

The Whitepaper, titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System," was published on October 31, 2008, by Satoshi Nakamoto. During the global financial crisis, Nakamoto presented a decentralized solution for digital payments. The goal was to create an electronic payment system that operates without a central authority and allows users to send money directly to each other.

What is in the Bitcoin Whitepaper?

The nine-page document describes the technical foundation and philosophy behind Bitcoin. Here are the key points:

• Introduction: The problems with the current financial system are explained. Nakamoto describes the need for a system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust.
• Transactions: Bitcoin transactions are digital signatures passed in a chain of ownership. This prevents double spending.
• Timestamp Server: Transactions are grouped into blocks and linked through timestamps. This secures the blockchain.
• Proof-of-Work: To prevent manipulation, proof-of-work is required to create new blocks.
• Network: Participants send transactions to the entire network. Valid blocks are accepted by consensus and added to the blockchain.
• Incentives: Miners are rewarded with new bitcoins and transaction fees.
• Storage Space: The paper describes ways to save space by removing unnecessary transactions.
• Privacy: Bitcoin allows pseudonymous transactions since no real names are used, only public keys.

What is not in the Whitepaper?

Although the Whitepaper clearly defines the basics, many important details found in Bitcoin today are missing:

• 21 Million Bitcoin: The maximum supply of 21 million Bitcoin is not mentioned.
• Block Time: The average block time of 10 minutes is not specified.
• Mining Algorithm: The 1 MB block size limit and adjustments to mining difficulty are not included.
• Signature Methods: The paper does not describe specific signature methods like P2PKH or Schnorr signatures.

How is Bitcoin different from the Whitepaper today?

Bitcoin has changed significantly since the Whitepaper was published. Some of the biggest differences include:

• Mining: Bitcoin was originally mined using CPUs, but today specialized ASIC devices dominate.
• Consensus Mechanism: The idea of the "longest chain" has been replaced by the heaviest chain to prevent timewarp attacks.
• Transaction Types: Multi-signature addresses, Taproot, and other upgrades have been introduced.
• Scaling: Technologies like the Lightning Network have been developed to make Bitcoin faster and more scalable.

Conclusion

The Bitcoin Whitepaper is a masterpiece of clarity and simplicity that explains a complex idea in just a few pages. However, Bitcoin is not static – it has evolved continuously over the past 16 years. The Whitepaper remains the foundation that defines the vision of a decentralized money system for the world.

@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

When I first started as an escort, I didn’t fully appreciate just how important fantasy would be in this line of work. At first, I thought it was all about simple physical attraction or the kind of sexual desires you might see portrayed in films or novels. But the deeper I’ve gotten into this profession, the more I’ve realised that fantasy is so much more than that. It's woven into the very fabric of what I do, and it’s not just about sex—it's about identity, power, and, more often than not, a sense of escape.

For many of my clients, it’s not just about being with someone physically; it’s about creating a space where they can step out of their everyday lives and explore parts of themselves they don’t often get to. I’ve come to see fantasy as an incredibly powerful tool—not just for my clients, but for myself, too.

The Many Faces of Fantasy

Every time, I meet clients with different fantasies. Some want to explore particular sexual scenarios or role-play, while others are after something much more subtle—an emotional connection or a specific kind of attention they aren’t getting elsewhere. It’s not just about the physical; it’s about the mental, the emotional, and sometimes even the psychological needs that get wrapped up in these fantasies.

What’s always struck me is how diverse those desires can be. Sometimes, a client just wants to be listened to, to feel like they’re the centre of attention for a few hours without any distractions. For others, it’s about stepping into a role they never could in their daily life—maybe they want to feel powerful or dominant, or perhaps they crave vulnerability and want to surrender control. I’ve played all kinds of roles—whether it’s a confident professional, a shy lover, or even a nurturing figure—and each fantasy brings its own set of dynamics.

But the most interesting part of it all? It’s the way these fantasies often go beyond what I ever imagined them to be. They’re not always as simple as "acting out a scenario." Sometimes, it’s just about creating the right atmosphere—being present, attentive, and creating a safe space where someone can let their guard down. It’s an art, really.

My Own Fantasies and Boundaries

A question I get asked often is whether I have my own fantasies and how they fit into this work. To be honest, it’s something I don’t talk about too much, but I think it’s an important part of this journey. While I’m here to make my clients’ fantasies come to life, I also have my own boundaries, desires, and needs. There’s a delicate balance between providing what someone else wants and ensuring I don’t lose sight of myself in the process.

I’ve learned that I have to stay grounded in my own identity. I can get swept up in someone else’s world, their desires, and fantasies, but it’s crucial that I don’t lose my sense of self along the way. It’s all too easy to slip into the role of someone else, but I’m still Rebecca—the woman with my own life, my own boundaries, and yes, my own fantasies.

The Mutual Exchange

I’ve come to realise that fantasy is a two-way exchange. While I’m helping a client explore their deepest desires, I, too, am learning something new about myself—about my capacity for connection, my ability to empathise, and my own sense of empowerment. It’s not always just about fulfilling someone else’s needs; it’s also about the journey I take with them, even if just for a brief time.

I’ve often thought of myself as a kind of mirror. In many ways, I reflect what my clients are feeling, but at the same time, I’m learning more about myself through these interactions. It’s strange, isn’t it? How a job that might seem so transactional on the surface can actually be a profound exchange of emotions and experiences. The line between reality and fantasy blurs at times, and it’s easy to forget that this is work.

Fantasy as Empathy

What I’ve realised, though, is that fantasy is more than just a form of escapism—it’s an art of empathy. The best parts of escorting aren’t just about giving someone what they want; they’re about creating an experience where both of us can feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s what makes the work so fulfilling for me. It’s not always about fulfilling the exact fantasy someone has in mind, but about understanding them deeply and connecting in a way that feels real, even if it’s only for an hour or two.

I’ve learned that empathy is key. It's not just about acting out a role, but about tapping into what someone truly needs—sometimes in ways they’re not even fully aware of. And when I can do that, the experience becomes something far more meaningful than just a physical transaction. It’s a shared moment of vulnerability, trust, and connection.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on my journey, I see that fantasy isn’t just a part of the job—it’s a central part of my growth as an escort. It’s not just about fulfilling desires; it’s about learning to navigate the complexities of human emotion, to offer a safe space for exploration, and to understand how deeply interconnected our desires and identities really are.

And while I’ll continue to help clients explore their fantasies, I’m also exploring my own. The job isn’t just about meeting others’ needs; it’s also about learning more about myself, my boundaries, and my capacity for empathy. It’s a constant journey, but one that makes me feel connected to the deeper aspects of humanity—something I never expected when I first started.

Until tomorrow,
Rebecca x

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 제멋대로 방치된 장애인활동지원사 보수교육
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10927
• 2024.12.31 21:55

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활동지원기관으로부터 보수교육을 받았다. 매년 빠지지 않던 부정수급 예방 교육이 포함되어 있었다. 모 장애인자립생활센터의 대리(코디네이터, 전담인력)를 강사로 초청하여 부정수급 예방 교육을 했다.

교육 내용 중 두 부분 잘못된 내용이었다. 첫째, 이용자 두 사람에게 각각 연속으로 차례대로 서비스할 때는 30분 시간을 두고 결제하라고 교육했다. 둘째, 장애인이 공공일자리에 참여하는 경우 근로지원인을 일단 신청하고 신청이 받아들여지지 않으면 활동지원을 쓸 수 있다고 했다.

보건복지부에서는 부정수급을 막기 위해서 점검해야 할 사례들을 지침에서 나열하고 있는데, "한 수급자에게 급여 종료 후 다른 수급자에게 가는 이동시간을 고려하지 않고 이루어진 결제"를 연속결제라 명명하고 "사유의 정당성 확인"하라고 되어 있다. 그런데 왜 30분 시간을 두고 결제하라는 교육을 할까?

일선의 공무원들은 활동지원사가 한 이용자에게 서비스를 종료하고 30분 안에 다른 이용자에게 서비스를 시작하면, 지침대로 사유의 정당성을 확인하기 위해 이를 소명할 것을 요구한다. 30분이 넘어가면 소명을 요구하지 않는다. 중요한 것은 이 소명이 전담인력 입장에서는 업무가 된다는 점이다. 교육 강사가 예를 든 사례는 요양보호사를 겸직하는 활동지원사가 노인장기요양서비스를 제공 후 곧바로 활동지원을 제공한 사례였는데, 노인장기요양기관은 활동지원기관에 소명자료를 잘 제공해 주지 않으므로 30분의 간격을 두어야 한다고 교육했다. 이런 경우 자신은 30분의 간격을 두고 결제를 하게 하고는 장애인이용자에게 양해를 구해 조금 더 결제할 수 있도록 부탁한다고 했다.

전담인력 입장에서야 30분 간격을 두고 근무기록을 남기고 소명절차를 밟지 않는 것이 편할 수 있다. 하지만 여기서 여러 가지 문제가 발생한다. 30분의 시간이 지나기를 기다리면서 활동지원사가 서비스를 제공하다가 장애인이용자를 다치게 하거나, 재산상 손해를 입혀도 보험 처리를 하지 못할 수 있다. 해당 시간에 노동자가 일하다 다쳐도 보호받지 못할 수 있다. 그뿐 아니다. 전담인력이 이용자에게 양해를 구해 조금 더 결제할 수 있도록 한다는 말은 한마디로 부정수급을 권하는 격이다. 정말 제대로 된 교육 내용이 되려면 서비스하는 동안 정직하게 근무기록을 남기고, 정부가 소명을 요구할 수 있으니 소명할 수 있는 자료를 남길 수 있도록 교육하는 게 옳다.

생계지원의 경우도 마찬가지다. 장애인이 공공일자리사업에 참여한다는 것은 공공일자리를 통해 노동하고 급여를 받는다는 뜻이다. 이것은 최근에 논란이 된 활동지원 생계지원과 관련된 내용이다.

한국장애인고용공단은 장애인 스스로 업무를 충분히 진행할 수 있다고 판단하여 근로지원인 서비스 대상자로 여기지 않을 수도 있다. 그렇다면 당연히 공공일자리 업무는 장애인당사자 스스로가 수행해야 한다. 공단에서 장애인을 근로지원인 서비스 대상자로 보지 않는다고 해서, 활동지원사가 근로지원을 해도 된다는 의미는 아니다. 활동지원사는 공공일자리 사업에 참여하는 장애인을 지원함에 있어서도, 장애인의 생계를 지원하는 내용이 아닌 그 외의 활동지원서비스를 수행해야 한다.

자립생활센터 직원인 강사 입장에서는 공공일자리 장애인의 업무를 비장애인이 지원해 주면 빠르고 속 시원하며 행정 처리도 용이할 수 있다. 하지만 자신이 편하다고 그릇된 교육을 해서는 안 된다.

장애인활동지원사 보수교육은 "활동지원사 역량 강화와 급여 질 향상"을 위해 매년 실시한다. 하지만 그 중요도에 비해 사업장의 재량에만 내맡겨져 있다. 잘못된 교육의 피해는 온전히 잘못 교육받은 노동자와 장애인에게로 돌아간다. 강사의 수준과 교육의 내용에 대한 검증이 필요하다.

@ be7bf5de:09420d0a

The SALUD Decentralized Health App Development Challenge is an exciting initiative aimed at revolutionizing healthcare through the use of decentralized technologies. Running from January to May, this challenge will bring together developers, designers, healthcare providers, and health conscious individuals interested in decentralizing healthcare. Participants will create open-source tools leveraging Nostr, Bitcoin, and the SALUD protocol aiming to improve healthcare access, enhance data portability, and ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals worldwide.

Challenge Mission

At its core, the mission of this challenge is to bootstrap an ecosystem of interoperable tools that allow individuals to take full control of their health data. By building apps on the Nostr protocol and integrating bitcoin, the challenge hopes to address key issues in traditional healthcare, including access to services, privacy, and fragmented health data systems. All participating apps will be required to be compatible with the SALUD protocol, or Sistema de Administración de Libertad Único y Decentralizado, which is an open-source framework for utilizing health data over Nostr.

Challenge Structure

The challenge is structured to span five months, from January through May. Throughout this period, participants will meet weekly to discuss their progress, share insights, and collaborate with others. These sessions will be instrumental in connecting developers, designers, and healthcare professionals, fostering a community focused on building the future of decentralized healthcare.

The challenge will include weekly office hours for participants, held every Thursday at 11 AM Eastern Time (4 PM UTC), starting on January 16th. These open office hours will provide opportunities to connect with doctors, developers, entrepreneurs, and health-minded bitcoiners to ensure that the apps being developed address real-world healthcare needs.

Evaluation Criteria

All submissions to the challenge will be evaluated based on four key metrics:

1. App Production Readiness: Is the app functional and polished enough for real-world use?
2. Solution Depth and Creativity: How innovative and impactful is the solution in addressing healthcare challenges?
3. Interoperability: How well does the app integrate with the SALUD protocol and other healthcare tools, ensuring it can work seamlessly within the decentralized ecosystem?
4. Overall Contribution to the Ecosystem: Does the app contribute to the broader vision of decentralized healthcare and enhance individual control over health data?

Prize Pool

The challenge features a prize pool starting at 10 million satoshis (0.1 BTC). Winning participants will not only receive financial rewards but also have the opportunity to collaborate with NosFabrica, a leading force in decentralized technology development, and Illuminodes, piloting the SALUD protocol in El Salvador. This container provides an exciting pathway for long-term collaboration and innovation in the global and decentralized health space.

Who Should Participate?

This challenge is open to a wide range of participants, each contributing unique expertise and perspectives:

• Developers and Designers: Those skilled in app development, UX/UI design, bitcoin and the Lightning Network.
• Healthcare Providers (Doctors/Nurses/Alternative Health): Professionals who can offer insights into real-world healthcare needs and help design solutions that truly benefit patients.
• Health-Conscious Individuals: People passionate about taking control of their own health data and empowering others to do the same.
• Bitcoiners and Nostriches: Enthusiasts of Bitcoin and Nostr who are excited to apply these censorship resistant technologies to solve pressing issues in healthcare.
• Investors: Individuals or firms interested in supporting innovative projects and startups that have the potential to shape future of healthcare.

How to Participate

To get involved in the challenge and receive important updates and event invitations, participants can sign up through either of the provided forms:

• Formstr
• Google Form

The main categories we'll encourage individuals to develop solutions for are personal health apps, healthcare provider tooling, and SALUD protocol infrastructure. So far, the SALUD protocol includes NIP-82, a way to store FHIR healthcare records on Nostr, developed by NosFabrica co-founder, Vitor Pamplona. We see more Nostr improvement proposals being made as healthcare data use cases develop.

Conclusion

The SALUD Decentralized Health App Development Challenge is a groundbreaking opportunity for anyone passionate about using Nostr and Bitcoin to reshape the healthcare landscape. By building apps that empower individuals to control their own health data, participants will play a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare, from data privacy to accessibility and portability. We're xcited about this challenge and to continue building the future of decentralized healthcare!

Happy new year!

PS. Feel free to reach out with any questions to jon@nosfabrica.com or go to https://nosfabrica.com/challenge/ to learn more.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10862
• 장애인활동지원사에게 생업지원을 하도록 하는 것이 해법일까?

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장애인활동지원사에게 생업지원을 하도록 하는 것이 해법일까?

- 2024년 국정감사 김예지 의원의 발언에 붙여

시각장애인 안마사가 안마원 운영에 활동지원사의 도움을 받다가, 공무원의 부정수급 환수 경고로 목숨을 버렸다고 한다. 현행 활동지원제도는 "수급자 또는 그 가족의 직장 등에서 생업을 지원하는 활동보조 행위"를 서비스로 요구하거나 제공해서는 안된다고 규정하고 있는데, 법 개정 이전에도 복지부의 지침으로 금하고 있는 내용이었다.

한 시각장애인 안마사의 죽음은 애도해야 할 일이지만, 그 과정에 대해 짚어야 할 부분은 있다. 활동지원제도 부정수급 환수가 장애인이용자를 향하는 것은 아주 드문 일이다. 활동지원기관은 기본적으로 서비스제공 과정에서 정당하게 서비스가 이루어지는지를 관리감독 할 책임이 있고, 관리감독 책임을 다하였다 하더라도 부정지급급여 징수는 "적법한 지급원인이 없음에도 잘못 지급된 금액의 사후적 반환이라는 성격도 가지고 있는 것"이기에 대부분의 징수는 활동지원기관을 대상으로 이루어진다. 행정적으로 부당지급급여 징수 조치는 기관에게 통보되고 활동지원기관은 활동지원사 노동자에게 임금을 반환하라고 요구하는 과정이 이루어진다.

장애인이용자가 정당한 서비스 외 사례로 환수되는 경우는 어떤 경우일까? 활동지원기관이 관리감독을 제대로 했고, 부당한 서비스요구임을 장애인이용자에게 고지했으며, 활동지원사도 부당한 서비스요구임을 통지해도, 어쩔 수 없이 부당한 서비스가 이루어져야 할 것이다. 그리고 이를 입증할 자료가 있어야 할 것이다. 이럴 수 있는 가능성은 얼마나 될까? 장애인이 부정수급 환수대상이 되는 일은 정말 낙타가 바늘을 통과하는 일 만큼이나 어려운 일이다.

이 엄연한 구조적 사실 앞에서 한 안마사의 자결은 두 가지 경우 중에 하나다. 공무원이 권한을 남용해 잘못된 고지를 했거나, 단순 주의 고지를 당사자가 오해를 했거나이다. 이 사실에 대한 확인이 필요하다.

하지만 김예지 의원은 시각장애인의 자결을 생업지원을 제한하는 활동지원제도의 문제로 본다. 의원은 국정감사에서 보건복지부 장관에게 1인 중증장애인을 위한 업무지원인 제도가 아직 시범사업 단계에 불과하므로 소규모 5인 미만 중증장애인 사업주에 한해 기존 활동지원제도를 생업에 활용할 수 있도록 주문했다. 하지만 활동지원제도에서 장애인의 생업을 지원하지 못하게 하는 이유가 있다. 이에 수반되는 쟁점과 문제가 많다.

먼저 장애인 사업주가 어떤 사업을 할지 정해져 있지가 않다. 안그래도 업무범위가 명확하지 않은 활동지원사더러 장애인의 사업에 따라 모든 일을 하라는 말 밖에 안된다. 활동지원사는 시키는 일은 무엇이든 하고 아무일이나 시켜도 된다는 의원의 인식이 반영된 발화라고 밖에 평가할 수 밖에 없다. 정말로 의원의 주문대로 제도가 바뀐다면 활동지원사는 장애인 지원에 장애인사업주의 종업원으로서 업무를 가중해 수행해야한다. 장애인이 사업자로서 마땅히 인력를 고용해 써야할 부분에도 활동지원사가 투입될 것이다.

현재의 근로지원인 제도도 장애인의 노동권 보장이 아니라, 장애인을 비장애인을 부려쓰기 위한 도구로 전락시키는 현상이 곳곳에서 드러난다. 장애인은 꿔다놓은 보릿자루고 비장애인 지원인력이 모든 일을 다 한다. 이것은 지원이 아니라 장애인을 지우고 대체하는 일이다. 장애인은 임금을 받아 좋지만 이런식의 제도운영은 차라리 소득보장으로 바뀌어야 한다. 민간의 사장에게 공적 자금을 들여 인력을 투입할 이유가 없다.

내가 아는 한 카페는 장애인을 고용하고도 출근을 시키지 않는다. 출근을 시켜도 일을 시키지 않는다. 혹은 장애때문에 출근을 시켜도 일을 시킬수가 없다. 근로지원인이 모든 일을 다 한다. 근로지원인은 실질적으로 주된 카페업무를 모두 하고 있지만 이에 대한 문제제기는 하기 힘들다. 문제제기를 하는 순간 일자리를 잃을 위험에 있기 때문이다. 사업주는 장애인고용을 통한 지원을 받고 근로지원인을 통해 노동력을 제공받아 좋은 일이지만, 그곳에 장애인의 자리는 없다.

장애인이 사업주인 사업장이라고 다를까. 사업주는 심하게는 아무것도 하지 않아도 된다. 장애인의 사업은 사실상 지원인력의 노동력을 통해 이루어질 것이다. 많은 수익이 나든 적은 수익이 나든 그 수익은 지원인력의 노동력에서 기인할 것이다. 잘 착취당할 지원인력을 구하는 것으로 누군가의 소득이 변동된다면 이는 국가정책적으로 올바른 지원인지 묻지 않을 수 없다.

장애인의 노동권 보장을 위해 누군가 지원하는 인력을 붙이면 끝일까? 나는 이 방식에 대한 근본적인 고민이 있어야 한다고 본다. 기존 제도도 정말 장애인의 자리를 고민하는 방식으로 제도가 활용되고 있지 않다. 과거에는 장애인 의무고용을 준수하면서 업무를 주지 않는 차별행위가 투쟁의 대상이었지만, 이제 장애인 인권을 위한다는 단체들이 일자리사업을 하다보니 정작 문제가 내부화 되어 만연해 있다.

우리사회는 장애인에게 무슨 문제만 생기면 활동지원제도로 해결하려는 경향이 강한데 이는 아주 문제다. 국회의원까지 아무 일이나 시키면 된다 생각하는 직업에 젊은이들이 들어오지 않는 것은 어쩌면 당연한 일이다. 최근에는 활동지원인력의 전문성을 문제삼는 담론이 팽배하다. 이런 인식으로는 전문성을 운운할수도 기대할수도 없다. 나는 김예지 의원의 발언에서 활동지원제도의 암담한 미래를 본다.

@ d9e9fb27:d5fe5e1a

Colmar is a well known city in the region of Alsace, France. Its characteristic buildings, the narrow streets and the small river flowing through are worldwide famous.

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However, it is during Christmas that the city gets the most attention. Thousands of people from all over Europe decide to spend one of the Advent weekends to wander around this beautiful city and hundreds of little wooden huts.

In fact, this town becomes a small Christmas village, with decorations and lights on every building and the famous Christmas market covering every possible inch of it.

Walking around this city really makes you feel the Christmas Spirit!

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Of course, it can get really cold during this time of the year. That is why Alsatians wander around drinking the Vin Chaud (literally "Hot Wine"). This beverage is prepared by mixing sugar, various spices, such as cinnamon and cloves, and red wine. They are served in a plastic glass, which can be reused multpiple time or returned for a couple of Euros. However, every year the glass is designed differently, so many people keep it with them as a collectible!

Here is 2024 version:

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This is the first time I try to do a photography reportage of the places I visit. I really hope you enjoyed it!Let me know what you think, every feedback is appreciated.

I will try to create more of them during my trips, so stay tuned!

Tuma

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10814
• 탈시설 장애인의 금전관리와 활동지원
• 2024.08.22 11:30

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활동지원사가 도둑으로 몰리는 몇 사례

2024년 3월 활동지원사 김씨는 노조에 상담을 요청했다. 김씨는 N지원주택에서 장애인이용자 이씨에게 서비스를 제공 중인데, 자립생활 지원주택 팀장이 일방적으로 서비스 중단을 요구했고, 장애인이용자에게는 이와 관련된 이야기를 언급조차 하지 말라고 신신당부했다. 팀장은 활동지원사가 속한 활동지원 기관에도 서비스 중단을 통보했다. 활동지원사는 이 상황을 납득할 수 없어 직접 장애인이용자에게 물었다. 그런데 정작 장애인이용자는 계속 서비스를 해주길 바란다고 했다. 노동조합은 N지원주택 팀장에게 면담을 요청했다.

N지원주택 팀장은 이씨가 김씨로부터 활동지원을 받는 날이면 주문음식을 너무 많이 시켜먹는다는 점을 문제 삼았다. 주택 팀장은 장애인이용자가 배달음식을 자주 시켜먹는 일이 활동지원사의 잘못이라고 보았다. 활동지원사는 순전히 이용자가 원해서 배달음식을 시켜 준 것이라고 항변했다. 심지어 이용자가 자기 손으로 스마트폰을 작동해 주문음식을 시켜먹었다는 것이다. 간혹 함께 음식을 먹는 경우가 있어 서로 돌아가면서 주문하기도 하고, 일부 금액은 활동지원사가 부담했다고 한다. 면담을 통해 알게 된 사실은 해당 이용자가 발달장애나 지적장애가 있는 것도 아니고, 시설에서 나온 지 얼마 되지 않았지만, 판단능력에 특별히 문제가 있는 것도 아니었다. 김씨의 잘못이 아니라는 점이 밝혀졌지만, 팀장이 이미 장애인 이씨에게 김씨를 그만두게 하자고 한 상태였고 김씨는 다시 일터로 돌아갈 수 없었다.

2019년 활동지원사 박씨는 도둑으로 몰려 일을 그만두게 된 사례였다. 장애인이용자 최씨는 탈시설을 한 지 얼마 되지 않았다. 자립생활지원금 천만원 가량 최씨의 통장으로 입금되었다. 최씨는 글을 몰랐다. 하지만 판단 능력에 문제가 없었고 최씨는 스스로 통장에 있던 돈을 소비했다. 그런데 최씨의 지출은 다소 과했고 이에 주택 측은 박씨에게 최씨가 왜 그렇게 돈을 많이 썼냐고 물었다. 돈은 최씨가 썼으니, 돈에 대한 기록을 박씨가 가지고 있을 리도 없었다. 24시간을 함께 있는 것도 아니었다. 주택 측의 계속된 추궁에 활동지원사 박씨는 일을 계속했다가 누명을 쓸 것 같아 그만뒀다. 최씨는 이후 다른 활동지원사에게 서비스를 받고 있다. 최씨는 박씨에게 수년이 지난 현재까지도 수시로 연락한다. 박씨는 최씨에게 필요한 노동을 간혹 제공한다.

2017년 김씨를 처음 본 것은 다른 체험홈에서였다. 김씨의 이용자 정씨는 탈시설해 체험홈에 살았다. 언제부턴가 연애도 시작하면서 연애에 따른 소비도 많아졌다. 체험홈에서 제공하는 금전관리 교육프로그램에 참여하는 정씨는 체험홈으로부터 지출에 대한 지적을 받았다. 정씨가 자신의 체크카드로 돈을 쓰면 통장에 기록이 남아 체험홈에 지출 사실이 드러났고, 이는 계속된 지적으로 이어졌다. 처음 맛보는 돈 쓰는 맛을 포기할 수 없었던 정씨는 자신의 지출을 은폐하기 위해 활동지원사 김씨에게 돈을 빌려 달라고 했다. 당시 초보 활동지원사였던 김씨는 별 의심 없이 돈을 빌려줬다. 그리고 약속된 어느 날 정씨로부터 돈을 다시 돌려받았다. 그러자 난리가 났다. 김씨가 정씨의 돈을 빼갔다고 소문이 돌기 시작했다. 자신의 지출을 숨기고 싶었던 정씨는 모르겠다고만 했다. 김씨는 정씨로부터 빌려준 돈을 받은 것이라고 말했지만 체험홈 측은 김씨를 쉽게 믿어주지 않았다. 경찰에 신고하니 마니 하는 이야기를 듣고, 김씨는 일을 그만뒀다. 어찌 된 일인지 경찰서에서 연락이 오지는 않았다.

이어지는 고민들

활동지원사의 노동조건이 안정적이라면 사실 도둑으로 의심받는 일 정도는 큰 일이 아닐 수도 있다. 감사나 조사를 받고 진상이 규명되면 될 일이다. 하지만 활동지원사는 노동자들이 괴로워하는 감사나 징계위 절차를 밟는 기회조차 주어지지 않는 경우가 많다. 이용자의 서비스 제공 거부만으로 소득이 끊기고, 활동지원기관들은 일거리를 제공할 의무를 부담하지 않는 것이 용인되는 현실에서 우리의 일상적 노동조건은 '무기한 무급 정직'이 기본값이다. 우리는 소문만으로도 생존권을 위협받는다. 하지 동시에 장애인이 처한 현실에 대해 동시에 고민하게 되기도 한다.

접촉하는 순간 돌봄권력이 생길 가능성 배제하지 말아야

장애인을 위한다는 각종 지원이, 장애인의 자기결정권을 제약하는 권력이 되기도 한다. 때로는 원하지 않는 지원이 강요될 수도 있고, 너무 필수적인 지원이라 거절이 힘들 수도 있다. 서비스 제공자가 자신의 의사를 관철하거나 강요하기도 한다. 혹자는 이것을 '돌봄권력'이라고 명명한다. 아마도 주택 측에서 활동지원사에게 휘둘려 재산을 탕진하는 장애인을 상상하는 일이 잦은 것 같다. 마찬가지로 활동지원사가 '돌봄권력'을 장애인에게 행사한다는 편견을 갖고 있기 때문일 것이다.

하지만 '돌봄권력'을 갖는 존재는 활동지원사로 한정되지 않는다. 사회복지사, 탈시설운동가, 동료상담가, 교육자, 중증장애인 일자리 사업가 등 다양한 존재일 수 있다. 장애인 입장에서는 주거지원 서비스에 대한 여러 선택지가 눈에 보이지 않는 상황에서 현재 거주하는 지원주택을 벗어나는 일도 쉽지 않을 터이다.

앞서 살펴본 사례는 자립생활지원주택이 장애인의 지출 욕구를 억압한 상태에서 장애인의 자기결정권을 존중해주는 활동지원사와 함께 있을 때 그 욕구가 분출된 사례로 볼 수 있다. 돈을 마음껏 쓰지 못하게 하는 주택측이 이 돈을 누가 어떻게 어디서 썼냐고 물으면 장애인은 쉽게 답하지 못하는 건 당연하다.

당사자가 경험하는 진정한 실패가능성

장애인의 지출을 통제하게 되는 주택의 입장도 이해 못 할 바는 아니다. 주택은 임시로 있는 곳이고 계속 거주할 수는 없다. 지원주택을 나가 진짜 자립생활을 시작하려면 거주자가 얼마간 자금이 있어야 한다. 장애인은 지출관리에서 실패하면 다시 시설로 돌아가야 할지도 모른다. 자신들이 관리하는 주택에서 장애인에 대한 갈취가 있다면 그것은 그것대로 오명이다. 하지만 장애인이 주체적으로 탕진할 가능성을 배제해서는 안 된다. 시설에서는 차단됐을 각종 상품광고는 이 물건을 소비하라 꼬드긴다. 비장애인도 일상적으로 지출 충동과 싸운다. 지름신 밈이 괜히 나온 게 아니다. 이러한 상황에서 장애인에게 재정건전성을 강요하는 일 또한 차별적 인식이다.

나는 이 점에서 장애인의 진정한 실패가능성에 대해 논의해야 할 때라고 생각한다. 자기결정권을 방어하는 의미에서 장애인의 실패할 권리를 주장하기만 할 것이 아니라, 어떤 결정이 어떤 과정을 통해 장애인 당사자에게 실패가 될 수 있는지 물어야 한다. 누군가가 대신해 주고 누군가가 대신 실패하기만 한다면 장애인은 실패의 경험조차 차단당하는 것과 다를 바 없다. 장애인 당사자 자신이 지출을 결정했음에도 그 책임이 활동지원사에게 돌아간다면 장애인당사자는 자신이 내린 결정의 결과와 자신이 겪을 경험의 기회를 잃는다. 보호의 이름으로 장애인이 겪을 실패의 경험을 차단하는 것은 아닌지 자문해 봐야한다.

재기 가능한 실패를 위해

여기서 또 중요한 지점은 장애인이 실패를 겪을 때 그것의 정도, 즉 재기 가능 여부일 것이다. 자립생활지원금을 온전히 탕진하고 시설로 돌아가는 것은 단순한 실패가 아니다. 장애인의 탕진 가능성을 상상하기엔 그 결과에 따르는 위험이 너무 큰 것이 문제일 수 있다. 주택측 입장에서는 위험이 크니 위험 요소를 차단하기 위해 더욱 격렬히 반응한다. 장애인의 실패가 장애인 당사자에게 교훈이자 경험이 되기 위해서는 다시 시도할 기회도 주어져야 한다.

비장애인은 사회와 접촉하면서도 법적 보호를 받으며 성장하는 미성년의 시기를 거친다. 미성년 시기의 재산은 용돈으로 한정된다. 용돈의 운용에 실패가 있어도 의식주를 비롯한 생존에 제약은 없다. 용돈을 다 쓰면 용돈을 쓸 수 없다는 제약에 용돈을 아껴 쓰는 법을 배운다. 그런데 시설에서 금방 나온 장애인에게 이런 종류의 기회나 경험은 차단되어 왔으며, 시설만 나온다고 해서 다양한 경험의 기회가 새로이 제공되지 않는다. 장애인에게 지원되는 자립생활지원 금액은 실패를 되돌리기에는 너무 큰 금액이고 그 대가는 크다. 자기결정권 및 결정에 따른 책임능력을 둘러싼 논의에서 외부의 개입에 대한 방어뿐 아니라, 실패를 통한 자립능력을 어떻게 기를 것인지에 구체적 논의가 필요하다.

@ 1bda7e1f:bb97c4d9

Tldr

• Nostr is an open and interoperable protocol
• You can integrate it with workflow automation tools to augment your experience
• n8n is a great low/no-code workflow automation tool which you can host yourself
• Nostrobots allows you to integrate Nostr into n8n
• In this blog I create some workflow automations for Nostr
• A simple form to delegate posting notes
• Push notifications for mentions on multiple accounts
• Push notifications for your favourite accounts when they post a note
• All workflows are provided as open source with MIT license for you to use

Inter-op All The Things

Nostr is a new open social protocol for the internet. This open nature exciting because of the opportunities for interoperability with other technologies. In Using NFC Cards with Nostr I explored the nostr: URI to launch Nostr clients from a card tap.

The interoperability of Nostr doesn't stop there. The internet has many super-powers, and Nostr is open to all of them. Simply, there's no one to stop it. There is no one in charge, there are no permissioned APIs, and there are no risks of being de-platformed. If you can imagine technologies that would work well with Nostr, then any and all of them can ride on or alongside Nostr rails.

My mental model for why this is special is Google Wave ~2010. Google Wave was to be the next big platform. Lars was running it and had a big track record from Maps. I was excited for it. Then, Google pulled the plug. And, immediately all the time and capital invested in understanding and building on the platform was wasted.

This cannot happen to Nostr, as there is no one to pull the plug, and maybe even no plug to pull.

So long as users demand Nostr, Nostr will exist, and that is a pretty strong guarantee. It makes it worthwhile to invest in bringing Nostr into our other applications.

All we need are simple ways to plug things together.

Nostr and Workflow Automation

Workflow automation is about helping people to streamline their work. As a user, the most common way I achieve this is by connecting disparate systems together. By setting up one system to trigger another or to move data between systems, I can solve for many different problems and become way more effective.

n8n for workflow automation

Many workflow automation tools exist. My favourite is n8n. n8n is a low/no-code workflow automation platform which allows you to build all kinds of workflows. You can use it for free, you can self-host it, it has a user-friendly UI and useful API. Vs Zapier it can be far more elaborate. Vs Make.com I find it to be more intuitive in how it abstracts away the right parts of the code, but still allows you to code when you need to.

Most importantly you can plug anything into n8n: You have built-in nodes for specific applications. HTTP nodes for any other API-based service. And community nodes built by individual community members for any other purpose you can imagine.

Eating my own dogfood

It's very clear to me that there is a big design space here just demanding to be explored. If you could integrate Nostr with anything, what would you do?

In my view the best way for anyone to start anything is by solving their own problem first (aka "scratching your own itch" and "eating your own dogfood"). As I get deeper into Nostr I find myself controlling multiple Npubs – to date I have a personal Npub, a brand Npub for a community I am helping, an AI assistant Npub, and various testing Npubs. I need ways to delegate access to those Npubs without handing over the keys, ways to know if they're mentioned, and ways to know if they're posting.

I can build workflows with n8n to solve these issues for myself to start with, and keep expanding from there as new needs come up.

Running n8n with Nostrobots

I am mostly non-technical with a very helpful AI. To set up n8n to work with Nostr and operate these workflows should be possible for anyone with basic technology skills.

• I have a cheap VPS which currently runs my HAVEN Nostr Relay and Albyhub Lightning Node in Docker containers,
• My objective was to set up n8n to run alongside these in a separate Docker container on the same server, install the required nodes, and then build and host my workflows.

Installing n8n

Self-hosting n8n could not be easier. I followed n8n's Docker-Compose installation docs–

• Install Docker and Docker-Compose if you haven't already,
• Create your docker-compose.yml and .env files from the docs,
• Create your data folder sudo docker volume create n8n_data,
• Start your container with sudo docker compose up -d,
• Your n8n instance should be online at port 5678.

n8n is free to self-host but does require a license. Enter your credentials into n8n to get your free license key. You should now have access to the Workflow dashboard and can create and host any kind of workflows from there.

Installing Nostrobots

To integrate n8n nicely with Nostr, I used the Nostrobots community node by Ocknamo.

In n8n parlance a "node" enables certain functionality as a step in a workflow e.g. a "set" node sets a variable, a "send email" node sends an email. n8n comes with all kinds of "official" nodes installed by default, and Nostr is not amongst them. However, n8n also comes with a framework for community members to create their own "community" nodes, which is where Nostrobots comes in.

You can only use a community node in a self-hosted n8n instance (which is what you have if you are running in Docker on your own server, but this limitation does prevent you from using n8n's own hosted alternative).

To install a community node, see n8n community node docs. From your workflow dashboard–

• Click the "..." in the bottom left corner beside your username, and click "settings",
• Cilck "community nodes" left sidebar,
• Click "Install",
• Enter the "npm Package Name" which is n8n-nodes-nostrobots,
• Accept the risks and click "Install",
• Nostrobots is now added to your n8n instance.

Using Nostrobots

Nostrobots gives you nodes to help you build Nostr-integrated workflows–

• Nostr Write – for posting Notes to the Nostr network,
• Nostr Read – for reading Notes from the Nostr network, and
• Nostr Utils – for performing certain conversions you may need (e.g. from bech32 to hex).

Nostrobots has good documentation on each node which focuses on simple use cases.

Each node has a "convenience mode" by default. For example, the "Read" Node by default will fetch Kind 1 notes by a simple filter, in Nostrobots parlance a "Strategy". For example, with Strategy set to "Mention" the node will accept a pubkey and fetch all Kind 1 notes that Mention the pubkey within a time period. This is very good for quick use.

What wasn't clear to me initially (until Ocknamo helped me out) is that advanced use cases are also possible.

Each node also has an advanced mode. For example, the "Read" Node can have "Strategy" set to "RawFilter(advanced)". Now the node will accept json (anything you like that complies with NIP-01). You can use this to query Notes (Kind 1) as above, and also Profiles (Kind 0), Follow Lists (Kind 3), Reactions (Kind 7), Zaps (Kind 9734/9735), and anything else you can think of.

Creating and adding workflows

With n8n and Nostrobots installed, you can now create or add any kind of Nostr Workflow Automation.

• Click "Add workflow" to go to the workflow builder screen,
• If you would like to build your own workflow, you can start with adding any node. Click "+" and see what is available. Type "Nostr" to explore the Nostrobots nodes you have added,
• If you would like to add workflows that someone else has built, click "..." in the top right. Then click "import from URL" and paste in the URL of any workflow you would like to use (including the ones I share later in this article).

Nostr Workflow Automations

It's time to build some things!

A simple form to post a note to Nostr

I started very simply. I needed to delegate the ability to post to Npubs that I own in order that a (future) team can test things for me. I don't want to worry about managing or training those people on how to use keys, and I want to revoke access easily.

I needed a basic form with credentials that posted a Note.

For this I can use a very simple workflow–

• A n8n Form node – Creates a form for users to enter the note they wish to post. Allows for the form to be protected by a username and password. This node is the workflow "trigger" so that the workflow runs each time the form is submitted.
• A Set node – Allows me to set some variables, in this case I set the relays that I intend to use. I typically add a Set node immediately following the trigger node, and put all the variables I need in this. It helps to make the workflows easier to update and maintain.
• A Nostr Write node (from Nostrobots) – Writes a Kind-1 note to the Nostr network. It accepts Nostr credentials, the output of the Form node, and the relays from the Set node, and posts the Note to those relays.

Once the workflow is built, you can test it with the testing form URL, and set it to "Active" to use the production form URL. That's it. You can now give posting access to anyone for any Npub. To revoke access, simply change the credentials or set to workflow to "Inactive".

It may also be the world's simplest Nostr client.

You can find the Nostr Form to Post a Note workflow here.

Push notifications on mentions and new notes

One of the things Nostr is not very good at is push notifications. Furthermore I have some unique itches to scratch. I want–

• To make sure I never miss a note addressed to any of my Npubs – For this I want a push notification any time any Nostr user mentions any of my Npubs,
• To make sure I always see all notes from key accounts – For this I need a push notification any time any of my Npubs post any Notes to the network,
• To get these notifications on all of my devices – Not just my phone where my Nostr regular client lives, but also on each of my laptops to suit wherever I am working that day.

I needed to build a Nostr push notifications solution.

To build this workflow I had to string a few ideas together–

• Triggering the node on a schedule – Nostrobots does not include a trigger node. As every workflow starts with a trigger we needed a different method. I elected to run the workflow on a schedule of every 10-minutes. Frequent enough to see Notes while they are hot, but infrequent enough to not burden public relays or get rate-limited,
• Storing a list of Npubs in a Nostr list – I needed a way to store the list of Npubs that trigger my notifications. I initially used an array defined in the workflow, this worked fine. Then I decided to try Nostr lists (NIP-51, kind 30000). By defining my list of Npubs as a list published to Nostr I can control my list from within a Nostr client (e.g. Listr.lol or Nostrudel.ninja). Not only does this "just work", but because it's based on Nostr lists automagically Amethyst client allows me to browse that list as a Feed, and everyone I add gets notified in their Mentions,
• Using specific relays – I needed to query the right relays, including my own HAVEN relay inbox for notes addressed to me, and wss://purplepag.es for Nostr profile metadata,
• Querying Nostr events (with Nostrobots) – I needed to make use of many different Nostr queries and use quite a wide range of what Nostrobots can do–
  • I read the EventID of my Kind 30000 list, to return the desired pubkeys,
  • For notifications on mentions, I read all Kind 1 notes that mention that pubkey,
  • For notifications on new notes, I read all Kind 1 notes published by that pubkey,
  • Where there are notes, I read the Kind 0 profile metadata event of that pubkey to get the displayName of the relevant Npub,
  • I transform the EventID into a Nevent to help clients find it.
• Using the Nostr URI – As I did with my NFC card article, I created a link with the nostr: URI prefix so that my phone's native client opens the link by default,
• Push notifications solution – I needed a push notifications solution. I found many with n8n integrations and chose to go with Pushover which supports all my devices, has a free trial, and is unfairly cheap with a $5-per-device perpetual license.

Once the workflow was built, lists published, and Pushover installed on my phone, I was fully set up with push notifications on Nostr. I have used these workflows for several weeks now and made various tweaks as I went. They are feeling robust and I'd welcome you to give them a go.

You can find the Nostr Push Notification If Mentioned here and If Posts a Note here.

In speaking with other Nostr users while I was building this, there are all kind of other needs for push notifications too – like on replies to a certain bookmarked note, or when a followed Npub starts streaming on zap.stream. These are all possible.

Use my workflows

I have open sourced all my workflows at my Github with MIT license and tried to write complete docs, so that you can import them into your n8n and configure them for your own use.

To import any of my workflows–

• Click on the workflow of your choice, e.g. "Nostr_Push_Notify_If_Mentioned.json",
• Click on the "raw" button to view the raw JSON, ex any Github page layout,
• Copy that URL,
• Enter that URL in the "import from URL" dialog mentioned above.

To configure them–

• Prerequisites, credentials, and variables are all stated,
• In general any variables required are entered into a Set Node that follows the trigger node,
• Pushover has some extra setup but is very straightforward and documented in the workflow.

What next?

Over my first four blogs I explored creating a good Nostr setup with Vanity Npub, Lightning Payments, Nostr Addresses at Your Domain, and Personal Nostr Relay.

Then in my latest two blogs I explored different types of interoperability with NFC cards and now n8n Workflow Automation.

Thinking ahead n8n can power any kind of interoperability between Nostr and any other legacy technology solution. On my mind as I write this:

• Further enhancements to posting and delegating solutions and forms (enhanced UI or different note kinds),
• Automated or scheduled posting (such as auto-liking everything Lyn Alden posts),
• Further enhancements to push notifications, on new and different types of events (such as notifying me when I get a new follower, on replies to certain posts, or when a user starts streaming),
• All kinds of bridges, such as bridging notes to and from Telegram, Slack, or Campfire. Or bridging RSS or other event feeds to Nostr,
• All kinds of other automation (such as BlackCoffee controlling a coffee machine),
• All kinds of AI Assistants and Agents,

In fact I have already released an open source workflow for an AI Assistant, and will share more about that in my next blog.

Please be sure to let me know if you think there's another Nostr topic you'd like to see me tackle.

GM Nostr.

@ 58edc6ae:e070cfa5

MiCA Regulation and the new AML Regulation have recently come into force, raising several concerns about how the EU is approaching non-custodial payment solutions. These include:

1. Conflicts with privacy standards and human rights norms

The rules permit excessive collection and sharing of information on private transactions without adequate safeguards, conflicting with EU privacy standards and international human rights principles, as emphasised in rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union.

1. Blocking innovation

The regulations conflict with privacy-focused technologies, potentially stifling new ideas and platforms in the EU. This could weaken the EU’s position as a leader in digital finance.

1. Hurting competition

Compliance with these regulations increases operating costs for EU-based CASPs, placing them at a disadvantage compared to non-EU companies operating under less restrictive rules. This may push users toward unregulated services outside Europe, undermining the regulations' purpose.

1. Excluding vulnerable groups

The regulations could make it harder for people in poorer or politically unstable countries to access secure and private financial tools, leaving them without viable financial options.

---

These issues are explored in detail in the report prepared by nostr:npub15ka0zlfeys4vphnl6dk4x63e7sra0mp3wmrp4ml7q993z8km0n6spjxua8 and me for Open Dialogue Foundation upon the request of nostr:npub13ajk3hhvqys2ev4y68jwxywgs8fsdsuk4y5gkzs874jdyrccvf5qak2yd9 .

It is crucial to reopen the discussion on these issues and urge European lawmakers to reconsider their approach. The EU needs a regulatory framework that strikes a balance between security and privacy, fosters innovation, and rebuilds Europe’s weakened position in the global digital economy.

MiCA #AML

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 혁명적 운동의 물적 토대가 착취로 마련된다면
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10743
• 2024.05.20 14:14

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활동지원사 노동자의 권리다툼 자체를 막으려는 조직적 활동

A센터에는 장애인활동지원사와 관련된 5개의 재판이 걸려 있었다. 1개 재판은 확정되었고 4개의 재판은 아직도 진행 중이다.[^1] 취업규칙개정 무효 확인 소송과 퇴직자 1인, 재직자 3인의 체불임금과 관련한 민·형사 소송이다. 체불임금을 청구하는 민사소송은 대한법률구조공단의 지원을 받아 진행 중이다.[^2] 형사재판 두 건은 검사의 구형에 따라 법원이 판결을 내릴 사안이므로 노동자들은 피해자로서의 역할만 하면 된다. 그리고 취업규칙개정 무효 확인 소송은 공익인권법재단 공감 노동팀의 변호사들로부터 지원을 받았다.

A센터와의 취업규칙개정 무효소송이 시작되고 약 두 달 뒤, 사건을 대리한 변호사로부터 연락이 왔다. 연락한 이유는 장애인차별금지추진연대(장추련)와 한국장애인자립생활센터협의회(한자협)의 활동가들이 공감에 찾아와 공감이 전국활동지원사노동조합의 사건을 대리한 것에 문제를 제기했기 때문이다.

전달받은 바에 의하면 그들의 주장은 ▲공감에서 사건을 대리하는 바람에 변호사 찾기가 어렵다 ▲이 사건은 공익소송이 아니다 ▲노동조합이 의도적으로 A센터를 상대로 소송을 제기했다 ▲소송을 통해서 A센터가 망하면 장애인들에게 영향이 생긴다는 내용이었다.

공감이 사건을 계속 맡을 경우 항의성명을 내거나 기자회견을 하겠다는 말도 비공식적으로 흘렸다고 했다.[^3] 공감은 장애인권영역에서도 공익변론활동을 하므로 이 사안이 사무실 회의에서 재차 논의되어 검토하였으나, 공감은 사건을 계속 맡기로 결정하였고 장추련과 한자협의 항의방문 사안을 원고(우리)들에게 공식적으로 전달하기로 결정했다.

공감이 사건을 계속 맡기로 판단한 이유는 ▲A센터와의 갈등 이전에도 우리 노조는 관공서공휴일 관련한 문제제기를 지속해서 하고 있었기에 A센터만을 표적으로 하고 있다고 판단할 수 없으며 ▲A센터와의 대화를 시도하였으나 A센터가 응하지 않은 사실이 확인되었으며 ▲관공서공휴일 수당이 정부 예산에 반영된 사실이 정부 문건으로 확인되었으며 ▲A센터의 총회자료상 순수익 발생이 확인되었기 때문이었다.

나중에 변호사들을 만났을 때, 장추련과 한자협이 해당사건을 공익소송이 아니라고 판단한 이유에 대해서도 말해주더냐고 물어보았다. 변호사는 장애인활동지원제도는 장애인을 위한 제도라는 이유를 들었다고 전해주었다. 한편으로는 흔들리지 않는 변호사들과 공감이라는 단체가 고마웠지만, 장추련과 한자협 활동가들의 인식과 행태에는 실소를 금할 수 없었다. 산업의 목적에 의해 노동자의 권리가 부정된다면, 산업의 성장을 위해 다치고 죽고 해고당해도 할 말이 없는 것 아닌가. 산업의 발전을 위해 생산력이 떨어지는 장애인이 배제되는 것도 마찬가지다. 길에서 농성하는 노동자들의 투쟁에는 쉬이 연대하면서도, 정작 자신들과 가장 가까운 장애인활동지원사의 노동권을 위한 투쟁은 공익활동조차 아니었고, 공익변호사의 조력조차 받아서는 안 되는 일이었다.

한자협의 탄원서 조직 업무협조 요청

얼마 전, 노동자 3인의 체불임금에 대한 민사1심 선고를 앞둔 시기였다. 모든 변론은 종결되었고, 판사는 선고 시기를 추후에 알려주겠다고 했다. 며칠의 시간이 흐른 뒤, 법원은 3월 28일에 선고하겠다고 알려왔다. 선고일을 받고 기다리는데, 한 조합원이 한자협의 공문을 보내오며 "이거 선생님 사건 아니에요?"라고 물었다. 한자협은 3월 18일 회원단체 전체에 업무협조 요청 공문을 발송했다. 협조요청 공문 내용의 골자는 이러했다.

▲한자협 업무연락 2024년 10호 공문 부분

• 현재 A센터는 장애인활동지원사의 임금 지급과 관련한 민사소송의 피고 신분으로 판결을 앞두고 있다. 긴급하게 피고 A센터를 위해 탄원서를 조직하고자 한다.
• 이번 판결은 장애인활동지원사의 임금 산정 방식에 대한 법원의 해석에 해당되어 A센터뿐만 아니라 장애인활동지원기관 전반에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 중요한 판결이다.
• 장애인활동지원사업은 활동지원사가 근무 후 결제하는 바우처 정보에 따라 사업비가 지급되며 여기에는 활동지원사의 '연장수당' 등 법정수당이 모두 반영되어 지급되지 않는다. 장애인활동지원의 비현실적 시간당 단가, 운영비 미지원 등의 문제가 활동지원사와 중개기관의 열악한 조건을 고착시키고 있다는 점은 오래전부터 제기된 사안이다.
• 장애인자립생활센터를 비롯해 많은 활동지원기관이 활동지원사의 연장수당 책정을 월 174시간을 기준으로 하고 있으며, 소정근로일을 특정할 수 없는 활동지원사의 근무 형태를 고려하여 연차수당을 급여 안에 포함해 지급하고 있다. 이 같은 임금산정 및 급여 지급 방식은 근무조건이 유동적이고 소정근로일을 특정할 수 없는 장애인활동지원사의 근무 형태에 적절하다고 할 수 있다.
• 하지만 원고들은 임금산정에 있어 연장수당은 일 8시간을 기준으로, 연차수당은 연 단위 미사용 연차에 대한 총액으로 계산해야 함을 제기하고 있다. 이 경우 기관은 임금을 사업비에서 충당하기 위해서 일반적인 근로자와 같이 일 근무시간을 8시간으로 철저하게 관리할 수밖에 없다. 이 경우 활동지원제도의 취지가 무색할 정도로 이용자의 권리가 축소되고 기관의 운영 부담은 더욱 가중될 것이다.
• 활동지원제도의 특수성이 조명될 수 있도록, 무책임한 정부가 가려지지 않을 수 있도록 긴급하게 탄원서 요청한다.

A센터가 법원에 제출한 한자협의 자료들

A센터는 한자협의 자료를 공판 과정에서 이미 제출한 바가 있다. 사실 A센터가 법원에 한자협의 자료를 근거로 주장한 내용마저도 문제가 많았다. 한자협은 파스페이[^4]라는 임금 정산 전산시스템을 제공하면서 회원기관들로부터 이용료를 징수해 왔다. 그리고 이 이용료도 활동지원사업 수익금에서 지출되리라고 짐작할 수 있다. A센터도 이 시스템을 사용했는데, A센터는 공판 과정에서 한자협 회원기관들의 임금대장을 익명처리하여 제출하였다. A센터가 법원에서 주장한 바는, 한자협의 탄원협조 공문에서 드러난 논지와 동일했는데, 자신들의 임금체계는 활동지원기관들이 취하는 업계 일반적인 임금산정 방식이고 이는 활동지원사업의 '특성상' 불가피하다는 주장이었다. 하지만 법원에 제출된 자료만으로는 그것을 사업전체에 일반화할 수는 없다. 다른 장애인자립생활센터 연합단체의 경우나 복지관, 사회적협동조합 등 다른 여타 유형의 활동지원기관의 임금산정 방식에 대한 검토가 없다. 그리고 그러한 일반화가 있다 하더라도 법률위반이 만연한 것이 법률위반에 대한 정당화 근거가 될 수는 없다.

한자협 회원기관 중에서도 파스페이를 사용하지 않는 기관들이 종종 있다. 다시 말하지만, 한자협 회원기관 몇 군데의 임금대장 만으로는 "연장수당 책정을 월 174시간을 기준으로 하고 있으며, 소정근로일을 특정할 수 없는 활동지원사의 근무 형태를 고려하여 연차수당을 급여 안에 포함해 지급"하는 임금지급 방식을 모든 활동지원기관이 적용하고 있다고 말할 수는 없다. 엄밀하게 말하면 한자협이 주장하는 임금산정 방식은 '파스페이'를 사용하는 활동지원기관들에게만 확인되었다 할 수 있는 방식이다. 그리고 그 방식은 이미 A센터와 한자협이 법원에서 그리고 협조요청 공문으로 자인한 바대로, 연장수당 책정을 월근무시간 기준으로 책정하고 있다. 그리고 이러한 연장근무수당 산정 방식은 근로기준법 위반이다. A센터와 한자협의 주장 섞인 진술은 한자협 회원기관 중에서도 '파스페이'를 사용하는 활동지원기관은 근로기준법을 위반하고 있다는 고백과 다름없다. 근로기준법상 연장근무수당 산정방식은 1일 법정근무시간 8시간을 초과하는 시간에 해당하는 근무시간은 연장근무수당을 지급해야만 한다.

법원의 판결은 이미 많이 있었다

나는 탄원서 조직협조 공문이 목적하는 바가 법원에서 다투고 있는 쟁점에 관한 주장 및 입증은 아니라고 생각한다. 정말 법정에서 다투는 쟁점에 관한 사항이라면 A센터가 한자협을 통해 확보한 자료들로 주장에 대한 근거를 삼으면 될 일이다. 당사자인 A센터가 아니라 한자협이 적극적으로 탄원서를 조직했다. 나는 탄원서 조직의 진짜 목적은 법원을 설득하는 데에 있는 것이 아니라 다른 곳에 있다고 생각한다. 이 탄원서 조직은 한자협 내부 회원들을 조직하고 한자협의 입장을 전파하는 기능을 갖는다. 그리고 전파되는 내용은 활동지원사의 노동권을 부정하는 악의적이고 거짓된 내용으로 구성되어 있다.

탄원 조직 공문은 이번 판결이 임금 산정 방식에 대한 법원의 해석이므로 장애인활동지원기관 전반에 영향을 끼칠 수 있는 중요한 판결이라 서술한다. 이러한 서술은 해당 판결을 강조함으로써 이전의 판결들을 흐리게 만든다. 한자협이 말하는 것 같은 중요한 판결은 이번 판결만이 아니었다. 우리 노조는 활동지원사의 노동권 확보를 위해 투쟁해 왔고 그 나름의 역사가 있다. 우리 노조가 활동지원사업을 수탁받은 사회복지법인들과 노동자 권리를 두고 법정에서 싸운 것만 수차례다. 그리고 그 투쟁 속에서 노동청 검찰청 법원은 물론 대법원의 판단까지 받았다. 활동지원사의 임금과 관련한 법원 판결은 이번이 첫 번째 판결이 아니다. 그리고 법원은 활동지원사의 임금과 관련해서 근로기준법상의 기준을 지키라고 지속해서 판결해 왔다. 한자협은 이번 법정분쟁의 의미만을 확대함으로써 기존의 법원 판결에 대한 의미축소와 삭제를 노린다. 동시에 자신들의 임금산정 및 급여 지급 방식이 법률 위반이 아닌 적절한 방법이라는 억지주장을 반복하고 있다. 하지만 법원도 행정부도 한자협이 설정한 임금지급방식을 지시하거나 지지하는 입장을 표한 적도 없고, 문건을 생산한 적도 없다. 3월 28일의 선고도 원고들의 승소로 판결되었다. 법원은 체불임금 산정에 있어 A센터와 한자협의 주장 어느 하나도 인정하지 않았다. 그런데 A센터 소장은 다시 항소했다.

근로기준법과 75%

보건복지부에서는 매년 '장애인활동지원 사업안내'라는 책자를 발간한다. 현장에서는 보통 지침이라고 불린다. 지침에는 정부가 기관에 지급하는 '사업비 중 종사자 인건비 지출'을 규정하는 부분이 있다. "급여비용 중 75% 이상을 활동지원인력 임금으로 사용"할 것을 권장하는 내용이 그 부분이다. 본래는 "사용해야 함"이라고 명시하여 의무로 하던 것이 2019년 7월부터 '권장'으로 바뀌었다.

우리 노조는 다시 의무로 바꿔야 한다는 입장이다. 근로기준법의 기준만 충족하면 기관은 더욱 수익을 낼 수 있고, 이는 근로기준법의 각종 규정에서 제외되는 초단시간 노동자로 활동지원사들의 노동조건을 후퇴시킬 가능성이 아주 높기 때문이다. 영리를 추구하는 기관들의 태도가 활동지원제도의 공공성을 어떻게 망가뜨릴지는 예측하기 힘들다. 그런데 이 75% 기준에 대한 한자협의 입장은 노조와 다르다. 한자협은 권고기준마저 삭제하고자 한다. 한자협 2024년 총회자료에 따르면, 75% 권장사항마저 삭제할 것을 정부에 요구하고 있다.

▲한자협 2024년 총회자료 일부 발췌 및 편집 : 한자협이 보건복지부에 지침개정을 요구한 내용 중 일부

현재 활동지원기관들은 75% 이상 지급하라는 권장사항을 대부분 준수한다. 복지부 지침상으로는 '권고'수준이나, 기초자치단체와 국민연금공단의 평가에서 평가기준으로 작용하기 때문이다. 노동관계법령을 관할하는 노동부와는 별도로 행정상에서 지침이 작동하는 사례이다. 이 권장사항이 사라지게 되면 기초자치단체와 국민연금공단은 인건비 비율 관련 평가조차 하지 않게 된다.

A센터는 자신들이 근로기준법을 위반하지 않았다는 주장의 근거로 기초자치단체와 국민연금공단의 평가를 댄다. 평가상에 아무런 문제가 발견되지 않았다는 주장이다. 하지만 기초자치단체와 국민연금공단의 평가 및 감사는 활동지원기관에게 활동지원사의 실제 근무시간 자료를 요구하지 아니하고, 바우처 단가 중 75%만을 인건비로 썼는지 판단하기 때문에 이 평가만으로는 기관의 근로기준법 준수여부를 확인할 수는 없다.

A센터의 수익방법

A센터는 어떻게 수익을 내었을까? 이 질문이야말로 진정한 질문이다. A센터와 한자협의 주장은 짐짓 제도상의 구조적 피해를 호소하는 듯하지만, 정작 활동지원기관의 중간착취를 돕고 중간착취를 확대하는 기재로 작동한다. 임금의 세계는 선악의 세계가 아니라 수치의 세계이다. 충분과 부족의 일도양단으로 시시비비를 가릴 수는 없다.

A센터 2022년 정기총회 자료에서 회계감사는 단식부기로 1억 4천의 이익이 발생했고, "활동보조인 중개사업의 수익금액 증가에 기인"한다고 적시하고 있다. 이 수익에 대해서 A센터와 한자협은 설명하지 않는다. A센터의 수익에 75%와 연장근무수당의 비밀이 내포되어 있다. 우리나라 근로기준법 체계상 주휴수당과 연차수당 등은 법정근무시간인 1일 8시간을 기준으로 책정된다. 연장근무수당 미지급이 정당화되면 노동자는 일을 할수록 시간당 임금이 줄어드는 기이한 현상이 생긴다. 그리고 A센터는 이를 이용해 수익을 냈다. 이를 분석하기 위해서는 월 근무시간 구간별로 노동자에게 지급되는 임금 구성요소가 어떻게 되는지 살펴보면 된다.[^5]

A센터는 법정에서 월근무 174시간 기준으로 209시간까지는 연장근무수당을 책정하고, 그 이상의 근무에 대해서는 연장근무수당을 책정하지 않았다고 답변했다. 209시간 이상의 근무에 대해서는 보건복지부 지침에 따라 75%의 임금을 보장했다고 설명했다.[^6] 시간당 임금 구간을 나누어 서술하면 이렇다.

• 월 근무시간이 1시간부터 174시간 구간까지는[^7] 최저임금, 주휴수당, 연차수당이 지급된다.
• 월 근무시간이 174시간부터 209시간 구간까지는 최저임금과 연장근무수당이 지급된다.
• 월 근무시간이 209시간이 넘어가는 시간은 바우처 수가 75%의 임금만을 지급한다.

여기서 알아야 할 숫자는 최저임금, 주휴수당, 연차수당, 연장근무수당, 바우처 75%의 금액이다.

2021년 기준 최저임금은 8,720원이다. 주휴수당은 5일 근무 시 1일 유급휴일이므로 시간급으로 나누면 1/5에 해당한다. 계산하면 1,744원이다. 연차수당은 연차일수 17일을 가정할 경우[^8] 시간급으로 나누면 약 569원이 된다. 연장근무수당은 통상임금의 50%이므로 4,360원이다. 2021년 바우처 수가는 주간기준 14,020원이고 75%는 10,515원이다. 이 값들을 각 식에 대입해 보자.

• 근무시간 1 ~ 174 구간의 시간당 임금: 8,720(최저임금) + 1,744(주휴수당) + 569(연차수당) = 11,033
• 근무시간 174 ~ 209 구간의 시간당 임금 : 8,720(최저임금) + 4,360(연장근무수당) = 13,080
• 근무시간 209 ~ 구간의 시간당 임금 : 14,020(바우처 단가) * 0.75 (75%) = 10,515

사업장에서 시간당 수입이 일정한 조건에서 노동력을 통해 수익을 내기 위해서 가장 중요하게 고려할 요소는 노동자에게 지급하는 시간당 임금 비율이다. 정리하면 다음과 같다.

• 근무시간 1 ~ 174 구간의 시간당 수익 : 14,020(바우처 주간수가) - 11,033(임금) = 2,987
• 근무시간 174 ~ 209 구간의 시간당 수익 : 14,020(바우처 주간수가) - 13,080(임금) = 940
• 근무시간 209 ~ 구간의 시간당 수익 : 14,020(바우처 주간수가) - 10,515(임금) = 3,505
• 근무시간 209 ~ 구간의 시간당 수익 (한자협의 주장대로 75% 권장사항이 삭제될 경우) : 14,020(바우처 주간수가) - 8,720(최저임금) = 5,300

1 ~ 174 구간에서 주간바우처 단가 기준 운영비 수익은 2,987원이고, 174 ~ 209 구간에서 운영비 수익은 940원이 된다. 209시간을 넘어가면 운영비 수익은 3,505원으로 뛴다. 한자협의 주장대로 75% 권장사항이 삭제될 경우에는 최저임금만 지급하면 되므로 운영수익이 시간당 5,300원으로 폭증하게 된다. A센터는 활동지원사의 노동시간을 통제하지 않으면서(소극적 권장) 시간당 운영비 수익을 더욱더 많이 얻을 수 있었다. 일반적인 사업장에서 초단시간 노동자 고용을 통해 인건비를 아끼는 것과 동일하게(사용자가 초단시간 노동자로 노동자의 노동조건을 하락시키는 이유도 시간당 지급되는 인건비를 줄이기 위해서이다), A센터는 반대의 방향으로 근무시간은 늘리고 연장근무수당을 지급하지 않음으로 시간당 수익을 넓히는 전략을 취한 것이다.

사용자의 예상되는 대응이 노동자에게 불이익이 아니라면, 도대체 싸우지 않을 이유가 없다

노동조합의 입장에서는 문제를 제기함에 있어 신중할 수밖에 없다. 법이 항상 약자의 편은 아니고 자본가는 더 빼앗기 위해 법률을 검토하고 이용할 자원이 있기 때문이다. 노동조합도 자신의 행보에 따른 사용자의 대응전략을 예상해 본다. 그런데 그 대응이 노동자계급에 전혀 피해를 주지 않는다면 싸우지 않을 이유가 없다.

한자협은 자신들이 근로기준법을 준수하기 위해서 이제는 1일 근무시간을 8시간으로 통제해야 한다고 선전한다. 그리고 이러한 조처가 불가피하고 이는 장애인이용자들의 불편으로 이어질 것이라고 말한다. 그런데 앞서 설명한 대로 노동자의 임금을 셈한다 하더라도, 연장근무수당을 부정하는 현재의 상태가 유지된다면 노동자 입장에서는 차라리 노동시간 통제가 유리하다. 사용자가 그러한 것과 마찬가지로 노동자 입장에서도 결국 노동력을 제공하는 시간당 임금이 중요한데, 일하면 일할수록 시간당 임금이 줄어드는 A센터와 한자협의 임금체계는 노동자 입장에서 싸우지 않을 이유가 없게 만든다. 특히나 그렇게 수익을 남기면서도 관공서공휴일 유급휴일수당 지급을 회피하고, 노동자를 속여 취업규칙을 개정하는 A센터와 같은 악덕 사업주에게는 더더욱 싸움을 피해야 할 이유가 없다.

한편으로는 이제야 1일 근무시간을 통제하겠다는 한자협의 주장은 기만이다. 한자협 회원기관들은 활동지원제도가 법률로 시행된 2011년부터 회원기관끼리 연계하여 활동지원사의 권리를 찢어 지우기 급급했다. 그 제한이 월 174시간이거나, 1일 8시간이거나 정도의 차이만 있었을 뿐, 개별 사업장들은 이런 통제를 계속해왔다. 그래서 활동지원사 입장에서는 저들의 대응이 하나도 새삼스럽지가 않다.

또한 민간의 활동지원기관이 자신들의 수익성 때문에 장애인이용자에게 불편을 끼친다면, 그것은 그것대로 사회서비스 공공성을 추구해야 할 이유가 될 것이고, 한자협과 같은 활동지원사업 민간수탁기관들이 사라져야 할 이유가 될 것이다.

혁명을 위한 착취가 정당화된다면 그것이 혁명일까

이제 정리해 보자. 한자협의 활동지원사업을 둘러싼 주요 행보는 활동지원사노동자의 중간착취를 정당화 또는 확대하는 방향으로 이루어졌다. 최근 서울시의 활동지원기관 재지정을 둘러싼 한자협의 반발[^9]도 필자가 보기에는 이와 같은 맥락으로 읽힌다. 한자협 회원기관 다수는 근로기준법을 위반하고 활동지원사 노동자를 착취해 가며 센터 규모를 키워왔다. 근로기준법 위반이 명백한 상황에서 재지정 심사에서 탈락하는 기관이 다수 생기는 것도 어렵지 않게 예상 가능하다. 그런데 한자협은 자신들의 노동착취와 위반행위는 인정하지 않은 채 보수정당의 장애인인권운동 탄압으로 프레이밍 한다.

자신들이 성명서 말미에서 요구하는 "단가현실화"와 "공공성 보장"은 어떻게 이루어지는가? 그리고 어떻게 이루어져 왔는가? 활동지원사가 근로기준법 적용을 요구하고 활동지원기관과 싸우는 투쟁이 없었더라도 수가인상이 이루어졌을까? 한자협이 주장하는 대로 수가에 충분히 반영되지 않아서 지불할 수 없다는 정당화가 용인되어도 수가 인상이 이루어졌을까? 시장화된 사회서비스 환경에서 민간기관의 근로기준법 위반을 묵인하는 것으로 공공성이 보장될까? 도대체가 말이 안 되는 소리다. 진보적 장애인 인권운동의 이름으로 발화되는 이런 시답잖은 주장을 언제까지 들어야만 하는가.

한자협은 자신들의 정체성을 운동단체로 규정짓는다. 하지만 그 회원사업장 밑에서 일하는 활동지원사 노동자의 입장에서 보기에, 운동을 핑계로 노동자를 착취하는 또 다른 방식의 자본가일 뿐이다. 우리나라의 사회운동은 언제부턴가 운동의 요구를 한계 짓기 시작했다. 국가가 책임지는 공공성보다는 국가예산을 일부 획득하고 국가의 하청이 되기를 자임했다. 바뀌어버린 풍경은 의식도 변화하게 만들고, 중간착취자로서 자신의 사유를 규정하게 된다. 이제 이쯤 되었으면 운동단체의 국가사업 수탁에 대해서 다시 심각하게 재고해야 하지 않을까. 운동의 몰락은 외부의 탄압에서 기인하지 않는다.

[^1]: 취업규칙 무효소송은 원고의 일부승소로 판결났다. 원고와 피고 모두 항소하지 않아 선고가 확정되었다. [^2]: 대한법률구조공단은 체불피해근로자들에게 민사 소송대리 등의 무료법률구조를 실시하고 있다. [^3]: 이후에 한자협은 기자회견을 하기는 했다. 다만 공감에 대한 규탄 내용은 빠졌다. 해당 기자회견에 대한 글은 이전 칼럼 [장애인 인권은 외치지만 차별주의자입니다] 에서 다루고 있다. [^4]: 파스페이, < https://kcil.org/ >, 한자협에서 구축하고 한자협 회원기관에게만 서비스를 제공하는 장애인활동지원 급여시스템이다. 놀랍게도 해당 서비스는 '근로기준법, 세법준수'를 서비스 장점으로 내세운다. [^5]: 야간근무수당이나 휴일근무수당 또한 같은 방식으로 분석할 수 있지만 이 글에서는 논외로 하자. 퇴직금은 운영수익에서 비례하여 지급되므로 분석하지 않는다. [^6]: 2022년 부터는 226시간까지 연장근무수당을 책정했다고 설명했다. [^7]: 1년은 365일이고, 12개월, 1주일은 7일이다. 365/12/7=4.3452... 1년 중 1달의 평균 주수이다. 1주 40시간이 법정근무시간으로 가정할 경우 40시간 * 1달 평균 주수 = 1달 근무시간이 된다. 이 수치가 약 173.8... 이 된다. 1달 기준 대략적인 법정근무시간이다. [^8]: 연차수당은 근속년수에 따라 다르다. 근로기준법 제60조 4항. [^9]: 한국장애인자립생활센터협의회 성명, [성명] 서울시 ‘활동지원기관 (재)지정 심사’는 법도 원칙도 없는 ‘장애인 단체 길들이기’, ‘적반하장’의 전형이다. 서울시의 부적절 관행과 정부의 무책임에 칼을 빼겠다. , < https://www.kcil.or.kr/post/618 >, 2024-04-26.

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• 장애인활동지원제도 부정수급과 장애인을 지배하는 자들
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10690
• 입력 2024.03.23 20:19

“무급으로 함께 일하기엔 너무 좋고 고마운 존재지만, 막상 임금을 지불하기엔 뭔지 모르게 찝찝하고 아깝다”라는 동료의 속마음을 들어야 했다. 1년을 근무한 단체에서는 임금을 지불할 여유가 도저히 없다며 나의 활동보조시간 일부를 동료에게 명의를 돌려서 가사보조를 얼마만큼 포기하게 하는 대신 나의 임금으로 주기도 했다. 몸과 마음이 점점 지쳐가고, 급기야 몸담고 있던 단체의 안 좋은 실상들을 깨닫게 될 때 쯤 난 동료들과 자주 부딪치기 시작했다. 얼마 지나지 않아 나는 그 일터를 떠났다. - 출처: ‘생산성’ 묻는 사회, 장애여성의 노동은? - 일다 - < https://www.ildaro.com/6188 >

불법으로 규정된 부정수급과 편중된 교육

장애인활동지원제도는 장애인에게 바우처를 지급하고 그 바우처는 장애인활동지원서비스에만 사용하도록 용처를 제한하고 있다. 활동지원 서비스 외의 서비스나 재화를 제공받고 활동지원급여비용을 청구하는 행위 일체는 부정수급으로 판단된다. 활동지원급여비용 청구 주체는 활동지원기관이고, 이 급여비용 중 일부를 활동지원사에게 임금으로 지급한다.

활동지원서비스가 얼마나 제공되었는지는 사회보장정보원 전산시스템을 통해서 기록된다. 활동지원사는 활동지원기관이 지급한 단말기를 가지고 출근한다. 장애인이용자를 만나면 단말기에 장애인이용자의 카드를 태그하고, 전자바우처시스템을 통해 받은 활동지원인력 자신의 카드를 태그한다. 태그가 있어야 사회보장정보원 전산시스템에 출근과 퇴근을 기록할 수 있다. 그러면 서비스를 제공한 시간만큼 장애인이용자의 바우처가 차감된다.

이렇게 기록된 전산기록을 근거로 급여비용이 청구된다. 급여비용은 활동지원기관이 활동지원사를 보내어 장애인에게 정당한 서비스를 제공한 것을 전제로 지급되고, 또 그 전제로 활동지원사에게 임금이 지급된다. 전제가 되는 정당한 활동지원서비스가 없었다면 지급된 비용은 이자가 가산되어 환수[^1]되고, 부정한 청구 행위는 형사처벌을 받을 수 있다.[^2] 행정 차원에서 지정취소 혹은 자격정지를 당하거나[^3] 가담한 장애인수급자는 일정한 기간 활동지원급여가 중단될 수도 있다.[^4]

법률이 엄중히 처벌하는 만큼 부정수급 금지는 강조하고 반복해서 교육된다. 부정수급에 가담할 수 있는 주체는 활동지원기관, 장애인활동지원사, 장애인이용자 세 주체이다. 그리고 이들에게 지배적 지위에 있는 자들이 개입할 수 있다. 그런데 교육은 거의 활동지원사에게만 이루어진다. 활동지원기관은 부정수급을 단속하고 교육해야 할 책임기관 중 한 곳이다. 장애인이용자교육은 대체로 이루어지지 않는다. 장애인이용자 교육도 활동지원기관이 담당하는데, 활동지원기관 입장에서 장애인이용자는 서비스를 제공받고 바우처를 지급하는 고객에 해당한다. 장애인이용자를 교육한다는 것은 고객을 교육하는 꼴이다. 기관에서 교육을 소집해도 장애를 이유로 참가하는 사람 수가 적다. 결국 장애인 고객들에게는 서면이 전달되고 서명만 이루어진다. 교육이 제대로 될 리 없다.

부정수급을 주도하는 자는 누구일까

정작 부정수급은 활동지원사의 주도로 이루어지지 않는다. 사람들의 통념은 부정수급이 장애인을 등쳐먹는 활동지원사들에 의해 이루어진다고 상상하는 듯하다. 제대로 서비스는 제공하지도 않고 임금만 받아 가는 활동지원사. 하지만 여기서 가정되는 장애인은 멍청하고 속기만 하고 빼앗기기만 하는 무력한 장애인이다. 오히려 우리는 장애인이 그런 존재이기만 한지 질문해야 한다. 장애인을 무능한 존재로만 바라보는 시선은 장애혐오 시선의 일부다. 장애혐오적 시선은 노동자에 대한 혐오적 시선으로 이어진다. 그리고 활동지원사만 교육하고 닦달하는 현재의 제도는 어쩌면 그 인식의 결과로 보인다.

앞서 설명한 것처럼, 사회보장정보원에 근무기록을 남기는 방법은 단말기에 카드를 태그해야 한다. 태그를 하기 위해서는 장애인과 활동지원사의 의사일치가 필요하다. 활동지원시간을 장애인들은 생명 같은 시간으로 묘사한다. 활동지원사가 장애인 몰래 카드를 찍는다는 것은 그 생명 같은 시간을 무단으로 탈취하는 행위다. 특히 활동지원 시간을 금액으로 환산하여 표기하기 시작한 2011년부터 장애인이용자들은 바우처 금액을 자신에게 주어진 돈으로 인지하는 경향이 있다. 장애인 몰래 서비스를 제공하지 않고 근무기록을 남긴다는 것은 누군가가 몰래 돈을 훔쳐 가는 것과 같은 일이다. 정말로 활동지원사 단독으로 기망에 의해 그 같은 일이 벌어진다면, 그 장애인은 아주 위험한 상황이다. 바우처뿐만 아니라 모든 재산에 대한 점검이 필요한 문제상황이다. 이런 문제상황은 오히려 활동지원서비스 외에 다른 국가적 차원의 지원이 더욱 필요하다. 하지만 그런 사례는 드물고 장애인은 자신의 욕구에 따라 바우처라는 자원을 잘 분배하여 사용한다.

역으로 질문해 보자. 활동지원사가 부정수급을 제안할 수 있을까? 활동지원사가 부정수급을 제안한다면 장애인 이용자는 즉시 활동지원기관에 알릴 수 있다. 장애인이용자는 응하지 않고 바로 활동지원사를 교체할 수도 있다. 이런 상황에서 활동지원사가 부정수급을 최초로 제안한다는 것은 이미 어떤 특별한 관계 속에 있지 않고서는 불가능한 일이다.

거절할 수도, 신고할 수도 없지만 책임은 져야 한다

활동지원사는 장애인이용자의 부정수급 제안을 거절하기가 힘들다. 이유를 불문하고 서비스 중단을 요구할 수 있는 권력이 장애인이용자에게 있는 현재 상황에서 부정수급을 거절한다는 것은 실질적 해고에 노출되는 것을 각오하는 행위이다.

코로나가 한창이던 시기 뉴스보도에 따르면 한 활동지원사는 장애인이용자의 부정수급 권유를 거절하여 하루아침에 일자리에서 잘리게 됐다.[^5] 코로나 시기에만 있었던 일일까. 해당 보도에서는 코로나로 인한 장애인 일자리 감소를 이유로 들지만, 코로나 이전에도 끝난 지금에도 우리나라 전체 기업체에서 근무하고 있는 장애인 상시근로자 수는 거의 변동이 없다.[^6] 단지 감염병 유행으로 필수 돌봄노동자로서 활동지원사의 실태가 언론에 조금 주목받았을 뿐이지, 정말로 장애인 일자리 감소를 이유로 볼 수는 없다. 보도의 활동지원사는 4월에 근무를 시작하여 9월에 처음으로 부정수급 제안을 받고 교체되는데, 해당 이용자는 이전에도 이후에도 부정수급을 반복할 가능성이 크다.

활동지원사는 부정수급이 이루어지고 있다는 사실을 알아도 신고하기가 힘들다. 부정수급 사실을 알 수 있는 사람은 몇 되지 않아 신분이 노출될 가능성이 크다. 이 또한 서비스 중단으로 이어져 활동지원사가 감내해야 할 부담이 크다.

한편 단속에 적발된 부정수급에 대해서는 활동지원사만 전적으로 책임을 져야 할 가능성이 크다. 입증할 수 없는 사건은 존재하지 않는 것과 같다. 부정수급은 그 불법성이 강조되는 만큼이나 공모자들도 부정수급이 불법이라는 사실을 익히 알고 있다. 그렇다면 공모자들은 그와 관련된 증거를 없애야만 한다. 부정수급은 장애인과 장애인의 주변 사람에 의해 주도되지만, 부정수급과 관련된 증거는 활동지원사를 향하고 있다. 활동지원사와 장애인이용자가 같이 있지 않았다는 증거는 대개 명백하고, 활동지원사에게 임금이 지급된 사실도 명백하다. 하지만 장애인이용자와 주변 사람이 취한 이득에 대해서는 증거가 없을 가능성이 크다. 임금은 활동지원사의 계좌를 스쳐 흔적이 남지 않는 현금으로 누군가에게 전달된다.

장애인을 지배하는 자 바우처를 지배하리니

인용한 본문을 다시 살펴보자. 장애여성은 자신이 기존에 받던 "활동보조시간 일부"를 "동료"에게 명의를 돌려 "임금"으로 받았다고 한다. 본문의 장애여성이 일한 곳은 "장애인을 위한 시민단체"이다. 동시에 활동지원사업을 수탁받은 단체이다. 장애여성에게 임금을 지급할 수 없는 사정이 있다고 주장하는 단체는 (아마도 비장애인)동료를 활동지원사로 등록시켜 서비스를 제공하지 않고도 제공한 듯 활동지원급여비용을 청구했을 테고, 또 동료의 계좌로 활동지원사 임금명목의 금전을 지급했을 것이다. 그리고 그 금전을 현금으로 받아 장애여성에게 임금으로 지급하는 방식을 취했을 것이다.

여기서 중요한 것은 장애여성의 노동시장에서의 취약한 지위가 이중적 착취를 초래한다는 점이다. 임금은 단체가 지급한 것이 아니라, 장애여성이 제공받았어야 할 서비스를 단순히 돈으로 돌려받은 것에 불과하다. 그런데도 장애여성은 노동력까지 제공했다. 바우처 금액도 온전히 받지 못했을 가능성이 크다. 동료는 자신의 명의를 공짜로 제공했을까. 동료의 인건비 일부로 지출되었을 가능성도 있다. 활동지원기관은 25%까지 징수할 수 있는 중개수수료를 확보한다.

이 과정에서 기존에 서비스를 제공하던 활동지원사는 어떻게 됐을까? 서비스 중단을 통보받고 실질적 해고 상태에 돌입하거나, 일을 지속할 수 있었다면 일거리가 줄어 임금이 줄었을 것이다. 장애인이용자의 서비스중단 요구권이 절대적인 현재의 제도 하에서는, 장애인이용자의 취약성은 활동지원사의 취약성으로 연결된다.

이후에 부정수급이 발각된다면 장애여성은 자신이 지급받은 '임금'을 반환할까? 삼자 간의 관계가 어찌 전개될지는 알 수 없다. 어쨌거나 증거는 활동지원사 명의를 달아둔 '동료'를 향해있다.

부정수급이 불가능한 제도가 힘들다면 신고라도 할 수 있는 노동조건을

장애인활동지원제도의 부정수급과 관련한 신문기사는 주기적으로 나온다. 정부는 이를 근절하기 위한 방법으로 단속강화만을 말한다. 하지만 단속만으로 부정수급이 근절될까. 우리는 부정수급을 금지하는 제도가 아니라 부정수급이 불가능한 제도를 구축하라고 주장하고 있다. 장애인의 서비스 시간과 활동지원사의 임금이 연계된 현재의 체계로는 부정수급 가능성이 언제나 잔존한다. 부정수급을 할 이유도 없고 가능하지도 않은 제도로 변화해야 한다. 노동자가 노동자로 보장받아야 할 권리와 장애인이 받아야 할 활동지원의 권리가 분리되어 각각 보장되는 방식으로 제도개선이 이루어져야 한다고 주장하고 있다.

가끔 부정수급과 관련한 문의가 온다. 처음 일을 시작한 지 얼마 되지 않아 뭔가가 이상하다며 문의하는 활동지원사도 있고, 다른 사람이 부정수급을 하는 것을 알게 되었는데 어떻게 하면 되느냐고 묻는 활동지원사도 있다. 미처 모르고 부정수급에 동참한 노동자 대다수의 경우는 장애인이용자나 활동지원기관, 주변 사람들이 부정수급을 주도한 사실에 관한 증거는 없다. 부정수급 관련 상담을 할 때 더 이상 신고하라는 말을 쉽게 할 수가 없다. 정말로 신고했다가 크게 고생하는 활동지원사를 봤기 때문이다. 활동지원사는 정직하게 신고했지만, 임금을 환수당하고 벌금을 내고 자격을 정지당했다. 반면 장애인이용자는 수급권이 잠시 정지되었을 뿐이다. 활동지원사가 부정수급의 굴레를 벗어나려면 일을 그만두는 수밖에는 없다. 일을 그만두는 이유를 밝히기도 힘들다. 자발적 퇴사로 인한 불이익은 노동자 부담이다.

다른 활동지원사가 이용자와 부정수급을 하는 것을 알게 된 활동지원사도 마찬가지다. 실제로 한 노동자는 클린센터에 신고하자 신고를 취소하라는 활동지원기관의 전화를 받았다. 신고자를 보호한다는 클린센터를 믿지 마시라. 그저 모른 척 일하면서, 조용히 다른 일거리를 찾는 게 최선이다.

부정수급이 불가능한 제도로의 혁신이 안 된다면, 활동지원사가 부당한 일을 보면 신고라도 할 수 있는 노동조건은 확보되어야 하지 않을까. 장애인활동지원제도의 부정수급 프로세스의 핵심은 부정수급에 대한 주도권이 장애인과 장애인을 지배하는 자에게 있음에도 증거는 활동지원사를 향해 있다는 점이다. 이 점을 심각하게 받아들이지 않고서는 부정수급을 끊어낼 수도 없고, 이를 통해 피해를 보는 활동지원사가 현장을 이탈하는 일만 늘어날 것이다.

[^1]: 장애인활동 지원에 관한 법률 제35조(부당지급급여의 징수) [^2]: 동법 제47조(벌칙) 제1항 "3년 이하의 징역 또는 3천만원 이하의 벌금에 처한다." [^3]: 동법 제24조(활동지원기관 지정의 취소 등), 제30조(활동지원인력의 자격 취소 및 자격 정지 등) [^4]: 동법 제19조(활동지원급여의 중단 또는 제한) 제1항 "1년의 범위에서 활동지원급여의 수령이나 제공 기간 등을 제한하여야 한다." [^5]: 황 씨는 한 시각 장애인을 주6일, 오전 10시부터 오후 6시까지 돌보고 있었습니다. 그런데 이 시각장애인이 황 씨에게 '거래'를 제안한 겁니다. 화요일과 목요일은 자신을 돌봐주지 않아도 되고, 다른 요일에도 오후 일찍 퇴근할 수 있도록 해 주는 등 편의를 봐줄 테니 60만 원을 달라고 요구했다는 것입니다. 황 씨는 "60만 원을 주고는 도저히 일을 못 하겠다고 (돌봄 대상자에게) 얘기했더니 하루아침에 (일자리에서)잘리게 됐다"고 합니다. _ KBS뉴스, 2020년 12월 8일자 보도, “우리도 돌봄이 필요해요”…장애인 돌보는 ‘돌봄 노동자’, < https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=5065927 > [^6]: 한국장애인고용공단에서는 매년 '기업체장애인고용실태조사'를 발표한다. 2018년부터 2023년 우리나라 전체 기업체에서 근무하고 있는 장애인 상시근로자 수를 살펴보면 22만 명 언저리에서 큰 변동이 없다.

@ ea9e8563:5a82ed79

Januar

• Bitcoin Spende an Satoshi

https://mempool.space/tx/d7db4f96a4059c8906b953677ce533493d7b9da0f854a21b99f5772910dd0a31

• Bitcoin im Bundestrag

https://bitcoin-im-bundestag.de/event/auftaktveranstaltung-bitcoin-im-bundestag/

• Bitcoin ETF Aproval
• USA verkauft Beschlagnamte Bitcoin von Darknet Dealer Xanaxman

https://news.bitcoin.com/us-government-to-sell-116-million-in-bitcoin-seized-from-darknet-dealer-xanaxman/

• LKA Beschlagnahmt Bitcoin

https://live.vodafone.de/regional/sachsen/bka-bitcoins-im-wert-von-zwei-milliarden-euro-gesichert/12478628

• Gericht bestätigt, dass die Trucker Massnahmen (Geld einfrieren) unrechtmässig gewesen ist

https://de.cointelegraph.com/news/canada-use-of-law-freezing-protesters-crypto-donations-unconstitutional

Song 1: Netdiver

> Hodl, Hodl, Hodlin' - Pleb Town Rock*

Februar

• Einundzwanzig Magazin: Interview mit Julian Assange's Brunder

https://bitpartikel.com/cryptonite/blog/2024/02/20/freejulianassangenow-2/

• Fair Talk akzeptiert auch Bitcoin Lightning Spenden

https://www.fairtalk.tv/

• Marathon Slipstream wird Announced (direct Submitting BTC txs)

https://slipstream.mara.com/

• Cypherpunks: Hörbuch nun auf audible

https://www.audible.de/magazin/cypherpunks-wir-sind-opfer-der-geheimdienste

Song 2: Eric

Bitcoin to the Sky - Lunapilot

März

• Bitcoin Atlantis

https://bitcoinatlantis.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@freemadeira

• Opensats Nostr Fund

https://opensats.org/projects/nostr

• Sovereign Engineering (mit Gigi)

https://sovereignengineering.io/

• El Salvador hebt KYC Limite von 200$ auf 25k$

https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/el-salvador-updates-old-law-to-lift-kyc-limits-from-200-to-25000/

• BitBox Lightning Preview

https://twitter.com/BitBoxSwiss/status/1767491986578080091

• Twenty Two Portal (Mobile Signing Device)

https://x.com/TwentyTwoHW/status/1763625247465762826?s=20

https://twenty-two.xyz/

Song 3: Sandro

> PlanB Network - The Orange Pill Jam*

## \ April

• 21 Magazin „Bitcoin ist Cypherpunk“

https://twitter.com/BITpARTIKEL/status/1775742551749808255

• Gold so viel wert wie noch nie - Experten rätseln über Gründe

https://tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/finanzen/gold-preis-rekordhoch-zinsen-100.html…

• Renato Moicano Octagon Interview | UFC 300

Link - talks about Ludwig von Mises

• Samourai Gründer verhaftet

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/founders-and-ceo-cryptocurrency-mixing-service-arrested-and-charged-money-laundering

• Wasabi stellt Coinjoin Service ein

https://blog.wasabiwallet.io/zksnacks-is-discontinuing-its-coinjoin-coordination-service-1st-of-june/

• LNbits Funds gestohlen

https://twitter.com/lnbits/status/1784521836950110264

• Roger Ver wird Steuerbetrug vorgeworfen

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/early-bitcoin-investor-charged-tax-fraud

• Swiss Bitcoin Conference in Kreuzlingen

https://swiss-bitcoin-conference.com/

Song 4: Nicolas

The Johner Boys - Psycho

Mai

• Tornado Cash - Akexey Pertsev für 64 Monate verurteilt

https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/tornado-cash-developer-alexey-pertsev-sentenced-to-64-months-in-prison-in-the-netherlands/

• AFD sympatisiert mit Bitcoin

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/afd-mit-anfrage-an-die-bundesregierung-zu-bitcoin

• Seasteading

https://fountain.fm/episode/gloM4Dygv97mnKkLXMZc

• Microstrategy Bitcoin Strategie, seit ca 4 Jahren aktiv - Aktienkurs mehr als 1’500% gestiegen.

Berglinde Briefing vom 30.05.24

• Bum Bum Check

Breedlove

Song 5: Netdiver

The next Bitcoin Bull Run - Annonymal

Juni

• Deutschland verkauft Bitcoin

https://www.btc-echo.de/schlagzeilen/verkauft-das-bka-50-000-bitcoin-186860/

• Mt Gox verkauft BTC

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/mtgox-startet-bitcoin-rueckzahlungen

• BTC Prague

https://btcprague.com/#

• Paralelni Polis

https://paralelnipolis.cz/en/o-nas/en/

• Julian Assange Free
• Lykke Konkurs (hack 22mio Dollar)

Song 6: Eric

Halving - Orange Pill Jam  Project

Juli

• Julians Assange erster Geburtstag in Freiheit nach Jahren

https://primal.net/e/note1eppuucmjkrux55k9gmtta9kxfua56tfrfy8sankwmlf34aach6zqggurwa

• Phoenix unterstützt jetzt Bolt 12

https://x.com/PhoenixWallet/status/1808547081214439494

• Trump spricht auf der BTC24 in Nashville

https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1811181306438660375

• Anhörung von Lonergan „TDevD“ Dev von Samourai

https://x.com/frankcorva/status/1811093896144785625

• Faketoshi ist nicht Satoshi (für 3Monate auf seiner Website

https://primal.net/e/note1rfmplr0dry52hd3y65dvred9638saglf8sjw2fp4fd4e0w2z4ncsej77cz

• Sachsen Notveräusserung von 50k Bitcoin

https://www.medienservice.sachsen.de/medien/news/1077662

• Larry fink und Michael Dell im Bitcoin Fieber?

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/blackrock-ceo-larry-fink-und-michael-dell-im-bitcoin-fieber

• Strike BTC Pay Server Integration

https://strike.me/blog/btcpay-server-integrates-strike-api-to-power-bitcoin-payments/

• Proton Wallet

https://proton.me/blog/proton-wallet-launch

• Erster Bitaxe Block

https://mempool.space/de/block/00000000000000000000f0235e50becc0b3bc91231e236f67736d64b1813704b

Song 7: Sandro

PlebRap - Bitcoin braucht dich nicht! - SatStacker, Mo

August

• Mutiny Wallet shutting down

https://blog.mutinywallet.com/mutiny-wallet-is-shutting-down/

• Dark Skippy Attack

https://darkskippy.com/

Der Bitcoin Dark Skippy-Angriff ist eine ausgeklügelte Methode, die auf Hardware-Wallets abzielt. Er nutzt kompromittierte Firmware aus, um heimlich Teile der Seed-Phrase eines Benutzers in Transaktionssignaturen einzubetten. Mit nur wenigen signierten Transaktionen können Angreifer die vollständige Seed-Phrase extrahieren und möglicherweise die volle Kontrolle über die gespeicherten Bitcoins erlangen. Dieser Angriff ist besonders gefährlich, da er im Hintergrund unbemerkt ablaufen kann, was ihn schwer zu erkennen macht.

• Bitbox anti Klepto

https://bitbox.swiss/blog/anti-klepto-wie-die-bitbox02-versteckte-seed-extraktion-verhindert/

Der Artikel erklärt das Anti-Klepto-Protokoll, das von der BitBox02 Hardware-Wallet implementiert wurde. Dieses Protokoll schützt vor dem "Nonce Covert Channel"-Angriff, bei dem ein bösartiger Hersteller heimlich den privaten Schlüssel (Seed) des Benutzers extrahieren könnte. Das Anti-Klepto-Protokoll funktioniert, indem es die Fähigkeit der Hardware-Wallet einschränkt, die Nonce frei zu wählen, indem es zusätzliche Zufälligkeit von der Host-Software (z.B. BitBoxApp) einbezieht. Dies verhindert die Manipulation der Nonce zur Übertragung versteckter Daten und erhöht somit die Sicherheit der Benutzer-Seeds.

• Sunny vs Holger Wette

Link

• Todestag von Hal Finney

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/der-tag-an-dem-hal-finney-starb

• Telegram Gründer in Frankreich festgenommen

https://www.zeit.de/digital/2024-08/pawel-durow-festnahme-frankreich-telegram?utm_content=zeitde_redpost+_link_sf&utm_campaign=ref&utm_medium=sm&utm_referrer=twitter&wt_zmc=sm.int.zonaudev.twitter.ref.zeitde.redpost.link.sf&utm_source=twitter_zonaudev_int

• Überbezahlte Konsolidierungs tx by 195x

https://x.com/mononautical/status/1826698452149174433

Song 8: Nicolas

Middle Season - Let Go (What's holding you back)

September

• CLN v24.08 Bolt 12 und blinded Paths

https://x.com/core_ln/status/1830647170896105623

• Strike unterstützt Bolt 12

https://x.com/strike/status/1831099910458163536

• Bitcoin Hashrate auf ATH

https://charts.bitbo.io/hashrate/

• Marshall-Plan 2.0 - Wer zahlt Europas 800-Mrd.-Euro-Rechnung? (Sound Money BTC pod Loddi)

https://www.sound-money.de/podcast/episode/283fe281/237-marshall-plan-20-wer-zahlt-europas-800-mrd-euro-rechnung

• Nostr Wegweiser by Quille

https://quillie.github.io/nostr-wegweiser/

• Argentiniens Libertäre Zeitenwende (Einundzwanzig Podcast Folge)

https://fountain.fm/episode/xTMivhQBGJpdPLpKZ5l9

• Orange Vision for BAS
• Signal blocked in Russia

https://cyberinsider.com/signal-messenger-blocked-in-russia-amid-crackdown-on-communication-platforms/

• Blackrock’s Coinbase tx’s recorded off-chain

https://x.com/TylerDurden/status/1790941726544478602

• DATUM by Ocean (Mining Software, readjusting incentives for miner - build their own templates)

https://x.com/ocean_mining/status/1840408161271890264

• Article by Scott Locklin about QC - shared by Jimmy Song

(Der Artikel argumentiert, dass Quantencomputing weitgehend ein betrügerisches Feld ist. Der Autor behauptet, dass trotz jahrzehntelanger Forschung und erheblicher Finanzierung kein praktischer Quantencomputer gebaut wurde. Er kritisiert den Mangel an Fortschritten bei der Erstellung auch nur eines fehlerkorrigierten Qubits und argumentiert, dass das Feld mehr auf Hype als auf tatsächlichem wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt basiert. Der Autor vergleicht Quantencomputing mit Nanotechnologie und suggeriert, dass beide Bereiche unrealistische Behauptungen über die Manipulation von Materie auf Weisen aufstellen, die wir nicht vollständig verstehen. Er äußert auch Bedenken über die Anzahl der Karrieren und Ressourcen, die einer Technologie gewidmet sind, die seiner Meinung nach in keiner praktischen Form existiert.)

https://scottlocklin.wordpress.com/2019/01/15/quantum-computing-as-a-field-is-obvious-bullshit/

Song 9: Netdiver

Real Men Invest in Bitcoin, and Not in Soya - Fezzy

Oktober

• BAS GV
• 2 Orange Vision Kandidaten wurden gewählt
  • Phil
  • Lisa
  • Niklas
  • Adriano

https://www.bitcoinassociation.ch/board-1

• Bitcoin verkaufen mit Pocket, auch in der Bitbox App 

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/bitbox-pocket-mit-neuem-feature

• Shielded Client side validation

Abgeschirmte clientseitige Validierung (Shielded CSV) ist ein neues Protokoll, das Token-Transfers auf Bitcoin verbessert. Es ermöglicht die private Übertragung von Token, ohne Informationen über die Token oder deren Transferhistorie preiszugeben. Abgeschirmte CSV verwendet Zero-Knowledge-Beweise, um Überweisungen mit einem festen Ressourcenaufwand zu verifizieren, was die Privatsphäre und Effizienz verbessert. Zudem können mehrere Token-Transfers in einer einzigen Bitcoin-Transaktion kombiniert werden, was potenziell Tausende von Token-Transfers in einem Block ermöglicht.

https://bitcoinops.org/en/newsletters/2024/09/27/

• Tesla verkauft alle Bitcoin

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/tesla-leert-die-bitcoin-wallet-was-steckt-dahinter

• FBI Token überführt Pump and Dump Projekte

https://www.blocktrainer.de/blog/anklagen-wegen-pump-and-dump-im-krypto-sektor

• Lugano Plan B Forum

https://planb.lugano.ch/planb-forum/

• Klima Grosseltern

Song 10: Eric

Rely on relay - Orange Pill Jam Project

November

• Telekom testet Bitcoin Mining infrastrukturen

https://www.telekom.com/de/medien/medieninformationen/detail/test-bitcoin-mining-infrastruktur-fuer-ueberschuessige-energie-1082680

• Bitcoin Block Stans

https://x.com/NW_BTCkonferenz

• Shopinbit Schweiz Launch

shopinbit.ch

Code DEZENTRALSCHWEIZ 5CHF geschenkt auf ersten Einkauf 

• Boost Initial Node sync mit UTXO Snapshots

https://blog.lopp.net/bitcoin-node-sync-with-utxo-snapshots/

• Bitcoin Alps

https://www.bitcoin-alps.ch/konferenz/

• Liana Wallet Anleitung/Review von Patrick

https://dezentralschweiz.ch/liana-die-besondere-multisig-wallet/

Song 11: Sandro

Bitcoin Anthem - Miss Bitcoin

Dezember

• Bitcoin Baden

https://bitcoinbaden.ch/

• BAS GV im Dezember
• Wahl eines weiteren Board-mitglied
  • Rahim Taghizadegan
• Abarbeitung div. Traktanden
• Abstimmung über 100k Initiative

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5895d62d2994ca86b0cd9807/t/67503467c6aa4452cae00fcf/1733309544008/Bitcoin_Association_General_Assembly_07_12_2024.pdf

• BAS im Bundeshaus

https://www.finews.ch/news/finanzplatz/65619-bitcoin-association-switzerland-bas-sbf-bundeshaus-bitcoin-stablecoin-swiss-blockchain-federation-rahim-taghizadegan?utm_source=newsletter_5075&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=finewsletter-vom-11-12-2024

• 100K Party BAS

Song 12: Nicolas

Headache Song - FM Rodeo

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 활동지원사와 명절선물
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10652
• 입력 2024.01.25 12:55

나는 소속 활동지원기관에서 지급하는 추석 선물을 며칠 전에 받아왔다. 2023년 추석의 선물을 2024년 1월이 되어서야 받아온 것이다. 그리고 내가 서비스하는 장애인이용자에게 주어지는 선물 또한 받아 전달하였다. 이것은 짐짓 간단한 사실 같지만, 많은 쟁점을 내포하고 있다.

누군가는 선물을 주면 감사히 받아야 한다고 생각할 것이다. 하지만 그게 임금으로 받아야 할 것을 돌려서 받는 거라면 이야기가 다르다. 최저임금과 근로기준법상의 법정수당은 지급하지 않으면서 명절 선물은 준다면 이야기는 달라진다. 임금-권리로 받아야 할 돈을 돌려 시혜적 선물로 받는 것에 불과하기 때문이다. 그리고 선물이라면 상여금이 좋은가 상품이 좋은가? 상품이라면 어떤 상품이 좋은가? 장애인이용자에게도 선물을 준다면 그 선물은 어떤 방식으로 전달되어야 하는가? 수년째 명절 선물을 받으면서도 나는 이런 질문들을 해왔다.

활동지원사 중에는 기관에서 명절 선물도 안 준다고 불만을 토로하는 분이 있는가 하면, 명절 선물보다는 돈으로 줬으면 좋겠다는 분들도 있다. 선물에는 주는 사람이 받는 사람을 생각하는 마음이 들어있다고 느끼는 사람들이 있다. 이런 마음을 느끼는 것을 중히 여기는 노동자들도 있어 '돈'으로 받는 것 보다 '선물'을 선호하는 사람도 있다. 이런 분 중 한 분에 의하면 '선물'로 받아야만 기관에 소속된 감정을 느낀다고 했다. 이런 감정은 정말 사람마다 다르고 지역마다 달라서 '정서'의 차이라고밖에는 설명할 수가 없다. 이것은 결국 당사자의 차이에서 기인하는 것으로 당사자의 의사에 따라 달리 정할 수밖에 없다.

그런데 또 아무리 선물이 좋아도 사람 마음이라는 게 비교도 한다. 기관마다 선물이 다르면 선물을 비교하기도 한다. 선물의 시장가가 얼마이고, 어디에서 구매했으며, 자신에게 어떤 제품이 얼마나 효용이 좋은지 따지게 된다. 그래서 노동자들이 더욱 선호하는 상품이 생기게 된다. 그래서 그것은 때론 노사협의회 안건이 되기도 한다.

그런데 가끔은 기관에 따라 이 선물을 신념으로 구매하기도 한다. 내가 속한 센터도 그런 센터 중의 하나이다. 매번 명절선물을 진보적 장애인운동 기금 마련을 위한 명절특판에서 구매한다. 이번에 내가 받아온 선물은 2023년 전장연 추석특판 상품번호 27 델리팜잡곡 2호다. 가격은 3만 원으로 책정되어 있다.

▲전장연 2023 추석선물 특판 웹자보. ‘품절’ 표시된 상품이 〈2023년 전장연 추석특판 상품번호 27 델리팜잡곡 2호〉. 이미지 출처=전국장애인차별철폐연대

사회 운동단체들은 운동기금을 마련하기 위해서 후원주점을 열거나 수익사업을 한다. 이런 사업에 참여하는 후원자들은 질과 양을 따지지 않는다. 후원주점이나 단체 수익사업의 취지는 개최하는 단체에 재정적 지원을 하는 것이고, 참여자들은 후원하고자 하는 단체가 최대한 수익을 남길 수 있도록 최대한 호구가 될 마음으로 참여한다. 지불은 하지만 물질적 향유를 추구하지 않는 것이 참여자의 기본 덕목이다.

그런데 그런 상품을 노동자 복지에 사용한다면 어떨까? 노동자 복지를 깎아 먹는 일이 될 것이다. 그리고 그러한 결정이 독단에 의해 결정된다면 더욱 문제가 많을 것이다. 그리고 그러한 과정에서도 이득을 보는 사람이 있다. 나는 지난 칼럼에서도 제세공과금 명목으로 관련 단체로 활동지원사업 수익금이 흘러 들어감을 지적했다. 선물 구매과정도 이와 유사하다. 기관 회계상으로는 선물구매와 금액으로만 기록이 남겠지만, 특판 목적 자체가 진보적 장애인 운동 기금 마련이므로, 활동지원사업 수익금은 관련 단체 기금 마련에 기여하게 된다.

이렇게 보면 명절 선물 구매는 특정 단체 수익을 위해 수단화된 과정이고, 선물 수여는 노동자들에게 빼앗은 권리를 은폐하기 위한 은혜가 된다. 이런 사례가 모든 활동지원기관에 적용된다고 확언할 수는 없다. 노동자 권리를 온전히 보장하면서도 노동자 복지를 위해서 선물을 추가로 지급하는 기관이 있다면 아주 훌륭한 기관일 것이다. 하지만 기관의 집행 세부내역에까지 공적 관리체계가 작동하지 않는 이상 얼마든지 다른 방식으로 변주될 수 있다. 그리고 이것은 어쩌면 이미 어떤 변주이기도 하다. 기존에 종교단체가 노동자에게 십일조를 강요해 문제가 됐다면, 이제 운동단체는 권리삭제를 은폐하고 시혜로 가장하여 신념에 기여할 것을 강제했을 뿐이다.

선물은 구매로 끝나는 것이 아니다. 선물을 사는 이유는 주기 위해서다. 우리 노동자들은 선물을 받으러 활동지원기관에 방문해야만 한다. 노동자에게 주어지는 선물이므로 문제가 아니다. 그런데, 기관에 따라서는 장애인이용자에게도 명절선물을 주는 경우가 있다. 장애인이용자가 기관에까지 방문하는 것은 힘든 경우가 많다. 그런데, 이에 대한 배달 노동은 활동지원사에게 무급노동으로 떠맡겨진다.

출근하지도 않았는데 장보기를 시키는 사례는 너무 흔한 장애인이용자 갑질사례다. "오는 길에 XX 좀 사다 주세요."라는 장애인이용자의 출근길 요청은 꽤 곤란하다. 사실상 이용자를 위한 장보기 노동을 수행하는데 무급으로 수행된다. 이런 요청이 잦아지면 이용자들도 미안해서 활동지원사에게 바우처 카드를 맡기기도 한다. 하지만 활동지원사가 이용자를 위해 마트에 들어가는 순간에 근무시작을 기록해도 정부는 '부정수급'으로 판단하고 노동자는 범죄자가 된다. 이용자의 카드를 소지하는 것은 부정수급의 소지가 있기에 금지되고, 장애인이용자와 함께 있지 않은 상황에서 근무기록을 하는 것은 부정수급이라는 것이 정부의 일관된 기준이다.

정부가 말하는 기준은, 이용자를 만나 출근한 후에 장보기를 수행하라는 것이다. 장애인이용자와 함께 장 보기가 어렵다면 활동지원기관에 보고하고 장보기를 수행해야만 한다. 하지만 이런 기준에도 출근길에 무언가를 사 오라며 부탁하는 장애인이용자들은 흔하다. 출근길에 소모되는 시간은 너무 쉽게 판단되고 오는 길에 무언가를 사 오는 무급노동은 장애인이용자들에게 너무 당연한 일이어서 문제다.

그런데 활동지원사의 무급노동을 당연시하는 태도가 명절선물을 대하는 활동지원기관의 태도에서도 드러난다. "오는 길에 XX 좀 사다 주세요" 와 "가는 길에 선물 좀 갖다주세요"는 너무 완벽하게 대칭되는 한 쌍이다. 활동지원기관의 선물전달이 활동지원사의 업무에 해당하기는 하는가? 선물 배달시간은 근무시간에 왜 해당하지 않는가? 활동지원기관들은 활동지원사에게 왜 이런 업무를 어떻게 시킬 수 있을까? 오히려 기관의 선물은 장애인이용자의 집으로 택배 배달을 시키는 것이 상식적이고 당연하지 않은가?

나는 추석선물을 뒤늦게 받아 들고 이런저런 상념에 빠진다. 적어도 나에게 활동지원사의 명절 선물은 단순한 선물이 아니다. 내가 이 추석선물을 3달이 지나 받아 들게 된 것도, 서류 업무와 기관 방문이 무급으로 상정된 제도적 문제, 해당 시간에 대한 유급화를 회피하는 활동지원기관의 자체 정책 결과다. 노동자로서 방문의 의무가 없으니 3달이 지나서야 물품을 수령한다. 마침 단말기가 고장 나지 않았다면 더 늦게 수령했을 수도 있다. 활동지원제도의 근간 자체가 돌봄노동자의 무급노동 위에 서 있다. 정부도 활동지원기관도 이에 대한 문제인식이 있을까? 저항하지 않는 존재는 존중받지 못한다.

@ 3f770d65:7a745b24

Here are my predictions for Nostr in 2025:

Decentralization: The outbox and inbox communication models, sometimes referred to as the Gossip model, will become the standard across the ecosystem. By the end of 2025, all major clients will support these models, providing seamless communication and enhanced decentralization. Clients that do not adopt outbox/inbox by then will be regarded as outdated or legacy systems.

Privacy Standards: Major clients such as Damus and Primal will move away from NIP-04 DMs, adopting more secure protocol possibilities like NIP-17 or NIP-104. These upgrades will ensure enhanced encryption and metadata protection. Additionally, NIP-104 MLS tools will drive the development of new clients and features, providing users with unprecedented control over the privacy of their communications.

Interoperability: Nostr's ecosystem will become even more interconnected. Platforms like the Olas image-sharing service will expand into prominent clients such as Primal, Damus, Coracle, and Snort, alongside existing integrations with Amethyst, Nostur, and Nostrudel. Similarly, audio and video tools like Nostr Nests and Zap.stream will gain seamless integration into major clients, enabling easy participation in live events across the ecosystem.

Adoption and Migration: Inspired by early pioneers like Fountain and Orange Pill App, more platforms will adopt Nostr for authentication, login, and social systems. In 2025, a significant migration from a high-profile application platform with hundreds of thousands of users will transpire, doubling Nostr’s daily activity and establishing it as a cornerstone of decentralized technologies.

@ 933f9d20:996b56ae

คำถามจากความอยากตระหนักรู้ในตนเอง

จู่ๆตัวเราก็นึกอยากจะเข้าใจตนเองมากขึ้น บนโลกนี้มีศาสตร์แห่งบุคลิกภาพมากมายที่ให้เราได้ศึกษาและทำแบบทดสอบ แต่จะดีกว่ามั้ยที่เรารู้อย่างคร่าวๆเกี่ยวกับศาสตร์ที่อยู่เบื้องหลังแบบทดสอบเหล่านั้น

Enneargram คืออะไร?

Enneargram ความหมายคือ 'นพลักษณ์' เป็นศาสตร์ที่มีจุดประสงค์ไว้เพื่อการเข้าใจตนเองและเข้าใจคนอื่นหรือเพื่อให้เราอยู่ร่วมกันในสังคมได้อย่างสงบสุข(และหลีกเลี่ยงการแทงใจดำคนอื่นโดยที่ตัวเองไม่ได้ตั้งใจได้!) โดยในแต่ละประเภทจะเรียกกันว่า 'ลักษณ์'

และในบทความนี้ผมจะพูดถึงความรู้เกี่ยวกับ Enneargram ในภาพรวมกันครับ!

นพลักษณ์ (Enneargram)

หากคุณบ้าบอคิดจะข้าม(เผลอๆข้ามไปแล้วมั้ง..)จากหัวข้อนี้ไปดื้อๆคุณก็จะอ่านไม่รู้เรื่องเลยด้วยซ้ำหากคุณไม่รู้ว่านพลักษณ์คืออะไร

'นพลักษณ์' โดยคำว่า 'นพ' ซึ่งแปลว่า 9(เก้า) และคำว่า 'ลักษณ์' ก็คือความหมายว่าเป็น ลักษณะ

ซึ่งก็จะแปลได้เป็น ลักษณะทั้ง 9 นั่นเองครับ!

แล้วก็จะมีการจัดกลุ่มลักษณ์โดยแบ่งเป็น 3 กลุ่มซึ่งก็จะถูกเรียกว่า

ปัญญา 3 ฐาน (The 3 centers) อันได้แก่

ฐานการกระทำหรือฐานกาย แทนเป็น (A) ฐานความรู้สึกหรือฐานใจ แทนเป็น (F) ฐานความคิดหรือฐานหัว แทนเป็น (T)

พอรู้ปัญญา 3 ฐานแล้ว...เรามาดูลักษณะในแต่ละลักษณ์กันเลยดีกว่า!

The perfectionist (ลักษณ์ 1 A) เป็นลักษณ์ที่รักความสมบูรณ์แบบอย่างสุดซึ้ง มีระเบียบวินัยในชีวิตโคตรๆ เป็นคนเนี้ยบของทุกอย่างรอบตัวจะถูกจัดอย่างเป็นระเบียบ หากมีเศษขี้เล็บใครอยู่บนโต๊ะเขาก็จะรู้เลยว่ามันไม่ใช่ของเขา ยึดมั่นในคุณธรรมจริยธรรมอันดี และชอบความแน่นอน

The giver (ลักษณ์ 2 F) เป็นผู้ชอบให้ชอบเสียสละสิ่งที่ตนมี โดยที่ตนเองก็หวังลึกๆว่าจะได้สิ่งตอบแทนกลับมาด้วย มีนิสัยที่ร่าเริงแจ่มใสใจกว้างและเป็นมิตรต่อทุกๆคน

The preformer (ลักษณ์ 3 F) รัก(บ้า)การแข่งขันและชอบการเอาชนะเป็นที่สุด เกลียดการพ่ายแพ้และต้องการเป็นภาพลักษณ์ตามที่ตนเองต้องการ

The romantic (ลักษณ์ 4 F) พื้นฐานคืออารมณ์เศร้าหมองและมีความอิจฉาลึกๆ ไม่อยากเหมือนใครในสิ่งที่ตนเองสนใจและความเป็นศิลปินในตัวสูง

The observer (ลักษณ์ 5 T) คลั่งการหาความรู้(หรือจะฝึกฝนก็ตาม)มาใส่หัวแบบจะเอาให้เทพสุดๆรู้มากสุดๆในเรื่องนั้นๆไปเลย มักแยกอารมณ์ออกจากกระบวนการคิดเชิงเหตุผล ต้องการพื้นที่ส่วนตัวสูงและเป็นลักษณ์ที่เก็บตัวสูง

The guardian (ลักษณ์ 6 T) เป็นลักษณ์ที่มีความกลัวเป็นพื้นฐานของอารมณ์ ชอบวิเคราะห์และวางแผนอนาคตแถมขี้สงสัยด้วย ไม่ชอบความไม่มั่นคงและความไม่ปลอดภัยหวาดระแวงตลอด(โดยเฉพาะอนาคต) ชอบอยู่ใต้การบังคับบัญชามากกว่า

The optimist (ลักษณ์ 7 T) เสพสุขรักการจญภัยและชอบเติมเต็มชีวิตด้วยความแปลกใหม่ตลอดเวลา มีความตะกละเป็นสันดานและไม่ชอบให้ใครมาวาดกรอบให้ตัวเอง

The leader (ลักษณ์ 8 A) มีความโกรธเป็นพื้นฐานของอารมณ์และมีความเป็นผู้นำโดยธรรมชาติ ฝักใฝ่หรือสนใจในอำนาจและการควบคุม สามารถใช้ความโกรธเชื่อมโยงในสิ่งใดก็ได้ตามใจอยาก(และมันโคตรทรงพลังนะจะบอกให้!) ชอบปฏิเสธความอ่อนแอ(ซึ่งเป็นข้อเสีย)และชอบทำสุดใส่สุด(โดยเฉพาะทางกายภาพ เช่น จะกินก๋วยเตี๋ยวเผ็ดๆก็เทพริกซะหมดแก้วบรรจุซะ)

The peacemaker (ลักษณ์ 9 A) นักการทูตตัวจริงเสียงจริง มักเป็นลักษณ์ที่เมื่อเกิดความขัดแย้งระหว่างกลุ่ม ลักษณ์นี้นี่แหละคือตัวปิดความขัดแย้งที่แท้ทรู แต่หากไม่เกิดผลลักษณ์นี้ก็จะหนีออกมาจากความขัดแย้งแทนซะงั้น เป็นลักษณ์ที่รักสงบและเกลียดความขัดแย้งนั่นเอง

Wing (สภาวะปีก)

เป็นสภาวะที่เกิดขึ้นโดยที่ลักษณ์หลักของเราได้รับผลกระทบจากลักษณ์รอบๆ เช่น คนที่มีลักษณ์ 8 ก็จะมีปีกเป็น ลักษณ์ 7 และ ลักษณ์9 ซึ่งจะมีเพียงด้านที่ถนัดที่สุดเท่านั้น หากใช้ลักษณ์ 7 บ่อยที่สุด เราก็จะเขียนได้เป็น 8w7 (8 คือลักษณ์หลักของเรา และ 7 ก็คือลักษณ์รองลงมาที่อยู่ข้างๆนั่นเอง โดยมีตัว 'w' เป็นสัญลักษณ์คั่นกลางไว้) และเราจะต้องอ่านว่าลักษณ์8ปีก7

ซึ่งเราก็จะได้อิทธิพลลักษณะจากลักษณะข้างด้วยนั่นเองครับ ซึ่งบางสถานการณ์ก็อาจจะไม่มีก็ได้

Subtype (ลักษณ์ย่อย)

เป็นการแบ่งลักษณะการใส่ใจของแต่ละลักษณ์ โดยลักษณ์แต่ละลักษณ์จะต้องมี 3 ลักษณะ ซึ่งจะมีทั้งหมด 27 ลักษณ์ทั้งหมดในนพลักษณ์

Self-preservation (sp) เป็นลักษณ์ย่อยที่ใส่ใจกับความปลอดภัยและความมั่นคงของตนเองก่อน ซึ่งรวมถึงความมั่งคั่งและสิ่งของด้วย

Sexual,one-to-one (sx) เป็นลักษณ์ย่อยที่ให้ความสำคัญกับความสัมพันธ์กับใครคนใดคนหนึ่ง ไม่จำกัดว่าต้องเป็นคน จะเป็นสัตว์เลี้ยงก็ได้ ความสัมพันธ์ในครอบครัวหรือความสัมพันธ์แบบกุ๊กกิ๊กจักจี้หัวใจ(ก็โรแมนติกนั่นแหละ)

Social (so) เป็นลักษณ์ที่อยากมีส่วนร่วมหรือให้ความสำคัญในสังคมหรือในครอบครัว กลุ่มเพื่อน กลุ่มเพื่อนร่วมงาน ต้องการเป็นที่จดจำและต้องการความเคารพจากคนอื่น

Arrow line (สภาวะลูกศร)

เป็นสภาวะที่จะแสดงถึงพฤติกรรมต่างๆในแต่ละสถานการณ์ โดยจะเรียกกันว่าสภาวะมั่นคง ไม่มั่นคง และสภาวะปกติ

สภาวะปกติ ก็คือปกติ ไม่สุขไม่ทุกข์ มั่นคงและไม่มั่นคงในเวลาเดียวกัน

สภาวะมั่นคง เป็นสภาวะที่รู้สึกมั่นคงตามชื่อเลย เป็นความรู้สึกที่เป็นไปตามอยากตามต้องการ

สภาวะไม่มั่นคง ไม่ปกติ ไม่มั่นคง เครียด! หรือก็คือกำลังเจออยู่กับสิ่งที่ตนหลีกเลี่ยงนั่นเอง

โดยหากคนที่เป็นคนลักษณ์ 8 (อีกแล้ว!) ได้อยู่ใน....

-สภาวะไม่มั่นคง คนลักษณ์ 8 ก็จะได้รับอานิสงส์จากลักษณ์ที่ 5 หรือก็คือจะเก็บตัวมากขึ้น โฟกัสหรือสนใจแค่สิ่งๆหนึ่ง กลับไปจัดระเบียบชีวิต ความคิดตนเองหรือข้าวของที่อาจกระจัดกระจายไปทั่วในบ้านของตนเอง

-สภาวะมั่นคง คนลักษณ์ 8 ก็จะได้รับอิทธิพลจากลักษณ์ 2 ซึ่งนั่นก็คือการ Takecare ใจกว้างและรับฟังคนด้วย! ซึ่งดูมีความสุขแฮปปี้ลั้นลาในฉบับของลักษณ์ 8

ส่งท้าย

บทความนี้เป็นบทความแรกในชีวิตของผมเลย ซึ่งตัวผมเองก็เป็นลักษณ์ 8 ปีก 7 (8w7) ผมได้จมปรักกับเรื่องพวกนี้มากพอควร (3 ปีกว่าแล้วล่ะครับ) ซึ่งตัวผมในอดีตก็คงไม่ได้คิดหรอกว่าจะเขียนบทความ แถมยังเขียนใน Nostr อีก!

แต่ก็นะ.... ผมก็ขอขอบคุณที่อ่านมาจนถึงวรรคนี้นะครับ

ขอให้คุณตั้งใจใช้ชีวิตไปกับปีหน้านะครับ!

-From 31/12/2024

@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

After 42 days of writing, working, and managing everything that comes with being an escort, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to stay grounded in this line of work. One of the hardest lessons, though, has been learning how to spot the early signs of burnout.

This job can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining—especially when you’re doing everything on your own. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, trying to manage your calendar, your clients, your personal life, and the inevitable emotional toll that comes with this kind of work. But if you don’t pay attention to the warning signs, burnout can sneak up on you before you even realise it.

So, today, I want to talk about the early warning signs of burnout. Because even though this job offers a lot of freedom, it’s still work—and if you’re not careful, you can lose yourself in it.

1. You Start Dreading Your Sessions

When I first started, I was excited about every booking. Each session felt like a new opportunity, a fresh interaction. But after a while, that excitement starts to fade. If you find yourself starting to dread your upcoming sessions, even the ones you normally enjoy, it’s a clear sign that you’re pushing yourself too hard.

Maybe it’s the same clients, or maybe it's the mental load of constantly preparing for each new encounter. Whatever the cause, if you’re starting to feel a sense of dread or anxiety about your work, it’s time to step back and reassess your schedule, your boundaries, and your overall mindset.

2. Emotional Exhaustion Sets In

This job is emotionally taxing. It’s not just about the physical demands—it’s about maintaining a certain energy level, keeping up appearances, and staying emotionally engaged with each client. Over time, that emotional labour starts to pile up. You give pieces of yourself in every interaction, and eventually, you might feel drained, disconnected, or emotionally exhausted.

If you’re finding it hard to stay present in conversations or sessions, or you feel like you're just "going through the motions," burnout could be creeping in. When I start feeling emotionally empty, I know I’ve pushed myself too far without giving enough back to myself.

3. You’re Losing Interest in Self-Care

Self-care is the foundation of staying healthy in this job—physically, mentally, and emotionally. When I’m well-rested, eating well, exercising, and taking time for things that fill my cup (whether it’s reading, meditating, or spending time with loved ones), I feel empowered and ready to take on the world.

But when burnout starts to set in, I notice that self-care becomes the first thing to go. Skipping meals, neglecting sleep, avoiding workouts—these are all signs that my body is signalling for a break. If you’re noticing that you’re no longer making time for your own well-being, it’s a clear indicator that you’re headed toward burnout.

4. Physical Symptoms (Headaches, Insomnia, Fatigue)

The mind and body are deeply connected, and when your mental health starts to suffer, your body will often show the signs. For me, when I’m pushing myself too hard, I start to experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, insomnia, or constant fatigue. If you’re feeling physically drained, struggling to sleep, or battling chronic tension in your body, it’s your body’s way of telling you to slow down.

It’s easy to ignore these signs, but trust me, if you don’t address them early, your body will eventually force you to rest—whether you’re ready or not.

5. You’re Neglecting Your Social Life

This job requires a lot of alone time, whether it’s between bookings or because you’re working late into the night. But if you’re starting to isolate yourself, pull away from friends and family, or cancel plans because you're “too tired” or “too busy,” it could be a sign that you’re overwhelmed. Social connection is crucial, especially for those of us who work in a solitary role.

We need time to reconnect with others, to laugh, to be vulnerable, and to remind ourselves that we’re more than just the work we do. If I find myself isolating for days on end, that’s when I know I need to take a step back and make space for social interaction—whether it’s a casual hangout or just a phone call with someone I trust.

6. You’re Becoming Irritable or Short-Tempered

When you’re running on fumes, it becomes a lot harder to keep your cool. You might find yourself snapping at clients, friends, or even yourself. That short temper or irritability is often a sign that your emotional and mental resources are running low. If the smallest things set you off or if you’re no longer feeling like yourself, it’s a red flag.

I’ve had days where I feel like I’m constantly on edge, and when that happens, I know it’s time to take a step back. My work will always be there, but if I’m not in the right headspace, I won’t be able to give my best.

7. You’re Feeling Disconnected from Why You Started

This one’s a biggie for me. When burnout starts to take over, I begin to lose sight of why I started this job in the first place. I forget why I enjoy the work, the connection with clients, the freedom, and the autonomy. If you’re feeling detached from your original purpose or like you're just going through the motions for the money, it’s time to pause and reflect.

Take a moment to remember why you got into this in the first place. Reconnect with the things that excited you about this job. If you can’t find that spark again, it’s time to reassess.

Taking Action Before Burnout Hits

Burnout is serious, and once it hits, it’s hard to recover from. But if you can spot the early warning signs and take action before it’s too late, you can avoid hitting that wall. Here’s what I do when I feel burnout creeping in:

1. Take Time Off: Even if it’s just a day or two, taking a break to recharge is essential. It’s better to rest than to push through and risk losing my ability to do this job long-term.

2. Reevaluate My Schedule: I make sure I’m not overbooking myself or taking on more than I can handle. A balanced calendar means I can give each client the attention they deserve without draining myself.

3. Reconnect with My Support System: Spending time with friends or family who aren’t involved in my work helps me recharge and remind myself of the bigger picture.

4. Focus on Self-Care: I’ll get back into my routines—eating right, sleeping well, and making sure I’m exercising, even if it’s just a short walk or stretching.

5. Reflect and Reassess: I take time to reflect on my motivations and goals. If I’ve lost touch with why I’m doing this work, I’ll recalibrate my approach and find my passion again.

Burnout is inevitable if you don’t pay attention to the signs. But by listening to your body and mind and taking proactive steps to care for yourself, you can keep burnout at bay. Remember, the work will always be there, but your well-being comes first.

– Rebecca x

@ 472f440f:5669301e

I'm sure some of you are already tired of the discussion around the H-1B visa program that was started on Christmas Eve by Vivek Ramaswamy and escalated by Elon Musk and others as the "Silicon Valley MAGA" coalition began putting forth legal immigration policy proposals for the incoming Trump administration. Core to their policy is the expansion of the H-1B visa program so that America can "recruit the best talent in the world" to come build the American economy.

Unfortunately, as it stands today - according to the Silicon Valley cognescenti, Americans are either a.) not smart enough to fulfill the roles necessary to enable the United States to maintain its lead as economic super power of the world or b.) expect too much in compensation for the available roles. At least this is my reading from the commentary I've seen over the last week.

What seems abundantly clear to me is that the framing put forth by "Silicon Valley MAGA" crew is disingenuous and self-serving. It has been clear for awhile now that the H-1B visa program is being systematically abused to bring in cheap labor from other countries to help drive down labor costs for companies across the spectrum. Not just Silicon Valley tech companies. The system has a loophole in it and it is being exploited. Bring people to the US via H-1B visas to complete work for you at lower costs and your company's financials are likely to be better off (assuming the work being done is productive and a value add to the company). Now, this isn't to say that everyone who is in the US via an H-1B visa is here because these companies want to exploit the loophole that gives them the ability to spend less on head count. However, based off the data from the database of the H-1B visa program it is abundantly clear that the system is being taken advantage of. Egregiously and at the expense of American workers, who are most certainly not (all) "subtarded".

Herein lies the crux of the problem; companies are abusing this program to get away from the problem of Americans demanding higher wages to maintain lives of dignity in a country run by a government that is chronically addicted to debt backed by a central bank that will print money ex-nihilo and at will to monetize that debt. Americans are then being scapegoated as either "lazy", "stupid" or "delusional about their worth in the work force". A classic straw man argument that avoids the root issue at hand; the money is broken and the broken money has created perverse incentives throughout the economy while also stripping Americans of the ability to properly save the value of their labor.

We live in a high velocity trash economy that rewards grift and waste while disincentivizing hard work that is meaningful to the quality of life of the Common Man. Everything has been hyper-financialized to the point that one of the only ways to make it ahead is to speculate on the flow of capital into certain asset classes, which is often determined by the whims of central planners. Another is to build or speculate on tech "innovations" that typically materialize in the form of attention zapping apps and widgets that help people temporarily forget they live in a high-velocity trash economy.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and it is because they don't see a way out of the nihilistic rat race created (unknowingly to most) by the money printer.

The ability to print money out of nothing and throw it at everything creates misaligned incentives that result in the inability for the market to properly determine what is genuinely needed by the people instead of those who have learned how to game the broken system and its broken incentives.

One last point, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that many individuals in America aren't intellectually equipped to do some of the cutting edge work that may be necessary to produce the technologies and companies that will push the country forward. The high-velocity trash economy run on money printed out of nothing has completely corrupted the education system. People in the United States are literally dumber than they were five decades ago. That is a fact. But it is not only the fault of the American people themselves, but the corrupt system they have been born into that destroyed the education system with perverse incentives. And the overwhelming majority of the blame is on the system, not the people.

Even with that being said, the idea that we need to adopt a Tiger Mom mentality in the US - a culture of unrelenting devotion to studying STEM to the point that weekend sleepovers for kids are discouraged - is absolutely laughable and objectively un-American. There are plenty of incredibly intelligent, creative and driven young Americans who have contributed and will continue to contribute significantly to the American economy and they didn't need to shackle themselves to their desks to get that way. America isn't a country that was built by automatons. It's a country built by people who said, "Fuck you. Don't tell me what I can and cannot do. Watch this."

Despite the fact that a system has been erected that actively works against the average American system the American spirit lives on in the souls of many across the country. Miraculously. The American spirit is something that cannot simply be imported. It is ingrained in our culture. It is certainly beginning to dwindle as hope for a better future becomes more and more dim for the masses as the system works against them despite all their best efforts to succeed. It is imperative that we stoke the coals of the American spirit while it is still alive in those who are too stubborn to give up.

People need the ability to save their hard work in a money that cannot be debased. Opportunity cost needs to be reintroduced into the market so that things that actually add value and increase the quality of life for the Common Man are where hard money is allocated. And people need to start talking about the root of the problem more seriously instead of striking at branches with disingenuous straw man arguments.

---

Final thought... Ready to go surfing.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 장애인에 대한 편의제공 의무의 범주
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10611
• 입력 2023.11.22 17:09

활동지원사 호텔비도 지출해야 해요?

나의 이용자와 함께 타지역으로 여행을 간 적이 있었다. 여행지에 아는 사람이 있어 그런지 이용자는 나에게 숙박비 이야기를 하지는 않았다. 친구의 집에 초대되어 식사하던 중에, 활동지원사에 대해 생각해 본 적이 없었다며 초대자가 여러 가지를 물었다. 어쩌면 노동자보다 장애인이 더 친근한 초대자는 장애인이 여행하는 데 직면하는 무수한 문제에 더욱 공감하는 듯했다. 그러니까, 장애인이 여행을 갈 때, 같이 가는 활동지원사의 호텔비까지 장애인이 부담해야 하는 것이냐고 물었다.

누구나 그렇듯 장애인도 때로는 여행을 가고 싶다. 그런데 넘어야 할 산이 많다. 장애인의 여행에는 단순히 이동권 보장만 문제가 되는 것은 아니다. 2023년 8월 28일자 KBS보도에서는 장애인이 제주도로 비행기를 타고 가는데 파리를 여행하는 것과 비슷한 비용이 든다고 보도했다. 그런데 사실 조금 더 따져보자면 여기에는 몇몇 비용이 누락되어 있다. 장애인이 이동할 때 장애인만 가는 것은 아니다. 장애인을 지원할 누군가가 동행해야 한다. 이는 활동지원사가 될 수도 있고 가족이 될 수도 있고 반려인이 될 수도 있다.

현행 장애인활동지원제도에서는 활동지원서비스를 받는 장애인이 활동하는 데에 드는 비용을 누가 부담해야 하는지 기준을 제시한다. 활동지원사는 자신이 먹는 식사와 관련하여 장애인에게 부담을 주지 말라고 양성 교육에서부터 교육받는다. 그 외에  "외출동행에 소요되는 서비스 제공자의 경비 부분(공연 관람 등)은 이용자가 제공"하도록 되어 있다. 하지만 현장에서는 유명무실한 경우가 많다. 장애인당사자들이 재정적으로 넉넉한 경우는 거의 없다 보니, 활동지원사에 해당하는 비용은 활동지원사가 지불하길 요구하는 경우들이 종종 있다. 흔하게는 영화관람부터 동물원, 놀이동산, 드물게는 여행에 이르기까지 다양하다.

가족이나 반려인, 지인은 자신이 동행하는 비용을 함께 여행가는 비용으로 여길 테지만 노동자인 활동지원사의 경우 상황이 조금 다르다. 활동지원사 입장에서는 다른 지역까지 멀리 일하러 가는 것인데, 일하는 데에 드는 비용을 부담한다는 것은 임금이 삭감되는 것과 마찬가지다. 안 그래도 여행지에서의 식비는 대게 물가가 비싼 경우가 많은데, 교통비와 숙박비까지 부담한다는 것은 임금으로 생활을 영위해야 하는 노동자 입장에서는 곤란한 일이다. 장애인이 여행을 결심한다는 것은 축하해야 할 일이지만, 옆에서 일하는 활동지원사 입장에서는 여행을 앞두고 고민을 토로하는 경우가 많다. 낯선 환경에서의 업무강도 가중, 피로는 덤이다. 더욱 부담되는 것은 대개 활동지원사가 이 비용을 부담하지 않으면 장애인의 여행계획은 무산되는 경우가 많다는 것이다. 활동지원사의 책임은 아니지만, 이용자의 원망은 이성적으로 이루어지는 것이 아니고, 비용을 기꺼이 부담하는 누군가로 대체되어 일자리를 잃을 수도 있다. 그래서 나는 어딘가에 여행을 다녀왔다는 장애인을 보면 내심 "그래서 활동지원사에게 숙박비와 교통비를 얼마만큼 부담시켰나요?"라고 묻고 싶어질 때가 있다.

나도 일상적으로 장애인이용자와 영화관람을 할 때가 있다. 하지만 영화관람을 할 때 내가 영화를 온전히 한편을 다 관람하기는 힘들다. 장애인이용자도 활동지원사를 영화관에 동행시킬 정도면, 자신이 서비스받아야 할 필요가 있기 때문이다. 눈물 콧물을 사소하게 닦아주는 것부터, 갑작스레 화장실에 같이 갈 경우까지, 아니면 정말 영화가 재미가 없어서 갑자기 나오는 경우까지. 해당 영화관람은 나의 의사로 자유롭게 온전하게 이루어지기 힘들다. 나는 장애인의 편안한 영화관람을 위해 투입되는 인력일 뿐이지, 영화를 관람하는 소비자는 아니다. 정말 재미있는 영화라면 나는 나중에 별도로 비용을 지불하고 다시 영화를 봐야 한다. 이런 지경이다 보니 영화관에서 나에 대한 비용을 받는다는 것과 이 비용을 장애인이 부담해야 하는 것이 다소 불합리하게 여겨진다.

이런 불합리함을 느끼며 나는 종종 차라리 활동지원사를 인간으로 취급해 주지 않았으면 싶을 때가 있다. 차라리 개 취급을 해줬으면 싶을 때가 있다. 시각장애인 안내견들은 장애인을 위한 안내 업무를 하면서 문화시설에 대한 출입료가 징수되지 않는다. 시각장애인 안내견에 대한 출입금지가 시각장애인에 대한 차별인 것이 인정된다면, 활동지원사에 대한 출입금지 혹은 비용에 대한 부과는 왜 장애인에 대한 차별이 아닌가.

나는 이 글에서 두 가지를 말하고 싶다. 이 모든 차별에도 불구하고 활동지원사노동자에게 비용을 전가하는 장애인이용자들의 행태는 비판받아야 하고 금지되어야 한다. 서비스제공자가 장애인과 동행하는 사람에 대한 비용을 징수하는 것은 큰 범주에서 장애인차별로 인정되고 금지되어야 한다.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 장애인활동지원제도의 화폐중심적 사유와 차별
• 뉴스풀 : https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10564
• 입력 2023.10.08 00:22

추석이 지나니 사람들이 연휴 후유증을 겪는다. 총 6일간의 연휴가 있다 보니 다시 업무에 돌입하기가 힘든가보다. 2023년 추석이 지나니 사람들은 벌써 내후년의 명절을 기다리는 모양이다. 2025년 추석은 7일의 연휴라고 한다.

하지만 정규직 직장인들이 그토록 환호하는 연휴에도 장애인은 고통스러워한다. 일단 활동지원사도 경우에 따라서는 명절을 가족과 보내야 해서 근무를 하지 못하는 경우가 많다. 장애인들은 명절에 활동지원사를 구하기 힘들고, 다행스럽게도 구한다 하더라도 바우처 소비가 더욱 많아져 고통스러워한다.

장애인의 입장에서는 활동지원 바우처 소비가 많아져 명절을 싫어한다고 말하면 사람들은 일견 낯설어한다. 하지만 이러한 문제는 사실 하루 이틀 일이 아니다. 장애인 활동지원제도는 2011년부터 법제화되어 시행되었고, 2011년 이전까지 '월 단위 시간'으로 보장되던 활동지원이 '월 단위 금액'으로 환산되어 표시되기 시작했다. 2012년부터 야간과 휴일에 소비되는 바우처 수가가 주간보다 1천 원 많이 소모되도록 변화되었고,[^1] 2013년 8월 1일부터는 휴일/야간의 경우 주간 대비 150%의 수가가 소비되도록 변경한 것이 현재까지 이어져 오고 있다.

문제는 이렇게 '시간'에서 '돈'처럼 금액 단위로 표기하고 야간이나 휴일 시기에 따라 소모되는 양을 변화시키는 방식이 장애인들에게 예상치 못한 변수로 다가오게 된다는 점이다. 이번 10월 2일처럼 대통령이 갑자기 임시공휴일을 지정이라도 하는 일이 생기면, 그날의 바우처 소비는 150%로 증가하게 된다. 관공서공휴일을 많은 사람들이 유급휴일로 누리지만, 이를 누릴 수 없는 5인 미만 사업장 노동자들이 차별을 겪는 것처럼, 장애인이 쓸 수 있는 활동지원 시간은 줄어들게 되어 실질적 손해로 이어지게 되니, 나로서는 이러한 것도 차별이라 생각한다.

그런데 이런 문제는 사실 꼭 명절이 아니어도 마찬가지다. 주간에 활동지원을 쓰는지 야간에 활동지원을 쓰는지에 따라 장애인이 이용할 수 있는 시간이 변동된다. 장애인 중에는 야간에 특히 활동지원을 받는 것이 중요한 사람들이 있다. 욕창을 방지하기 위해 체위 변경이 필수적인 사람들, 수면중 호흡기 상태를 옆에서 누군가가 관찰해야 하는 장애인들 등. 오히려 야간에 서비스가 필요한 사람들이 있다. 그런데 이들은 야간에 서비스를 쓸 수록, 지원받을 수 있는 활동지원서비스 시간의 총량이 줄어들게 된다.

'시간'에서 '금액'으로의 변화는 전 국가적으로 한 번에 이루어지지 않았다. 2019년 중앙정부는 사회보장정보원을 통한 사회서비스 바우처 전산관리를 점차로 확대하기 시작했고, 기초단위에서 추가로 지원되던 활동지원시간도 '시간' 보장에서 '금액' 보장으로 변화하게 되었다. 그 확대 과정에서도 얼마간의 갈등은 있었다. 적어도 기초추가지원의 경우 밤에 쓰건 낮에 쓰건 휴일에 쓰건, 일정 '시간'을 보장받던 장애인들은 자신의 시간이 줄어든 것을 체감했다. 장애인당사자들이 투쟁한 일부 기초지자체의 경우 지원시간을 늘려줌으로써 변화에 대한 완충을 기했지만, 당사자들이 투쟁하지 않거나 못했던 지역의 경우 주간수가를 기준으로 '금액'을 보장받았다.

시간을 보장하는 방식으로 되돌려도 '월 단위' 시간이라는 점이 장애인의 삶을 불안하게 한다. 2월처럼 한 달이 28일인 경우 보장받는 시간이 상대적으로 넉넉하지만, 한 달이 31일인 경우는 또 다르다.

나는 장애인활동지원제도의 가장 심각한 모순점 중 하나가 장애인의 권리와 노동자의 권리를 정부의 예산중심적 시각으로 획일화하는 데에서 발생한다고 생각한다. 활동지원제도가 장애인이 일상생활을 영위할 수 있도록 제공되는 보편적 권리로서의 공공재 성격을 가진다면, 주간이건 야간이건 공휴일이건 월간이건 일정한 수준이 꾸준하게 공급되어야 한다고 생각한다. 나는 이를 실현하기 위해서 장애인에게 현재처럼 월 단위가 아닌 주 단위로(적어도 일정 일수를 주기로) 활동지원서비스가 보장되어야 하고, 금액이 아니라 시간으로 활동지원 서비스가 보장되어야 한다고 생각한다. 그리고 활동지원사 노동자 권리 보장 기준은 장애인의 권리를 보장하는 기준과는 별도로 구분되어 예산이 책정되어야 한다고 생각한다.

[^1]: 2011년까지는 주간-휴일-야간의 경우 서비스 제공 수가가 일괄 6,000원이었다. 활동지원사에게도 야간-휴일 수당이 있어야 한다는 주장들이 있자 정부는 2012년부터 주간수가는 8,300원, 야간-휴일의 경우 9,300원으로 변경하였다. 그마저도 4시간까지만 적용되었다.

@ 234035ec:edc3751d

When Satoshi created Bitcoin, he not only created the perfected form of sound money, but he also created an immutable universal measurement for time. Each block is found roughly every 10 minuets with the difficulty adjustment either ratcheting up or down the difficulty every 2,016 blocks. As we know the halving event occurs every 210,000 blocks (roughly 4 years). As an added bonus, Satoshi decided to release the white-paper during an election year. Therefor, every halving going forward will coincide with the US presidential election.

As you descend down the bitcoin rabbit hole, weather it is conscious or not, you begin to measure your life in these cycles. I remember when Bitcoin finally clicked for me in late 2021, all I was focused on was accumulating as much BTC as possible before the 2024 halving. You often hear people stating that they have been in Bitcoin for X number of cycles as a sort of accolade. Both of these are examples of how measuring your finite time with Bitcoins immutable time chain can be beneficial.

My Life by Cycles

I was born in the year 2001 shortly after the 911 attacks. Therefore, as I have grown I have only ever known a world of ever changing technological and cultural environments. I was 7 years old when satoshi released the white-paper and was entirely unaware of it for the first epoch (Too busy playing with Yu-Gi-Oh cards SMH).

The Second Epoch Bitcoin was still entirely off my radar, I was 11-13 years old and just getting into the sport of Wrestling. This was my awkward transitionary phase. Also during this time I got my first Ipod which was the beginning of my screen addiction but also opened a new world of opportunities.

The Third Epoch encompassed my time in high school. This cycle is when I first became interested in investing and heard about Bitcoin for the first time. I was extremely focused on my wrestling career throughout this cycle and became a 2 time state champion. But I also spent the majority of my free time with friends and girlfriends not spending much time thinking deeply about what I was doing or what was going on around me. Towards the end of this cycle was when I first bought Bitcoin, we had all been sent home from school for covid-19 and my senior year was cut short. While I did by a small amount of Bitcoin I held majority shitcoins and did not yet understand the true value of Bitcoin.

The Fourth Epoch begins with turbulence, my senior year of highschool was cut short and I decided to take a gap year before going to university. I spent that year working and studying and I began to get a clearer picture of the problems with our financial and political systems developing a more libertarian mindset. The following year I went off to college where I would be a student athlete on the wrestling team studying business. During my freshman year was when I truly went down the Bitcoin Rabbit hole. I could not get enough information about it and I was completely obsessed (still am). I had been moving all of my income into Bitcoin and then my sophomore year I sold all of my other investments to go all in on BTC. This was a difficult decision as I had made significant gain in tesla and believe in the company, but I could not stand the opportunity cost of not buying cheap sats. In retrospect this was a very good trade and ever since then the only asset that I purchase is Bitcoin.

The Fifth Epoch in the spring of 2024 came in my Junior year of University. This Halving was extremely satisfying as I have now made it through an entire bear market and came out with more Bitcoin than I had ever hoped for. Now that I am sitting on significant profit there is far less stress in Hodling and I feel that those around me are beginning to understand that I may be correct about this thing. This spring I will be graduating and moving on to my next phase in life which will be either employment, entrepreneurship or a combination of the two. This cycle will extend until the year 2028 when I will be 26 years old. As I look forward, it is quite possible that I will have proposed to my now Girlfriend of three years by the Fifth halving. I have stacking as well as fitness goals that I am looking to reach by the conclusion of this cycle.

The Sixth Epoch, will take me from ages 26-30. As I think about where I want to be by this time, I imagine myself with a young and growing family, a strong budding career either with my own established business or with plans to create one. I hope to have hit significant stacking milestones by this point, but I imagine that the USD exchange rate will be in the millions by this time.

Spend your time wisely

You are only given a finite amount of time in this life, Bitcoin gives you a means of measuring it that is equally scarce. As you store you economic energy in it you become more powerful over time. As you measure your time in it, the picture of your progress becomes much more clear.

If you have less Bitcoin at the end of an Epoch than at the beginning than you have been net-unproductive throughout that cycle. As you move forward with your life, try to think about where and who you want to be by the end of this epoch and keep that goal in mind.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 전가된 돌봄과 엄벌주의
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10518
• 입력 2023.08.25 13:54

공격성향의 돌봄대상 – 교육도 지원도 없이

나는 A를 B와 함께 만났다. A는 대화가 통하지 않았다. B는 A의 보호자다. B는 A에게 필요한 일을 나에게 지시했다. 내가 밥과 물을 차려주면 A는 알아서 먹었다. 때로는 A를 데리고 산책을 다녀왔다. A는 보조기기 없이도 잘 다녔고, 집 바깥 화장실을 좋아했다. 우리는 종종 집 인근 공원의 화장실에 오갔다. A는 대소변을 본 후 뒤처리를 해 줄 필요가 없어 큰 어려움이 없었다. 다만 그가 다른 사람을 깨물기도 해 문제였다. A에게는 손발톱 깎기, 목욕이 필요했고, A는 그 과정에서 나에게 공격성을 보이기도 했다. 처음 서비스를 들어간 지 얼마 되지 않아, B는 A를 목욕시키라고 했다. A는 목욕을 싫어하는 듯 했고, 목욕을 거부하며 나를 깨물려 했다. 자칫했다간 내가 물릴 판이었다. 결국 나는 A의 머리를 밀치고 목덜미를 잡은 채 몇 대 쥐어박았다. A는 공포에 떨며 몸 씻김을 당했다. 깔끔해진 A를 보며 B는 만족해했다. B는 다소 폭력이 있었음을 알았지만, 같이 살려면 어쩔 수 없다며 묵인했다.

장애인 활동지원에 관한 이야기다. 하지만 장애인에 관한 이야기는 아니다. A는 장애인 B씨가 키우는 반려견이다. 나는 개를 키워본 적이 없고, 개를 대하는 방법에 대해 교육받아본 적이 없다. 반려동물이 대중화된 만큼이나 반려동물을 키우는 장애인도 많고, 반려동물을 돌보는 일도 현실적 업무로 활동지원사에게 떠넘겨진다. 하지만 이에 대한 지침은 물론이고 교육은 전무하다. 돌이켜보면, 반려견이 조금은 더 편안해할 목욕이 불가능한 것은 아닐 것이다. 먼저 반려견과 내가 친해지고 서로에게 익숙해지는 시간이 충분히 있었으면 좋았을 것이다. 그리고 나에게 누군가가 반려견의 행동을 살피고 헤아리는 방법, 반려견의 공격행동을 대처하는 방법, 이러한 행동을 교정할 수 있는 방법을 미리 알려주었더라면 더 좋았을 것이다. 반려견의 개별적 특성도 알려줬다면 더 좋았을 것이다. 아니면 아예 개 전문가를 붙여줄 수도 있다. 하지만 우리에게는 그런 시스템이 없다. 그저 활동지원사는 장애인이용자에게 갈 뿐이고, 장애인이용자가 요구하면 요구하는 대로 서비스를 제공한다.

신체장애인과 구분되는 발달장애인 지원방법

이는 반려동물에게만 적용되는 이야기는 아니다. 활동지원사들은 종종 발달장애인의 지원에 관해 어려움을 토로한다. 활동지원사들은 실질적인 매뉴얼이 없다고 호소한다. 신체장애인은 그들의 지시대로 업무를 수행하면 되지만 발달장애인은 같지 않다. 발달장애인을 지원하는 방법은 애초부터 장애인의 의사에 따르지 않는다. 활동지원사는 발달장애인을 부모 혹은 그에 준하는 주변사람과 함께 만난다. 활동지원사들의 서비스 내용은 장애인당사자가 정하는 것이 아니라, 보호자에 의해 결정된다. 활동지원사는 첫 만남에서 발달장애인 개인의 특성을 파악하는 것은 불가능하고, 보호자의 이야기를 듣는다. 실질적인 업무지시는 이들을 통해서 이루어지고, 해당 활동지원사에게 서비스를 받을지 중단할지에 대한 결정도 보호자를 통해 이루어진다. 보호자가 요청하는 서비스 내용에는 당사자에게 통제를 가하는 내용이 포함된다. 보호자가 발달장애인 당사자에게 소위 인권적이라 할 만한 서비스를 요구하는지도 불확실하다. 사실 발달장애인의 의사를 존중하고, 발달장애인의 모든 행위에 대해 보호자가 책임을 져 준다면, 활동지원사는 발달장애인을 통제할 이유가 없다.

발달장애인과 활동지원사는 관계를 미리 형성할 시간도 주어지지 않고, 발달장애인을 대하는 특별한 교육이나 지침도 없고, 개별 발달장애인의 특성에 대한 적절한 정보가 주어지지 않는다. 안타깝게도 보호자들은 개별 발달장애인의 특성을 잘 정리하여 활동지원사에게 전달할 여력이 없는 경우도 있고, 활동지원인력이 서비스 제공을 꺼릴 사유를 알리고 싶어하지 않는 경우도 많다. 발달장애인에게 공격당한 활동지원사가 산재보험을 신청하려 해도 혹여나 자신의 자녀가 어려운 이용자로 소문날까 두려워한 부모의 만류로 신청하지 못한 경우도 있었다.

자기결정권이라는 환상

국가는 장애를 통제하기 위해 일률적으로 장애라 규정하고 줄 세우지만, 장애 내부의 차이는 비장애와 장애의 차이보다 크다. 나는 솔직히 발달장애인의 자기결정권을 이야기 할 때, 비장애인과 신체장애인 중심으로 형성된 자기결정권 패러다임을 발달장애인에게 일괄적으로 적용하는 것이 정당한지 의문이 들 때가 많다. 겉으로는 발달장애인의 자기결정권을 존중하는 척 하지만, 내용을 들여다보면 그렇지가 않다. 우리 사회는 발달장애인의 자기결정권을 존중하지도 않고, 활동지원사들에게 그렇게 가르치지도 않고, 그렇게 지시하지도 않는다.

중증의 발달장애인에게는 신체장애인을 지원할 때에는 강조되지 않는 보호, 그리고 그 보호와 구분되지 않는 통제가 요청되기도 한다. 언어장애인과의 소통에는 언어장애를 고려하여 천천히 반복적으로 신중하게 인내심을 갖고 듣는 것이 강조되지만, 발달장애인과의 소통에는 장애인이 말을 잘 듣도록 만들기 위한 스킬들이 강조된다.

활동지원사 양성교육교재를 보자. 활동지원사가 되고자 하는 사람은 해당 교재로 교육을 받는다. 발달장애인을 설명하는 장에서는 “자기결정권 부여”하라 면서도, “지적장애인에 대한 무조건적인 수용이나 인정은 바람직하지 않다”[^1]고 말한다. 존중받을 사안과 존중받지 않아야 할 사안을 타인이 판단하는 것 자체가 이미 존중받지 못함을 의미한다. 한편 사회적으로 이슈화되고 문제가 제기되는 발달장애인의 도전행동에 대해서는 신체적 개입, 공간적 분리 조치가 가능한 것으로 언급한다.

③ 위기단계

이 단계에서는 이용자의 감정상태가 일정 수준 이상으로 증가하고, 결과적으로 도전적 행동이 발생한다. 활동지원사는 이용자의 도전적 행동이 어떻게 진행되는지 이해하고, 도전적 행동의 발생상황에 지원하는 과정에서 이용자와 활동지원사 모두를 보호할 수 있어야 한다. 이때 이용자나 타인의 안전을 위하여 신체적 개입이 이루어지기도 한다. 손목잡기 등의 직접적 신체접촉을 통한 개입이나 격리·문 잠그기 등의 활동에 제한을 가하는 공간적 개입과 같은 유형이 있다. 다만 신체적 개입에 대해 이용자의 인권을 보호 및 존중하기 위하여 다른 방법이 없을 경우 최후의 수단으로 최소한 시간이 소요되도록 진행되어야 한다.

_ 보건복지부 한국장애인개발원 발간, 활동지원사 양성 교육교재, 2021년 12월 발행판, 139쪽. 밑줄강조 필자.

이러한 조치 이전에 제시하고 있는 절차는 관련된 사람들과의 논의가 전부다.

발생 전과 후에 이르기까지 활동지원사의 역할을 확인하고, 특히 신체적 개입 등에 관해서도 논의할 필요가 있다. 이와 같은 당사자, 활동지원사, 보호자와 가족, 활동지원 제공기관의 소통과정은 사전에 이루어져야 할 것이며, 지원 과정에서도 지속될 필요가 있다. 이때 비판적인 태도를 보이지 않으면서 정보를 공유해야 한다.

_ 보건복지부 한국장애인개발원 발간, 활동지원사 양성 교육교재, 2021년 12월 발행판, 137쪽. 밑줄강조 필자.

보호자로부터 허락받은 신체구속과 감금은 정당할까

양성교육교재에서는 “당사자, 활동지원사, 보호자와 가족, 활동지원 제공기관”이 소통하여 사전에 정하고 소통이 지속되는 것이 바람직하다고 말한다. 하지만 현장에서 이에 대한 논의는 거의 전적으로 보호자에게 의존되어 있다. 당사자는 동의·부동의 여부를 표할 수 없는 경우도 있고, 보호자가 활동지원기관을 선택하므로 활동지원기관의 영향력이란 크지 않다. 활동지원기관은 기관대로 사례별로 촘촘히 지원하기에는 인력이 부족하다. 결국 앞서 말한 대로 서비스 내용은 보호자에 의해 결정되고, 앞서 언급된 “신체접촉을 통한 개입”과 “공간적 개입”은 보호자의 의사에 따라 이루어질 수 있다. 아니면 보호자마저 방임하여 활동지원사가 전적으로 결정하게 될 수도 있다.

보호자도 장애인을 학대하지 않는다고 보장할 수 없다. 2019년 7월 보건복지부가 발간한 양성교육교재에서는 도전행동에 대한 명시 자체가 없었다. 2019년 12월 대전에서는 친모와 활동지원사가 지적장애인을 수시로 화장실에 가두고 때려 숨지게 하는 사건이 있었다.[^2] 장애인 구속을 위해 개 목걸이가 사용되기도 했다. 그런데 그 사건이 있은 얼마 후 발달장애인의 도전행동에 대한 신체적·공간적 개입을 새로이 명시하는 양성교육교재가 2021년 12월에 발행되었다. 정부는 개별 사건을 일탈적 사건으로 인식하는 데에 급급하다.

피할 수 없는 구체적 돌봄, 국가의 역할

신체장애인에게 신체구속과 감금이 이루어졌다면, 장애인학대로 판단될 것이다. 비장애인에게 같은 일이 벌어진다면, 형법상 범죄로 판단될 것이다. 발달장애인에게 신체장애인 또는 비장애인과 같은 수준의 자기결정권이 존중된다면, 마찬가지로 판단되어야만 하는 것은 아닐까?

장애인에 대한 지원은 공적 지원체계로 이루어져야 한다. 그리고 그래서 발달장애인의 도전행동 돌발행동에 대한 통제도 공적 차원에서 이루어져야 한다. 나는 발달장애인에 대한 신체통제가 사인의 판단에 의해, 사인의 물리력 행사에 의해 가능하다는 생각 자체가 발달장애인을 둘러싼 학대 등 여러 사건의 싹은 아닐까 생각한다. 차별적 교육을 받은 종사자들이 학대를 하지 않는 것이 오히려 기적은 아닐까. 교재에서 말하는 ‘최후의 수단’, ‘최소한의 시간’은 정말 최후이고 최소한일까. 그 판단에 대한 보증은 누가하는가? 이러한 판단들을 사인에게만, 그것도 대부분의 경우 한사람의 활동지원사에게 맡겨두는 것은 옳은가. 우리사회는 장애인을 대함에 있어 국가공권의 사용마저 아까워하는 사회는 아닐까.

발달장애인에 대한 신체통제가 정말로 ‘최후의 수단’, ‘최소한의 시간’ 만큼 필요하다면 비장애인에게 그러한 것처럼 사법절차와 공권력에 의해서만 예외적으로 신중하게 행사되도록 하는 것이 맞다. 국가가 행할 판단을 어정쩡하게 돌봄노동자들에게 전가시키고, 학대라며 비난하는 일은 없어져야 한다. 제대로 된 매뉴얼과 지원방안이 조속히 마련되어야 한다.

[^1]: 보건복지부 한국장애인개발원 발간, 활동지원사 양성 교육교재, 2021년 12월 발행판, 132쪽. [^2]: 연합뉴스, 지적장애인 빨랫방망이로 때려 숨지게 한 활동지원사 징역 17년, https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20200618115100063 , 2020-06-18

@ 6538925e:571e55c3

In 2024, listeners sent a total of $127,900 to creators on Fountain

The 2 BTC sent is equivalent to $127,900 based on a daily price conversion but it would be worth nearly 50% more today.

You sent over 40,000 boosts to your favourite shows and artists, with an average boost value of 3,380 sats (around $3.20 at today's price).

To add to that, over 63 million sats were streamed over the course of the year, representing 32% of total value sent.

Here are some of the shows and artists who picked up the top awards in 2024. To read the full article, head to our website.

Read Fountain Rewind 2024

Most Supported Show: Rabbit Hole Recap

Rabbir Hole Recap is a bitcoin news show hosted by Marty Bent and Matt Odell. Over the last three years, RHR has become one of the moved shows among Fountain listeners (affectionately known as ‘freaks’). In 2022 they were #3, in 2023 they were #2, and in 2024 they finally claimed the #1 spot. Congratulations, Marty and ODELL. Your dedication and humility is an inspiration to bitcoiners around the world.

Show with Most Supporters: Mr Obnoxious

Peter McCormack announced earlier this year that What Bitcoin Did, the preeminent podcast he has hosted for as long as we can remember, would come to an end to make way for a new show, Mr Obnoxious. In December, the Real Bedford FC owner announced that Danny Knowles would be the new custodian - much to the relief of the 800 listeners who supported the show this year. Thanks for everything, Pete!

Most Supported Episode: LINUX Unplugged | 545: 3,062 Days Later

LINUX Unplugged is just one of many popular shows about open-source, security and privacy from Jupiter Broadcasting. Editor-in-chief Chris Fisher finishes the year with three shows in Fountain's top 40. How? He and his co-hosts have made boosting a core part the listener experience, with his audience often sending "zip code boosts" (which can get pretty expensive if you live in Alaska).

Most Supported Artist: Ainsley Costello

At just 20 years old, Ainsley has been working toward a career in music for over half her life. Her music is the modern pop soundtrack of the next generation. Ainsley first made "waves" on the internet in August 2023 as the first artist to receive 1 million sats with her hit song “Cherry On Top.” Since then, she has inspired countless artists to follow her path, becoming the face of this exciting new movement.

Artist with Most Supporters: Man Like Kweks

Don Kweka is a producer and rapper from Tanzania. When he's not at his desk working his 9 to 5, he's making beats in his bedroom - and he has been prolific in 2024. Earlier this year he told Forbes he had earned a total of $25.68 from United Masters, the distribution company he uses for traditional DSPs (for which he pays a $60 annual fee). Since first publishing his music on Wavlake, he’s earned 2.3 million sats (over $2,000).

Most Supported Track: Abi Muir | Stockholm

Born in Scotland and now residing in Australia, Abi’s distinctive, goosebump-inducing vocals and heartfelt lyrics define her creative songwriting. Her unique style sees her delivering memorable, catchy pop songs of singer-songwriter prose with a contemporary pop sound. In Stockholm she explores a darker, harder edge to her music that crosses into alt-rock, topped with Muir's piercing, sultry vocals.

### Read Fountain Rewind 2024 in full on our website

To see the full list of award winners, the top 40 shows and artists, plus the top stories from this year, hit the link below.

Read Fountain Rewind 2024

### Share your Rewind for a chance to win Fountain AirPods, limited edition merch and 100,000 sats

Open the app to see your Fountain Rewind (make sure you're using the latest version). Post a screenshot of any screen in your Fountain Rewind on X or Nostr and tag @fountain_app in your post. We will be announcing three lucky winners on Dec 31 - good luck!

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 장애인이 하는 요리
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10445 - 입력 2023.06.21 11:59

어느 날 일요일 아침이다. 출근하니 장애인 이용자가 친구의 집들이를 간다고 했다. 각자가 요리를 조금씩 준비하는 포틀럭 파티(Potluck party)를 하기로 했다며, 오늘은 자신이 궁중떡볶이를 해주겠다고 큰소리를 친다. 이용자는 양손을 쓸 수 없는 뇌병변장애인이다. 나는 대뜸 이렇게 물었다. "궁중 떡볶이를 해주겠다는 거예요. 궁중 떡볶이를 하게 시키겠다는 거예요?"

그러자 특유의 유쾌한 웃음을 보이며 자신이 다닌 야학에서는 활동지원사가 한 것도 자기가 한 거라고 배웠다고 한다. 아니 활동지원사가 한 게 어떻게 자기가 한 게 되는가? 이제 이용자가 나를 냉장고로 이끈다. 냉장고에는 양념 된 고기와 썰어진 야채들이 준비되어 있다. "오~ 많이 준비해 뒀네요?"라고, 감탄하니, "내가 준비했다."고 말한다. 우리는 서로를 보며 또 한 번 웃는다. 그럴 리가.

이제 재료를 조리 판 위에 놓는다. 재료 투입에도 순서가 있다. 이용자는 이것저것 지시한다. 불을 강하게 하랬다가 약하게 하랬다가, 식재료를 저기로 치워 두랬다가 이제는 넣으라 했다가. 나는 그냥 시키는 대로 한다. 다년간의 활동지원 경력으로 나의 판단은 의미가 없다는 것을 배웠다. 이 요리는 내가 한 것이 아니고, 내 책임도 아니다. 요리 과정에 의견을 내는 것이 장애인 이용자의 자기결정권을 침해하는 행위가 될 수도 있다. 망친 요리는 더러운 맛으로 이용자의 혀에 타격을 가할 것이다. 장애인은 실패할 권리가 있고, 실패 또한 자립생활의 한 부분이다.

미리 식재료를 준비해 둔 탓일까? 장보기와 밑손질 시간이 들지 않으니 비교적 빠르게 떡볶이가 완성되었다. 집들이에 참석할 다수의 인원을 생각해 양이 아주 푸짐하다. 요리를 마치자 때마침 핸드폰에서 메시지가 왔음을 알리는 소리가 난다. 비보다. 집들이 참석 인원 중 한 명이 아파 다른 날로 집들이 일정을 수정하겠다는 소식이다.

이용자는 난감한 표정을 짓는다. 이 많은 음식을 어떡할지 고민이다. 잠시간 고민을 하더니 어머니에게 가자고 한다. 어차피 떡볶이 양이 많아 버리게 될 것이 뻔하니 어머니에게 가져다주자고 한다. 장콜을 부르고, 기다리고, 차가 오고, 짐을 싣고, 어머니 집으로 간다.

어머니 집에 가니 이용자의 동생도 있다. 이 궁중 떡볶이는 누가 했냐고 묻는다. 이용자가 옆에서 "내가 했다."고 말한다. 동생이 비릿한 웃음을 짓는다. 몇 개 집어 먹더니 맛이 없다고 말한다.

이용자와 나는 다시 이용자의 집으로 돌아왔다. 집에 남아있는 궁중떡볶이를 같이 먹는다. 양념이 조금 밍밍한 편이나 썩 나쁘지는 않다. 떡볶이를 먹으며 하루를 돌아본다. 장애인이용자는 요리를 자신이 했다고 주장하기 위해 요리의 절차를 고민하고 숙지하고 있었다. 그리고 온전히 자신이 했다고 주장하기 위해서인지 노동의 배분 때문인지 모르겠으나 전체 과정을 여럿의 활동지원사에게 분배했다. 과정이 세분화 될 수록 활동지원사는 전체 과정에서 자신의 기여분을 주장하기 어려워질 것이다. 아이폰 뒷면의 문구를 변용하자면 궁중떡볶이 뒷면에는 이렇게 쓰일 수도 있지 않을까. Designed by 장애인 김모씨 in Korea, Processed by 김모씨의 활동지원사들. 동생이 맛이 없다 하던 그 말도 떠오른다. 나는 이 평가로부터 자유로운가. 자유로우면 좋은 것인가. 그 자유는 자유인가 소외인가.

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

No podemos ignorar la importancia que el Reino Visigodo tiene en la configuración de España, de la impronta definitiva que aportó al proceso de etnogénesis para dar la forma definitiva a esa entidad histórica que hoy, tras tres siglos de invasiones germánicas, desde la caída del Imperio Romano a finales del siglo V d.C., hasta el advenimiento del Islam. A modo de contraste, diremos también, que la identidad nacional española, o si se quiere ver así, el alma hispánica, se forjó en claro y evidente contraste con el ocupante sarraceno, y su presencia en el orbe peninsular, junto al recuerdo de la herencia visigoda y los sucesivos concilios toledanos, sirvieron de estímulo al avance de los reinos cristianos del norte. Es decir, España se construyó en la lucha, en el combate abierto contra un enemigo al que consideraba ocupante y representaba una realidad cultural, étnica y civilizacional totalmente antagónica a la naciente realidad hispánica.

De ahí la importancia del sustrato germánico, godo, que viene a agregarse al ya preexistente de hispano-romanos, celtas e íberos. En las últimas décadas esta importancia se ha visto relegada, de forma deliberada, a un segundo plano, y si nuestros padres y abuelos conocían la famosa lista de reyes godos, en la actualidad, su conocimiento entre gran parte de la población española, y especialmente entre los más jóvenes, es puramente testimonial, cuando no inexistente.

|| |:-| |El mapa muestra la distribución territorial de la península ibérica durante el período del Reino Visigodo (409-711 d.C.). Se destacan los dominios visigodos, con Toledo como capital, y las principales ciudades como Emerita, Hispalis, y Cesaraugusta. También se señala la presencia del dominio bizantino en el sureste (Cartago y Córdoba) y la región ocupada por los suevos en el noroeste (Bracara y Lucus). Las áreas de los astures, cántabros y vascones aparecen al norte como zonas independientes.|

No obstante, no queremos hacer aquí una relación de reyes, ni hablar de las estructuras políticas, económicas o religiosas del reino visigodo, sino que pretendemos centrarnos en una sola figura, la del rey Sisebuto, cuya fama y los elogios que se dedican a su persona nos han sido legados por las fuentes de la época. San Isidoro de Sevilla, una de las grandes personalidades de la época —autor de las famosas Etimologías, un compendio del saber antiguo en lo que se consideró como la primera enciclopedia cristiana— y uno de los grandes maestros del Occidente medieval, nos aporta valiosas informaciones sobre Sisebuto:

«fue brillante en su palabra, docto en sus pensamientos y bastante instruido en conocimientos literarios [...]. Fue notable por sus conocimientos bélicos y célebre por sus victorias».

O también en Historia Gothorum:

«se mostró tan clemente después de su victoria, que pagó un precio para dejar en libertad a muchos que habían sido hechos prisioneros por su ejército y reducidos a esclavitud como botín de guerra».

De hecho existió un vínculo de amistad entre Isidoro de Sevilla y Sisebuto, y el primero dedicó al segundo una primera edición de sus Etimologías, y escribió a instancias del monarca visigodo otras obras como De natura rerum. La fama del rey visigodo traspasó fronteras y encontramos referencias a sus virtudes y cualidades personales a través de la Crónica del Pseudo Fredegario, donde se aplican otros calificativos como «varón sabio, piadosisimo y digno de toda alabanza». De modo que las fuentes ya nos permiten trazar un primer retrato general sobre la figura del protagonista de nuestro escrito, y que podríamos resumir así: monarca sabio, guerrero y sensible. Cualidades estas que pueden parecer difícilmente compatibles, pero que nuestro Sisebuto aunaba conformando una poderosa personalidad.

Rey guerrero

Pero antes que nada deberíamos preguntarnos por los orígenes del rey Sisebuto, quien ocupó el trono del reino visigodo durante 9 años, entre el 612 y el 621. Se destacó por su capacidad para defender tanto en las fronteras interiores como exteriores la autoridad de la monarquía visigoda. Prueba de ello fueron las campañas que acometió contra los astures en el Norte, terminando con las veleidades independentistas de estos pueblos belicosos, aunque hay cierto oscurantismo en cuanto a las fuentes. Y paralelamente, en el Sur, las operaciones militares de Sisebuto estuvieron dirigidas contra la provincia bizantina ubicada en el sureste peninsular desde mediados del siglo anterior. Las sucesivas campañas militares consiguieron mermar los dominios bizantinos en la península, especialmente con la conquista de Málaga en 619. Además conviene destacar el notable desarrollo del ejército naval visigodo, alcanzando elevadas cotas de esplendor nunca registradas con monarcas precedentes. No hay datos totalmente contrastados, pero es posible que, con Sisebuto, surgiera una marina organizada.

Las guerras que se libraron entre visigodos y bizantinos fueron cruentas y sanguinarias, generando gran dolor y consternación entre nuestro monarca, algo que, como indican los propios historiadores y cronistas de la época, era bastante infrecuente. En la citada Crónica de Fredegario se le atribuyen ciertas afirmaciones a tal respecto, en las que lamenta las pérdidas humanas y se expresa con un notable humanitarismo:

«Si se producen guerras —escribía Sisebuto a Cesario—, si la cruenta espada se ensaña por doquier, si los vicios de los hombres hacen que los tiempos presentes sean tiempos belicosos, ¿qué cuentas, pensadlo, habrá que rendir a Dios por tantos crímenes, por tantas calamidades, por tantas funestas heridas?»

«Se mostró tan clemente después de su victoria —dice San Isidoro en Historia de los Godos— que pagó un precio con el fin de dejar en libertad a muchos que habían sido hechos prisioneros por su ejército y reducidos a esclavitud, llegando incluso su tesoro a servir para el rescate de los cautivos.»

Lo fundamental para Sisebuto era la unificación del territorio peninsular bajo el poder godo, pero no solo empleó medios militares, sino que también hizo uso de la diplomacia. Respecto a este tema, se conservan dos cartas de la correspondencia entre Sisebuto y el gobernador provincial e imperial en España, Cesario, en torno a la disputas entre visigodos y bizantinos relacionadas con los prisioneros de guerra. Con ocasión de la captura del obispo Cecilio de Mentesa por parte de los bizantinos, Cesario se apresuró a ponerlo en libertad y escribió al rey Sisebuto para comunicárselo con las siguientes palabras:

«Nuestro beatísimo padre, Cecilio, fue capturado por nuestros hombres, mas en consideración a Dios y vuestro reino y como prueba de buena voluntad, lo liberamos rápidamente y pusimos la mayor diligencia para que fuera devuelto a su santa iglesia y enviado a vuestra presencia».

Sisebuto respondió a Cesario de manera cordial y afectuosa, lo que supuso la toma de contacto a través de una delegación diplomática entre ambas partes, godos y bizantinos, que condujo a un acuerdo. Los bizantinos no serían expulsados definitivamente del territorio peninsular hasta el reinado de Suintila (588-633).

Rey sabio

El monarca visigodo también fue un notable erudito e intelectual, muy destacado en una época de gran esplendor cultural capitaneada por San Isidoro de Sevilla, de quien ya hemos dicho que mantuvo una estrecha relación con Sisebuto. Las famosas Etimologías isidorianas estuvieron consagradas en su primera edición a la figura del rey a través de las siguientes palabras, que le honraban a través de la siguiente dedicatoria:

«Como te he prometido —escribía al rey el obispo hispalense— te envío ahora la obra acerca “Del origen” de ciertas cosas, recopilada con el recuerdo de antiguas lecturas. Por eso, en algunos pasajes aparece anotada de acuerdo con lo que habían escrito nuestros antepasados».

Se puede decir que Sisebuto fue al mismo tiempo un promotor de la actividad literaria, intelectual y científica, y un hombre sabio de su época, con la producción de obras en el ámbito de la ciencia y la literatura, al margen de los asuntos propiamente religiosos, algo que podría resultar chocante en relación a otros reyes bárbaros de aquel entonces. Fruto de esta doble vertiente tenemos el Liber de natura rerum, obra de San Isidoro, dedicada al conocimiento del universo y los fenómenos naturales. Por su parte su contribución a la producción científica de la época fue el Liber rotarum o Carmen de luna, un poema en el que trataba de explicar el fenómeno de los eclipses al margen de motivaciones religiosas, en el terreno puramente físico.

Sus incursiones no se limitaron al mundo puramente científico de los fenómenos físicos, sino que sus intereses también se orientaron hacia la vida y hechos de otros hombres de su tiempo. Tal es así, que vemos como su principal obra, Vida y pasión de San Desiderio, un obispo de Borgoña que padeció de persecuciones y murió años atrás. Esta obra guarda ciertas particularidades por sus motivaciones políticas, orientadas a congraciarse con Clotario II, rey de la Francia merovingia.

Rey religioso (y gibelino)

Sisebuto fue un monarca profundamente religioso y en consonancia con la ortodoxia, lo que hizo que en muchas ocasiones tuviera que intervenir para su fortalecimiento y mantenimiento. De hecho, su propio hijo, Teudila, ingresó en una orden monástica impelido por su progenitor, que alentó su celo religioso. Incluso envió una carta al rey longobardo Adaloaldo, convertido al catolicismo, exhortándolo a que hiciera lo propio con la totalidad del reino, y terminar así con los últimos restos de herejía arriana, que había tenido un relativo éxito entre los pueblos germánicos en su momento. Además trató de ofrecer argumentos lógicos y fundamentados en la exégesis católica, amparándose rigurosamente en las Sagradas Escrituras. Al mismo tiempo, augura prosperidad y buenos designios en un futuro hipotético ante la conversión al catolicismo, favoreciendo la acción benéfica de la providencia divina sobre su pueblo. Todavía debería pasar medio siglo para la conversión de los longobardos, mucho después de la muerte de Sisebuto, acontecida en el 621.

Sisebuto también se preocupó por fortalecer y vigorizar la propia estructura eclesiástica, algo que fue una constante en la España visigoda y se materializó a través de sucesivos Concilios en Toledo. Sisebuto, como nos relata el historiador José Orlandis, lejos de utilizar la Iglesia como un parapeto, como una suerte de protección para reforzar su posición, se mostró más bien con cierta mentalidad «cesaropapista». Actitud a través de la cual Sisebuto tomaba la iniciativa, tanto en el ámbito político y temporal como en aquel religioso-espiritual y atemporal. En cierto sentido podríamos calificar a Sisebuto como un «rey gibelino» por esa simbiosis entre ambas esferas, asumiendo él mismo, personalmente, la función de velar por el buen orden eclesiástico. Un buen ejemplo de ello lo tenemos en las imposiciones a Eusebio, el obispo de Tarragona, influyendo directamente sobre decisiones internas de la institución.

|| |:-:| |MORDINI, Attilio; El católico gibelino; Hipérbola Janus, 2016|

El problema religioso: los judíos

Ya en el primer código legal de visigótico, la Lex Romana Visigothorum promulgado en el año 506, en el que se establecía la condición jurídica de los hispanorromanos, se excluía a los judíos de los cargos públicos, proscribía los matrimonios mixtos entre cristianos y judíos y limitaba sus actividades religiosas. Al margen de las comunidades religiosas cristianas, los judíos seguían sus propias leyes y preceptos religiosos, mantieniendo una barrera respecto a los pobladores autóctonos. Con la conversión de la fe arriana a la católica de Recaredo I, y en consecuencia del propio reino, los monarcas visigodos comenzaron una serie de políticas encaminadas a conseguir la unidad religiosa y política del reino. Su decisión, que fue oficializada en el III Concilio de Toledo, contó con un apoyo mayoritario del clero y la nobleza visigoda. A partir de ese momento comenzó un proceso de integración entre godos e hispanorromanos en virtud del principio religioso.

|| |:-| |Una moneda de oro visigoda acuñada durante el reinado de Sisebuto (612-621 d.C.). En el anverso, aparece el retrato estilizado del rey, rodeado por una inscripción en caracteres latinos. Estas monedas reflejan la influencia romano-bizantina en el arte y economía del Reino Visigodo. (Foto: Wikimedia Commons)|

Esta situación dejó a otros grupos religiosos ante un dilema, que era o la conversión o la expulsión. Sisebuto fue quien más celo puso a tal respecto para lograr la deseada unidad religiosa. A partir de una serie de decretos promulgados al cabo de pocos meses del inicio de su reinado, en el 612, se ordenó la liberación de todos los cristianos en su relación de dependencia respecto a los judíos. Estas medidas incluían la liberación de los esclavos y servidores cristianos en relación a los judíos, la transferencia de éstos a señores cristianos o la obligación de manumitir y quedando así libres. Estas disposiciones eran de obligado cumplimiento bajo la pena de muerte o confiscación de bienes.

Al mismo tiempo, Sisebuto también se propuso impedir el proselitismo religioso judío y estimular su conversión al cristianismo. De hecho, los matrimonios mixtos preexistentes debían adoptar una educación en la fe cristiana para los hijos, en caso de no aceptarlo, el matrimonio se consideraba nulo. Los conversos y judíos también quedaban excluidos de los cargos públicos. También se debía producir una renuncia y abjuración pública de la ley y prácticas judaicas. La mencionada ley tuvo unas consecuencias inmediatas sobre la comunidad judía en el ámbito económico, donde además la existencia de esclavos y colonos en arriendo eran numerosos, además de las prácticas usurarias.

Sisebuto ha quedado para la historia como el gran perseguidor de los judíos, aunque en realidad su propósito era misionero y evangélico, por el celo religioso que ya hemos expuesto, y tampoco fue obra del propio Sisebuto, sino que encontramos los primeros ecos de esta legislación en la última etapa del Imperio Romano. Si hasta el momento la legislación se había aplicado de manera un tanto superficial, con Sisebuto adquiere mayor «radicalidad», aunque tampoco afectasen exclusivamente a la población judía, la cual era numerosa en aquella época. Los propios godos no pudieron casarse con los romanos hasta las reformas legales aplicadas bajo el reinado de Leovigildo.

Respecto a la cuestión de la prohibición de que los judíos poseyeran esclavos cristianos, algo que era muy frecuente, también infringían la ley al circuncidarse, dado que formaba parte del ritual formal de judaización o conversión a la fe judía. El decreto de Sisebuto ofrecía a estos esclavos la opción de obtener la libertad bajo el amparo de la corona, si no eran vendidos a otros amos cristianos. El impacto económico al que aludíamos también afectó notablemente las actividades agropecuarias de la comunidad judía, que perdieron su estatus privilegiado entre los sectores más acomodados de la sociedad. Del mismo modo que la prohibición de desempeñar cargos públicos mermó su preponderancia social.

No obstante, Sisebuto consideraba el asunto en una dimensión puramente religiosa, y el fin último era la integración bajo la unidad del credo católico. La unificación religiosa se convirtió en una prioridad, y su celo religioso no se fundaba en un criterio de fanatismo irracional, sino todo lo contrario. Al monarca godo le importaban, y mucho, las conversiones sinceras, sujetas a un principio reflexivo y racional. De hecho, en ese tiempo había otros segmentos de la población que se movían en el terreno de las creencias paganas, como los propios arrianos, a los que también interesaba encuadrar bajo el mismo principio religioso. En cuanto a los judíos, y la incidencia que se hizo sobre este grupo, se debió a que eran comunidades que representaban un enorme poder en el conjunto del reino, con una notable influencia, especialmente en el sur y el Levante español, regiones que se encontraban en la frontera con los territorios bizantinos peninsulares.

No obstante, y a pesar de que existe una continuidad en la aplicación de estas políticas para contener la influencia de la religión judía en los límites del reino, y vemos como éstas se mantienen hasta el hundimiento final con la conquista árabe del 711, lo cierto es que la práctica de la religión judía se mantuvo a ciertos niveles, como prueba la existencia de tumbas e inscripciones judías registradas a lo largo de esta época. Paradójicamente, en el plano económico y social fueron mucho más efectivas que en el terreno religioso, y de hecho, de haberse aplicado con la radicalidad que se les presume, estas leyes hubieran acabado con la existencia de la población judía en el reino, o bien mediante la conversión o bien mediante la expulsión, pero nada de eso sucedió finalmente.

El reinado de Sisebuto terminó en el 621, tras nueve años de intenso reinado. Se sospecha que murió envenenado por la ingesta excesiva de un medicamento, según el testimonio de otro rey, Suintila. No obstante hay muchos puntos oscuros bajo esta explicación, y la falta de fuentes fiables no nos permite desentrañar los hechos que rodearon su muerte. Le sucedería su hijo Recaredo II, quien también moriría en extrañas circunstancias, nunca desentrañadas, a los pocos meses de su coronación.

Lo fundamental, si tenemos que hacer una idea general de la figura del rey godo, es que representó una etapa peculiar en el desarrollo histórico del Reino toledano, en la medida que mostró una personalidad ilustrada, con notables conocimientos respecto al saber de la época, cultivó la poesía y la literatura, y no por ello descuidó los asuntos de gobierno. Los fundamentos religiosos, tan importantes en lo sucesivo, y a través de los Concilios de Toledo, en la configuración político-religiosa y en la unidad embrionaria de la futura España, fueron una de sus grandes prioridades, y para alcanzar la consolidación del reino no dudo en hacer la guerra, de manera implacable, para ser magnánimo y generoso cuando la situación lo requería. Desde Hipérbola Janus, y quien os escribe, no nos queda sino valorar la figura de este olvidado, y en ocasiones injustamente denostado, rey visigodo.

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Artículo original: Hipérbola Janus, Sisebuto, el rey sabio, guerrero y humanitario (TOR), 30/Dic/2024

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The Logic Behind “I’m Too Late to Bitcoin”

It makes sense why someone who hasn’t researched Bitcoin would assume that they are too late to the game. Bitcoin’s first known transaction took place on May 22nd, 2010, when Laszlo Hanyecz, a programmer, offered 10,000 Bitcoins (approximately $41 at the time) to anyone who could obtain two large Papa John’s pizzas and deliver them to his doorstep. Laszlo established Bitcoin’s first price, less than half a cent. Since then, Bitcoin has faced relentless attacks from nation states, banks, sophisticated hackers, and subject to endless slander from the media… all while growing to a market cap of $1.5 trillion.

From $0.0041 to $65,000 is a 15-million bagger. Due to the law of large numbers, you’re not likely to see another 15,000,000x return without severe hyperinflation; but the question at hand is not whether you’re too late to get insanely rich off a tiny investment in a short period of time. The question is, are you too late to dramatically improve your and your loved ones’ lives with Bitcoin? The answer is unequivocally, NO.

Disclaimer: Bitcoin is a disruptive technology laying the foundation for an entirely new economic system. It should be noted, as Jeff Booth, author of The Price of Tomorrow says, “anything that attempts to value the new system in terms of the old system is fundamentally flawed.” Thinking about Bitcoin in terms of dollars has a number of pitfalls, including that it makes Bitcoin seem volatile. In reality, 1 BTC = 1 BTC. Nonetheless, number-go-up does more marketing for Bitcoin than anything else, which is why it’s useful to this discussion. This is evidenced by the following chart of retail adoption vs. price. As price rises, new buyers enter the market. When price falls, they exit.

Bitcoin has seen multiple 75%+ corrections, including a 35% correction this year. Without strong conviction around Bitcoin’s long-term value, these draw-downs tend to shake Bitcoin holders out and discourage them from returning. However, even during the worst performing four year period in Bitcoin’s history (December 2017-2021), you would still have seen a 23% CAGR. Lowering your time preference is key to weathering Bitcoin’s short-term price volatility. When in doubt, zoom out.

Reason 1: Money is a Technology and Bitcoin is Better Money

Money is an emergent technology that solves the Double Coincidence of Wants Problem. People have used beads, shells, large rocks and cacao beans as money, but there have only been two layer one monies adopted globally: gold and dollars. Gold was a widely accepted form of money for 5,000 years because it outperformed the alternatives in terms of its durability, portability and divisibility. Gold backed the US Dollar until 1971… how the dollar became unpegged from gold is a discussion for another day. The point is, dollars (paper IOUs) were easier to move, divide and trade, which is largely why gold failed. Bitcoin is more durable, portable and divisible than both gold and dollars which is part of makes it the best money ever discovered.

For more on how Bitcoin obsoletes all other monies, here are a few books to read:

1. The Bitcoin Standard by Saifadean Ammous
2. Gradually, Then Suddenly by Parker Lewis
3. Broken Money by Lyn Alden
4. The Hidden Cost of Money by Seb Bunney

Reason 2: Inflation Protection

Beyond the three aforementioned properties, money’s most important function is storing purchasing power through time. When demand for gold increases, gold production increases. When demand for dollars increases (i.e. the government wants to finance a war or manipulate the economy), the bankers and politicians simply create more, diluting the value of the current dollars in circulation. While it is difficult to say exactly how much purchasing power the dollar has lost over a specific time frame, I don’t need to convince you that the prices of food, gas, rent, etc. have increased dramatically in recent years.

Keynesian economists assert that 2% inflation is healthy and the “velocity” of money helps to “grease the economic wheels.” This is a fallacy with profound implications. A 2% annual inflation rate halves the value of money in approximately 36 years. As a result, the average person must become an investor in their free time, using assets like stocks and real estate to protect themselves from debasement. But not everyone has the ability to invest in stocks, or purchase real estate. Currency debasement increases the wealth gap between people who save in hard assets and people who save in cash. Bitcoin is more accessible and scarce than stocks or real estate, making it a superior store of value. The following chart shows the relationship between the monetary base and inflation.

## Reason 3: Increased Purchasing Power Over Time

Historical data indicates that Bitcoin is likely to buy more goods and services in the future than it does today. While this is not an investment pitch, Bitcoin’s dollar price does more marketing than anything else.

Try this exercise- consider the three most valuable assets you own. Your car, house, computer, maybe a private jet? How much did they cost at the time in terms of dollars and in terms of Bitcoin? How much would it cost for you to purchase that same asset today in terms of dollars? What about in terms of Bitcoin?

This chart shows the price of an average home in terms of the two competing monies, highlighting Bitcoin’s increasing purchasing power vs. the dollar’s erosion of value. Over a 4+ year time frame, it’s almost guaranteed that these three assets would cost less Bitcoin today, and more dollars (Anthony Pompliano explains this in relation to the median home). The key insight here is that Bitcoin is already re-pricing all assets. As long as Bitcoin remains decentralized and secure, this trend is likely to continue. The counter argument here is that the same could be said about gold or stocks. Gold already failed as money and you can’t buy anything with stocks. While Bitcoin is not yet a widely accepted medium of exchange, it is already being used to purchase assets such as real estate.

Reason 4: A Growing Network, Lagging Price

Price and market cap are metrics that fail to capture the Bitcoin network‘s overall growth. Bitcoin’s price topped $67k in November 2021 before entering a bear market that bottomed around $16k. As of today (October 2024) the USD/BTC exchange rate is dancing between $60-70k/BTC. Based on this one metric, we could conclude that Bitcoin’s growth has been stagnant for three years. This is an incorrect assessment. While BTC price has not surpassed it’s inflation-adjusted all-time highs in three years, other metrics such as hash rate, difficulty adjustment, active nodes, stock-to-flow, and on-chain analytics tell a different story.

As you can see in the chart above, Bitcoin’s hash rate continues to increase over time. Bitcoin miners are directing more and more energy to the network, making it more robust and secure. Miners have skin in the game, and the fact that hash rate continues to increase is a signal that they expect the network to continue growing. Add to that the number of full Bitcoin nodes, active wallet addresses, increased mining difficulty and supply distribution. These metrics point to Bitcoin’s growth, with price being a lagging indicator.

Reason 5: Supply and Demand: Institutional and Corporate Adoption

Institutions and corporations have opened the floodgates for larger pools of capital to flow into Bitcoin. In 2024, Bitcoin ETFs set record inflows and quickly became top 10 funds in terms of AUM, causing a ruckus on Wall Street. Corporations are adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset, adding it to their balance sheet instead of holding cash, T-Bills or bonds. MicroStrategy (MSTR) pioneered the Bitcoin treasury playbook, and since August 2020 has outperformed every single company in the S&P 500, including Invidia (NVDA).

The predicament MicroStrategy faced in 2020 is not unique. Companies with cash and cash equivalents on their balance sheets are holding a melting fiat ice cube, losing purchasing power every day. Saylor’s strategy is being replicated by other companies such as Square, Semler Scientific, Fold and others. What happens when Apple or Microsoft decides to put 5% of its treasury into Bitcoin?

Sovereign wealth funds and nation states are also starting to adopt Bitcoin. El Salvador adopted bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 and has been purchasing 1 BTC every day since. Bhutan has been quietly mining Bitcoin for years. Wisconsin’s pension fund now holds Bitcoin. US politicians are discussing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. Rewind just a few years and all of this would sound ludicrous. The Overton window has shifted and Bitcoin is no longer just magic internet money for money laundering and illegal transactions.

These groups are driving demand, but what about supply? Since 2021 the amount of Bitcoin issued to the network halved, from 6.5 BTC/block (\~900 BTC/day) to 3.125 BTC/block (450 per day). \~19,570,000 or 93% of Bitcoin have been mined to date, and by 2034, 99% of all Bitcoin ever to exist will be in circulation, or lost. Michael Saylor aptly describes the coming decade as the “Digital Gold Rush.” Bitcoin’s absolute scarcity is something humanity has never experienced before.

Reason 6: Overcoming Unit Bias

Bitcoin’s unit bias causes many people to think they are too late to Bitcoin. From an early age, we are conditioned to think in terms of dollars. At $0.05, $5, $500, or even $5,000, owning a full Bitcoin was feasible on an entry-level salary. But today, only 1 in 3 Americans can afford a $400 emergency expense. Acquiring a full Bitcoin is out of the question, so why even try? What these folks fail to see is that is that mathematically, owning 1 BTC was never going to achievable for the average person. If you divide Bitcoin’s total supply, 21 million, by 8 billion, the current global population, the result is .002625 Bitcoin or 262,500 Satoshis (a Satoshi is 1/100,000,000th of a Bitcoin). However, Bitcoin ownership is not evenly distributed. MicroStrategy currently holds more than 252,000 BTC. Once you account for the 20-30% of coins already lost forever, there’s no way everyone can own 262k sats. At the time of writing, 262k sats is worth \~$170. You read that right. For $170 you can buy more Bitcoin than the average person will ever own. Unlike stocks, Bitcoin does not have CEO who can decide to do a share split to avoid unit bias, which means those who can wrap their head around this are likely to adopt Bitcoin sooner.

Reason 7: Not Just a Store of Value – Bitcoin Use Cases

Bitcoin is versatile. People with differing pain points and needs use Bitcoin in distinct ways. In the West, Bitcoin is typically thought of as a store of value. “Do you invest in Bitcoin?” “At what price will you sell?” In other countries, Bitcoin is useful for different reasons. For example, a Ukrainian refugee was able to escape to Poland with much of his wealth, rather than leave everything he worked for behind. Bitcoin is also being used to get aid to Gaza, and facilitate P2P transactions in Nigeria. Cross-border remittances are another way Bitcoin is giving power back to the people. These use cases are happening all over the world today. Because Bitcoin is a digital bearer asset protected by the strongest cryptographic network ever created, it provides optionality for an uncertain future.

Human Rights Foundation Chief Strategy Officer, Alex Gladstein makes the case that Bitcoin has four primary use cases: savings, commerce, freedom and power. You can listen to his episode on What Bitcoin Did, here. In addition to Alex’s thesis on four primary use cases, Bitcoin researcher Daniel Batten outlines 19 ways bitcoin is already being used. Bitcoin has even more potential because it is not just a store of value.

Conclusion

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BEING “TOO LATE” TO BITCOIN. Is it too late to start eating healthy? Is it too late to start working out? Is it too late to start an internet-based business? Of course not. In the same way, it’s never too late to study and ultimately plug Bitcoin into your life.  As BTC Sessions articulates, “the last person on earth to adopt Bitcoin will benefit from it immensely.” There’s no arguing that the longer you wait, and the higher Bitcoin’s price goes, the harder it will be to acquire a certain amount of Bitcoin, but even if you don’t adopt it personally, Bitcoin is threatening the power of the money printer and creating more transparency and fairness in the economic system.

You get Bitcoin at the price you deserve. I remember when Bitcoin’s price was $23. I didn’t deserve it then. It took the government sending me a $1400 stimulus check in 2020 to buy my first Bitcoin, and it’s changed my life in many ways since. Bitcoin’s eventual USD-denominated price is already known: infinity / 21M. Bitcoin has no ceiling because fiat has no floor.

In conclusion, I hope this article sparked some curiosity to learn more about how Bitcoin solves the age-old problem of currency debasement. Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin so that you could create the life you are meant to live.

Last thing- the arguments in this article still hold up once Bitcoin’s price surpasses $100k, $1M or $10M. The only thing that would make you too late to Bitcoin is if the network itself is no longer secure or decentralized.

Listen to the episode here: https://fountain.fm/episode/T7Yh2vmBOfNAc3RKTU2p

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• 입력 2023.05.23 17:00

법에선 유급휴일, 행정해석에는 소정근로일이 아니면 무급휴일

2018년 3월 근로기준법 개정으로 민간에서도 관공서공휴일을 유급휴일로 보장하도록 되었다. 해당 조항은 2022년이 되어 5인이상 사업장이면 모두 적용되게 되었다. 고용노동부는 2018년 5월에 개정 근로기준법 설명자료를 배포하였는데, 당시에는 개정이유를 이렇게 설명하고 있다.

○ 우리나라 관공서 등은 「관공서의 공휴일에 관한 규정」에 따라 공휴일을 지정하고 있으나 민간기업의 경우에는 단체협약, 취업규칙 등에 따라 공휴일 휴무 여부가 다른 실정

• 이에 단체협약, 취업규칙 등에 공휴일 휴무규정이 없는 영세 중소기업 근로자는 명절 연휴와 같은 공휴일을 유급휴일로 보장받지 못해 휴일에 있어서도 불합리한 차별이 존재

○ 따라서, 공휴일에 근로자가 차별 없이 휴식을 취할 수 있도록 공휴일을 근로기준법상 유급휴일로 보장하려는 것임

_ 2018. 05. 고용노동부 발간, 개정 근로기준법 설명자료, 20쪽.

조금 풀어 적자면, 법 개정 이전에는 ▲관공서를 포함해 사업장 규모가 크고 노동조합이 있어, 단체협약이나 취업규칙에 관공서공휴일을 유급휴일로 규정한 사업장은 관공서공휴일을 유급휴일로 쉬고 있었다. ▲반면 영세 중소기업 근로자는 명절 연휴와 같은 공휴일을 유급휴일로 보장받지 못해 휴일에 있어서도 불합리한 차별이 있었다. ▲그래서 관공서공휴일을 유급휴일로 보장하라고 법에 명시를 했다는 것이다.

그런데 중소기업(?) 시간급제 노동자인, 장애인활동지원사들은 법률이 개정되어도 이 법률의 혜택이 오지 않았다. 바로 고용노동부 임금근로시간과-743 행정해석 때문이다. 임금근로시간과-743은 토요일과 같은 비번일·무급휴일이 관공서공휴일과 겹칠 경우, 노동자에게 별도로 유급휴일수당을 더 지급할 필요가 없다고 답한다.

이런 행정해석이 나오자 장애인활동지원기관들은 관공서공휴일에 근무를 하지 말라거나, 급여제공 일정표에 근무를 계획하지 말라는 지시를 했다. 혹여나 근무를 하더라도 평일에 바우처 결제를 하도록 지시하기도 했다. 그리고 관공서공휴일을 ‘소정근로일이 아닌 날’, ‘무급휴일’로 한다는 근로계약과 취업규칙개정을 강행했다. 결국 장애인활동지원사들은 사업주들의 이런저런 조치로 관공서공휴일이 무급휴일로 설정되었고 관공서공휴일을 유급휴일로 누리지 못하게 되었다.

임금의 감소만 없으면 법개정 취지에 반하지 않는다

한편 임금근로시간과-653은 임금근로시간과-743 행정해석에 제동을 거는 새로운 기준을 제시한다. “근무편성시 관공서 공휴일에 근무할 근로자를 고의로 누락 하거나 이날을 제외하는 방법 등으로 유급휴일을 보장하지 않아 법적용 전보다 해당 근로자의 임금이 감소되는 경우라면 이는 법개정 취지에 반한다고 할 것”이라고 말한다. 이 행정해석은 법개정 취지에 반하는 요건을 나열하고 있는데, 사업주가 고의로 유급휴일을 보장하지 않아, 법적용 이전보다 임금이 감소되는 경우로 한정하고 있다. 하지만 이 해석은 이 해석대로 기이하다. 법률 개정으로 유급휴일이 늘어났으면 일을 하지 않아도 임금이 그대로거나, 같은 일을 하면 임금이 늘어야 하는 것이 상식적 결과다. 그런데 임금근로시간과-653에 따르면, 같은 일을 하고도 임금만 줄지 않는다면, 법개정 취지에 반하지 않아 위법하지 않는 경우가 생긴다.

장애인활동지원사들의 경우 사업주의 고의로 유급휴일을 보장하지 않아도, 다른 날에 근무를 더 몰아서 많이 하게 되어 임금의 감소는 발생하지 않을 수 있다. 월급제 노동자의 경우 관공서공휴일 유급휴일을 누리고 다른 대체근무일을 고민하지 않아도 되지만, 장애인활동지원사들은 다른 근무 가능한 요일을 찾아 근무해야 한다. 하지만 최종적으로 임금의 감소는 발생하지 않으니, 임금근로시간과-653의 해석상으로도 위법은 아니다. 743이나 653이나 활동지원사 노동자는 관공서공휴일유급휴일을 보장받기는 어렵다.

이러한 행정해석의 문제는 비단 장애인활동지원사만의 문제가 아니다. 법적용 이후에 근무를 시작하는 노동자의 경우나, 법적용 이후에 생긴 일자리의 경우에 대한 고려가 없다. 이러한 경우는 법 개정 이전에는 근무 자체를 하지 않았으니 비교 대상이 없다. 비교할 대상이 없으니 감소하는 경우에 해당하지 않는다. 결국 사용자는 2개의 행정해석에 힘입어 “관공서공휴일은 소정근로일에서 제외하고, 무급휴일로 한다”는 문구만 근로계약서에 추가하면 관공서공휴일을 무급휴일로 만들 수 있다. 그러고는 산업 자체의 특성 때문에, 관공서공휴일은 일을 할 필요가 없다고 주장할 수도 있겠다. 사회는 빠르게 바뀌고 새로운 산업도 다양하게 생기고 있다. 사업주 입장에서는 이런 식의 근로계약을 체결하는 데에 강력한 유인을 갖는다. 결과적으로 고용노동부가 시간급제 고용을 권장하는 꼴이다. 그리고 여전히 “영세 중소기업 근로자는 명절 연휴와 같은 공휴일을 유급휴일로 보장받지 못해 휴일에 있어서도 불합리한 차별이 존재”하게 된다. 법률을 개정한 이유에 의문을 가질 수밖에 없다. 행정권이 입법권을 덮어버리는 모양새다.

유급휴일의 양극화

2023년, 석가탄신일에도 대체공휴일이 적용되게 되었다. 2023년 석가탄신일은 토요일이고 대개의 직장의 경우 토요일은 무급휴일이므로, 임금근로시간과-743 행정해석에 따르면 유급휴일을 보장하지 않아도 되는 날이다. 그런데 대체공휴일이 도입되었다. 공무원과 월급제 노동자들은 아마도 월요일 유급휴일이 하루 더 늘어났겠지만, 시간급제 노동자들은 무급휴일만 하루 더 늘어났다. 전 정권에서도 현 정권에서도 공휴일은 늘어만 간다. 대체공휴일이 늘어날 때 대통령들과 국무위원들은 토요일이 소정근로일인지를 따지지 않았을 것이다. 2018년 3월 근로기준법 개정안을 통과시킨 국회의원들도 마찬가지였을 것이다. 하지만 정작 노동자의 권리를 보장해야할 고용노동부가 소정근로일을 빌미로 유급휴일을 없애고 있다.

근로기준법은 노동조건의 최저선을 제시하는 법이다. 그런데 그 최저선이 소정근로시간인가 아닌가 하는 사업주의 자의에 의해 휘둘리는게 옳은가? 꼭 장애인활동지원사가 아니라도 "우리는 관공서공휴일 유급휴일은 해당 없다"고 말하는 시간급제 노동자들을 종종 본다. 관공서공휴일 유급휴일 부여에 별다른 조건을 달아서는 안 된다. 평등한 유급휴일 보장을 위해서는 그 수밖에 없다. 고용노동부는 하루빨리 해당 행정해석을 폐기해야만 한다.

@ 6cc4225f:942b7222

(Cover image photo credit: The Crypto Times)

“Our world of widows needs to be saved / it’s now or never — victim or victory, rebel or regret / who you are and who you claim to be / no more heroes.” -Converge, “No Heroes”

Usually, bad takes from big figures in the Bitcoin space roll off my back. I often don’t feel a need to counter them because 1.) Everyone is entitled to their opinion and 2.) I don’t enjoy spending my time arguing with people on the Internet.

But when a take is really bad — downright evil — I feel compelled to respond.

And respond I did to a bad take this week (link in just a second, first some context).

Lately in the media, MicroStrategy Chair Michael Saylor has been laying out his vision for a digital asset framework.

This framework includes conceptualizing Bitcoin as a commodity — nothing more than capital — and stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) as “digital currencies” (his words).

As if someone who considers themselves a “triple bitcoin maxi” (maybe one of the lamest terms ever) denying that bitcoin is a currency weren’t nauseating enough, his “evil genius plan” (his words) to get the world hooked on USD stablecoins as money while the US hoards bitcoin should have you upchuck everything in your guts if you truly believe in Bitcoin’s value proposition.

Below (a few lines down) is the piece I wrote countering Saylor’s perspective.

If there are two things I hope you take away from it, the first is to KILL YOUR IDOLS (not literally, of course) and the second is that WE ARE BITCOIN, and if we believe in the technology — all dimensions of it — we have to defend it.

Enjoy.

Michael Saylor Doesn't Understand Bitcoin

## Support The Open Dialogue Foundation

Speaking of defending Bitcoin, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the work that the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) is doing to defend our legal right to use non-custodial bitcoin wallets.

Please read the following piece I wrote this week to learn more.

Protect Your Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet — Support The Open Dialogue Foundation

And please make a tax-deductible contribution (before the year’s end) to the organization here.

Bitcoin’s Second Book-Length Academic Text — The Satoshi Papers — Coming Soon

This week, I published my interview with Natalie Smolenski, a PhD-holding theoretical anthropologist who often makes very valuable thought contributions to the Bitcoin space.

The Satoshi Papers Explores The Role Of The State In A Post-Bitcoin World: An Interview With Natalie Smolenski

What I loved most about this interview (and I loved a lot about it) is Smolenski’s lack of reverence.

Two of my favorite quotes from the interview:

“There was kind of a triumph of a certain very statist approach to socialism and even communism in the American academy, in the Anglophone academy, that has persisted to this day, where there's, like I was saying earlier, a suspicion of anything smacking of individualism as bourgeois conceit or reinscribing social hierarchies, racial hierarchies, gender hierarchies, blah, blah, blah.”

The “blah, blah, blah” hit hard. It reminded me of how I used to tune out when speaking with a good portion of my co-workers during the years I taught at the college level.

The other one:

“What do you hope people will take away from The Satoshi Papers?

*> If there's only one idea that people take away from it, it's that your emancipation does not require the state. You do not need to wait for the government.

*> My God, take control of your life. You can, it is within your power to do so, and here are some examples of ways that people throughout human history have chosen to do so."

The “My God” was so properly placed. Chef’s kiss.

Check out to entire piece to absorb more of Smolenski’s wisdom.

Thank you all for reading, and here’s to a great week ahead!

Best,

Frank

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 장애인 인권은 외치지만 차별주의자입니다
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10379
• 입력 2023.04.26 10:30

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사람들에게는 각자 정의가 미치는 범위, 즉 정의의 범위가 있다. 누구나 정의를 추구하는 것 같지만, 실제로 사람들이 생각하는 정의가 미치는 영역은 한계선이 있다. 어떤 경계를 중심으로 정의의 영역 안에 있는 사람들은 존중받아 마땅하고 공정한 분배가 이루어져야 한다고 생각한다. 하지만 그 영역 밖에 있는 사람들은 적으로 생각되거나 비인간화되고 잔인하게 대해도 된다고 느낀다. 이들은 정의가 관장하는 도덕적 세계 밖에 존재한다.

– 김지혜, 선량한 차별주의자(창비, 2019), 147.

오래된 중재 요청의 기억

전국장애인차별철폐연대(전장연)에는 전국단위 장애인자립생활센터들의 협의체 한국장애인자립생활센터협의회(한자협)가 소속되어 있고, 한자협 소속 장애인자립생활센터 다수가 활동지원사업을 수탁하고 있다. 우리노조는 중앙단위인 전장연, 한자협과 공동사업을 한 기억을 살리며, 노사 갈등에 있어 중재자 역할을 해줄 것을 요청하기도 했다.

2017년 11월 2일, 우리노조와 당시 돌봄지부[^1]는 전장연과 한자협에 공문을 발송했다. 대구지역 전장연 소속단위 활동지원기관 여러 곳이 활동지원사들에게 부당한 임금꺾기를 하여 이에대한 중재를 요청하는 공문이었다. 당시 대구의 활동지원기관들은 노동자가 1시간을 일하면 10분씩을 휴게시간으로 부여했다고 주장하며 노동자들의 근무시간을 축소 산정하고 임금을 삭감했다. 당시 지역언론을 통해 공개된 급여명세서에 따르면, 센터가 복지부에 청구한 결제시간은 138시간이지만 노동자가 받은 임금은 115시간에 해당하는 임금이었다.[^2] 자립생활센터는 정부에게는 138시간 서비스가 제공되었다고 보고하여 138시간에 해당하는 수가를 받고도 노동자들에게는 115시간에 해당하는 임금만을 지급했다. 휴게시간 명목으로 임금을 제했지만, 노동자들에게 실질적인 휴게시간도 보장되지 않았다.[^3] 부당한 처사다. 그런데 당시 대구장애인차별철폐연대(대구장차연)의 정책국장은 기사 말미에서 이렇게 말한다.

“활동보조 서비스가 도입될 때부터 시장화된 서비스로 만들어지면서 이미 예견된 상황이었다. 새 정부가 사회서비스 관련해서 핵심적인 방향을 잡아주면 좋겠다”며 “활동보조인 공공성이 확보될 수 있는 인프라를 만들고, 예산을 확대해 공공서비스 노동자들의 처우 문제 해결에 나서야 한다”

노조의 공문에 대한 전장연과 한자협의 태도는 어땠을까? 아무런 대답도 하지 않았다. 공공운수노조와 해당 사업장 노동자들의 투쟁으로 해당 사안은 국회 및 정부에 전달되었으며 문제가 외화되고 나서야 결국 사업장들은 휴게시간 임금꺾기를 철회하였다.

3월 23일, 한자협의 기자회견

지난 이야기를 언급하는 이유는, 3월 23일에 있었던 한자협 주최 기자회견 때문이다. 한자협은 3월 23일 서울동부지방법원 앞에서 “「시급제 활동지원사 처우」는 보건복지부에 「관공서 공휴일 수당 지급」은 고용노동부에 책임을 물어라!”라는 제목으로 기자회견을 열었다. 3월 23일은 A장애인자립생활센터 관련 민사재판의 첫 공판일이었다. 우리노조는 A센터를 상대로 취업규칙 무효확인과 미지급한 수당을 청구하는 소송을 제기하였는데[^4] 첫 공판이 3월 23일에 있었다.

공판 전인 당일 오전에 누군가를 규탄하기 위해 한자협은 기자회견을 열었다. 기자회견 제목에는 “책임을 물”으라고 되어 있지만, 누구더러 물으라는 것인지 구체적 명시가 없다. 기자회견 보도자료[^5]와 발언[^6]을 잘 살피면, 해당 기자회견이 규탄 대상으로 삼고 있는 사람들은 실질적으로 나를 포함한 원고인 노동자들과 노동조합임을 알 수 있다. A센터에 법적 다툼을 걸지 말고, 노동부나 보건복지부로 가라는 규탄이다.

특별히 2017년의 사건이 떠오른 이유는, 발언 논지의 유사성도 유사성이지만 한자협은 회원사업장의 부정에 대해 방관한 역사가 있으면서도 노조가 대화하지 않고 있다고 노조를 규탄했기 때문이다. “함께 고민하고 연대”하는 것은 얼마나 좋은 말인가? 하지만 이 말도 사실을 왜곡하고 누군가를 억압할 때 쓰일 수 있다는 것을 그날의 기자회견은 보여준다. 2017년의 묵살 이후 우리는 개별 사업장의 분쟁에 대해 개별 사업장 단위로 대응하고 있다. 어쩌면 우리의 중재요청이 한자협을 곤란한 입장에 처하게 하는 것은 아닐까 하는 판단 때문이다. 개별 사업장 단위에서 노조가 대화의 노력을 않는 것도 아니다. 노조는 A센터에 노사협의회를 통해 의견을 제기하고 재직노동자 80명의 연서명을 받아 의견을 제출하였다. A센터 소장으로부터 돌아온 대답은 법대로 하라는 응답과 묵살이었다.

이제 내용을 보자. 이날의 기자회견에서도 2017년 대구장차연 정책국장이 한 발언과 비슷한 논지의 발언이 반복되었다. 정부가 설계한 활동지원제도는 갈등의 소지를 품고 있으며, 이에 대한 책임은 기관에는 없고 정부에만 있다는 식이다. 시장화정책에 대한 문제인식을 표하며 겉으로는 공공성을 추구하는 듯하지만, 실상은 민간위탁기관으로서의 자신들의 책임을 면피하고, 예산지급의 경로 문제를 언급하지 않음으로써 전달체계의 문제를 은폐한다. 결국 자신들에게 예산을 더 내려달라는 요구다.

보도자료를 보자 ▲정부가 노사갈등과 분쟁이 발생하도록 오랫동안 방치해 왔으며 ▲정부는 부처 간 핑퐁으로 구체적인 매뉴얼 또는 취업규칙을 만들어 배포한 적이 없다 ▲활동지원기관은 공익성 사업 활동지원사업을 하고 있고 수익사업을 하지 않으며 ▲노사협의체를 성실히 운영하는데도 악질적인 사업체로 몰아가서 유감이다 ▲A센터 취업규칙 개정은 적법하다는 내용이다. 보도자료의 최상단 박스칸에는 ‘표준 취업규칙 제공’, ‘급여지급 기준 마련’, ‘활동지원급여단가 책정’을 요구하고 있다.

이 모든 사태가 정부의 무한책임이라면, 활동지원기관 무책임의 한계는 어디까지일까.

나도 정부의 무책임에 대해서는 할 말이 많다. 하지만 그렇다고 활동지원기관의 모든 행위에 책임이 없는 것은 아니다. A센터 대리를 맡은 장애인차별금지추진연대(장추련) 자문변호사의 비유[^7]를 이어 말해보자면, 부모가 없는 사이에 아이들이 싸우면, 부모가 돌아와서 그 싸움이 왜 일어났는지에 대한 시시비비를 가리고 아이들을 훈계해야 한다. 그런데 나이가 많은 형이 동생에게 상해를 입히고도 그 책임은 부모가 방기한 탓이라고 말하면 그 말이 설득력이 있을까. 자신을 훈육하는 부모에게 그런 말을 한다면, 혹은 맞은 동생에게 그렇게 말한다면 그걸 그대로 받아들일 수 있을까.

활동지원기관들이 정부를 탓하는 자기정당화 발언은 오래되었다. 노동자의 노동권을 주장하는 모든 시도에 활동지원기관들은 정부를 탓했다. 2017년의 사례에서 노동자의 노동시간을 꺾고 중간에서 이득을 취하는 행위를 정부가 시킨 것은 아니다. 기관이 자신들의 운영이 어려운 사정에 대해 노동자들에게 고통을 전가한 행위일 뿐이다. 한자협 기관이 아닌 활동지원기관들의 사례도 나열해보자. 재정적 여유가 있음에도 활동지원사에게 임금채권포기각서를 강요한 사업장에서도, 정당한 임금을 요구한 노동자들을 해고한 사업장에서도, 성추행 피해 노동자에 대한 보호를 요구했던 사업장에서도, 결국은 정부의 책임이라고 말하며 노동자의 권리를 외면했다. 그러면서 그들은 말한다. “이 문제는 함께 해결해가야 할 문제”라고. 하지만 그 속에 자신들의 책임은 없다. 기자회견 사회를 본 한자협 국장의 말대로 아무런 책임이 없는 “하청 업체”일 뿐이라면, 활동지원기관의 존재의의는 어디에 있는가. 활동지원사 노동자의 권리는 어디까지 포기해야 하는가.

A센터는 법 적용시기인 2021년부터 2022년까지 관공서공휴일유급휴일수당을 전혀 지급하지 않았다. 법 적용시기 이전부터 수당을 지급해야 하는 것 아니냐 의견을 주었음에도 지급하지 않았다. 센터 운영이 어렵다는 이유였다. 이 부분은 법률 및 행정해석에 대한 입장 차가 있더라도 명백한 불법이다. 한자협에서 주장하는 해석을 적용한다고 하더라도, 전혀 지급하지 않았기에 임금체불이 있는 것이다. 그러고는 지급을 회피하기 위해 2021년 12월에 취업규칙을 개정했다. 이 모든 행동을 정당화하기 위해 A센터가 하는 말은 다른 여러 활동지원기관이 말하듯이 정부가 예산을 충분히 주지 않아 센터 운영이 어려워 어쩔 수 없다는 말이다.

하지만 A센터 홈페이지에 공개된 총회 자료를 살펴보면 재정 상황이 나쁘지 않았다. 2022년 총회자료에서 회계감사는 “활동보조인 중개사업의 수익금액 증가에 기인”하여 1억4천의 이익이 발생했다고 말하고, 2023년 총회 자료에서는 A센터가 이사와 인테리어에 3억5천을 지출한 내용이 나온다. 정부가 예산을 충분히 지급하지 않아 지불 능력이 없다는 핑계는 사업장마다의 개별 회계를 투명하게 공개하여서 확인하면 될 일이다. 법정수당을 지급받지 못함으로써 직접적인 피해를 보고 있는 노동자와 논의를 통해 합의하면 될 일이다. 하지만 A센터 소장은 가장 최근의 노사협의회에서까지, 센터 재정 상황 설명 및 자료를 요청하는 노동자위원에게 공개된 자료만을 ‘알아서’ 보라며 자료를 제공하지도 않았고, 당연히 구체적 상황에 대한 논의를 진행할 수조차 없었다. 이런 소장의 태도가 한자협이 말하는 “노사협의체를 성실히 운영하고 있는 기관”의 태도일까.

이 정도 됐으면 A센터 소장은 자신 사업장 소속 노동자들이 왜 이렇게 화를 내고 있는지 자신의 행동을 돌아보아야 할 것은 아닐까. 그런데 A센터 소장은 끝까지 비겁하다. 한자협을 내세워 기자회견을 하고, 원고를 호명하면서도 자신은 끝까지 익명의 존재로 남아있다. 관심과 지지를 부탁한다는 보도자료의 문구가 무색하게, 어느 사업장인지는 알 수가 없다.

장애인차별금지추진연대의 혐오정치, 차별 발언

3월 23일 기자회견은 여기서 한발 더 나아간다. 장추련 김성연 사무국장과 장추련 자문변호사 김정환 변호사는 활동지원사 노동자들과 노조에 대한 낙인찍기를 시도한다.

이 소송을 제기한 활동지원노조는 현재 다수 발생하고 있는 활동지원사로부터의 인권침해 사건에 대해서는 매우 무심하고 이것과 관련해서 전혀 자정능력을 가지고 고민하고 있지 않으면서 정작 근로조건에 대한 문제만을 계속 이야기해서 …장애인을 이용해서 자신의 이익을 챙기고 있는 많은 활동지원사들의 문제로 계속 상담이 계속되고 있습니다. …저희가 오늘, 이 소송과 관련해서 분명하게 입장을 밝히는 가장 큰 이유중에 하나는 이 문제를 마치 노측과 사측의 문제로 가져가면서 장애인당사자인권에 대해서 얼마나 고민하고 있는지는 전혀 밝히고 있지 않습니다. …

– 장애인차별금지추진연대 김성연 사무국장 발언

근로조건의 개선을 요구하는 그 과정에서 활동지원사분들이 현재 있는 장애인과 관련된 많은 문제에 있어서 장애인과 관련된 어떤 인권침해의 문제라든지 어떤 노조 내부의 자정능력을 가지고 있는지 그러한 부분에 대해서 활동지원 노조의 입장에서 먼저 선제적으로 앞서서 장애인을 위해서 그런 부분을 고려해 주시길 바랍니다.

– 법무법인 도담 김정환 변호사 발언

이 발언들은 마치 소송의 원고들이 장애인 인권침해를 자행하면서 노동조건 개선만을 요구하는 사람처럼 묘사하고 있다. 노동조합은 인권침해를 자행하는 활동지원사들로 구성되어 있으며 이에 대한 자정능력이 없는 집단으로 묘사되고 있다.

무엇보다 문제인 것은 이들의 발언에서 드러나는 인식이 반인권적이라는 사실이다. 장애인에 대한 철저한 인권의식이 ‘노동인권’을 보장받기 위한 조건처럼 말해진다. 장추련에게 묻고 싶다. 자신들만큼 드높은 장애인 인권의식을 갖지 못하면 노동인권 따위는 보장되지 않아도 된다는 입장인걸까. 활동지원사업이 확대되고 있는 만큼이나 현장에서는 별의별 일들이 다 일어난다. 하지만 아무리 현장에서 여러 문제가 일어난다고 해도 개별 행위자를 일반화 범주화하여 낙인찍는 일은 인권에 반한다. 장애인에 대한 사회적 낙인과 차별에 반대한다는 사람들이, 왜 노동조합과 노동자에게는 극우 보수정치인들이나 행할 혐오정치를 하고 있는 걸까.

특별히 강조하고 싶은 부분은 “장애인을 이용해서 자신의 이익을 챙기고 있는 많은 활동지원사들”이라는 표현이다. 활동지원사는 노동자이고 노동자는 사전 그대로 자신의 노동력을 제공하고 그 대가로 받은 임금으로 살아가는 사람을 말한다. 따지고 보면 모든 사회복지 노동자들은 수급자를 이용해 생계를 이어가는 사람들이다. 장애인을 이용하는 활동지원사와 이용하지 않는 활동지원사는 구분되지 않는다. 얼마나 강한 노동강도로 서비스를 제공하면 장애인을 이용하지 않는 것이 되는 걸까. 그것을 판단할 객관적 기준이 있기나 한 건가. 사실은 활동지원사가 하는 일 없이 돈 번다고 생각하고 있는 것은 아닌가.

활동지원사들은 현장에서 서비스를 제공할 때 주변의 이상한 노동혐오적 시선 때문에 이중구속에 빠진 자신의 처지를 한탄하기도 한다. 장애인이용자에게 사무적으로 대하면 돌봄이 소홀하다 비난받고, 장애인이용자에게 성심성의껏 서비스하면 장애인이용자를 이용하기 위해 ‘홀린다’는 소리를 듣는다. 혹자는 ‘빨대를 꽂는다’며 비하한다. 도대체 어쩌라는 말일까? 우리는 모두 누군가의 노동환경이다. 주변인들의 노동혐오적 시선은 활동지원사들이 활동지원 현장 이탈을 결심하게 하는 주효한 이유 중 하나다. 장추련은 활동지원사 없는 세상을 원하는가.

노동조건과 인권의식은 무관할까

그날 장추련 사무국장은 인권침해 행위에 대한 고민 없이 노동조건만을 말한다고 노조를 질타했다. 그런데 노동조건과 인권의식은 무관한가. 활동지원사에게 인권의식이 요구된다는 것은 모두들 동의한다. 그리고 그 인권의식 고취를 위해 활동지원제도는 보수교육을 시행한다. A센터는 보수교육 참여에 대한 임금마저 제대로 지급하지 않는 사업장이었다. A센터는 갈등이 불거지자 2022년 하반기에 뒤늦게 활동지원사들에게 5,760원을 입금하였다. 2021년 보수교육에 대한 임금 보전분이다. 2021년 최저임금은 8,720원이었지만, A센터는 보수교육 참가자시간에 대한 임금을 시간당 8,000원으로 책정하여 지급하였다. 미지급한 720원의 8시간분 임금이 5,760원인 것이다. 이 지급도 관할 지자체의 시정지시를 받고서야 이루어졌다. 그보다 이전의 일은 언급하지 않겠다.

이런 상황에서 노동조건을 주장하는 것은 인권의식 고취를 위해서도 필요한 일이다. 그런데 활동지원사의 처우개선에는 동의한다면서도, 노동조건과 인권의식을 대립시키는 이 같은 발언을 어찌 이해해야 하나. 저들의 사유에서는 이미 노동자들의 인권의식과 노동조건이 함께 가는 것이 아니다. 인권감수성은 그냥 생기는 것이 아니다. 인권감수성 이전에 인권교육이 있어야만 한다. 하지만 우리사회는 사람을 길러내는 과제에 대해 무관심하고, 사람을 싸고 쉽게 쓰고 버리려는 풍토가 만연해 있다. 그리고 A센터도 그 혐의로부터 자유롭지 않다.

싸우는 노동자 설요한을 상상하며

나는 그날의 기자회견 이후 설요한을 다시금 떠올리며 생각하게 된다. 언론에 보도된 대로 장애인자립생활센터에서 동료상담가로 일하던 뇌병변장애인 설요한은 실적압박에 못 이겨 스스로 목숨을 끊었다. 자립생활센터가 실적을 못채우면 정부로부터 지원받은 금액을 환수당해야 했기 때문이다. 한자협은 이런 식의 제도를 만든 고용노동부가 설요한을 죽였다고 주장하며 제도의 개선을 이뤄냈다. 하지만 나는 요즘 그런 상상을 해본다. 설요한이 살아와 나에게 노동상담을 한다면 그 상황에서 나는 어떤 이야기를 해줄 수 있을까.

나는 먼저 장애인인권운동 동료상담가들이 그러하는 것처럼, 장애를 당신 개인의 탓으로 돌리지 않을 것이다. 당신에게 비장애인만큼의 생산성을 요구하려면 장애의 사회적 모델에 근거해서 그만큼의 지원이 더 있어야만 한다고 말해줄 것이다. 그리고 한 발짝 더 나아가 노동자 일반에게 해줄 수 있는 조언을 해줄 것이다. 사업장이 정부와 맺은 계약은 도급계약으로 보이고, 당신이 자립생활센터와 맺은 계약은 근로계약이라고. 사업장은 계약을 수행하지 못하면 대가를 받지 못하는 것이 맞지만, 근로계약은 어떤 업무의 완성이 임금의 조건이 아니라, 그저 근로를 제공하기만 하면 임금채권이 발생하는 것이라고. 그리고 당신의 임금은 당신의 실적과 무관한 당신의 생존권이고, 그 임금을 빼앗는 것은 불법 부당한 행위라고 말해줄 것이다. 그리고 어쩌면 기 지급된 월급의 환수를 요구하는 장애인자립생활센터에 맞서는 법정 투쟁을 지원할지도 모른다. 나는 설요한을 옥죈 논리가 활동지원사 노동자들을 억압하고 있다고 느낀다. 설요한이 죽은 그 자리가 사업주들로 구성된 한자협의 자리보다, 나의 자리에 가깝다고 느낀다.

인권을 주장하는 것을 자신의 삶으로 여기는 활동가도 충분히 반인권적인 차별주의자일 수 있다. 나는 저들의 정의로움을 의심하지 않는다. 다만, 저들이 주장하는 ‘인간’의 범주에는 진보적 장애인 인권운동의 자장 아래에 있는 사업장에서 일하는 노동자들이 포함되어 있지 않다. 이 노동자에는 비장애인뿐만 아니라 장애인 또한 포함되어 있어서, 그 예외성이 자신의 정체성을 좀먹을 정도다. 진보적 장애인 인권운동이라 해서 노동인권의 성역은 아니다. 나는 이들의 논리가 하루빨리 논파될 수 있도록, 장애인에 대한 최저임금 적용 제외가 하루빨리 철폐되길 바라며, 장애인일자리도 확대되길 바란다.

[^1]: 당시 민주노총 공공운수노조 의료연대본부 돌봄지부. [^2]: 뉴스민, 장애인의 삶과 동행하는 우리가 당당했으면, https://www.newsmin.co.kr/news/21569/, 2017-06-21. [^3]: 앞 기사 내용 중 장애인이용자 정경애 씨의 발언을 주목하라. “중개기관이 근무시간에서 휴게시간을 빼는데, 만약 휴게시간을 제가 주지 않는다면 이 뜻은 제가 활동보조인의 노동을 착취했다는 것으로밖에 볼 수 없는 거잖아요”. 이러한 갈등은 현재에도 이어지고 있다. 지역의 일부 활동지원기관들은 활동지원사에게 휴게시간을 ‘준수’하라고 강요하고 있는데, 현장에서는 정작 실질적인 휴게시간 권리를 보장받지 못해 고통스러워하는 노동자들이 많다. 근로기준법상 휴게시간은 사용자의 지배-개입으로부터 벗어나 자유롭게 사용할 수 있는 시간을 실질적인 휴게시간으로 보고 있는데, 실질적인 휴게시간이 아니면 노동시간으로 여겨지고 이에 대한 임금을 지급하지 않으면 임금체불이 된다. 그런데도 노동자들에게 휴게시간을 ‘준수’하라며 사용자들이 들볶고 있다. ‘권리’가 ‘준수’라는 명목으로 강요되는 것은 이상한 상황이다. 이 준수를 강요하는 주체가 누구고 대상이 누구인지를 주목해서 보아야 한다. 노동자에게 휴게시간을 부여해야 할 의무가 사업주에게 있고, 이를 부여하기 위해서 대체인력을 투입하거나 서비스를 제공할 수 없는 사정은 사업주의 사정이다. 그런데 이런 사정에 대해서 장애인이용자에게 양해를 구하는 것이 아니라, 노동자에게 강요하고 있다. 활동지원현장에서의 권력 위계를 엿볼 수 있는 하나의 예이다. [^4]: 전국활동지원사노동조합 보도자료, [기자회견] 취업규칙 무효 확인 소송, https://cafe.daum.net/paspower/4Pq3/400, 배포 일자 2022-08-10. [^5]: 한국장애인자립생활센터협의회 보도자료, 「시급제 활동지원사 처우」는 보건복지부에 「관공서 공휴일 수당 지급」은 고용노동부에 책임을 물어라!, 배포 일자 2023-03-22. [^6]: 그날의 발언은 장추련 유튜브 채널에서 다시 볼 수 있다. 장애인차별금지추진연대, 「시급제 활동지원사 처우」는 보건복지부에~「관공서 공휴일 수당 지급」은 고용노동부에 책임을 물어라! 한국장애인자립생활센터협의회 기자회견, https://www.youtube.com/live/qJC3W_5Oeg4, 2023-03-23. 기자회견 보도자료와 발언내용은 https://dqj.notion.site/dqj/2023-03-23-744ef95b8c4a4857b0ebdeb556019d97 참고. [^7]: 법무법인 도담 김정환 변호사는 그날의 연대발언에서 “마치 부모가 아이들을 방임해 놓았는데, 아이들끼리 싸우고 있는 것을 아이들 책임으로만 돌리는 그런 상황이 연출되고 있습니다.”라고 말했다.

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

The paparazzi are we

One of the things that bothers me about social media, in general, is that it gives celebrities an air of approachability, that they don't actually offer.

Theoretically, a celebrity could respond to any one of the dozens or even hundreds of people asking them questions or lodging complaints or singing their praises, but they usually only respond very selectively and leave everyone else just sitting there, as a living monument to the ReplyGuy.

And, as a wise man once said, ReplyGuy is a hoe.

Death of a ReplyGuy

This is usually because of time and energy restrictions, but also due to distaste, disdain, or indifference. Regardless of motivation, it is simply the nature of things, when a larger number of people are clamboring for the attention of some particular person.

Ooh, ooh! Can I have the next question?! Would you please address my bug? May I have a microsecond of your time?

Social media (and I include GitHub in this category) ups this game considerably, and potentially turns it all into a dangerous psychological torture, by making us all preoccupied with people who don't interact with us. The most irrational of groupies because we are forever making almost-contact with our stars.

If we can see them talking to one person, we're supposed to feel like they've spoken with all of us. But they haven't. They spoke with someone else, and we were allowed to watch. No different than on television, except that we might be disappointed and eager to return the next day, to renew our futile attempt.

The same intoxicating feeling that playing the lottery elicits. Everyone is a potential winner, but there is only one jackpot. Come back next week. Buy another ticket. This next time, is your time. Promise.

The view from the peanut gallery

It is all an illusion that there is no hierarchy, where there clearly is one. Celebrities of the past had, at least, the decency to remain slightly aloof. But they all want to be one of the Common Folk, now, just as every multi-millionaire aspires to see himself as fundamentally working-class.

All of celebrity social media is a stage, and most of us are merely spectators or commentators, to what is playing on it. This is why, if someone treats me like someone sitting in the peanut gallery, my instinct is to treat them like an actor.

Because, in reality, that is what they are.

@ f4d89779:2b522db9

In the game of Ultimate Frisbee, there is a beloved phrase that captures one of the best aspects of playing. Ultimate is about decision making. It is played on a rectangular field with seven players on each side. Much like football, the object of the game is to score with a throw into the end zone.

To "HUCK", means to launch the disc down field in the hopes of scoring. You can probably guess what the "OR YOU'RE NOTHING" means but the spirit of it is that when the opportunity comes ...

PUT THE DISC IN THE AIR

https://i.nostr.build/XyTpXdNOSpv5f8ZZ.jpg

Sorry, I had to channel my inner ODELL there for a second. These are all caps kind of moments. Time feels like it stops, the disc floats in the air, the receiver and defender are sprinting all out, you can hear the collective breath of anticipation from the audience and then you score. If you're good that is.

You know what? You and I are civilized people, we use the NOSTR, so I won't limit myself to just words. Here are some of those moments:

https://v.nostr.build/zav5o04BK97FiNAt.mp4

During the course of play, teams get into a formation with a couple of the players doing the majority of the disc throwing. These players are called handlers. They handle the disc, they have the responsibility of moving the disc downfield, and handle most of the decision making.

A good handler develops a sort of instinct for each of their receivers, can guess the capabilities of each defender, and knows himself well enough to know if he has the throw. They know who is good and reliable at short cuts. They know who has the top end speed to throw a long floating pass into the end zone. With each play they are judging all of the moving objects on the field and deciding on real time risk of each throw and where things will lead.

Mistakes lead to turnovers and turnovers, like in many other sports, are death.

Hopefully, you start to see how ultimate relates to life and Bitcoin. Life is a field and you have defenders and you have receivers. It is your disc and the decisions you make have a huge impact on whether you win or lose.

Knowingly or not, you saw Bitcoin as a potential receiver and Governments, academics, shitcoiners, as defenders. In some ways those around you were also defenders. They whispered, or maybe still whisper the risk and probability of failure in your ear. Their fear weighed against what you know.

With the btc/usd exchange rate at $94k, and companies fighting over the best ways to get sats I think we can say that you did not get lucky. They called you crazy, they said that throw won't work, they said your receiver sucked but you knew better.

You saw that receiver leaving every defender in the dust and you HUCKED it and you are certainly not NOTHING.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10338
• 장애인활동지원사 성폭력 피해와 대책
• 입력 2023.03.16 18:07

활동지원사 성폭력 피해가 드러나기 어려운 이유

활동지원서비스를 받는 장애인이용자는 남성이 60.51% 여성이 39.49%로[^1] 남성이 더 많다. 활동지원서비스를 제공하는 활동지원사의 경우 여성이 87.85%로 대다수를 차지한다.[^2] 그래서 남성 장애인이 여성 비장애인에게 서비스받는 일이 많다.

우리 사회는 아직 장애인을 성적 주체로 인정하지 않는다. 나아가 장애인은 무성애자일 것이 강요된다. 장애인 당사자들도 이런 사정이 괴롭다고 호소하기도 한다. 성적 주체로 인정되지 않다 보니, 소극적 차원에서의 (성적)사생활조차 보장받지 못한다. 노인 비장애 남성에게는 "숟가락 들 힘만 있어도…."라는 우스갯소리가 있지만, 장애인에게 설사 숟가락 들 힘이 있다고 할지라도 그런 종류의 조롱마저 허락되지 않는다.

한편, 성적 주체성에 대한 불인정은 성적 주체로서 행할 폭력의 가능성에 대한 불인정이기도 하다. 장애인활동지원사 성폭력 피해에 대책을 요구하는 자리에서 복지부 담당 공무원이 "아니 장애인이 어떻게 성폭력을 해요?"라고 물었다는 사실은 우리끼리는 반복해서 곱씹는 술자리 안줏거리다. 이런식의 인식이 만연하다 보니, 성폭력 피해 활동지원사들은 자신의 피해사실을 말하기가 두렵다.

장애인을 무성애자로 간주하는 사회일반의 잘못된 인식이 꼭 작동하지 않더라도, 장애는 중요한 요소로 고려될 수밖에 없다. 활동지원사 당사자가 장애인이 성폭력을 저지른 것 아니냐는 질문, 고충토로, 상담요청을 하면 당장 나부터도 장애특성으로 인한 것인지 아닌지를 먼저 따지게 된다. 피해자 중심주의나, 당사자의 불쾌감보다 장애인의 장애 특성으로 인한 불가피성이 우선 검토된다. 피해자 입장에서는 주관적 불쾌감이 있어도, 성폭력을 정당화하는 여러 요소 중에 '장애'가 하나 더 생기는 것이다.

성폭력 문제를 다루는 데에는 전문성이 필요하고, 장애인 관련 사안을 다루는 데에도 전문성이 필요하다. 양자를 두루 함께 고민하기는 쉬운 일이 아니다. 한 조합원은 우리 노동조합에 오기 전, 다수의 여성단체에 자신의 피해에 대한 상담을 받았는데, 상담자가 장애에 대한 이해가 낮아 곤란했던 경험을 말하기도 했다. 한 단체에서는 부정수급이나 장애인 인권 의식 수준에 대한 지적을 받았다고 했다. 이 말을 듣는 순간 이것도 2차 가해의 일종이 아닌가 하는 의문이 들었다. 피해자에게 순결성과 피해자다움을 강요하는 것도 2차 가해의 범주에 해당하니 말이다.

여성 활동지원사는 87.85%고 40대 이상 여성 활동지원사는 84.13%, 50대 이상 여성 활동지원사는 68.20%이다. 성비 불균형 문제뿐만 아니라, 노동자들이 고령이기도 하다. 활동지원사 중에는 기혼자들도 많다. 성폭력 피해 고통을 호소하는 활동지원사 중에는 남편이 이성에게 서비스 들어가는 사실 자체를 모르고 있다며, 그러한 사실이 알려져서는 안 된다며 사건을 묻어버리기도 했다. 지원하는 자, 신고받는 자, 주변의 사람, 누구 하나 쉽게 믿을 수 없는 상황에서 성폭력 피해를 당한 활동지원사들은 그냥 입을 다무는 것을 선택하는 경우들이 많다. 서비스를 계속 들어갈 수는 없고, 수입이 끊긴 채 방치되고 현장을 떠나는 경우가 일반적인 수순이다.

활동지원사 성폭력 피해 산재승인 소식

그런 와중에 성폭력 피해를 당한 활동지원사가 산재승인을 받았다는 기적같은 소식이 들려온다. 우리노조는 피해자를 사건발생 몇 달이 지나서야 알게 되었다. 당시 피해자는 경찰에 신고했고 조사까지 받았다고 했다. 어떻게 그런 용기를 냈냐는 질문에, 피해자는 이렇게 말했다.

"센터에 가장 먼저 전화했는데요. 기다리라고 하고는 1시간이 지나도록 별 소식이 없더라고요. 센터에서 꼼짝 말고 기다리라고 해서, 그 집 다른 곳에서 기다리고 있었거든요. 그런데 너무 무서워 더는 견딜 수가 없어 경찰에 전화했어요. 열쇠로 문 열고 들어올 것만 같았어요."

어쩌면 전담인력이 조금만 빨리 왔더라도 경찰신고는 없었을지도 모른다. 그렇다면 당연히 판결도 없었을 것이고, 산재승인이라는 결과도 없었을지 모른다. 근로복지공단은 판결이 나오고 나서야 피해사실에 대한 인과관계를 인정하며 산재승인 결정을 내렸다. 피해자도 2차가해는 두렵다. 주변에서 말이 돌까봐 공무원에게조차 자신의 집을 선뜻 밝히지 못했다. 그러한 두려움을 감수하고 경찰에 도움을 요청할 수밖에 없을만큼 피해자는 기관의 방치에 내몰렸다.

피해자더러 범죄장소에 머물라는 이상한 지시. 결국 사건발생 2시간이나 지나서야 등장한 전담관리인력은 왜 경찰에 신고했냐 다그치며 피해자에게 가해자와의 3자 면담을 요구했다. 결제를 못해서 수익이 줄게 생겼다는 걱정섞인 말을 건내는 것은 덤이다.

피해자는 사건 이후 정신과 치료를 장기간 받았지만, 사업주는 고용노동부에 산업재해 발생을 보고하지도 않았고, 피해자에게 산재 신청 절차도 알리지 않았다. 피해자는 일거리가 끊겨 수입이 없는 상태로 어렵게 병원을 다녔다.

노조를 알게 된 피해자가 긴 시간이 흘러서야 산재를 신청했다. 사업주는 노조와 면담을 하고서야 사건을 관할 지자체에 보고했다. 피해자는 노조의 지원을 받아 유급휴가를 부여하지 않은 점에 대해 노동청에 진정을 넣었다. 그러자 사업주는 계약종료를 통보했다.

가해자의 유죄판결과 피해자의 산재승인은 기뻐할 일이지만, 사건 과정에서 보인 활동지원기관의 태도는 '비영리 단체' 혹은 '사회적 기업'[^3]이라고 생각하기에는 끔찍한 수준이었다. 낮은 성 인지 감수성은 물론이거니와 최대한 노동자에게 지출되는 비용을 줄이기 위해 안간힘을 쓰는 자본가의 태도와 별반 다르지 않았다.

노조가 정부에 요구하는 대책

우리노조는 장애인이용자의 성폭력 가해 사건에 대한 대책을 정부에 요구해왔다. 요구한 내용은 △사건 전담인력이 숙지해야 할 매뉴얼 마련 △피해자 유급병가ㆍ상담치료 예산 책정 △지자체에 신고ㆍ상담센터 설치 △사건접수 시 보고의무 강화 △가해(이용)자 교육을 정부가 담당 △가해자에게 동성 활동지원사 파견 등이다.

해당 사건에서도 볼 수 있듯이 전담인력의 대응이 전문적이지 않다. 전담인력이 전문성을 가질 수 있도록 매뉴얼을 만들고 보급할 필요가 있다.

또 피해자들이 아무런 지원을 받지 못한 채 현장을 떠나는 경우가 많다. 분리 조치만 취해진 채, 수입이 없어 불안한 시간을 보내게 된다. 피해자를 지원하기 위해서 유급병가와 상담치료 예산을 정부가 책정해야 한다.

활동지원사들은 가해자가 기관을 옮겨 다니면서 서비스 받고 또 다른 가해를 저지르는 경우들이 있다고 말한다. 정부에 보고의무를 강화해 정부가 사례를 수집하고 접수된 가해이용자에 대해서 정부가 직접 교육을 시행해야 한다.

충격적인 것은 활동지원기관이 가해자로 지목된 장애인이용자에게 또다시 이성 활동지원사를 파견한다는 점이다. 해당사건에서 가해자는 실형을 선고받기 직전까지 이성으로부터 서비스를 받았다. 노조가 개입한 다른 사건에서 한 활동지원기관의 장은 또다시 이성을 매칭시킨 것을 항의하는 노조에게 '이성에게 서비스를 받는것도 장애인의 선택권' 이라고 항변했다. 장애인의 선택권은 무한한가. 가해자에게는 동성활동지원사를 파견하도록 강제해야 한다.

피해자가 호소해도 변함없는 정부

사건 피해자는 작년 "나와 같은 피해자가 없기를 바란다"며 복지부를 직접 방문해 대책 마련을 요구했다. 하지만 2023년 새로운 지침이 발간되었지만 아무런 변화가 없었다. 어떻게 정부가 이렇게 무책임할 수 있을까? 우리는 그 원인을 민간위탁과 바우처 제도를 꼽는다. 민간에 사업을 위탁하고 모든 책임을 전가한 채, 정부는 방치할 뿐이다.

우리는 다시 공공성 확보를 요구할 수 밖에 없다. 노동자가 성폭력을 당해도 방치되는 일터는 공공성이 결여된 사회서비스 전달체계의 필연적 결과다. 정부가 직접 서비스를 제공하면 이런 상태로 남아있을수가 없다. 성폭력은 권력과 위계의 문제다. 노동이 존중받는 사회에서 직장내 성폭력은 줄어들 수밖에 없다. 노동자가 천시받는 상태로 내버려두는 정부가, 성폭력이 만연한 사회서비스를 만든다. 정부가 책임지고 직접 서비스 제공하라.

[^1]: 우리노조가 2020년에 기초지자체를 대상으로 정보공개청구를 하여 취합한 바로는 정보부존재 외에 장애인이용자의 성별에 대한 정보가 있는 경우는 남성 47,591명(60.51%), 여성 31,060(39.49%)명이었다. [^2]: 2021년 5월 사회보장정보원 전산자료 기준. 자료출처 보건복지부 장애인서비스과. [^3]: 장애인활동지원사업기관으로 지정받기 위해서는 '공공ㆍ비영리 법인 및 단체'이거나, 특별한 경우에 한해 '사회적기업'일 경우에 지정받을 수 있다.

@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

Boundaries are the backbone of any healthy interaction, and escorting is no exception. They establish trust and ensure mutual respect between me and my clients. However, when those lines are crossed, it creates tension and challenges that can’t be ignored. Learning how to handle these moments with grace and firmness has been an essential part of my journey.

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Subtle Crossings

Not every boundary breach is glaring—many are small, subtle, and easy to overlook at first.
- Personal Questions: Occasionally, clients will probe into my personal life, asking about my family, relationships, or what I do outside of work. While some curiosity is natural, it can quickly feel intrusive.
- Assumptions: Sometimes clients assume familiarity too soon, overstepping the professional relationship we’ve established.

These moments may seem minor, but they have a cumulative effect, often leaving me feeling uneasy.

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Blatant Violations

There are times when clients push well beyond acceptable limits.
- Pressuring for More: A rare but significant issue is when clients attempt to renegotiate boundaries during a session, asking for services I haven’t agreed to provide.
- Disrespectful Behaviour: This includes inappropriate comments, disregard for agreed terms, or even dismissing the professionalism of what I do.

These situations require immediate action to protect myself and maintain control over the encounter.

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A Personal Story

One particular experience stands out: a client who persistently asked about my personal life, even after I’d redirected the conversation multiple times. When subtle hints didn’t work, I had to firmly state that my boundaries weren’t up for negotiation. It was uncomfortable, but necessary to preserve the professional dynamic.

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Managing the Aftermath

Even after a boundary has been re-established, the emotional impact can linger.
- Self-Doubt: Did I handle it correctly? Could I have prevented it? These questions often replay in my mind.
- Emotional Drain: Confrontations can leave me feeling depleted, no matter how justified my response was.

Reflecting on these incidents with compassion for myself is key to moving forward.

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The Importance of Clear Communication

Preventing boundary issues starts long before meeting a client.
- Pre-Booking Discussions: I ensure expectations are clear from the outset, outlining what I offer and what I don’t.
- Setting the Tone: Establishing a professional but warm rapport helps clients understand the boundaries without feeling alienated.

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Support Systems Matter

Facing these challenges alone isn’t sustainable, which is why I rely on a network of support.
- Colleague Advice: Fellow escorts have invaluable insights into managing difficult clients.
- Personal Outlets: Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, having a safe space to unpack these experiences is crucial.

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Conclusion

When clients cross the line, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a reminder of why boundaries are so critical. Navigating these moments takes strength, clear communication, and unwavering self-respect. It’s a constant learning process, but one that reinforces the value of standing firm in who I am and what I deserve.

Rebecca x

@ edeb837b:ac664163

What is Social Trading?

Social trading is a revolutionary approach to financial markets, leveraging the power of community and technology to democratize trading and investing. Unlike traditional trading, where individuals make isolated decisions based on personal research and analysis, social trading allows users to observe, interact, and replicate the trading activities of others. This communal approach not only opens up financial markets to novices but also creates a collaborative environment where traders of all levels can learn and grow together.

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At its core, social trading is about transparency and connectivity. It transforms the solitary act of trading into a collective endeavor, where information, strategies, and experiences are shared openly within a community. This is facilitated through platforms that provide real-time access to the trading activities of others, enabling users to follow successful traders, copy their trades, and gain insights into market trends.

Key Elements of Social Trading:

1. Trade Sharing: Traders share their trades with the community in real-time, providing insights into their strategies and market movements.
2. Copy Trading: Less experienced traders can automatically replicate the trades of successful investors, benefiting from their expertise without needing deep market knowledge.
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The Rise of NVSTly: The Best Platform for Social Trading

What Sets NVSTly Apart?

Among the plethora of social trading platforms, NVSTly stands out as a premier choice for several reasons. It combines a user-friendly interface with robust features, making it an ideal platform for both novice and experienced traders. Here’s why NVSTly is the best platform for social trading:

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NVSTly offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance the social trading experience:

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• Trade Insight UI: Every trade has a dedicated UI showing all events (open, average, trim, exit) along with real-time asset data and a unique POV chart marking key trading points.
• Global Trades Feed: A real-time feed showing all trades submitted by users. It includes filters to show trades from specific traders, top trades, or specific tickers.
• Global Leaderboards: Rankings of top traders for each market or combined markets, allowing users to follow and learn from the best.
• Real-Time Notifications: Follow any trader and receive notifications of their trades in real-time.
• Brokerage Integration: Automated tracking and sharing of trades executed within the broker, with cryptocurrency exchange integration coming soon.
• Automated Signals and Sharing: Trades can be shared instantaneously to social media and Discord.
• Future Goals: NVSTly aims to implement 1-click copy trading, simplifying the process even further.
• Trader Dashboards: In-depth performance stats for each trader, including trade history, win rate, total gain, average gain/loss/return, highest winning trade, and more.

Why NVSTly is Ideal for Social Traders

NVSTly's blend of comprehensive features, accessibility, and unique integrations makes it the ultimate platform for social trading. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn from seasoned traders or an experienced investor seeking to share your insights and grow your following, NVSTly provides the tools and community to achieve your goals.

The platform’s commitment to being free and its integration with popular communication tools like Discord highlight its user-centric approach. By fostering a supportive and interactive environment, NVSTly not only enhances trading success but also builds a vibrant community of traders who can thrive together.

In conclusion, NVSTly redefines social trading by combining cutting-edge technology with a robust community framework. Its extensive features and unique integrations position it as the leading platform for anyone looking to engage in social trading. Sign up today and experience the future of trading with NVSTly.

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NVSTly is available for free on web, mobile devices (iOS & Google Play), and is fully integrated with Discord via a unique bot- the only of it's kind and available to any server or trading community on Discord. Or feel free to join a community of over 45,000 investors & traders on our Discod server.

@ bc6ccd13:f53098e4

I’ve been thinking about the topic of this article for a while, but what really motivated me to sit down and write was a comment Matt Odell made on the Citadel Dispatch podcast recently. He said,

To me, that’s the cool part about Bitcoin, is that it’s this interoperable, permissionless, global network. And it’s almost like a shared equity, right? If you own Bitcoin the asset, it’s like we all share equity in this almost like a startup equity. And anything we do, and a lot of times it’s out of greed too. It’s not out of benevolence. You don’t have to be like a charitable person. But you know, if Strike benefits from something or Unchained Capital benefits from something, then Manchankura in Africa benefits from it as well at the same time, which is like a crazy concept. I feel like people just don’t really appreciate that.

When you start going down the “what is money?” rabbit hole, debt quickly comes into focus. You try to understand what it is, how it works, and why the world has so much of it and seemingly more by the second. Eventually you’ll discover that the “money” we use today is mostly just debt, created by banks when they make loans, and treated the same as the cash in your wallet. Until too many people try to withdraw their “money” from the bank, and the bank doesn’t have nearly enough cash to meet the withdrawals and collapses into insolvency. Which it always was, only no one realized who was swimming naked until the tide went out.

Equity is a related financial concept that doesn’t typically come up when studying money. The definition of the word as it’s used financially is something like “a risk interest or ownership right in property.” In simple terms, equity refers to ownership of something. For example, if you have a house that’s worth $500,000 and you have no mortgage or loans against the house, you have equity in the house of 100% of its value, or $500,000. If you have a mortgage of $250,000, you currently have 50% equity in the house, or you “own” half the value of the house.

It’s also often used to refer to shares issued by publicly traded companies. The shares represent a partial ownership of, or equity in, the company. If a company has issued 1,000 shares of stock and you own 10 shares, you have a 1% ownership of that company. That ownership give you certain privileges, such as dividends paid out from profits the company makes and potentially ownership of an increasingly valuable company, if it continues to be successful.

Money: Debt or Equity?

The current fractionally reserved fiat banking system primarily uses debt as money. There’s a small amount of base money, which consists of physical cash and a digital equivalent of cash called bank reserves, which are held in a ledger in banks’ accounts at the Federal Reserve and are used to settle transactions between banks. But this base money only makes up a small percentage of the total money supply. The bulk of the “money” consists of bank deposits, which are essentially IOUs created by banks when they issue loans under the fractional reserve system. When a bank makes a loan, they don’t actually give the borrower base money, for example a stack of physical cash, in most cases. Instead what they give is an liability entry in the bank’s balance sheet ledger that says “the bank owes the borrower this amount of dollars.” At the same time, on the asset side of the balance sheet they create another entry that says “the borrower owes the bank this amount of dollars” with details on how and when the loan must be repaid.

Then through the magic of banking, the borrower can transfer the numbers representing the amount the bank owes them to someone else, and now the bank owes that other person a certain number of dollars. And so on down the line. This can continue indefinitely, with people exchanging bank IOUs with each other in perpetuity, and no actual base money dollars needing to be exchanged. With help from a deliberate effort by banks to conceal the real nature of their activities, these credit/debt ledger entries function as, and for all practical purposes become, money. The only thing that can upset the apple cart is too many people trying to effectively exit the banking system at once, by trying to withdraw the money in their account. At that point reality sets in. The fact that the numbers in their account didn’t actually represent base money but rather just debt that the bank owes the depositor becomes obvious when the bank run reveals that the bank doesn’t have enough actual base money to settle its debt.

This system has a lot of serious problems, besides the fact that it’s fundamentally based on a lie. For one, all the bank deposits are created by making loans, which means they’re all debt, which means they all have to be paid back with interest. That’s a problem for two reasons. One, paying back the debt destroys money, which artificially disrupts the economy by distorting prices as the amount of money in the economy rises and falls arbitrarily depending on new loan issuance versus debt repayment. Two, when the loan is made, only the amount of the principle is created in bank deposits. The interest isn’t. That means new loans have to be made to pay the interest on the existing loans. That basically guarantees that the amount of debt in the economy will continue to rise indefinitely, because the only way it could go down is for the banking system as it currently exists to collapse, or to be “bailed out” with massive injections of newly created base money to offset loans that can’t be paid back. That, coincidentally, is what Quantitative Easing is; an injection of newly created base money to provide liquidity to pay back debt without having to issue new debt to do it.

Now let’s think for a minute about equity and how it might compare and contrast with the current system in relation to money.

To begin with, I understand money as a ledger of deferred consumption. If you haven’t heard that concept before, it would probably be helpful to familiarize yourself with my thought process laid out here.

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Deferred consumption is what makes capital formation and civilization possible. People work to create things that they don’t immediately consume, and those new tools and processes make it easier to create more things in the future with less effort, which raises the productivity of the economy (getting more output for less input) and makes society as a whole wealthier. Those new tools and processes can then be used to more efficiently create other tools and processes, which increases productivity even further, and the whole thing compounds on itself in an exponential curve of increasing productivity and increasing wealth. But it all starts with and relies on someone somewhere putting in effort now, to create something they won’t benefit from until later.

Planting a seed is a perfect example. When you have a bushel of wheat, you have two choices. You can consume it now. That’s immediately satisfying and keeps you fed for say a month. Or you can plant it. That’s hard work, and you also have to defer consumption of the wheat. You can’t eat it now, you have to satisfy your hunger some other way. It also takes work throughout the year to cultivate and care for the wheat crop, time you could have spent doing something more fun, if you had just consumed the wheat directly instead of planting it. The flip side is, at harvest time, you might harvest 50 bushels of wheat from the 1 bushel you didn’t eat 6 months ago. That 50 bushels could now feed you for 4 years, and you can sell 30 bushels, keep 12 for your own use over the next year, and plant 8 for harvest next year. Then in a year you might harvest 400 bushels, etc. You can see how a little bit of deferred consumption today can lead to a lot of reward in the future. There’s even a term for being short-sighted and sacrificing future rewards for present gratification, “eating the seed corn,” which comes directly from this farming wisdom.

The same principle applies to business equity. When you start a business, you invest in some way into building something that isn’t immediately rewarding, but that you expect will yield more production in the future than your initial investment. You might invest your own time and effort, resources that you’ve gathered, money, or any number of other forms of value. The same applies to a public company that issues equity as shares of stock. Anyone can invest in the company by purchasing shares, which gives them a partial ownership of the company and its future growth and production. All those forms of investment, to acquire equity, are different forms of deferred consumption. You have to give up something you could have now, for something you hope to have in the future. You could spend the time now curled up in bed binge-watching Netflix. You could spend your effort strolling down the boardwalk eating an ice cream cone. You could spend your money on that pricey designer bag that all your girlfriends will be jealous of. All those things would be immediately gratifying. But they all have a long-term cost.

What happens when you defer consumption instead, and acquire equity? If things go the way you hoped and planned, and the company you founded or invested in is successful, it will eventually produce more than the initial consumption that you deferred. Your equity will become more valuable with time. Why? Because like we pointed out, deferred consumption and capital formation increases efficiency, which leads to compounding returns in productivity and value.

If the company is extremely successful and you defer your consumption long enough, those returns can be very large. For example, if you had invested $1,000 in Amazon in 2007, that equity today, 17 years later, would have returned over $80,000. The first iPhone was released in 2007 for $500. So you could have bought two iPhones instead of making that initial investment in Amazon. But if you deferred that consumption instead, even though the price of the iPhone has doubled by 2024, you could still buy eighty new iPhones with the equity from that initial investment instead of two, or a 40x return in “iPhone inflation adjusted” terms.

Now let’s make a mental leap and compare equity in a business with money. We’ve defined money as a ledger of deferred consumption. You could define business equity as a ledger of consumption deferred to establish ownership of a business instead. You have the stock, the equity in the company, to represent that you invested your time, effort, resources or money into building a business rather than consuming it on something for your immediate gratification. These definitions seem very similar, almost synonymous. We could also consider the economy as a whole to be very similar to a business. As consumption is deferred, more capital is created in the economy, it becomes more efficient and productive, more outputs are created with fewer inputs, and the economy as a whole grows in value.

Business equity represents ownership in a company, both in the current value of that company, and in its future productivity and value. Why? Because the future productivity and value wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the deferred consumption of the initial investment. If Jeff Bezos hadn’t started Amazon, and investors hadn’t provided the money by buying shares to enable the company to grow the way it did, all the productivity and value of Amazon today wouldn’t exist. That’s why it’s fair for the person who only invested $1,000 in 2007 to gain a return of 40x that investment today.

So if business equity represents ownership of a company earned by deferred consumption, what does the deferred consumption of money itself grant ownership of? Well, money can be exchanged for any good or service available on the market, throughout the entire economy. In my opinion, money should represent ownership of the future productivity and value of the economy as a whole. Money should be equity in civilization itself. The future productivity and value of the economy depends on the deferred consumption of today, just like the future productivity and value of a company depends on the deferred consumption of its initial founders and investors.

Slices of Pie

There’s an issue that needs to be addressed here, one that the savvy investor will have noticed already. Equity in a growing and successful company becomes more valuable over time. Yet even though the economy as a whole is becoming more productive and more valuable, money as we know it today becomes less valuable over time. The $1,000 Amazon equity went from being worth two iPhones, to being worth eighty iPhones. Over the same time period, the $1,000 itself went from being worth two iPhones to being worth one iPhone. What gives?

To understand, we have to look at the differences between how equity is created and how money is created.

The most simple example is a company that’s owned by a single individual. They hold 100% of the equity. You could call that one share. Think of the company like a pie, but the pie hasn’t been cut, so there’s only one “slice.” Over time, if the company is successful, the company “pie” grows larger. But as it grows, it doesn’t get cut into more slices, the one “slice” just gets bigger and bigger. So the one “share” of equity the owner holds is still one share, it’s just a bigger and more valuable share.

Public companies generally function similarly. They start out “going public” by issuing shares. Each share is like a small slice of the company “pie.” Say the company issues 1,000 shares, each share represents a slice of pie 1/1,000th the size of the whole company pie. If the company grows, it won’t commonly issue more shares, although that can happen in certain situations. Instead, the shares will continue to represent 1/1,000th of the company, it will just be 1/1,000 of a bigger and bigger “pie” as time goes on. If the company doubles in productivity and value, each share will be twice as valuable, while still only being one share.

That doesn’t have to be the case. The company can, and sometimes does, issue more shares of stock. The reason this isn’t commonly done, though, is that it’s usually bad for the holders of the stock. If the company issues another 1,000 shares, there are now 2,000 pieces of ownership of the company. The company is no bigger, it’s just divided into more pieces. It’s like cutting each slice of pie in half. You don’t have more pie, you just have more pieces of pie. And as someone who already had a piece of pie, your piece suddenly got cut in half. Of course you probably won’t be too happy about that situation. In effect, the value of the deferred consumption of your initial investment is being taken away from you and given to someone who didn’t defer consumption and therefore didn’t contribute to the success the company has already experienced.

Contrast that to how money is created. If you compare the chart of money supply below with the chart of GDP, you'll see they both go up over time.

GDP is an (admittedly flawed) measure of the goods and services produced by an economy each year. It's similar to a company's revenue. As a company or economy grows and becomes more productive and valuable, the revenue or GDP rises. The thing about the economy though, is that money, the “shares” of an economy representing the deferred consumption that enables it to grow, is constantly being created by banks making new loans. So as the economy grows, the number of “slices” of the economy grows even faster. When the number of “slices” of an economy grow faster than the economy itself, the “size” or value of each slice falls over time. This is what we call inflation. It takes more “slices” of the economy to buy something than it did in the past, even though the economy is more efficient at producing that good or service than it was in the past.

You can imagine how it might look if a company managed its equity the way the banks manage our money. Each year, as the company grew, the board of directors would issue enough new shares of stock to make sure the value of each share fell that year. They could take the approach the US banking system takes and “target 2% inflation,” in other words try to make the share value fall 2% every year. So if the productivity and value of the company increased by 10%, the board would issue 12% more shares to dilute the existing shareholders by the full amount of the increased value of the company, plus an additional 2%. This would help ensure the share price fell 2% every year. The new shares would be distributed to existing shareholders arbitrarily by decision of the board, with a big chunk going to the board members themselves. This would be highly profitable for the board, leaving them with a larger slice of company equity every year, while being very damaging to all the other shareholders.

In fact, one might wonder why an investor would ever hold equity in a company, when the company's stated policy was to reduce the value of that equity by 2% every year. The answer is, nobody would. It would be idiotic.

Then one might wonder why anyone would hold money, “shares” of an economy, when the stated policy of the banks managing the issuance of that money is to reduce the value of each dollar by 2% every year. The answer to that is just as simple: they have to.

Nobody has to buy stock issued by a particular company in order to survive day to day. But it’s impossible to survive day to day in the modern US economy without using the money issued by the US banking system. You get paid in dollars for your work, and get charged in dollars for every item you buy. You need at least a certain amount of dollars just to live day to day. Of course those who understand the financial system make every effort to hold as few dollars as possible, and to invest the excess as soon as possible into some asset that will hold its value over time. Of course that doesn’t actually get rid of the dollar, just transfers it to someone else. Then the new holder of the dollar has to quickly exchange it with someone else for a better asset, and so on in an endless repeating loop. No matter how many people invest in assets, the full quantity of dollars in existence is always held by someone, and those people are continually being diluted by the issuance of new dollars by banks creating bank deposits when they make loans.

Implications

If what I’m proposing is correct, there would be massive implications in changing the way money works in the economy from the current credit/debt issuance controlled by banks, to a system that functions more like equity issued by a responsible and profitable company. Getting into the details of those implications in various specific areas will take many more articles, but I just want to mention a few to get your mind running, then circle all the way back to where we started.

Imagine if the money every person earned went up in value as the economy grew. It would be like owning equity in the broadest possible index of businesses, better even than owning an S&P 500 ETF or mutual fund. And it would take no effort. There would be no need to open a brokerage account, decide what companies or funds to invest in, and pay commissions and fees to the brokerage for the privilege. There would be no need for a 401k. All that would be needed is to work at the job you’re best at, consume less than you produce, and save the difference. The economic growth created by increased productivity would automatically accrue equally across the population to those who were best at being productive and deferring consumption. Working hard, being frugal, and saving for the future would automatically be rewarded. All the incentives would be realigned to benefit those who contribute most to capital formation and future economic prosperity.

It would be much easier for those with low income to get ahead financially. Any amount they manage to save, no matter how small, would increase in value over time. Contrast that with the current system where a small amount of savings continually becomes worth less over time, encouraging people to consume more than they need in the moment since their small savings will shrink to insignificance quickly.

You can easily think of lots of other changes that would happen as a result of using money that functions more like equity than our current system does.

But to tie all this back to the quote at the beginning, I think what Matt is seeing and feeling is the beginnings of a more equity-like monetary system. I think the properties of Bitcoin, specifically its predictable and limited supply issuance, make it behave like equity in a well-managed, productive company. That “company” just happens to be the global and permissionless group of every person who chooses to save and transact in Bitcoin instead of the current credit/debt money. And the fact that even self-serving actions toward productive goals end up benefitting every member of the network is exactly what we’d expect in a truly capitalist economic system. Whenever someone works to grow the “pie” in order to make their slice bigger, the fact that the pie is growing means everyone else’s slice is growing as well. And that’s a beautiful thing.

I’m excited to see how this theory plays out over time, because from my point of view, the potential of moving to a more equity-like monetary system is both massive and extremely optimistic.

@ bec0c9d3:c4e9cd29

GENESIS PARTY - by 2140 Collective and Angor.io

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