> When I talk to cryptocurrency advocates, they typically argue about private benefits but I want to hear more about the public benefits I find it easier to im

> When I talk to cryptocurrency advocates, they typically argue about private benefits but I want to hear more about the public benefits I find it easier to imagine cryptocurrency providing public goods in areas of hyperinflation or other massive macroeconomic malfeasance. The article is right that governments have lots of tools to suppress it--raiding exchanges, sting operations--but it is unlike bullion in the sense that you can't hide your entire bullion stash with encryption. The outcome of that cat and mouse game is highly contingent on local conditions.