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That conclusion doesn't necessarily follow. A significant portion of the economy functions with limited government intervention, as the government sucks at mana

That conclusion doesn't necessarily follow. A significant portion of the economy functions with limited government intervention, as the government sucks at managing the economy. However, money is an exception in this regard, and many cryptocurrency advocates argue that it could be better managed outside of government control. This does not imply that a justice system is unnecessary; rather, it emphasizes diverse roles of government. In other words, one can agree with certain roles for government (e.g. justice system) while not agreeing with others (e.g. managing money). I don't see the irony or the contradiction.

Eisenstein 4y ago
I think the contradiction is that if you don't allow the government access to the financial system then there is little it can do for you to get your money back or investigate financial crimes.
- olalonde 4y ago
  The government has access to Bitcoin... Everyone has. You need to be more precise in what you mean there.
LapsangGuzzler 4y ago
> A significant portion of the economy functions with limited government intervention, as the government sucks at managing the economy. This just isn't true, government participation can be found throughout the entire US economy. Import and export controls, labor force participation and visas, a massive small business loan portfolio, R&D investments in things like clean technology (e.g. Tesla was initially funded by a government clean energy grant), on and on and on. The assertion that the government just lets the economy run itself is laughable. > In other words, one can agree with certain roles for government (e.g. justice system) while not agreeing with others (e.g. managing money). I don't see the irony or the contradiction. It's not a question of what the ideal role of government should be, the question hinges on the government's legitimacy and ability to do things like collect taxes (which is an important function of a government). Lots of participants in crypto believe that taxation is theft and that government is an inherently wasteful entity, all while continuing to enjoy the largely invisible benefits that government policy and enforcement provides them. This is the contradiction. EDIT: The government is the only reason that FAANG and other tech companies aren't bringing in foreign software developers who will work for $15/hr en masse. You know that if they could, they 100% would.
- olalonde 4y ago
  There's a difference between a little intervention here and there, and government having a literal monopoly over something (e.g. money creation). > Lots of participants in crypto believe that taxation is theft and that government is an inherently wasteful entity, all while continuing to enjoy the largely invisible benefits that government policy and enforcement provides them. This is the contradiction. What you've described are anarchists. They are a small minority and certainly do not advocate for more government involvement. Most Bitcoin advocates simply think that Bitcoin is much needed competition to government money (fiat) while still believing in a government-run justice system. > EDIT: The government is the only reason that FAANG and other tech companies aren't bringing in foreign software developers who will work for $15/hr en masse. You know that if they could, they 100% would. If you really believe that, I can see why Bitcoin would make you nervous.

Eisenstein 4y ago

I think the contradiction is that if you don't allow the government access to the financial system then there is little it can do for you to get your money back or investigate financial crimes.

olalonde 4y ago
The government has access to Bitcoin... Everyone has. You need to be more precise in what you mean there.

LapsangGuzzler 4y ago

> A significant portion of the economy functions with limited government intervention, as the government sucks at managing the economy. This just isn't true, government participation can be found throughout the entire US economy. Import and export controls, labor force participation and visas, a massive small business loan portfolio, R&D investments in things like clean technology (e.g. Tesla was initially funded by a government clean energy grant), on and on and on. The assertion that the government just lets the economy run itself is laughable. > In other words, one can agree with certain roles for government (e.g. justice system) while not agreeing with others (e.g. managing money). I don't see the irony or the contradiction. It's not a question of what the ideal role of government should be, the question hinges on the government's legitimacy and ability to do things like collect taxes (which is an important function of a government). Lots of participants in crypto believe that taxation is theft and that government is an inherently wasteful entity, all while continuing to enjoy the largely invisible benefits that government policy and enforcement provides them. This is the contradiction. EDIT: The government is the only reason that FAANG and other tech companies aren't bringing in foreign software developers who will work for $15/hr en masse. You know that if they could, they 100% would.

olalonde 4y ago
There's a difference between a little intervention here and there, and government having a literal monopoly over something (e.g. money creation). > Lots of participants in crypto believe that taxation is theft and that government is an inherently wasteful entity, all while continuing to enjoy the largely invisible benefits that government policy and enforcement provides them. This is the contradiction. What you've described are anarchists. They are a small minority and certainly do not advocate for more government involvement. Most Bitcoin advocates simply think that Bitcoin is much needed competition to government money (fiat) while still believing in a government-run justice system. > EDIT: The government is the only reason that FAANG and other tech companies aren't bringing in foreign software developers who will work for $15/hr en masse. You know that if they could, they 100% would. If you really believe that, I can see why Bitcoin would make you nervous.