@ 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.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

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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)

@ 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.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

It was a so-so year for me. I won one Beat Chris Liss league, didn’t cash in the other two or the Primetime. I got bounced in the first round of the Steak League playoffs and finished as a self buyer. I didn’t make the Dynasty League playoffs (even though I had the fourth most points and would have won the league based on my scores in the playoffs), and I didn’t do anything in Survivor or Circa Millions. It certainly could have been better.

Had I known in August what I know now, here’s what I would have done:

1.12 Saquon Barkley — This is chalk here, but I love older running backs this year, and Saquon should go off on the Eagles. No, I’m not worried that Jalen Hurts might score 14 rushing TDs in 15 games.

2.1 Jahmyr Gibbs — Also chalk, but I want to build a RB-heavy foundation with all these zero-RB midwits. You love your Tyreek Hill-Jaylen Waddle build? Sidebet?

3.1 Derrick Henry — Whew, glad he fell to me. I love starting out with three straight RBs, so nutless monkeys can criticize my poor draft structure!

4.12 Josh Allen — I like to get a stud QB early, you guys can wait on Kirk Cousins and Caleb Williams if you want.

5.1 Lamar Jackson — I know it’s early to double up, but I don’t want anyone snagging this value from me. Always punish the room even if it costs you! Sidebets anyone?

6.12 Brian Thomas — Receiver is definitely a position you can piece together if you know what you’re doing, and with Thomas I have an every week starter no matter how bad the quarterback play in Jacksonville.

7.1 Courtland Sutton — I want to buy into the Sean Payton Denver passing game. Russell Wilson, not Payton, was the problem, and Bo Nix is a stud.

8.12 Jordan Addison — I expect Sam Darnold to unlock Addison this year.

9.1 Brock Bowers — He’s no Kyle Pitts (who you took in Round 6), that’s for sure.

10.12 Rashid Shaheed — He’s liable to get hurt, but I need some early-season WR production from someone, and he’s better than Chris Olave.

11.1 Bucky Irving — I’m too thin at RB, needed some depth.

12.12 Jalen McMillan — In case I need some WR depth for the stretch run.

13.1 Adam Thielen — If a white receiver is still in the league at 34, he must be doing something right!

14.12 Cowboys Kicker — Always be the first to take the obvious stud kicker.

15.1 Broncos Defense — beasts.

16.12 Vikings Defense — beasts.

17.1 Steelers Kicker — Always draft a second stud kicker to back up your first one.

18.12 Zach Ertz — Need some TE depth, and Ertz could be useful in my Week 17 title game.

19.1 Jonnu Smith — You can never have too much TE depth. Controversial take: Smith will outproduce Waddle and Hill this year.

20.12 Sam Darnold — Who knows? He could be useful in the playoffs.

This obviously isn’t the ideal team, but it would win every league and generate plenty of action in side bets too.

And here’s some September 3-5 ADP to show this build was possible:

@ 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.

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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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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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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 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.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 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.

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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

@ d830ee7b:4e61cd62

จุดเริ่มต้นของสงครามบล็อกไซส์

ลองนึกภาพร้านอาหารเล็ก ๆ ที่มีแค่สิบโต๊ะ แต่ลูกค้ากลับล้นหลามจนพนักงานวิ่งวุ่นตลอดวัน เราอาจเห็นภาพชัดว่าปัญหาต้องตามมาแน่ ๆ ถ้าจำนวนโต๊ะไม่พอกับลูกค้าที่ต่อแถวกันยาวเหยียด

บางคนหัวเสียจนยอมจ่ายเงินเพิ่มเพื่อรีบได้โต๊ะนั่ง ในขณะที่อีกหลายคนก็ยืนรอจนหมดอารมณ์กิน สุดท้ายก็ต้องถามกันว่า

“จะทำยังไงดี ถึงจะไม่เสียเอกลักษณ์ร้าน และไม่ปล่อยให้ลูกค้าต้องหงุดหงิดมากมายขนาดนี้?”

บรรยากาศตรงนี้เปรียบได้กับสภาพของบิตคอยน์ช่วงราวปี 2015 ซึ่งเดิมทีเคยรองรับธุรกรรมได้สบาย ๆ แต่จู่ ๆ ก็ต้องแบกรับภาระธุรกรรมมหาศาลจน “คิวยาวเป็นหางว่าว”

ทั้งหมดนี้มาจากข้อกำหนดตั้งต้นว่า แต่ละบล็อกมีขนาดเพียง 1 เมกะไบต์ และบล็อกจะถูกสร้างทุก ๆ ประมาณ 10 นาที ทีนี้พอผู้ใช้หลั่งไหลเข้ามาไม่หยุด พื้นที่เล็ก ๆ ที่ว่าเลยเอาไม่อยู่ ใครอยากให้ธุรกรรมติดบล็อกก่อนก็ควักกระเป๋าจ่ายค่าธรรมเนียมเพิ่ม ถ้าไม่จ่าย ธุรกรรมอาจรอข้ามวันข้ามคืน แถมยังเสี่ยงค้างเติ่งไปเลย

ความไม่พอใจจึงปะทุขึ้นเป็นเสียงดังลั่นว่า

“แก้ปัญหานี้ยังไงดี จะขยายบล็อกกันเลยไหม หรือปรับซอฟต์แวร์ให้ฉลาดขึ้นโดยไม่เพิ่มขนาดจริง ๆ?”

เมื่อสองแนวคิดนี้ตั้งฉากกัน คนในแวดวงบิตคอยน์จึงแตกเป็นสองฝั่งหลัก ๆ

ฝั่งแรกเสนอ “เพิ่ม Blocksize” โดยบอกว่าต้องแก้ให้จบตรงจุด เหมือนเพิ่มโต๊ะเข้าไปในร้าน จะได้รองรับลูกค้าได้มากขึ้น เพราะเชื่อว่า Bitcoin ต้องพร้อมสำหรับการใช้งานทั่วโลก การขยายจาก 1 MB เป็น 2 MB หรือ 4 MB หรือมากกว่านั้น จึงตอบโจทย์ผู้ใช้หลากหลายตั้งแต่รายเล็กไปจนถึงธุรกิจใหญ่

แกนนำฝ่ายนี้คือ Roger Ver หรือ “Bitcoin Jesus” ที่ผลักดันแนวคิดนี้สุดตัวร่วมกับทีมขุดอย่าง Bitmain ซึ่งไม่อยากเห็นใครต้องยืนรอนานหรือจ่ายแพงเวอร์

อีกฝ่ายคือทีมพัฒนา “Bitcoin Core” ที่มี Greg Maxwell และ Peter Wuille เป็นหัวขบวน พวกเขายืนยันว่าถ้ายิ่งเพิ่มขนาดบล็อกให้ใหญ่โต ก็จะยิ่งเก็บข้อมูลมากจนโหนดรายเล็ก ๆ ต้องใช้ทรัพยากรสูงขึ้น สุดท้ายอาจเหลือแค่รายใหญ่ที่รันโหนดไหว แล้ว Decentralization ก็จะถูกบั่นทอน

ฝ่ายบิตคอยน์คอร์จึงเสนอทางแก้แบบ Segregated Witness (SegWit) ซึ่งเปรียบได้กับการจัดโต๊ะใหม่ให้แยบยล—ย้ายข้อมูลลายเซ็นธุรกรรมไปไว้นอกบล็อกหลัก ทำให้ในบล็อกมีพื้นที่ใส่ธุรกรรมได้อีกเยอะขึ้นโดยไม่ต้องทุบผนังขยายร้าน

ความขัดแย้งไม่ได้จำกัดอยู่ในเว็บบอร์ดหรือฟอรัม แต่ลุกลามไปจนถึงเวทีระดับโลกอย่าง Consensus Conference ปี 2016 และ 2017 ฝ่ายหนุนเพิ่มขนาดบล็อกก็โหวกเหวกว่า “นี่แหละถูกจุดที่สุด”

ส่วนทีมบิตคอยน์คอร์ก็โต้กลับว่า “ขืนบล็อกใหญ่ไป ระบบก็เสี่ยงรวมศูนย์ เพราะใครจะมีทุนซื้ออุปกรณ์แพง ๆ และเน็ตแรง ๆ ตลอด” จึงไม่ใช่แค่ถกเถียงทางเทคนิค แต่สะท้อนมุมมองปรัชญาด้วยว่าบิตคอยน์ควรเป็นระบบ “กระจาย” หรือ “รวมศูนย์” กันแน่

ยิ่งถกก็ยิ่งมองไม่เห็นทางออก.. บ้างก็เสนอให้ Fork แยกเครือข่ายไปเลย เหมือนเปิดสาขาร้านใหม่ ใครไม่โอเคแนวไหนก็ไปอีกสาขาหนึ่ง

Roger Ver กับสายขุดยักษ์ใหญ่ก็บอกว่าถ้าไม่เพิ่ม Blocksize ต่อไปค่าธรรมเนียมสูง และคนจะเข้าถึงยากขึ้น เหมือนร้านที่โต๊ะแน่นจนคนล้น

ฝั่งบิตคอยน์คอร์ย้ำว่าจะพัฒนา SegWit กับ Lightning Network เพื่อขนธุรกรรมส่วนใหญ่ไปทำงานนอกบล็อกหลัก แม้อาจต้องรอให้เทคโนโลยีสุกงอม แต่คงไม่กระทบโหนดรายเล็กมากนัก

ในโลกออนไลน์ สงครามโซเชียลก็เริ่มเดือด ตั้งกระทู้กันทุกวัน บางคนต่อว่านักขุดว่าเอากำไรเป็นหลัก บ้างบอกทีมบิตคอยน์คอร์ไม่เข้าใจปัญหาฝั่งธุรกิจจนชาวเน็ตแบ่งเป็นหลายค่าย คำถามใหญ่จึงดังขึ้น

“ตกลงบิตคอยน์จะเป็น ‘อาวุธทางการเงิน’ ของคนหมู่มากได้จริงเหรอ ถ้าไม่มีพื้นที่ในบล็อกมากพอ?”

หรือ..

“ถ้าผลุนผลันขยายบล็อกไปเรื่อย ๆ จนเหลือแต่รายใหญ่ที่รันโหนดได้ แบบนั้นยังถือว่าเป็น บิตคอยน์ในอุดมการณ์ของ Satoshi Nakamoto ไหม?”

พอหลายฝ่ายพยายามประนีประนอมกันหลายเวที สุดท้ายก็ไม่ประสบผล Roger Ver มั่นใจว่าต้องเพิ่ม Blocksize เท่านั้นจึงพาบิตคอยน์รอด

ส่วนทีม Core ไม่ยอมเปิดทางง่าย ๆ เพราะกลัวระบบเสียหลักการกระจายอำนาจไป

ด้วยเหตุผลทั้งคู่จึงทำให้สงครามนี้ยืดเยื้อ กลุ่มขุดและพัฒนาในแวดวงเริ่มจับตากันเครียด บ้างเสนอทางผสม เช่น เพิ่ม Blocksize นิดหน่อย แล้วเปิด SegWit ควบคู่ บ้างเสนอว่าให้เลื่อนตัดสินใจออกไปก่อนก็ยังดี

ไม่มีใครรู้ว่าจะลงเอยอย่างไร.. และหากเรื่องนี้พลั้งพลาดบิตคอยน์อาจแตกเป็นสองสายจนผู้ใช้หรือนักลงทุนสับสน

สถานการณ์ช่วงแรกเหมือน “ไฟที่กำลังคุ” เพราะยังไม่ปะทุเต็มที่แต่ก็แรงพอจะยกครัวไปตลอดทั้งวงการ คนพัฒนาก็ทำ SegWit และ Lightning Network ไป ฝ่ายหนุน Blocksize ก็เดินสายผลักดันให้เต็มที่ ถึงขั้นยอมเสี่ยง Fork ถ้าจำเป็นจริง ๆ

นี่แหละคือจุดเริ่มต้นของความตึงเครียดที่ไม่ใช่แค่ “ขนาดบล็อก” แต่หมายถึงอนาคตของบิตคอยน์ที่อาจพลิกโฉมไปตลอดกาล..

คิดง่าย ๆ ก็เหมือนร้านอาหารเล็ก ๆ ที่กำลังจะก้าวสู่ภัตตาคารใหญ่ระดับท็อป เมื่อแขกเหรื่อมาไม่หยุดหย่อน แน่นอนว่าเสียงเรียกร้องให้ทุบกำแพงขยายร้านย่อมมีบ้าง แต่บางคนอาจบอก “เปลี่ยนวิธีจัดโต๊ะแทนได้ไหม?” ทุกแนวทางต่างมีทั้งโอกาสและความเสี่ยง

ที่สำคัญคือ บิตคอยน์เป็นสินทรัพย์อันดับหนึ่งของโลกคริปโตฯ หากก้าวพลาดเพียงเล็กน้อย อาจสะเทือนไปทั่วโลกด้วย

เนื้อหาถัดไปผมจะชวนมาดูว่า ใครกันแน่ที่อยู่เบื้องหลังการขับเคลื่อนสงคราม Blocksize ครั้งนี้?

พวกเขามีแรงจูงใจอะไรกันบ้าง? และจะนำพาบิตคอยน์ไปในทิศทางใด?

ขอทิ้งท้ายส่วนนี้ให้คิดเล่น ๆ

“ถ้าเพิ่ม Blocksize สุด ๆ แต่โหนดรายเล็กหายหมด สุดท้ายยังเรียกว่ากระจายอำนาจอยู่ไหม?”

“หรือจะรักษาบล็อกขนาดเล็กไว้อย่างเดิม แล้วปรับเทคโนโลยีเสริมให้ฉลาดขึ้นดีกว่า?”

ทั้งหมดที่เล่ามายังเป็นแค่บทโหมโรงนะครับ สงครามนี้เพิ่งปะทุเท่านั้น ยังมีอะไรเข้มข้นอีกมาก ติดตามต่อว่าฝั่งไหนจะงัดไม้เด็ดอะไรออกมาเพื่อรักษา “ร้านอาหาร” แห่งนี้ให้เดินหน้าต่อไปได้โดยไม่เสียตัวตน..

ใครคือผู้ขับเคลื่อนสงคราม Blocksize?

พาร์ทที่แล้ว เราได้เห็นภาพรวมของปัญหาที่ดูเหมือนจะเล็กนิดเดียวอย่าง “บล็อกใหญ่หรือเล็ก?” แต่กลับแผ่ขยายจนกลายเป็นมหากาพย์ความขัดแย้งในชุมชนบิตคอยน์ เสมือนเดิมพันอนาคตของสกุลเงินดิจิทัลอันดับหนึ่งบนโลกใบนี้

พอตอนนี้ถึงเวลาแล้วที่เราจะก้าวลึกลงไปในเบื้องหลังของสงครามอันร้อนแรงนี้ ใครอยู่ในเงามืด? ใครลากสายอยู่หลังเวที? และใครโดดขึ้นมาเดินลุยบนสนามเปิดเพื่อต่อสู้แย่งชิงฉันทามติของเครือข่าย?

มีคนชอบเปรียบเทียบว่าศึก Blocksize ครั้งนี้คือ “สนามรบดิจิทัล” ซึ่งไม่ได้ยิงกระสุนห้ำหั่นแต่ใช้โค้ดแทน ขับเคลื่อนด้วย “Hashrate” ที่เปรียบเสมือนอาวุธหนัก ฝ่ายไหนถือกำลังขุดสูงกว่าก็เหมือนมีกองทัพเบิ้ม ๆ อยู่ในมือ

ด้านนักพัฒนาและผู้ใช้ทั่วไปก็คล้ายประชากรพลเรือนที่บางทีก็ต้องยอมรับชะตา แต่บางทีก็รวมตัวประท้วงสร้างพลังของตัวเองให้โลกได้เห็น ทุกฝีก้าวมีคนจ้องดูว่าจะเกิด “Hard Fork” หรือ “Soft Fork” เมื่อไหร่ และกฎใดจะถูกประกาศเป็น “กฎใหม่” ให้ทุกคนต้องปฏิบัติตาม

ในมุมของคนอยาก “เพิ่ม Blocksize” เห็นชื่อของ Roger Ver โผล่โดดเด่นสุด ๆ เขาคือ “Bitcoin Jesus” แห่งยุคบุกเบิก ที่ครั้งหนึ่งทุ่มทุนโปรโมตบิตคอยน์แบบไม่กลัวเจ๊ง ด้วยความเชื่อว่าบิตคอยน์ควรเป็น “เงินสดดิจิทัล” ลื่นไหลจ่ายคล่อง สลัดค่าธรรมเนียมแพง ๆ ทิ้งไปให้หมด

ในสายตาเขา การคงบล็อกเล็กแค่ 1 MB ยิ่งทำให้คนใช้แล้วปวดหัว ค่าธรรมเนียมสูงปรี๊ด ธุรกรรมอืดอาดเกินจะทน เลยต้องขยายขนาดบล็อกแบบจัดเต็ม เหมือนขยายถนนให้รถวิ่งง่าย ไม่งั้นก็ต้องมุดเข้าอุโมงค์แคบ ๆ จอดติดกันยาว

และ “Bitmain” บริษัทเครื่องขุดเบอร์ใหญ่สุดในโลกก็เข้ามาเสริมพลังแบบเต็มขั้น ขับเคลื่อนโดย Jihan Wu ที่เล็งเห็นว่าพอยิ่งขยายบล็อก ธุรกรรมก็จะยิ่งทะลัก ค่าธรรมเนียมก็จะเพิ่มขึ้น นักขุดจะได้เงินดี สร้างแรงดึงดูดให้คนหันมาหาบิตคอยน์มากขึ้นไปอีก

Bitmain ถือ Hashrate มหาศาล จึงไม่ต่างจากมีทัพใหญ่พร้อมยกพลบุก เพื่อดันแนวคิด “Fork” ได้ตลอดเวลา ถ้าฝั่งเพิ่ม Blocksize อยากจะเล่นเกมสายไหนก็เดินได้เลย

อีกฟากสนาม คือทีม “Bitcoin Core” ถือเป็นแกนกลางที่คุมซอฟต์แวร์หลัก

นำโดย *Greg Maxwell, Peter Wuille และ Wladimir van der Laan***

พวกเขาห่วงว่าถ้าบล็อกใหญ่ขึ้นมาก คงจะมีแค่นายทุนใหญ่เท่านั้นที่รันโหนดไหว ประชาชนตัวเล็ก ๆ หรือคนไม่มีทรัพยากรเยอะก็ยิ่งถูกกันออกจากเครือข่าย กลายเป็นระบบกึ่งรวมศูนย์ ซึ่งสวนกับหลักการเดิมที่ Satoshi Nakamoto เคยวางไว้

พวกเขาจึงเสนอ Segregated Witness (SegWit) เพื่อตัดข้อมูลลายเซ็น (Witness Data) ทิ้งไปนอกบล็อก ทำให้มีพื้นที่รองรับธุรกรรมได้เยอะขึ้นแบบไม่ต้องขยาย “เลนหลัก” และจะต่อยอดด้วย Lightning Network เพื่อยกธุรกรรมส่วนใหญ่ไปอยู่นอกบล็อกอีกชั้น

ฝั่งนักพัฒนาเหล่านี้ไม่ได้สู้อย่างโดดเดี่ยว แต่มีผู้ใช้รวมพลังกันในนาม UASF (User-Activated Soft Fork) มองว่า

“ใครว่าขุดเยอะแล้วสั่งการได้หมด? ผู้ใช้ทั่ว ๆ ไปก็ออกแบบกติกาได้เหมือนกัน?”

พวกเขาบอกเลยว่า “ถ้าไม่หนุน SegWit พวกฉันไม่เอาด้วยนะ”

การเคลื่อนไหวแบบนี้สร้างแรงกดดันให้นักขุดต้องรีบตามน้ำ ไม่งั้นเสี่ยงโดนผู้ใช้ปฏิเสธบล็อกกันถ้วนหน้า

ปี 2016-2017 กลายเป็นช่วงร้อนระอุสุด ๆ Roger Ver ลุกขึ้นพูดเมื่อไหร่ มักกล่าวหาทีม Core ว่าปิดประตูโอกาสทองของบิตคอยน์

ส่วนทีม Core ก็ตีโต้กลับว่า “ถ้าเพิ่มบล็อกเร็วไป มีแต่จะทำให้บิ๊กทุนไม่กี่เจ้าเข้ามาผูกขาด!”

พอยิ่งเถียงกันในงานใหญ่ เช่น Consensus Conference 2017 ประเด็นก็ยิ่งเดือด บางฝ่ายอยาก “Fork” แตกสายไปเลย บางฝ่ายยังคอยประนีประนอม แต่ก็ไม่มีใครลงรอยกันได้

Roger Ver และ Bitmain เร่งเครื่องดัน Hard Fork

ทีม Core ไม่ยอมถอย ยืนกราน SegWit ก่อน แล้วใช้ Lightning Network ปิดเกม

ผลคือ...

ทุกคนเริ่มกลัวว่า “Bitcoin จะแตกเป็นสองสายจริง ๆ หรือ?”

จะเป็นบล็อกใหญ่ หรือจะอยู่ 1 MB พร้อม SegWit?

กลางปี 2017 สงครามนี้จึงคลอด “Bitcoin Cash” เครือข่ายใหม่ที่กลุ่ม Roger Ver ผลักดัน บอกว่านี่คือ “Bitcoin ตัวจริง” ที่ค่าธรรมเนียมถูกกว่า ธุรกรรมไวกว่า รองรับคนจำนวนมากได้

ในขณะเดียวกัน เครือข่ายหลัก BTC ก็เปิดใช้ SegWit ไป พร้อมมุ่งหน้าเปิดทาง Lightning Network ทำให้ครึ่งหนึ่งของชุมชนยังเชื่อมั่นว่าการรักษาบล็อกเล็ก คือหัวใจสำคัญของกระจายอำนาจ

Blocksize War ครั้งนี้ เกินกว่าจะเรียกว่า “ดีเบตเชิงเทคนิค”

มันคล้ายการปะทะอุดมการณ์ของ “กระจายอำนาจอย่างเคร่งครัด” ปะทะ “ขยายบล็อกให้ใช้งานจริงในชีวิตประจำวัน”

ทั้งสองฝ่ายต่างยิงวาทะกันเดือดในโซเชียลมีเดีย คนฝ่ายหนึ่งบอกอีกฝ่าย “ล้าหลังไม่รู้จักปรับตัว” อีกฝ่ายก็ยันกลับว่า “คิดแค่กำไรระยะสั้น ไม่รักษาอัตลักษณ์บิตคอยน์” บน Reddit, Twitter, ฟอรัมต่าง ๆ เหล่าผู้เคยเป็นเพื่อนร่วมทางต้องแยกค่ายกันเพราะมองต่างว่าควรเพิ่มบล็อกหรือเปล่า

ที่สุดแล้ว...

เมื่อสองอุดมการณ์สวนทางกันระดับราก แทบไม่มีพื้นที่ประนีประนอม บ้างเชื่อว่าถ้าไม่เพิ่มบล็อกบิตคอยน์จะใช้งานลำบากเกิน บ้างยึดมั่นว่าถ้าบล็อกใหญ่มากโหนดเล็ก ๆ ก็จะหายไปหมด ระบบจะตกในมือไม่กี่คน.. ซึ่งขัดเจตนารมณ์ตั้งต้นของ Satoshi แบบสุด ๆ

ผลลัพธ์จึงลงเอยด้วยการเกิด “Bitcoin Cash” (BCH) แยกเครือข่าย และเปิดศึกโฆษณาว่า “ตนต่างหากที่เป็นผู้สืบทอดแนวคิด Satoshi ของจริง”

เมื่อ Bitcoin Cash ถือกำเนิดพร้อมขนาดบล็อกใหญ่ “มหาศึก” ครั้งนี้ก็ไม่ได้จบลง แต่เปลี่ยนหน้าฉากไปสู่การตลาดและความชอบธรรม

ใคร ๆ ก็ตั้งคำถามว่า “Bitcoin Cash ต่างจาก Bitcoin ยังไง?” หรือ “ใครสืบทอดเจตนารมณ์ Satoshi อย่างแท้จริงกันแน่?”

นักพัฒนา ฝั่ง BTC ยังเหนียวแน่นว่ารักษาเครือข่ายให้เบา ๆ แล้วใช้ทริคอย่าง SegWit, Lightning Network เสริม คือทางออกป้องกันการรวมศูนย์

ฝ่าย BCH ก็บอกว่าบล็อกใหญ่เลยดีกว่า ทุกคนจะได้เทรดกันเพลินโดยไม่ต้องแย่งพื้นที่

ในภาพใหญ่.. สงครามครั้งนี้ส่งคลื่นกระเพื่อมไปทั่วโลกคริปโตฯ หลายคนกลัวว่าถ้ายังแยกแตกกันแบบนี้ต่อ ราคาจะผันผวนจนคนขยาด แต่ก็มีอีกฝ่ายที่มองว่า

“ดีสิ มีการแข่งขันแล้วเกิดนวัตกรรมใหม่ ๆ”

เพราะในโลกโอเพนซอร์ส ไม่มีใครหยุดการแยกตัวได้ถ้าคนบางกลุ่มอยากลองแนวทางใหม่

คำถามสำคัญคือ..

“ใครขับเคลื่อนสงคราม Blocksize?”

คำตอบก็หนีไม่พ้น Roger Ver, Bitmain และทีม Bitcoin Core รวมถึงกลุ่ม UASF

พวกเขาต่างมีพลังในมิติต่าง ๆ

Roger Ver มีแรงสนับสนุนจากนักขุดสายทุนจัด Bitmain มีกองทัพ Hashrate มหาศาล ทีม Bitcoin Core คุมซอฟต์แวร์ และ UASF ก็มีอำนาจ ‘No Node, No Vote’ ที่ปัดบล็อกไม่พอใจทิ้งได้หมด

นี่ไม่ใช่การรบระหว่าง “อำนาจกับผู้อ่อนแอ” แต่เป็นสมรภูมิที่ทุกขั้วมี “พลัง” อยู่คนละแบบ ทำให้การประนีประนอมเป็นเพียงอุดมคติ

จนที่สุดจึงแตกเป็นสองสาย เหมือนเป็นสปิริตของโอเพนซอร์สที่แค่ Fork ก็พาเดินไปคนละทิศ ใครอยากกดเครื่องขุดก็ขุด ใครอยากตามซอฟต์แวร์ Core ก็จัดไป

นึกภาพอนาคตสิครับ.. ถ้ามีเทคโนโลยีใหม่เข้ามาอีก จะมีสงคราม “Blocksize 2.0” หรือเปล่า? ถ้าเจอเงื่อนไขใหญ่ ๆ ในการเปลี่ยนระบบ ย่อมต้องเข้าสู่วงจรดีเบตเดือดปุดเหมือนเคย

เพราะบิตคอยน์เป็นระบบไร้ผู้นำสูงสุด ทุกฝ่ายจึงมีสิทธิชูมือคัดค้านหรือสนับสนุนอย่างอิสระ

ฉากในเนื้อหาส่วนนี้คือด้านหน้าฉากของสงคราม Blocksize และเหล่าคนขับเคลื่อนที่ทำให้เกิดการแตกแยกครั้งประวัติศาสตร์ในโลกบิตคอยน์ ส่วนต่อไปเราจะได้เห็นเทคนิคล้ำ ๆ และจุดชนวนสุดเฉพาะหน้าที่ทำให้สองฝ่ายยิ่งปะทะกันอีก

แต่ก่อนจะไปรอนั้น..

ขอสรุปให้คิดกันแบบง่าย ๆ ว่า… ในโลกอันไร้ศูนย์กลางที่ต่างคนต่างตะโกนว่า

“ฉันคือเจ้าของบิตคอยน์!”

สุดท้าย “ใครกันแน่เป็นผู้ตัดสินทิศทาง?” หรือแท้จริง “ชัยชนะ–ความพ่ายแพ้” ก็ไม่มีอยู่จริงในสงครามแบบนี้...

เอาจริง ๆ การตัดสินใจของไม่กี่คน หรือการร่วมตัวของยูสเซอร์กระจัดกระจาย ก็ล้วนมีสิทธิเปลี่ยนอนาคตของเงินดิจิทัลได้ทั้งสิ้น จึงเป็นเสน่ห์และความโกลาหลของ “decentralization” ที่น่าหลงใหล

ไม่มีใครสั่งใครได้เต็มร้อย แต่ก็ไม่มีใครจะหยุดคนอื่นได้หมดเช่นกัน

เมื่อมองย้อนกลับไป.. นี่แหละเป็นบทเรียนสำคัญว่าบิตคอยน์ไม่ได้เป็นของใครคนเดียว และถ้าวันหนึ่งไฟสงครามลุกลามขึ้นอีกรอบ เราทุกคนจะรับมือกันยังไง?

ตอนนี้สงครามอาจดูเงียบ ๆ แต่ก็ไม่ได้ปิดฉากสนิท เพราะคลื่นใต้น้ำยังพร้อมระอุขึ้นได้ตลอด

เวลาเท่านั้นที่จะบอกว่า SegWit จะพิสูจน์ตัวเองได้ไหม หรือฝ่าย Hard Fork จะกลับมาโดดเด่นอีกครั้ง

จึงมีแต่คำถามค้างคาว่า.. อีกหน่อยบิตคอยน์จะยังเป็นบิตคอยน์ในแบบที่เรารู้จัก? หรือจะเปลี่ยนโฉมตามรอยแผลที่สงคราม Blocksize ทิ้งไว้?

คอยติดตามกันต่อไปในบทความตอนที่ 2

เพราะนี่อาจเป็นวัฏจักรที่ยังไม่รู้วันสิ้นสุดจริง ๆ ก็ได้ครับ...

@ 9c35fe6b:5977e45b

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@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Der letzte Artikel stand ganz im Zeichen von Mempool, Transaktionsgebühren, Ordinals, BRC-20 Tokens (aka Shitcoins auf Bitcoin) und Mining-Rewards. Der Mempool ist voller als der Hyde-Park in London am einzigen Sommertag mit Sonne im Jahr. Doch weil ich mich in letzter Zeit zu Genüge mit den vorgenannten Themen beschäftigt habe und man zur Zeit an jeder Ecke den Status des Mempools ungefragt eingeflößt bekommt, möchte ich mich diese Woche mit zwei Standpunkten beschäftigen, die entweder gegenläufig oder komplementär zueinander stehen (gibt es wirklich kein Antonym zum Wort komplementär?).

Ausschlaggebend für den Gedankengang, der mich zu dieswöchigem Artikel bewegt hat waren ein Artikel und eine Podcast-Episode, über die ich letzte Woche gestolpert bin. Bei dem Artikel handelt es sich um Jimmy Songs "How Fiat Money Broke the World" aus seiner Fixing the Incentives-Reihe im Bitcoin Magazine und bei der Podcast-Episode wurde ich von den Ausführungen von Peruvian Bull im TFTC Podcast Ausgabe 414: The Dollar Endgame von Marty Bent zum Nachdenken angeregt.

Prinzipiell stellt sich im Großen und Ganzen die Frage, wie eine großflächige Adaption von Bitcoin vonstatten gehen könnte. Hyperbitcoinization oder auch Bitcoin als gesetzliches Zahlungsmittel (wie z.B. in El Salvador, oder bald sogar in Indonesien und Mexiko (!)) sind dabei mögliche Szenarien. Der Nicht-Ghandi-Spruch “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” wird oft genutzt, um die soziologische Entwicklungsstufe, bzw. die öffentliche Wahrnehmung einer Idee, einer Erfindung oder eines Produkts in gewisse Entwicklungsstufen einzuordnen. Genauso wie bei Bitcoin. WIR SIND IN DER "THEN THEY FIGHT YOU" STUFE!!!11! kann man überall auf Bitcoin-Twitter, Nostr oder Reddit lesen.

Doch wer ist "THEY"? Wenn man nur von Nationalstaaten ausgeht und offizielle und inoffizielle (konspirative) multinationale Interessensgruppen außen vor lässt, stellt sich mir die Frage, welches Land / welcher Staat die meisten Gründe (politischer oder wirtschaftlicher Natur) hätte, Bitcoin zu adaptieren, bzw. zu bekämpfen. Natürlich kommen einem dabei als erstes die USA in den Sinn, immerhin das Land mit der höchsten kombinierten Bitcoin-Hashrate, mit den meisten Bitcoin-Infrastruktur-Anbietern, mit den größten Börsen (nach Handelsvolumen) und den meisten Bitcoin-Nutzer//innen in der Bevölkerung.

Doch macht das die USA zum größten potentiellen Gegner oder zum größten potentiellen Befürworter und Begünstigten von Bitcoin?

Jimmy Song "How Fiat Money Broke the World"

Jimmy Song baut seinen Artikel chronologisch auf. Es geht um die Entstehung des Fiat-Geld-Systems nach dem zweiten Weltkrieg und die damit einhergehende Abschaffung des Goldstandards. Mit der Errichtung des Bretton-Woods-Systems wurde eine neue Währungsordnung geschaffen, die den US Dollar als Ankerwährung bestimmte, der wiederum an Goldreserven gekoppelt werden sollte. So sollten flexible Wechselkurse innerhalb der verschiedenen Landeswährungen gewährleistet werden, während gleichzeitig die Sicherheit von Goldreserven existiert. Doch statt Gold für die internationale Handelsabwicklung zu verwenden, wurde nun der Dollar die Abwicklungswährung. Diese Entscheidung verhalf den USA zu einer hegemonialen Wirtschaftsmacht zu werden, denn die Fähigkeit, das Geld zu drucken, mit dem jedes andere Land seinen Handel abwickelte, gab den USA mehr Macht über den Rest der Welt.

Diese Dollar-Hegemonie begünstigte die USA deutlich im internationalen Handel, da sie zur Zentralbank für alle anderen Zentralbanken wurden. Nicht-US-Banken geben sogar Verbindlichkeiten in Dollar, und zwar nicht nur in Europa, sondern in vielen anderen Teilen der Welt. Infolgedessen halten andere Zentralbanken US Dollar als Reserve, die dann auf der Basis von Teilreserven verwendet werden können, um noch mehr Geld in Form von Krediten zu schaffen (das sogenannte Eurodollar-System).

Diese Position der Stärke nutzten die USA weiter aus und erschufen, was heute als das Petrodollar-System bekannt ist. Dank einem Abkommen zwischen Saudi-Arabien und den USA in den 1970ern wird das von allen Mitgliedsstaaten der OPEC geförderte Öl in US Dollar gehandelt, im Gegenzug für militärischen Schutz durch die USA. Das sogenannte Petrodollar-System hat dem US Dollar somit einen enormen Wert und hohe Liquidität verliehen.

Die war auch nötig, denn teure Sozialprogramme wie Medicare und Medicaid als auch das Social Security Programm wurden gestartet. Aber auch sehr teure Stellvertreterkriege, wie z.B. in Korea und Vietnam, wollten finanziert werden. Dies taten die USA, indem sie das Geld hierfür einfach druckten, was wiederum die Zentralbanken der anderen Länder nervös machte und dazu brachte, mit dem Abzug ihrer Goldeinlagen bei der US-Notenbank zu drohen. Der damalige Präsident Tricky Dick (Richard Nixon) reagierte darauf, indem er die Goldbindung des US Dollar zunächst nur temporär für immer aufhob. Damit hatte er den Dollar vom Gold ent- und an das Öl der Saudis (bzw. an den militärisch-industriellen Komplex der USA) gekoppelt.

Die USA haben also das exorbitante Privileg, das Geld drucken zu können, das die Welt für die Abwicklung von Handel verwendet. Dies bedeutet unter anderem, dass die USA ihre gedruckten Dollars exportieren und Waren und Dienstleistungen aus anderen Ländern importieren können. Somit wird das gedruckte Geld im Allgemeinen zuerst in den USA ausgegeben (Cantillon-Effekt in Reinform), was dazu führt, dass Geschäftserfolg in den USA zu einer viel höheren monetären Belohnung führt, als in anderen Ländern. Vereinfacht gesagt: In den USA schwimmt mehr Geld umher und somit wird Erfolg besser belohnt. Folglich wollen mehr Menschen in die USA ziehen, und die USA können auswählen, wer hineinkommt und wer nicht. Gut für die USA - schlecht für die anderen.

Die ehrgeizigsten Menschen aus anderen Ländern immigrieren in die USA und verdienen mehr Geld und leben ein viel besseres Leben als in ihren Heimatländern. Der Braindrain bedeutet, dass andere Länder unterm Strich verlieren. Menschen im Allgemeinen versuchen immer in Länder einzuwandern, die in der Cantillon-Hierarchie höher stehen. Die reichen Länder werden somit reicher an Humankapital, während die armen Länder an Humankapital ärmer werden.

Die USA schaffen es, ihre Stellung als Neuzeit-Kolonialist vor allem mit Hilfe von Sonderorganisationen, internationalen Finanzinstitutionen und anderen Stiftungen wie dem IWF, der BIZ, des WEF oder der Weltbank zu zementieren. Diese supranationalen Banken und Organisationen leihen Entwicklungsländern und "Ländern des globalen Südens" Geld für den (Wieder-) Aufbau und andere Struktur-relevante Tätigkeiten, aber nur unter strengen Auflagen, die noch strenger werden, wenn diese Kredite nicht zurückgezahlt werden können. In diesen Fällen werden diese Länder dann von den Banken "gerettet", unter der Auflage, noch mehr Kontrolle über die eigene Finanzsuveränität abzugeben.

Im Wesentlichen tauschen sie dabei Kredite und längere Laufzeiten gegen organisatorische Kontrolle über den Staatshaushalt. Solche Beschränkungen können Punkte beinhalten, wie z.B. wieviel des nationalen Budgets für Infrastruktur ausgegeben werden kann. Oft müssen diese verschuldeten Regierungen eine eigene unabhängige Zentralbank gründen, die dazu verwendet werden kann, die Notwendigkeit einer staatlichen Genehmigung zu umgehen. So werden Länder dazu gebracht Staats-Ressourcen, wie Schürfrechte oder Ländereien an ausländische Unternehmen zu verkaufen.

Jimmy Song führt seinen Artikel noch etwas fort, doch die mir wichtigsten Punkte habe ich erwähnt. Kurz zusammengefasst: Die USA haben durch die de facto Kontrolle über das Geld eine Sonderposition in der Welt. Nicht nur sitzen sie am Gelddrucker - Geld drucken kann jeder, klappt eben nur unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen (zumindest zeitweise) - sondern haben durch diese Kontrollsituation weitere Vorteile: 1) Das größte Exportgut der USA ist der US Dollar. 2) Die US-Wirtschaft hat einen klaren Vorteil anderen Wirtschaften gegenüber, da das Unternehmertum dort besser belohnt wird. 3) Viele ehrgeizige und talentierte Menschen der ganzen Welt strömen in die USA, um von dieser Belohnung zu profitieren. 4) Die internationalen Buchstabensuppen-Finanzinstitutionen stärken den USA den Rücken.

Die USA haben also ein sehr großes (das gröte) Interesse daran, das globale Finanzmonopol in der aktuellen Form aufrechtzuerhalten.

Peruvian Bull "The Dollar Endgame"

Die Ausgangsthese von Peruvian Bull, einem Autor, der ein gleichnamiges Buch veröffentlicht hat (The Dollar Endgame) ist, dass viele Zeichen darauf hindeuten, dass der US Dollar als Leitwährung der Welt seine letzten Atemzüge macht. Er ist dabei recht pessimistisch und glaubt, dass wir schon in den nächten fünf bis sieben Jahren eine große Veränderung erleben werden.

Allerdings sieht er eine große Chance für die USA, Bitcoin zu nutzen, um diesem Untergang entgegenzuwirken. Viele Länder und Institutionen außerhalb der westlichen Welt sehen den US Dollar kritisch und sind nicht besonders glücklich über die Vormachtstellung, die der Dollar den USA auf dem internationalen Finanzmarkt, dem globalen Handel und der geopolitischen Weltordnung verleiht. Die US-Notenbank wird immer mehr in die Ecke gedrängt und der einzige Ausweg aus der momentanen Schuldenspirale ist Hyperinflation.

Meine zwei Sats sind, dass eine Wahrscheinlichkeit natürlich immer besteht, allerdings bin ich persönlich davon überzeugt, dass der US Dollar, wenn überhaupt, die letzte Währung sein wird, die eine Hyperinflation erlebt, da vorher ganz andere Währungen das Zeitliche segnen müssten.

Doch um bei der These zu bleiben, bietet Bitcoin eine alternative Lösung zur Hyperinflation. Denn die USA könnten ihre Verluste reduzieren, indem sie auf eine Bitcoin-gestützte Leitwährung wechseln. Dazu sind die USA auch bestens aufgestellt: Die von Minern aufgebrachte Hashrate ist nirgendwo größer, als in den USA, Bitcoin-Bestände in Wallets sind nirgendwo größer als in den USA und die größten Bitcoin-Unternehmen, Unternehmen die Bitcoin fördern, oder Technologie entwickeln, die Bitcoin zugute kommt, sitzen in den USA.

Würden die USA, bzw. die US-Notenbank, zu einem Bitcoin-gestützten Währungssystem wechseln, müssten alle anderen Länder der Welt nachziehen, solange die USA diese (oben beschriebene) globale Vormachtstellung in der Weltwirtschaft noch innehaben. Dies würde den USA einen gewaltigen First-Mover-Vorteil bescheren, da nirgendwo sonst die Infrastruktur und der Zugang zu Bitcoin so stark ausgeprägt sind.

Es ist also nur eine politische Entscheidung, ob dieser First-Mover-Vorteil ausgenutzt wird oder nicht. Indem die Nutzung (institutioneller oder privater Art, Mining, Innovation, etc.) eingeschränkt wird, z.B. durch Verbote, Besteuerung, oder andere ungünstige Gesetze, wird die gesamte Branche und damit das technische Wissen, die Innovation und das damit verbundene Kapital ins Ausland verdrängt und die USA schießen sich ins eigene Bein.

Es wird sicherlich institutionellen Widerstand geben, da die derzeitigen institutionellen Akteure stark vom aktuellen System profitieren und daher nicht zu einem Bitcoin-Währungssystem wechseln wollen, in dem sie keine Zensurrechte und keine exklusiven Übertragungsrechte haben. Daher werden US-Institutionen wie die Notenbank und das Finanzministerium von diesem Ansatz nicht allzu begeistert sein, doch wenn sie es ernsthaft genug betrachten und erkennen, dass es sich hierbei um eine Form der geopolitischen, strategischen Kriegsführung handelt, könnten sie gezwungen sein, ihre Meinung zu ändern und sich auf ein neues System vorzubereiten, das den Idealen, wie Freiheit, Redefreiheit, Eigentumsrechten und solides Geld, treu bleibt, auf denen die USA gegründet wurden.

Peruvian Bull und Marty Bent führen in dieser Episode noch weitere Punkte aus, doch die mir wichtigsten Punkte habe ich wieder erwähnt. Kurz zusammengefasst: Die USA stehen davor, ihre globale Vormachtstellung zu verlieren. Ein Ausweg könnte die Adaption von Bitcoin als Retter des US Dollar sein. Die USA haben den fruchtbarsten Nährboden für eine solche Änderung des Systems, da sie heute schon die meiste Hashrate, das größte geistige Eigentum und Innovation, als auch das meiste Kapital bündeln.

Die USA hätten also in der Theorie ein sehr großes Interesse daran, Bitcoin als Lösung und zur Stützung ihres globalen Finanzmonopols zu adaptieren.

Zwei Theorien in zwei entgegengesetzte Richtungen 👈👉

Auf der einen Seite sehen wir ein Argument, weshalb den USA daran gelegen wäre, das aktuelle System so lange wie möglich aufrechtzuerhalten und dem alten Mann auf Krücken unter die Arme zu greifen. Auf der anderen Seite besteht ein Argument dafür, dass die USA ein gesteigertes Interesse daran haben sollten, das alte System so schnell wie möglich hinter sich zu lassen und die Pole Position, die die USA im Bereich Bitcoin haben - ohne Regierungs-seitig was dafür getan zu haben - für sich zu nutzen, um dem alten Mann auf Krücken zu einer Verjüngung zu verhelfen.

Es ist schwierig einzuschätzen, welchen Weg die USA gehen werden, da es immer noch keinen allgemeinen Konsens darüber gibt, wie Bitcoin zu betrachten ist. Der kürzlich vorgestellte DAME-Gesetzesentwurf (Digital Asset Mining Energy excise tax), also eine Verbrauchssteuer für Miner, der Biden-Regierung, würde von Bitcoin-Mining-Unternehmen verlangen, eine 30% Steuer auf die Stromkosten zu zahlen, die für das Mining von Bitcoin verwendet werden. Ein solches Gesetz würde die Mining Industrie aus dem Land drängen, da Miner heute schon auf sehr knappen Margen operieren und somit unprofitabel würden. Dies gleicht einer Bestrafung von Unternehmen für das Streben nach Innovation und technologischem Fortschritt.

Auf der anderen Seite gibt es aber auch die Ansicht, Bitcoin müsse ins Land geholt werden, da man es dort am besten kontrollieren kann, ganz nach dem Motto "Halte deine Freunde nah und deine Feinde noch näher". So z.B. Carole House, ehemalige Direktorin für Cybersicherheit des Nationalen Sicherheitsrates des Weißen Hauses. Sie sprach bei einem Event an der Universität von Princeton und sagte "sie würde lieber mehr Hashrate in den USA sehen, damit sie Miner zwingen können, das Netzwerk zu zensieren" und dass es "nicht nur darum ginge, Minern zu sagen, dass sie bestimmte Transaktionen nicht in Blöcke einbauen, sondern auch nicht auf Blöcken mit nicht konformen Transaktionen aufzubauen, damit diese Transaktionen nirgendwo in der Kette ankommen".

Wir sehen also, dass es selbst zwischen den Gegnern von Bitcoin keinen endgültigen Konsens gibt, wie das Thema in Zukunft angegangen werden soll. Da ist esnicht verwunderlich, dass auf Ebene eines Paradigmenwechsels, den die Adaption von Bitcoin von Seiten der Notenbank bedeuten würde, noch unklarer ist. Für mich sind beide Erklärungen logisch. Allerdings wissen wir nur zu gut, dass Regierungen es manchmal nicht so mit Logik und Vernunft haben.

🫳🎤

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In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌

@ 207ad2a0:e7cca7b0

Quick context: I wanted to check out Nostr's longform posts and this blog post seemed like a good one to try and mirror. It's originally from my free to read/share attempt to write a novel, but this post here is completely standalone - just describing how I used AI image generation to make a small piece of the work.

Hold on, put your pitchforks down - outside of using Grammerly & Emacs for grammatical corrections - not a single character was generated or modified by computers; a non-insignificant portion of my first draft originating on pen & paper. No AI is ~~weird and crazy~~ imaginative enough to write like I do. The only successful AI contribution you'll find is a single image, the map, which I heavily edited. This post will go over how I generated and modified an image using AI, which I believe brought some value to the work, and cover a few quick thoughts about AI towards the end.

Let's be clear, I can't draw, but I wanted a map which I believed would improve the story I was working on. After getting abysmal results by prompting AI with text only I decided to use "Diffuse the Rest," a Stable Diffusion tool that allows you to provide a reference image + description to fine tune what you're looking for. I gave it this Microsoft Paint looking drawing:

and after a number of outputs, selected this one to work on:

The image is way better than the one I provided, but had I used it as is, I still feel it would have decreased the quality of my work instead of increasing it. After firing up Gimp I cropped out the top and bottom, expanded the ocean and separated the landmasses, then copied the top right corner of the large landmass to replace the bottom left that got cut off. Now we've got something that looks like concept art: not horrible, and gets the basic idea across, but it's still due for a lot more detail.

The next thing I did was add some texture to make it look more map like. I duplicated the layer in Gimp and applied the "Cartoon" filter to both for some texture. The top layer had a much lower effect strength to give it a more textured look, while the lower layer had a higher effect strength that looked a lot like mountains or other terrain features. Creating a layer mask allowed me to brush over spots to display the lower layer in certain areas, giving it some much needed features.

At this point I'd made it to where I felt it may improve the work instead of detracting from it - at least after labels and borders were added, but the colors seemed artificial and out of place. Luckily, however, this is when PhotoFunia could step in and apply a sketch effect to the image.

At this point I was pretty happy with how it was looking, it was close to what I envisioned and looked very visually appealing while still being a good way to portray information. All that was left was to make the white background transparent, add some minor details, and add the labels and borders. Below is the exact image I wound up using:

Overall, I'm very satisfied with how it turned out, and if you're working on a creative project, I'd recommend attempting something like this. It's not a central part of the work, but it improved the chapter a fair bit, and was doable despite lacking the talent and not intending to allocate a budget to my making of a free to read and share story.

The AI Generated Elephant in the Room

If you've read my non-fiction writing before, you'll know that I think AI will find its place around the skill floor as opposed to the skill ceiling. As you saw with my input, I have absolutely zero drawing talent, but with some elbow grease and an existing creative direction before and after generating an image I was able to get something well above what I could have otherwise accomplished. Outside of the lowest common denominators like stock photos for the sole purpose of a link preview being eye catching, however, I doubt AI will be wholesale replacing most creative works anytime soon. I can assure you that I tried numerous times to describe the map without providing a reference image, and if I used one of those outputs (or even just the unedited output after providing the reference image) it would have decreased the quality of my work instead of improving it.

I'm going to go out on a limb and expect that AI image, text, and video is all going to find its place in slop & generic content (such as AI generated slop replacing article spinners and stock photos respectively) and otherwise be used in a supporting role for various creative endeavors. For people working on projects like I'm working on (e.g. intended budget $0) it's helpful to have an AI capable of doing legwork - enabling projects to exist or be improved in ways they otherwise wouldn't have. I'm also guessing it'll find its way into more professional settings for grunt work - think a picture frame or fake TV show that would exist in the background of an animated project - likely a detail most people probably wouldn't notice, but that would save the creators time and money and/or allow them to focus more on the essential aspects of said work. Beyond that, as I've predicted before: I expect plenty of emails will be generated from a short list of bullet points, only to be summarized by the recipient's AI back into bullet points.

I will also make a prediction counter to what seems mainstream: AI is about to peak for a while. The start of AI image generation was with Google's DeepDream in 2015 - image recognition software that could be run in reverse to "recognize" patterns where there were none, effectively generating an image from digital noise or an unrelated image. While I'm not an expert by any means, I don't think we're too far off from that a decade later, just using very fine tuned tools that develop more coherent images. I guess that we're close to maxing out how efficiently we're able to generate images and video in that manner, and the hard caps on how much creative direction we can have when using AI - as well as the limits to how long we can keep it coherent (e.g. long videos or a chronologically consistent set of images) - will prevent AI from progressing too far beyond what it is currently unless/until another breakthrough occurs.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• The Lazarus Group's Cryptocurrency Holdings

• A Significant Drop in Holdings

• No Privacy Coins in Sight

• Underreported Holdings?

• Previous Attacks and Thefts

• Warnings and Threats

• Conclusion

• FAQ

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, security breaches and cyber heists have become alarmingly common. One name that frequently emerges in relation to these digital thefts is the Lazarus Group. This North Korean hacking collective has been linked to a series of high-profile cyber-attacks, amassing a significant amount of cryptocurrency in the process. This article delves deep into the group's activities, their holdings, and the implications of their actions on the crypto world.

The Lazarus Group's Cryptocurrency Holdings

The Lazarus Group, originating from North Korea, has made headlines with its vast cryptocurrency holdings. Recent reports suggest that this hacking collective has a digital treasure chest worth around $47 million. Bitcoin, the most popular and valuable cryptocurrency, forms the bulk of their holdings, with an estimated value of $42.5 million. In addition to Bitcoin, the group has diversified its holdings with Ether (ETH) valued at $1.9 million, BNB (BNB) worth $1.1 million, and a mix of stablecoins, primarily Binance USD (BUSD), which amounts to approximately $640,000.

A Significant Drop in Holdings

While the current figures are staggering, there has been a noticeable decline in the Lazarus Group's cryptocurrency assets. Data indicates that their holdings were valued at $86 million as of September 6. This value plummeted in the aftermath of the Stake.com hack, an event that saw the Lazarus Group as a prime suspect. Dune Analytics, a data monitoring platform, has been keeping a close eye on the group's activities. They have identified 295 wallets associated with the Lazarus Group, information corroborated by agencies like the FBI and the OFAC.

No Privacy Coins in Sight

For a hacking group that thrives on anonymity, it's surprising to note the absence of privacy coins in their portfolio. Coins such as Monero (XMR), Dash (DASH), and Zcash (ZEC), known for their enhanced privacy features, are conspicuously missing from their holdings. However, this hasn't deterred the group from continuing their operations. Their crypto wallets, devoid of privacy coins, have seen consistent activity, with the latest transaction recorded on September 20.

Underreported Holdings?

The figures mentioned might just be the tip of the iceberg. According to 21.co, the Lazarus Group's actual cryptocurrency holdings could be much higher than what's currently reported. This assertion is based on the data available to the public, suggesting that the group might have undisclosed assets hidden away.

Previous Attacks and Thefts

The Lazarus Group's foray into the crypto world has been marked by a series of attacks and thefts. They were the masterminds behind the CoinEx exchange hack, which resulted in losses exceeding $55 million. Their nefarious activities don't end there. The FBI has linked them to other significant breaches, including those targeting Alphapo, CoinsPaid, and Atomic Wallet. These attacks, in 2023 alone, saw the group walking away with more than $200 million. However, there's a silver lining. Chainalysis reports indicate a decline in crypto thefts by hackers associated with North Korea, with an 80% drop recorded from 2022.

Warnings and Threats The digital realm remains under the shadow of the Lazarus Group. Recent alerts from U.S. federal authorities have highlighted the group's potential to target critical sectors, including the U.S. healthcare and public health domains. These warnings underscore the group's capabilities and the persistent threat they pose.

Conclusion

The Lazarus Group's activities serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the digital space. Their vast cryptocurrency holdings, accumulated through a series of hacks and breaches, highlight the need for enhanced security measures in the crypto world. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's imperative for stakeholders to remain vigilant, ensuring that their assets are protected from such sophisticated threats. The story of the Lazarus Group is not just about a hacking collective's exploits but a call to action for the broader crypto community.

FAQ

Who is the Lazarus Group? The Lazarus Group is a North Korean hacking collective known for its high-profile cyber-attacks and significant cryptocurrency holdings.

How much cryptocurrency does the Lazarus Group hold? The group is reported to have amassed around $47 million in cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin forming the majority of their holdings.

Were there any recent significant drops in their holdings? Yes, their holdings saw a decline from $86 million as of September 6, especially after the Stake.com hack.

Does the Lazarus Group hold any privacy coins? Surprisingly, the group does not hold any known privacy coins like Monero, Dash, or Zcash.

Have there been any warnings about the Lazarus Group's activities? U.S. federal authorities have issued warnings about the group's potential to target sectors like U.S. healthcare and public health.

That's all for today

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Folks - it really is time to wake up. How many more wars do we need? War on the Virus, War on Terror, War in Afghanistan, War in the Middle East, War in Vietnam - now War in Ukraine and who knows where else?

I grew up in Belfast in the 1970s and lived through the proxy war fought in my hometown. More recently I lived through a remarkably similar situation here in HK during 2019 and observed it happening too in Bangkok with some of the same participants spotted in media clips who had travelled from HK, presumably to orchestrate it there too. For years the motto of Belfast was "Belfast Says No" and it was prominent in a huge banner on the City Hall. Bitterness and resentment reigned for years until "Peace Broke Out", led by the women of Belfast insisting that people "Stop Fighting". Remember the Peace People?

Bottom line - war is never good. Benefits to society only ever emerge at times when people are working together, trading and collaborating for the better good.

In such situations you have "Voice or Exit" - you can speak up (if you are allowed) or exit (if you are allowed). That is why I left Northern Ireland (exit); the mess continued for 25 more years after that.

Concerning "Exit" - did you ever wonder why governments are now restricting the rights to travel? Or if/how you can preserve wealth if/when war develops?

The perpetual war footing that we find ourselves in was clearly warned about in George Orwell's 1984 - drumbeat of hostile distant foreign empires and their aggressions and victories. Sound familiar to anyone? Strangely, this was the conclusion of the "Report from Iron Mountain" from a 1967 US government panel which concluded that war, or a credible substitute for war, is necessary if governments are to maintain power. Search and ye shall find (still). Link here in case you cannot find it or are lazy!

Will you or your family benefit from what they say they are doing in your name?

By the way - the American People knew all this when they rebelled against the British and wrote their Constitution,

For those who prefer a more structured reading list, take your pick below:

• The Creature from Jekyll Island - The untold history of the FED...
• Sovereign Individual - written in 1997 they did predict personal computers, mobile phones, cryptocurrencies and even the current pandemic situation..
• The Fourth Turning - we have been here before
• The Fiat Standard - How it works - what you were never taught at school
• When Money Dies - The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar, Germany
• The Price of Tomorrow - The key to an abundant future is not what you have been told
• One of the best interviews of the year: Peter and Lyn discuss Currency wars
• Report from Iron Mountain - On the Possibility and Desirability of Peace

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.

You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ 554ab6fe:c6cbc27e

Time is the most precious. Spending time with those we love, relaxing and enjoying peace of mind, and finding time for simple pleasures that warm our hearts are all examples of why we value time over everything else. We all want more time and know how finite it is.

In a previous article, I discussed how a better name for Bitcoin could be the Entropy Engine. In brief, Bitcoin is the Entropy Engine because system users rely upon entropic processes, either through private key generation or the mining process, to benefit from the system. Additionally, considering that life on earth is the consequence of the second law of thermodynamics, it is evident that Bitcoin accelerates our entropic purpose by monetizing energy production in a way never seen in human history. Bitcoin is all things entropy.

After writing the previous article, it slowly dawned on me that Bitcoin is valuable precisely because of its constraints related to entropy. Being an Entropy Engine gives Bitcoin the property of being scarce, and scarcity alongside utility brings value. These properties stem from the relationship between entropy and time. This article will discuss the relationship between entropy, time, and scarcity. These concepts will then help explain economic principles and pave the way to explaining why Bitcoin is a fascinating invention that brought economic value to the digital world.

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. Essentially, entropy reflects the number of ways a system can be arranged, with higher entropy indicating more possible arrangements and more significant disorder. In an isolated system, entropy tends to increase over time, articulated through the second law of thermodynamics, which states that natural processes move towards a state of maximum entropy1. Our everyday experience with entropy can best be explained through heat. When energy is used to perform work, some of it gets released as heat, increasing the system's entropy by making the energy more dispersed and less useful.

Another impact entropy has on our daily lives is through the experience of time. As previously stated, the second law of thermodynamics states that, in a closed system, entropy always increases over time. Therefore, there is this dynamic where entropy is continuously growing, and our participation in a universe with such a law gives rise to the experience of an arrow of time1. In other words, time is a psychological experience resulting from interacting with a universe governed by the second law of thermodynamics1. It may seem intuitive to anyone reading this, but it is worth highlighting that time is always moving forward because entropy is continually increasing. No human can get any time back. From the point of view of a human, time is finite. Like energy and matter, which, according to the first law of thermodynamics, can neither be created nor destroyed, time is one of the universe's most limited resources.

Understanding the finite nature of time, energy, and matter is fundamental in economics. In his treatise on economics Man, Economy, and State with Power and Markets, Murray Rothbard states that "A man's time is always scarce. […] Therefore, time is a means that man must use to arrive at his ends. It is a means that is omnipresent in all human action"2. He goes on to state that "[…][i]n the first place, all means are scarce, i.e., limited with respect to the ends that they could possibly serve. […] Secondly, these scarce means must be allocated by the actor to serve certain ends and leave other ends unsatisfied. This act of choice may be called economizing the means to serve the most desired ends"2. Economics is fundamentally the study of how human beings make choices that allocate resources to satisfy their desires. Rothbard here highlights how because both time and the planet's resources are finite, human beings must choose how to allocate those resources. On aggregate, these individual decisions lead to the flourishing of human society as it develops and grows by becoming more and more efficient in resource allocation.

We all live on this one planet together. The resources on this earth are finite, which raises the question of how best to allocate these resources to satisfy everyone's needs and desires peacefully. The study of economics shows that free markets, which facilitate the free decision-making process of every human being, are the best way for all the resources to be allocated to maximize human flourishing if it is done so under the principle of non-aggression2,3. Notably, markets are needed because time and matter/energy are finite in the first place and are the necessary means to satisfy our ends. Put another way, economic value exists because of the scarce and useful nature of resources.

Consider now the vital relationship between the laws of thermodynamics and economics. The first law of thermodynamics, which states that matter and energy cannot be created nor destroyed, gives rise to the fact that resources are scarce on earth, which fuels economic decision-making amongst human beings. Additionally, the second law of thermodynamics, which highlights the universe's entropic nature, indicates that time is also scarce, valuable, and an integral aspect of economic decision-making, as all economic actions must use time. Most importantly, as described in more detail in the previous article, biological life can be viewed as the consequence of the entropic process of the universe. Life formed to help accelerate the increase in entropy. The process by which humans utilize energy and help accelerate the increase in entropy can also be viewed from an economic lens: economic decision-making helps drive the pursuit and innovation of energy production and usage. If economics is the study of the process by which human beings collectively make decisions, through individual action, that drive our societal progress forward. Then it is also the study of how human beings further accelerate their role in the entropic process of the universe. Entropy is the reason why we have economic markets, and economic markets help accelerate the entropic process. It is impossible to separate the laws of thermodynamics from the existence of the economic process within human society.

What is also appropriate to consider is the necessary properties of money. Nick Szabo, in his work "Shelling Out: The Origins of Money," provides an anthropological interpretation of how the use of money developed4. In trade, two potentially untrusting parties must find a way to trust one another. To do so, we can rely upon tokens of record governed by the laws of nature, which we all can trust. A commodity can be a helpful medium of exchange when it is scarce and hard to reproduce to the degree that people understand the extreme amount of energy and effort it would take to counterfeit one. Scarcity is how homo-sapiens detect the energy required to obtain a given object, giving it trust and validity as a unit of record. In this way, the first law of thermodynamics, which expresses matter as finite, provides a condition from which human beings can benefit by using it to trust one another. Not only is scarcity an underlying property that is the cause for economics, but the scarcer commodities, or at least those with the highest stock-to-flow ratio, are used as a medium of exchange that allows for more productive exchange within the economy5. In other words, most of a certain kind of scarcity is an underlying property in what makes high-quality money.

What is then interesting to ponder is the concept of the most scarce. One of the scarcest things we value, that which is most scarce, is time. Due to the second law of thermodynamics, time is the most finite and scarce resource. There is no way of 'recovering' or 'creating' more time. In that same vein, money can be conceptualized as an economic abstraction of time. I work now to receive money, which I can use to satisfy an end later. Similarly, I invest some money now so that it may grow, and I can benefit even more from that money later. Money and time are linked. Therefore, it stands to reason that the soundest form of money will be related to time in some fundamental sense. The better a money can store time, the more attractive that money is to use.

One significant component that contributes to the considerable innovation of Bitcoin is the difficulty adjustment. The difficulty adjustment in Bitcoin ensures that the time to mine a block remains close to 10 minutes, regardless of changes in the total mining power (the amount of energy being contributed to the network). This adjustment is crucial because it prevents blocks from being mined too quickly or slowly as miners join or leave the network. By recalibrating every 2016 blocks, the network maintains a certain rhythm, creating a new block every 10 minutes. It isn't easy to design a circuit board that can track time accurately and autonomously without relying on external time sources. However, creating a computer network that emulates the laws of thermodynamics via the mining process while simultaneously including the difficulty adjustment to give the machine a sense of time allowed it to adopt properties that were unique to nature itself. In this case, it is the first digital software that fully inherited the properties of scarcity.

Judging the correct ending for an article that blends so many disciplines is difficult. Perhaps the best way is to go full circle. The works of Donald Hoffman suggest that time is a consequence of human consciousness, not fundamental to the universe, that serves a positive utility towards our evolutionary pursuit of survival6. The predecessor article to this one highlighted how life is a consequence of the entropic nature of the universe. Perhaps time and our perceived relationship between time and entropy are helpful for life in pursuing its nature in this regard. Human beings gravitate towards scarce money like mosquitos gravitate toward light because it can be beneficial in the economic pursuit, which drives us toward the efficiency of furthering the production of entropy. This is potentially why those studying Bitcoin tend to view it as a technology of freedom, peace, prosperity, and more because money is a fundamental tool at which we are allowed to pursue such inherent purpose.

References

1. Grünbaum A. TIME AND ENTROPY. Am Sci. Published online 1996.

2. Rothbard MN. Man, Economy, and State with Power and Markets. Second Edition. Ludwig von Mises Institute; 1977.

3. Mises L von. Human Action: A Treatise on Economics. Ludwig von Mises Institute; 1940.

4. Szabo N. Shelling Out: The Origins of Money. Satoshi Nakamoto Institute. Published 2002. Accessed April 19, 2023. https://nakamotoinstitute.org/shelling-out/

5. Ammous S. The Bitcoin Standard. Wiley; 2018.

6. Hoffman DD, Prakash C. Objects of consciousness. Front Psychol. 2014;5(JUN). doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00577

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Still pleasant weather in HK but it is cooling down and in a few days we will likely shift in to the cold and cloudy January/February that is HK winter.

A shorter update from me this week as I think the more important things are in the links below. Read, watch, listen and DYOR. Maybe time to wake up?

Reading

I have now started on When Money Dies - The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar, Germany. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Once aware of them you will see signs all around you. FYI quite apparent now in Turkey.

Interesting also: I think it is not linked on their website but still accessible if you know where to look (maybe download and safestore it before it disappears): The Bank of England 1914-21 (Unpublished War History). This corroborates and elaborates on what you can read in The Creature from Jeckyll Island.

Watching

Just a few things to watch this week - in the order that I watched them. They are long but rather important - so I am pushing this out early in the weekend so you have time.

Mattias Desmet on Our Grave Situation

Professor Mattias Desmet (from Ghent, Belgium) talks about his work that connects past historical episodes of what is called “Mass Formation” (aka Mass Psychosis) and current events. The risks are as grave as they come. Unless a few brave and courageous people are willing to stand up and say “I don’t agree!” history suggests that we will end up with a fully totalitarian outcome. That is a dark path. It inevitably leads to mass casualties and atrocities. Eventually all totalitarian systems end in their own destruction.

Dr Robert Malone on Joe Rogan Experience

Its a looong interview but there are timestamps below if you want to dip in. \ Dr. Robert Malone is the inventor of the nine original mRNA vaccine patents, which were originally filed in 1989 (including both the idea of mRNA vaccines and the original proof of principle experiments) and RNA transfection. Dr. Malone, has close to 100 peer-reviewed publications which have been cited over 12,000 times. Since January 2020, Dr. Malone has been leading a large team focused on clinical research design, drug development, computer modeling and mechanisms of action of repurposed drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Dr. Malone is the Medical Director of The Unity Project, a group of 300 organizations across the US standing against mandated COVID vaccines for children. He is also the President of the Global Covid Summit, an organization of over 16,000 doctors and scientists committed to speaking truth to power about COVID pandemic research and treatment.

Here are some of the key points discussed with time codes:

• 24:19: An estimated 500,000 COVID Deaths resulted from the suppression of Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).
• 25:39: Former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Janet Woodcock, intentionally prevented doctors from using HCQ outside of the hospital setting (HCQ is one of the few antiviral medications safe in pregnancy and is largely ineffective once a person has been hospitalized).
• 31:10: Pharma industry’s systematic efforts to discredit ivermectin.
• 32:40: COVID deaths in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh plummeted soon after packets of medicines were distributed to their population. It is suspected these packets included Ivermectin but this was never formally disclosed. This puzzling policy went into effect soon after a meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi.
• 36:28: Increased risk of adverse events from vaccinating after SARS-COV2 infection.
• 38:40: 140 studies demonstrate natural immunity is superior to vaccine-induced immunity. Natural immunity is 6- to 13-fold better than vaccination in preventing hospitalization.
• 43:44: The Trusted News Initiative employed to protect western elections from foreign influence was used to justify the suppression of “misinformation” around the pandemic.
• 50:15: Emails between NIH Director Francis Collins and Fauci demonstrate an intention to launch a smear campaign against the founders of the Great Barrington Declaration.
• 54:00: How is Israel (highly vaccinated) faring in comparison to Palestine (poorly vaccinated)?
• 57:00: Why is good data nearly impossible to find?
• 1:06:00: The regulatory process is broken because vaccine manufacturers are responsible for their own data (FDA is not doing its job as a regulatory body).
• 1:14:50: Arguably the best clinicians of our day are having their medical licensure attacked.
• 1:22:50: Hong Kong study demonstrates that 1 in 2,700 boys getting hospitalized with myocarditis after vaccination.
• 1:27:00: Lipid nanoparticles pose danger to ovaries.
• 1:46:30: Long COVID and post-vaccination syndrome are impossible to differentiate.
• 1:49:00: Dysregulation of T-cells after vaccination may be causing latent virus reactivation (e.g., shingles).
• 1:59:00: Omicron and the possible negative efficacy of vaccines.
• 2:06:20: What is Original Antigenic Sin?
• 2:20:00: Monoclonal antibody therapies are still important but have been limited by our authorities.
• 2:22:10: Vaccine mandates are illegal.
• 2:35:50: Pfizer is one of the most criminal pharmaceutical organizations in the world.
• 2:37:00: What are mass formation psychosis and tribalism?
• 2:53:00: We are having a worldwide epidemic of suicide in children.

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.

You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

Lets explore three key aspects of Bitcoin technology to enhance your engagement with the ecosystem:

1. Running an Alby Hub Cloud Instance
2. Setting Up a Nutshell Ecash Mint on an Affordable VPS
3. Integrating Nostr Wallet Connect for Seamless Tipping

These components empower users to manage transactions, ensure privacy, and facilitate smooth interactions within the Bitcoin and Nostr communities.

1. Running an Alby Hub Cloud Instance

Purpose and Benefits:

Alby Hub is a self-custodial Lightning wallet that allows you to manage Bitcoin transactions efficiently. By running an Alby Hub instance in the cloud, you gain 24/7 online access to receive payments via a Lightning address, integrate with various applications, and maintain control over your funds without the need for personal hardware.

Setting Up Alby Hub in the Cloud:

• Choose Alby Cloud: For a hassle-free setup, Alby offers a cloud service where you can start your own hub in just 2 minutes. Give it A Try: Alby Cloud

• Subscription Benefits: Subscribing to Alby Cloud provides you with a self-custodial Lightning wallet, 24/7 online access, exclusive partner deals, priority support, and access to a subscriber community.

• Self-custodial Lightning wallet

• Getting Started: Visit the Alby Cloud page, select the subscription that suits you, and follow the guided setup process to have your hub up and running quickly.

• Alby Cloud page

For a visual guide on setting up Alby Hub, you can watch the following tutorial:

2. Setting Up a Nutshell Ecash Mint on an Affordable VPS

Purpose and Benefits:

Nutshell is an implementation of Ecash, a digital cash system that prioritizes privacy and anonymity. Setting up a Nutshell Ecash mint on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) allows you to operate your own mint, enhancing transaction privacy and providing a backup system for your Bitcoin transactions.

Setting Up on a $5 VPS:

• Select a VPS Provider: Choose an affordable VPS provider that supports Bitcoin and Nostr communities. For instance, SatoshiHost offers VPS services tailored for such needs.

• Install Nutshell: After setting up your VPS, install the Nutshell software by following the official installation guide.

• Nutshell

• Full Cashu Implementation

• Configure the Mint: Set up the mint parameters, including denomination and security settings, to suit your requirements.

• Secure the Server: Implement security measures such as firewalls and regular updates to protect your mint from potential threats.

• Recommendations
• Server Tips

3. Integrating Nostr Wallet Connect for Seamless Tipping

Purpose and Benefits:

Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) is an open protocol that enables applications to interact with Bitcoin Lightning wallets. Integrating NWC allows for seamless tipping and payments within Nostr apps, enhancing user experience and promoting engagement.

Integration Steps:

• Choose a Supporting App: Select a Nostr app that supports NWC, such as Amythystor Damus.

• Connect Your Wallet: Use NWC to link your preferred Lightning wallet to the Nostr app. This connection facilitates seamless payments without the need to switch between applications.

• Test the Integration: Perform a test transaction to ensure that the tipping functionality works as intended.

• Maintain Security: Regularly update your wallet and Nostr app to incorporate the latest security features and improvements.

For a deeper understanding of Nostr Wallet Connect and its significance, you can watch the following discussion:

Final Thoughts On Setup

Implementing these components enhances your interaction with the Bitcoin ecosystem by providing efficient transaction management, improved privacy, and seamless integration with Nostr applications. By running an Alby Hub cloud instance, setting up a Nutshell Ecash mint on an affordable VPS, and integrating Nostr Wallet Connect, you contribute to a more robust and user-friendly Bitcoin environment.

Invitation for Feedback

I encourage you to share any questions or feedback regarding these topics. Let's continue the conversation to explore how we can further engage with and improve upon these technologies.

@ 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.

@ 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!

@ 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.

@ 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.

@ 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.

@ 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. 💚

@ 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!

@ 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

@ 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.

@ 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.

@ 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!‌

@ 8f69ac99:4f92f5fd

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

@ 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

@ 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.

@ 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.

@ 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.

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• 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.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 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.

@ 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.

@ 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.

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• 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

@ 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.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• 대체공휴일이 늘어도 변하는 것이 없는 노동자
• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10406
• 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.

@ 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.

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• 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.

@ 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.

The Core Concept of Social Trading

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.
3. Community Interaction: Platforms often include features like discussion forums, leaderboards, and social media integration to foster interaction and learning.

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:

1. Completely Free: Unlike many other platforms that impose a paywall, NVSTly is completely free. Users can sign up and access all features without any cost, making it accessible to everyone.
2. Cross-Platform Availability: NVSTly is available on both web browsers and mobile devices (iOS and Android). This flexibility ensures that users can trade and interact with the community anytime, anywhere.
3. Unique Discord Integration: NVSTly is the only social trading platform fully integrated with Discord. Through a unique bot, users can perform almost all actions on NVSTly directly through Discord, enhancing community interaction and ease of use.

NVSTly’s Standout Features

NVSTly offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance the social trading experience:

• Real-Time Trade Tracking and Sharing: Users can track, share, or copy trades in real-time. Each position comes with extensive insights and performance stats.
• Multi-Market Support: NVSTly supports trading in stocks, options, and over 25 cryptocurrency exchanges, with plans to include futures and forex markets soon.
• 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.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• https://cms.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10299
• 전장연과 서울시 구도에서 은폐되는 것
• 입력 2023.02.16 16:35

전장연과 보수정치인들

얼마 전 2월 2일, 오세훈 서울시장과 박경석 전국장애인차별철폐연대(이하 전장연) 대표의 면담이 있었다. 해당 면담에 관해 필자의 SNS에서는 이에 대한 평들이 있었다. SNS 타임라인을 구성한 필자의 편향성 덕분에, 전장연을 옹호하고 서울시를 비판하는 내용 일변도였다. 이 논란 중에 장애인활동지원예산 관련한 글들이 눈에 보였다. 이준석 전 대표가 썰전에서 한 발언, 김상한 복지정책실장의 발언에 대한 반박이 반복되면서, 나는 이미 시장화된 사회서비스 분야에 대한 문제인식이 은폐되고 노동자를 억압하는 논리가 다시 확산되고 있다고 느꼈다.

이준석 전 대표와 김상한 복지실장의 말을 보자.

이준석: 탈시설 예산을 늘리면 그 돈이 어디로 갑니까? ... 탈시설 추진하는 시민단체나 아니면 사회단체로 가는 것 아닙니까? 집행기관이 거기잖아요. ... 장애인들에게 전달되기까지 그 과정 중에서 사업을 수행하는 기관들이 그 돈을 가져가잖아요.

2022년 5월 12일 JTBC썰전 라이브

과연 그게 24시간 활동보조를 붙여서 자립생활하는 것이 정말 장애인을 위한 것이냐 아니면 활동보조인력을 위한 것이냐. 아니면 활동보조서비스를 제공하는 그 단체를 위한 것인지에 대해서 여러 의구심들을 제시하는 의견들이 또 있습니다. 심지어는 활동보조서비스를 제공하는 기관에서 25% 수수료를 가져가는 그것 때문에 혹시 그 재정여건을 개선시키기 위해서 탈시설을 강조하는 거 아니냐 의구심이 있거든요.

서울시 김상한 복지정책실장 발언. 출처: 비마이너, [전문] 전장연-오세훈 단독 공개 대담 녹취록, < https://www.beminor.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=24563 >, 2023.02.02.

이 두 발언을 이어서 풀어보자면 "활동보조서비스를 제공하는 기관에서 25% 수수료를 가져가는 그것 때문에 혹시 그 재정여건을 개선시키기 위해서 탈시설을 강조하는 거 아니냐 의구심이 있"고, 그 돈이 "탈시설 추진하는 시민단체나 사회단체로 가는 것"아니냐는 의심이다. 이를 반론하기 위해 장애인언론 비마이너와 넓게 진보적 장애인 인권운동의 자장에 있는 사람들은 ▲장애인활동지원사업은 수익사업이 아니고 남는게 없으며 ▲시민사회단체. 즉, 전장연으로 돈이 흘러갈 리가 없다고 주장하고 있었다.[^1]

필자는 전장연이 주장하는 탈시설 이념에 동의한다. 노인장기요양분야에서도 지역사회계속거주 이념(Aging in place)이 실현되기를 바란다. 또 김상한 실장과 이준석 전 대표가 과장하듯이 탈시설 예산 전부가 전장연으로 흘러들어간다고 생각하지는 않는다. 그리고 전장연이 단순히 수수료 몇 퍼센트를 먹기 위해 투쟁을 하고 있다고 생각하지도 않는다. 하지만 그에 반론하여 말하듯 활동지원사업이 수익사업이 아니며, 전장연으로 돈이 전혀 흘러가지 않는다고 생각하지도 않는다.

장애인자립생활센터의 유일한 수익사업 활동지원사업

필자는 장애인자립생활센터에서 근무하고 있다. 이 센터는 활동지원사업을 기초지자체로부터 수탁받아 사업을 진행하고 있다. 전장연에 소속된 여러 단체들의 회원센터이기도 하다. 나는 한때 활동지원사업 운영위원(활동지원사분)이기도 했고, 노사협의회 노동자위원이기도 하다. 그리고 공교롭게 박 대표는 해당 센터의 운영위원이다.[^2]

필자는 센터와 현재 분쟁중에 있다. 당사자로서 체불임금과 관련한 노동청 진정을 제기하였으며 해당 사건은 검사의 기소의견이 법원에 전달되어 있다. 필자가 센터와 싸움을 결심하게 된 이유는 활동지원사를 소외시키고 도구화하는 센터의 행태에 배신감을 느꼈기 때문이다. 센터는 활동지원사들(시간급제 노동자들)의 수당을 삭제하는 취업규칙 개정을 강행하면서 노동자들에게 '개정된 근로기준법이 반영된 것'이라는 거짓말을 하고 서명을 받았다. 운동단체답게 평소에는 장애인과 노동자가 연대해서 투쟁해야 한다는 말을 하며 노동자들의 열악한 노동조건에 대한 책임을 정부로 돌렸지만, 노동조합이 투쟁해온 경과는 무시한 채, 정보약자인 노동자들을 기망하며 노동조건을 후퇴시키고 사업주로서의 법적 권한만을 강조했다.

그렇게 취업규칙을 개정하고 얼마 후에 층이 4개인 건물로 이사를 할 계획을 세웠다. 본인이 입사할 때는 2개의 사무실을 사용하는 작은 센터였다. 노사협의회에서 필자는 공간유지비용이 어떻게 마련되는지를 물었다. 센터는 이에 대해 설명하지 않았다. 본인은 공간유지비용이 센터가 수행하는 여러 사업에 의해 합리적으로 배분되어야 하는 것 아니냐고 주장했다. 활동지원사업과 무관한 사업의 공간이용비용으로 활동지원사업 수익금을 사용하는 것이 정당화될 수는 없다고 생각했기 때문이다.[^3] 이에 센터장은 타 사업에서는 공간운영비용이 나오지 않으며, 그 비용을 사업별로 분담하라는 주장은 사실상 사업을 하지 말라는 말과 같다고 항변했다. 센터의 유일한 수익사업은 활동지원사업이라고 주장했다.

공간뿐만이 아니었다. 활동지원사업 수익금으로 전장연 관련 단체 회비가 지출되었다. 제세공과금 명목이었다. 서울장애인차별철폐연대, 한국장애인자립생활센터협의회, 서울장애인자립생활센터협의회, 전국장애인야학협의회, 장애해방 열사 단, 박종필추모사업회, 피플퍼스트. 그 수가 많았다. 이 각종 단체들에 대해 활동지원사업과의 관련성을 얼마나 인정해야 할지는 각자의 판단이 있을터이다. 사업을 수탁한 기초지자체에 민원을 제기하였고, 일부는 사업과의 관련성이 인정되지 않아, 이제 앞으로 그렇게 하지 말라는 '시정지시'가 뒤늦게 있었다.

센터가 수탁하고있는 다른 사업분야는 필자도 잘 모른다. 센터가 상세히 설명하지도 않거니와, 센터장이 말하는 대로 믿을뿐이다. 하지만 보조금이라서 전혀 쓸 수 없다는 말을 쉽게 할 수 있을 정도로 활동지원사업이 단순하지는 않다. 센터 운영에 있어 의사결정 권한이 있는 운영위원들은 대부분 전장연 관련인사로 채워져 있다. 특별히 이 센터만을 탓하기 위해 하는 말이 아니라, 수년간 여러 종류의 사업체를 보아도 서로서로가 운영위원이 되어주며 적당히 친한 사람들로 자리를 매우는게 이 업계 풍토라면 풍토다. 관리감독의 책임이 있는 기초자치단체 공무원의 행정능력도 그렇게 꼼꼼하지 않다. 복지부 지침은 양이 많을 뿐만 아니라 공무원의 순환보직으로 매번 숙지되지 않는다. 대부분의 사람들은 센터 내부사정을 잘 알기도 힘들고, 민원을 제기해도 시정이 어렵다.

아무리 전장연 깍아내리기에 대한 반론이라고 하지만 민간위탁으로 점철된 한국의 사회복지사업이 투명하다고 강조하는 것은 거짓말 아닌가. 사회복지분야 회계투명성을 위해 투쟁하고 있는 사람들의 노고를 무시하는 발언이다. 그 말을 하는 사람들은 장애인수용시설사업을 하는 사회복지법인들의 재정이 투명하다고 믿고 있을까.

활동지원사업 수익금의 '일부'는 전장연으로 흘러가는 것이 맞다. 전부 흘러가는것도 아니고 전혀 흘러가지 않는것도 아니고 '일부'는 흘러간다. 그리고 개별행위자들은 그 부스러기 같은 '일부' 때문에 취업규칙을 고치고 노동자들을 기망한다. 한자협 소속 장애인자립생활센터 중, 활동지원사업을 하는 비율은 몇프로나 되는가? 오히려 사업을 수탁하지 않은 자립생활센터를 찾기가 힘들다. 사업을 하지 않는 자립생활센터들도 활동지원사업 수탁을 받고자 안달이다. 이는 활동지원사업을 통해 공간을 마련-유지하고, 자금을 운용할 틈을 만들기 위해서이지 않은가.

최소한의 운영을 위해서건, 공간확보를 위함이건, 회원단체 회비 납부를 위해서건 정부에 의해 수입이 정해진 사업구조에서 활동지원기관이 자금을 확보하기 위한 전략은 노동자들의 노동조건 후퇴이다. 이 과정에서 희생되는 것은 노동자들이다. 그리고 노동자들이 가장 많이 듣는 이야기는 전장연을 위한 반론에서 강조되는 대로 활동지원사업이 '수익사업이 아니다', '남는게 없다'는 식의 주장들이다. 우리노조는 활동지원사업을 수행하는 각종 종교재단, 복지관 등에서 활동지원사 노동권 확보를 위한 투쟁을 이어왔다. 그들이 하는 말도 똑같았다. 노동자들에게 임금채권포기각서를 요구한 사업장 대표가 하는 말도 '정부지원이 부족하다', '남는게 없다', '어쩔 수 없다'였다.[^4] 그리고 정작 사건화되어 검찰이 회계를 요구해 검토하자 그렇게 사정이 나쁘지도 않았다. 전장연을 옹호하는 사람들의 말도 노동자의 노동조건을 후퇴시키고 억압하는 논리를 반복하고 있다.

정부와 서울시의 무책임

탈시설 예산 일부가 전장연으로 흘러들어가는 매커니즘의 바탕에는 결국 시장화된 사회서비스가 있다. 정부의 재정을 투입하면서도 민간위탁 시키면 이윤의 논리가 반영될 수밖에 없다. 결국 이런 구조를 설정하고 있는 것은 정부이고 지자체이다. 다른 활동지원기관들의 재정이용은 투명한가? 활동지원기관 일반의 재정이 어디로 도는지 알 수는 있는가?

활동지원사 입장에서는 활동지원기관을 성장시킨 비용이 어디에서 나오는지 궁금하다. 활동지원기관이 정말로 근로기준법을 지킬 수 없을 정도로 상황이 어려운지 알고 싶다. 하지만 회계자료 요구는 번번히 거절당하고, 운영사정은 설명들을 수 없다. 중앙정부는 활동지원기관의 회계를 확보하지도 못할 뿐만 아니라, 관리감독 권한이 있는 기초지자체는 회계를 입수했다 하더라도 "영업비밀"이라며 공개를 거부한다. 만약 오세훈 서울시장이 시민사회단체로 흘러들어가는 일부분 만이라도 진정으로 문제라 여긴다면 활동지원기관의 회계를 투명하게 유지하고 정부가 관리감독을 잘하면 된다. 오해하지말라. 전장연의 회계가 아니라 정부 수탁사업자로서 활동지원기관의 회계 말이다.

또 다른 방안으로는 민간위탁사업자를 없애고 공공 운영 하여 정부가 직접 서비스를 제공하는 방안이다. 서비스 제공 과정에서 발생하는 손해건 수익이건 정부에게 돌아가도록 하면 된다. 노동자들과 시민사회단체는 시장화된 사회서비스에 문제인식을 느끼고 사회서비스 공적 전달체계로의 개편을 바라며 오랜세월 투쟁해왔다. 그러한 목소리들의 성과가 사회서비스원이다. 서울시사회서비스원 설립 당시 자립생활센터는 "민간기관의 피해"를 걱정하기도 했다.[^5] 서울시사회서비스원이 잘되면, 자신들의 입지가 줄어든다고 판단한 것이다.

사회서비스원의 성과는 우리사회가 코로나19를 겪으며 더욱 두드러지게 드러났다. 민간위탁기관과 대비되게 인력수급이 비교적 안정적인 서울시사회서비스원은 긴급한 상황 긴급하게 인력을 투입할 수 있었다. 직접서비스를 제공하는 돌봄노동자들은 소중한 노동으로 격상되었다. "일상의 영웅"으로 칭송받으며 "필수노동자"라고 칭해지기도 했다. 하지만 윤석열 정부 들어 사회서비스원 전체를 통폐합 하는 기조이고, 서울시로 국한해 보아도 서울시사회서비스원은 축소되고 있다.[^6] 장애인활동지원사업을 제공하던 노원종합재가센터가 폐지되고 성동종합재가센터만 남아 있다. 사회서비스원의 활동지원인력도 줄었다. 놀라운 것은 장애인자립생활센터가 걱정하던 사안을 사회서비스원 대표가 규탄하고 있다는 사실이다.[^7] 오세훈 시장의 보좌관 출신으로 알려진 황정일 대표이사는 오세훈 서울시장이 새로이 임명한 사람이다.

서울시사회서비스원의 축소는 공공운영의 축소이고 민간위탁기관이 활동할 시장의 범위를 더 넓어지게 만드는 처사이다. 서울시가 접던 판도 다시 깔아주면서 노름하지 말라하는 모양새다. 오세훈의 서울시는 여러모로 보아도 전장연을 깍아내릴 자격조차 없다.

사회서비스 공공성 확보하라

활동지원사들은 정부가 예산을 낮게 책정하고, 센터는 정부를 핑계대는 핑퐁게임에 참으로 오랜세월동안 노출되어 왔다. 그 결과는 상시적 고용불안에 노출되어 있으면서도 언제나 최저임금과 근로기준법상 법정수당을 지급받지 못하는 현실이다.

나는 보수정치인들의 전장연 깍아내리기와 그를 방어하는 논쟁의 구도에서 또다시 이 핑퐁게임을 본다. 각자가 그렇게 주장하는 전체적 의도가 왜 없겠는가. 그렇다고 단편적 주장을 무시하면 그것은 그것대로 남아 누군가를 괴롭힐 것이다. 나는 사회서비스 공공성 확보가 중요하다고 주장할 수 밖에 없다. 이 방안만이 노동자와 인력공급에 불안을 느끼는 장애인을 위하는 방안이라고 생각한다. 사회서비스 전달체계 구조에 대한 고민이 절실하다.

[^1]: 비마이너, [탈시설 팩트체크] 탈시설 예산 늘리면 그 돈은 어디로 갈까?, < https://www.beminor.com/news/curationView.html?idxno=23397 >, 2022.05.23. [^2]: 2022년 초 해당 센터 총회자료 기준 [^3]: 보건복지부에서 매년 발간하는 「장애인활동지원사업안내」에서는 수익금을 활동지원인력 인건비로 최우선적으로 사용하도록 하고 있다. [^4]: 해당 사건은 대법원까지 간 끝에 사업주의 유죄가 확정됐다. 최초 문제제기 이후 4년이 걸렸다. 관련기사. 에이블뉴스, “활동지원사 임금포기 확인서 서명 강요 유죄”, < http://www.ablenews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=87514 >, 2020.03.16. / 매일노동뉴스, “임금포기각서 요구, 거부한 조합원은 초단시간 노동자로”, < http://www.labortoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=203984&fbclid=IwAR3KQ-KWnFsSaIq7D9zkrJXG9foGgtECVNJ0ulxgPTXRIEv_DF4AO1la-oU >, 2021.07.21. [^5]: "사실 사회복지가 공공의 영역에서 국가가 책임지고 가야 하는 방향성은 맞으나, 재가노인요양기관 뿐 아니라 장애인활동지원기관도 운영의 큰 부분을 바우처 사업으로 가져가고 있는 상황에서 자칫 잘못하면, 민과 관의 경쟁구도로, 민간 기관들이 피해를 볼수도 있는 상황이기 때문이다."_장애인자립생활센터 활동지원사업 운영위원회 사업평가 발췌, 2019. [^6]: 2023년 서울시의 사회서비스원 관련 예산은 69억으로 142억원이 삭감되었다. 서울시사회서비스원 유지 자체가 불투명하다. 서울사회서비스원의 노동자 탄압에 대해서는 김호세아, 참여와혁신, "[기고] 서울시사회서비스원 돌봄노동자들 월급도둑 취급은 부당하다", < https://www.laborplus.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=30697 > , 2022.12.22. [^7]: 뉴스인오늘, [인터뷰] 서울시사회서비스원 황정일대표, 여러분은 서울시사회서비스원에 대해 얼마나 알고 계십니까?, < http://www.focus24.co.kr/47715 >, 2023.01.16.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• https://cms.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10273
• 장애인활동지원사 월급 천만원
• 입력 2023.01.17 17:20

“장애인활동지원사가 돈을 많이 번다”는 발화의 이면

종종 활동지원사들이 돈을 많이 번다는 이야기를 듣는 일이 있다. 바로 얼마 전 보건복지부 공무원 면담을 하는데 노조 앞에서 담당 행정사무관이 이렇게 말했다. 장애인에게 24시간 서비스하면서 월 800만 원 소득을 얻는 분들은 다른 건 필요 없고 그냥 계속 그런 식으로 근무하길 원한다고 말이다. 그는 이렇게 말하며 노동조합의 제도 개선 요구를 일축하고 있었다.

이런 종류의 발언은 현장에서도 많이 나온다. 연초다 보니 연말정산을 안내하는 전담인력은 활동지원사에게 이렇게 안내했다 한다. “월 천만 원씩 버시는 분들이 센터 여러 개 하시잖아요. 그러니까….” 설명의 요지는 간단하다. 직장이 여러 곳인 노동자는 원천징수 영수증을 사업장별로 각각 발급받아 제출해야 한다는 내용이다. 그런데 이런 설명을 할 때도 “월 천만 원”이라는 금액이 그 앞에 붙는다.

우리 사회 일반의 노동 인식에는 기대가 없지만, 진보적 장애인 인권운동을 표방하는 이들조차 이런 발언을 쉽게 한다. 노동자들을 지원하면서 경악했던 사건 중 하나는 한 장애인 활동가가 우리 조합원이 일하는 장소에서 활동지원사의 노동을 폄훼해서 벌어진 갈등이었다. 그 활동가는 자신의 발언을 변호하기 위해 “밥 먹고 잠자면서도 돈 버는 거 아니냐”, “천만 원까지 벌 수 있다”, “장애인들이 얼마나 좋은 일자리를 만들어 준 거냐” 같은 이야기가 ‘장판(장애인 인권 운동판)’에서 농담처럼 나오는 이야기라고 주장하는 서신을 제출했다.

활동지원사의 수입이 월 천만 원이라는 말은 어떤 맥락 속에 있는 말이다. 연봉으로 치면 1억 2천. 이것은 그저 누군가가 선망하는 직종의 월수입에 대한 사실을 표현하는 말이 아니다. 그 말의 이면에는 장애인활동지원사 같이 별것도 하지 않는 일에서, 밥 먹고 잠을 자면서도 월 천만 원의 수입이 가능하니, 행정사무관의 태도처럼 정부에 감사하고 군소리를 말던가, 장애인 인권운동가의 태도처럼 그 제도 혹은 좋은 일자리를 만들어낸 진보적 장애인 인권운동에 감사하며 군소리를 말아야 한다는 뜻이 내포되어 있다. 발화자들이 의식하건 의식하지 못하건 이는 우리 사회 일반에 만연한 젠더화된 노동 혹은 돌봄노동에 대한 저평가와 멸시를 반영한 발화이다.

장시간노동이 가능한 조건을 만든 이유가 뭔지 물어야

활동지원사 일반이 월평균 천만 원을 버는 직종은 당연히 아니다. 활동지원사의 월 근무시간은 편차가 크다. 일하는 시간만큼 급여가 발생하는 시간급제 노동자이고, 일할 수 있는 시간도 매칭되는 장애인에 따라 차이가 크다. 급여의 수준보다도 근무시간의 불안정성이 활동지원사에게는 더욱 큰 문제로 다가온다.

2020년 공공운수노조 의료연대본부에서 발간한 “장애인활동지원사 노동·인권 실태 결과”에 의하면 설문에 응한 전업 활동지원사 월 근무시간의 최저값은 10시간이고 최대 597시간으로 편차가 심하다. 조사 당시의 전업 활동지원사 월평균 근무시간은 158.31시간이다. 2022년 수가 기준으로 평균 임금을 계산해보면 175만 원에 해당한다.

편차가 큰 근무시간 분포를 생각하면, 하루 24시간을 한 달 내도록 일하면 월 천만 원의 수입도 가능하긴 하다. 이렇게 근무하는 활동지원사들은 하루 24시간의 근무가 가능하도록 하기 위해 3개의 활동지원기관에 등록하여 근무해야 한다. 8시간의 근무는 A기관에서 근무한 것으로 기록하고, 다음 8시간은 B기관에서, 그 다음의 8시간은 C기관에서 근무한 것으로 기록하는 식이다.

이런 식의 노동형태가 개인의 차원에서도 제도적 차원에서도 추구할만할 노동형태는 아니다. 실제로 장시간 노동을 하는 조합원들은 결국 몸이 아파서 그런 노동을 유지할 수 없는 경우가 많다. 그렇다면 이런 노동형태에 대한 비난을 개별 노동자가 떠맡아야 할 문제일까? 나는 이런 식의 노동형태가 가능한 이유가 무엇인지는 따져 물어야 한다고 생각한다. 애초부터 이런 노동이 가능한 조건을 만들어둔 이유는 무엇인지 물어야 한다고 생각한다.

정부와 기관의 공모, 노동자 권리의 소멸

활동지원사가 센터를 여러 개 등록하는 데에는 정부와 활동지원기관의 암묵적 공모가 있다. 제도 법제화 이전에 활동지원사는 1개의 사업장에만 속할 수 있었다. 활동지원사가 수행한 근무는 모두 한 명의 ‘사장님’ 밑에서 이루어진다. 근로기준법은 사업장을 기준으로 적용되고, 법률상 법정근무시간 8시간을 넘어가는 근무시간은 연장근무수당을 지급해야만 한다. 하지만 활동지원제도가 법제화되면서 활동지원사 또한 여러 기관에 등록할 수 있도록 정부가 규제를 풀었다. 정부의 핑계는 장애인이용자들의 선택권을 보장하기 위해서라고 말했지만, 사실 이런 식의 선택권 보장은 장애인이용자들이 기관을 선택하는 것만으로도 충분히 실현이 가능했다. 이러한 변화의 실체는 노동자의 권리를 찢어 없앨 수 있도록 길을 열어둔 것이다.

활동지원기관들은 소속 활동지원사들의 근무시간을 여러 기관으로 찢어 나누기 시작했다. 활동지원사는 같은 장애인 이용자에게 같은 서비스를 제공하면서도, 여러 곳(활동지원기관)의 소속이 되어야만 했다. 결국, 근무시간은 사업장의 개수만큼 나누어져 계산되었고, 노동자가 더 받아야만 할 법정수당도 사라지게 되었다. 그리고 기관들은 이러한 노동시간 찢기를 자신들과 친한 중개기관들끼리 서로 나누며 진행하였고, 그들은 이러한 연계를 통해 월 서비스 총 시간(곧 수익)은 유지할 수 있었다. 이러한 조치들은 현재에도 활동지원기관들 사이에서 이루어지고 있는 것이 현실이다.

다른 센터가 다른 노동자를 파견하면 활동지원사의 장시간노동도 가능하지 않다. 하지만 문제는 인력을 구하기도 힘들뿐더러 장애인이 원하는 수준의 서비스를 받기가 힘들다는 문제가 있다. 장애인의 입장에서는 자신에게 익숙한 1명의 활동지원사가 계속 서비스해 주기를 바라는 경우들이 있다. 행정사무관도 이런 경우들을 언급했다. 하지만 나는 1명의 활동지원사만을 고집하는 장애인이용자들의 욕구가 인정되어야 한다고 생각하지는 않는다. 그 단 1명의 활동지원사가 아프거나 사고로 인해 근무할 수 없게 된다면, 그 활동지원사에게 의존되어 있던 장애인의 삶은 순식간에 무너질 수도 있기 때문이다. 자립은 의존으로부터의 탈피가 아니라 의존의 선택이자 분산이라고 탈시설 자립생활운동 활동가들은 말한다. 1명의 익숙한 활동지원사가 아니라, 자신이 편안히 서비스 받을 수 있는 여러 명의 활동지원사가 확보되는 것이 장애인 삶의 안정성 측면에서도, 활동지원사의 건강권 측면에서도 올바르다. 다른 활동지원사가 와서 비슷한 수준의 서비스를 제공한다면 장애인이용자는 그 단 1명의 활동지원사를 고집할 이유가 없다.

장애인이 1명의 활동지원사가 계속 서비스를 제공해 주길 바라는 이면에는 장애인 이용자가 바라는 최소 수준의 서비스 정도를 보장할 수 없는 활동지원서비스의 불안정성, 교육시스템의 부재가 바탕하고 있다. 그리고 그 외에도, 24시간 서비스를 제공하는 활동지원사들의 경우 다른 활동지원사들은 엄두 낼 수 없는 압도적인 서비스를 제공하는 경우가 많은데, 특장차를 구매하여 장애인에게 차량서비스를 제공하거나(운수사업법 위반), 석션(의료법 위반) 등 의료서비스를 제공하는 경우가 이에 해당한다. 장애인이 이런 서비스를 제공할 수 있는 활동지원사를 구하는 것은 당연히 어렵고, 대체불가능한 지위에 있는 활동지원사는 장시간노동이 불가피해진다. 이런 경우들도 이동권이 보장되지 않는 현실과 일상적 의료서비스가 제공되지 않는 현실이 바탕하는 것이다.

종합해 보자면 인력을 구할 수 없는 장애인의 필요와 법정수당 지급을 회피하고자 하는 활동지원기관의 이해, 생활에 필요한 임금을 충당하고자 장시간노동을 선택하는 노동자의 결정, 거기에 인력수급 안정성 확보와 교육시스템 구축이라는 과제를 회피하고자 하는 정부의 의지 속에서 월 천만 원 수익의 활동지원사가 가능하게 된다. 이 천만 원의 수익도 사실은 노동자로서는 삭제된 권리의 결과물이다. 장시간노동을 하고 돈을 많이 벌고자 하는 노동자의 선택은 이 전체 과정에서 얼마만큼의 주도권을 가지고 있을까.

이러한 조건들을 무시한 채 돈을 많이 버니까 입을 다물고 있으라는 식의 발화를 받아들일 수는 없다. 무엇보다 정부와 행정관료가 이런 식의 말을 해서는 안 된다. 정말 그것이 문제라면 여타의 정부 일자리 사업처럼 노동자는 1개의 일자리 사업에만 참여할 수 있도록 제한하면 된다. 하지만 왜 그렇게 하지 않을까? 어떤 난리가 날지 눈에 뻔하기 때문이다.

노동혐오 장애혐오

하는 일 없이 돈을 번다는 인식의 매개에는 심야 서비스에 대한 인식이 끼어있다. 사람이 잠을 자지 않고 일을 할 수는 없으며, 장애인이 잠자는 동안에 일하지 않으면서도 돈을 번다는 인식이다.

이런 인식은 정부나 사회보장정보원 부정수급 방지 교육자료를 보아도 알 수 있다. 사회보장정보원 교육자료에는 사회서비스 사업별 주요 이상 결제 유형으로 모든 서비스에서 심야결제를 꼽고 있다. 밤에 서비스한다고 보고하는 노동자는 부정수급 의혹을 받고 이와 함께 밤에 서비스 받는 장애인은 상시로 부정수급 의혹을 받으며 정부의 감시 대상이 된다. 복지 수급권이 권리가 아니라 낙인이 되는 데에는 이런 논리들이 작동한다.

달리 말하면 ‘장애인이 잠을 자는데 일을 할 리가 없잖아’는 ‘잠자는 시간에 서비스 받을 리가 없잖아’와 한 쌍의 인식이다. 이를 보면서 서비스 대상자에 대한 인식과 노동자에 대한 인식의 연결고리를 본다. “유전병자 한 명이 60살까지 살기 위해 평균 5만 마르크의 비용이 듭니다.”라는 나치의 발화와 장애인 권리 예산을 깎아내리는 정부의 인식이 다르지 않다고 장애인 인권운동은 말한다. “장애인활동지원사가 1년 버는 돈이 1억 2천입니다”라는 발화는 장애인에게 투여되는 국가 예산이 그를 웃돈다는 것을 함의하기도 한다.

활동지원사노동자와 장애인당사자가 이런 논리에 동조해야 할까? 일반적-통계적 사실에 부합하지도 않을뿐더러, 우리 사회가 나아가야 할 방향에도 적절한 인식은 아니다. 예산 논리에 매몰된 정부 관료가 이런 발언을 하면 차라리 규탄을 할 수 있지만, 우리가 이런 이야기를 농담으로 한다는 사실은 견디기 힘들다. 이런 이야기 농담으로라도 하지 말라.

@ 07f367da:0e76880d

• https://www.newspoole.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=10154
• 입력 2022.10.14 17:02
• 제목: 활동지원사 수급 문제, 왜 활동지원사에게는 묻지 않을까?

활동지원사 수급 문제, 왜 활동지원사에게는 묻지 않을까?

장애인활동지원제도의 문제점으로 반복적으로 지적되는 것 중의 하나가, 활동지원인력의 수급 불안정이다. 장애인 부모와 장애인이용자들은 활동지원사를 구할 수 없어 괴롭다고 말한다. 이 정도 주장에 그치면 고충을 느끼는 당사자로서 느끼는 바를 말하고 정부에 해결을 촉구하는 활동으로 이해할 수 있다. 그런데 여기서 더 나아가 다른 제도적 주장을 하기도 한다. 장애인 가족에게도 활동지원서비스를 제공할 수 있도록 허용해달라는 내용이거나, 용처를 제한한 바우처 대신에 현금으로 달라는 개인예산제와 관련된 주장이 이어진다.

가족 활동지원 허용을 주장하는 사람이나, 개인예산제를 도입하라고 주장하는 사람이나, 결론적으로 이를 주장하는 사람에게 ‘현금’을 달라는 주장으로 내용을 정리할 수 있다. 매칭이 되지 않는 장애인을 둔 가족은, 내가 장애인을 돌보니 활동지원사와 동일하게 임금을 받도록 해달라거나 자신만이 장애인 자녀를 돌볼 수 있으니 나에게 임금을 달라고 주장한다. 매칭이 안 되는 장애인 당사자는 바우처를 현금화하여 자신에게 주면 필요한 곳에 더 지혜롭게 쓸 수 있을 것이라 주장한다.

이러한 주제에 있어서는 그 주장이 오래된 만큼이나 비판도 오래되었다. 그래서 여기서 중언부언 말할 필요는 없어 보인다. 다만 그러한 논의와 별개로 해당 장애인이 활동지원사를 구하지 못하는 문제를 왜 장애인에게서 답을 구하는지는 항상 의문스럽다. 최근 MZ[^1]가 퇴사를 해서 기업들이 속이 탄다는 이야기들이 있었는데, 이런 문제의 해법을 사장님께 여쭈면 나오는 답은 뻔하다. 그러니까 나에게 ‘가족 활동지원 허용’과 ‘개인예산제’같은 해법은 사장님들이 말하는 ‘요즘 젊은것들의 근성을 키우기 위한 획기적인 방안’과 꼭 같은 느낌이다. MZ가 퇴사하는 이유는 MZ에게 물어봐야 한다. 활동지원사를 못 구하는 이유는? 활동지원사들이 왜 안가는지를 물어야 한다.

현장에서 활동지원사를 하고 노동조합 활동을 하면서, 매칭이 되지 않는다고 소문난 장애인 이용자들을 몇 알고 있다. 실제로 긴급하게 투입이 되어 본 적도 있고, 아는 사람이 문제의 장애인이용자에게 서비스를 제공하면서 고통스러움을 토로한 적도 있다. 좀 죄송한 말씀이지만, 사람들이 안가는 데에는 안 갈만한 이유가 있다. 장애인 개인의 행동이 문제인 경우도 있고, 그의 물적 인적 환경이 문제인 경우도 있고, 안타깝게도 제도의 한계 때문인 경우도 있다. 어쨌거나 해법은 활동지원사 입장에서 기피되는 원인에 대한 제거가 있어야 매칭이 원활히 이루어진다.

일부 관계자들은 활동지원사들이 중증장애인을 기피한다는 주장을 하기도 한다. 하지만 내 입장에서 또는 주변의 활동지원사를 보아도, 바우처 시간이 넉넉한 장애인이용자를 활동지원사들이 선호한다. 시간을 많이 받는다는 것은 국가가 시행하는 종합조사 검사표에서 높은 점수를 획득했다는 뜻이고 달리 말하면 시간이 많은 장애인이용자는 국가가 공인한 중증장애인이라는 의미이기도 하다. 누구는 중증장애인을 기피한다고 말하고, 누구는 중증장애인일수록 좋다고 말하는 현상이 벌어진다.

나는 이러한 괴리가 장애를 보는 관점의 충돌로 읽힌다. 장애인인권운동은 오랜 시간 장애의 의료적 모델에 저항해왔다. 그리고 여전히 국가가 설계한 종합조사 검사표 질문에는 능력과 기능을 집중적으로 묻는 질문들이 즐비하다. 활동지원사들이 중증장애인을 기피한다고 주장하는 사람들의 장애관은 의료적 모델인 경우도 있고 사회적 모델인 경우도 있다. 그리고 노동자 입장에서는 장애에 대한 급부적 모델이라고 할만한 시각이 존재한다. 이 시각에서는 국가가 정한 15개의 장애유형 따위는 상관없고, 장애가 사회적으로 어떤 차별을 받는지도 무관심하며, 그저 노동자 자신이 어떤 급부를 얼마나 많이 제공해야 하는지가 중요하다.

노동자 입장에서 최고의 직장은 일은 쉬우면서 임금을 많이 주고 사회적 인정도 받는 직장이다. 활동지원사들은 중증장애인을 기피하는 것이 아니라, 돈이 너무 안되거나 돈에 비해서 힘든 장애인이용자를 기피한다. 기피되는 중증장애인이란 국가가 충분히 인정한 중증장애인은 아니며, 한편으로는 노동자 입장에서는 너무나도 서비스하기 힘든 어떤 업무가 있는 장애인이용자이다. 그리고 그 극단적 대척점에는 국가는 너무나도 인정해서 많은 시간은 부여되었지만, 노동자 입장에서는 별일을 시키지 않는 소위 좋은 이용자들이 있다.

나는 각 관점들의 의견에 대한 종합적이고 총체적인 반영이 있어야 한다고 생각하는 편이다. 장애인이용자 개개인의 욕구를 반영하고, 사회적 의미에서 그러한 욕구가 권리로 인정되어야 할지 판단 후 보장하며, 그 권리를 보장하기 위해서는 얼마만큼의 노동이 필요한지에 대한 고려가 되어야 한다. 의료적 모델은 장애인들을 줄 세워 선별하여 예산을 아끼기 쉽기에 정부에 의해 선호될 뿐이고, 사회적 모델은 장애인의 욕구를 충분히 반영할 수 있다 판단되어 장애인권운동에서 선호될 뿐이다. 하지만 장애인의 욕구가 충분히 반영되고 과도한 예산이 투입된다고 할지라도 누군가는 선호되고 누군가는 기피되는 현상을 피할 수는 없다. 결국은 노동자가 어떻게 움직이는지에 대한 고려가 있어야만 한다. 노동강도를 평등화 할 수 있는 정책적 지원, 여러 시도들이 고민되어야만 한다.

[^1]: MZ 세대(MZ Generation). 밀레니얼 세대와 Z세대를 아우르는 용어이다. 1980년대 초부터 2000년대 초반에 출생한 사람에 해당한다.

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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.

@ 7776c32d:45558888

Attached is a screenshot of the reddit profile of one of my possible past victims.

A few days ago, it crushed my soul to look at this not knowing if this /u/ykorea person is alive, and knowing even if she is, there must be other victims that are dead. I wrote most of this post those few days ago. After the harassment I've faced in the past few days with no significant backup, I'm numb to it.

I have never been able to get solid answers on what happened to ykorea after she stopped posting, but her posts read like someone that might have committed suicide over money lost trading options. I didn't make her lose money, but I contributed to her leaving, whether it was by suicide or not.

She is not Digit, but she is another woman I met on wallstreetbets - meaning, of all the people I might have accidentally killed, at least two are women from wallstreetbets possibly dead via suicide. I would have preferred to save both of them. I just cause so many deaths, two possible ones happen to line up that way instead.

This ykorea woman said something hurtful to me once, something to do with how lonely I was and how women never cared about me at the time. I don't remember the specifics beyond that. I harassed her with hateful reminders of how she hurt me for a while, and still ended up forgetting the details myself by now.

Soon after that, I got rich, and she happened to befriend me for a brief time, not mentioning our past differences. I didn't mention them either because I wasn't sure if becoming acquainted with me was burying the hatchet, or simply forgetting I was the same guy from all the hateful comments.

She was having a hard time financially and I wanted to help her, but I still wasn't rich enough to help everyone I want to help, and I didn't deem her worthy of being one of those few prioritized people I'd try to give some financial support. I was distrustful of any woman trying to find such support from men on wallstreetbets.

Why did I care enough about her words to be hurt by them enough to harass her over it for a while, but not care about her enough to really become a close supportive friend to her later? Because I'm a dangerously bad person and I can't cut off the cycle of abuse I'm in. People have made me learn to suppress my sympathy and I don't have the emotional capacity to afford to get it back. But I have the emotional capacity for anger, all day, every day. I can always afford anger. I'm the kind of person all the good writers warn you about in every story with any meaning. The kind of person they warn you not to be, and the kind of person they warn you not to make others into. None of us ever learn the easy way, do we?

She had not become friends with me based on burying the hatchet. She had forgotten who I was. That topic came up eventually and she was embarrassed about forgetting, and she pretty much stopped talking to me.

I didn't tell her to buy AMC. If she lost money on bad trades, that probably added more to her leaving than me. But I added to it by being a bad person. Whoever made her buy AMC could have been a bad person too, but it's also possible they were just misguided and desperate like her. I'm a monster, capable of nothing but offering good advice nobody takes, and making people hate themselves over their mistakes. I'm even worse than people who are just good at getting their advice taken by giving bad advice.

Unless Digit is alive. If she is, I can stop doing this. If I can stop doing this, people who keep giving bad advice can be worse than me. Every time I have proof she's alive, it becomes so much easier to just be fucking nice to people like Kurt Vonnegut says to do. But she deleted her accounts over a year ago and I keep getting more scared, and no matter how hard I try to cultivate self control, the best I can do is be a little less cruel, a little more forgiving, a little less selfish - not enough to stop contributing to suicides. Not enough to stop contributing to deaths of slaves in third world countries making products I use. Not enough. If I've failed her, I do believe I will not stop failing everyone as long as I live.

Remember, I wrote most of this with those feelings I had a few days ago, before the recent events where nostr:npub1jk9h2jsa8hjmtm9qlcca942473gnyhuynz5rmgve0dlu6hpeazxqc3lqz7 triggered a new wave of harassment against me and cornered me in a position where I have no better strategy than trying to cause suicides on nostr. It's all obvious and droll now. People die. So what? Digit isn't here to make lives matter anyway. This stuff will only matter if she shows up.

But it's not just me. Everyone contributes to suicides in their own way. Everyone contributes to climate change. Everyone uses products made by slaves. Almost any suicidal person can be helped by almost anyone who cares enough. If you don't know that, you don't understand. Tragic deaths happen millions of times a year because of society, not me in particular.

And everyone failed Digit spectacularly in the time I knew her. The world was made miserable for her and I need her to be strong enough to be living in it anyway. When I knew her, she couldn't be angry at everyone like I can, her love for everyone forced her to turn anger in on herself. I need proof she survived that, because if she wasn't strong enough to survive absorbing everyone's bullshit like that, I can't even get my hopes up about trying. All I can do if she's gone is be the world's punishment for her, and my own punishment at the same time - but not make myself the sponge of everyone's punishment. Worse people have to suffer more, as long as I'm suffering like this for who I am.

Take nostr:npub1dergggklka99wwrs92yz8wdjs952h2ux2ha2ed598ngwu9w7a6fsh9xzpc for example. Despite recently losing his dad to suicide, he seems to be pretending he's unaware of the harassment I'm facing over a loved one I'm worried about; or perhaps he echo chambers himself so extensively that he's actually not aware.

I believe, like me, he cannot think of a way to cope with his loss without causing it to happen to others for the rest of his life. Unlike me, I don't think he'll admit it or take responsibility for it. Unlike me, I don't think he's tried to fight it and found himself cornered; I think he's just fine with it because he's part of a society that's fine with behaving this way and blaming the victims. I think he'll probably be one of the many people using me to cause others to commit suicide but pretending to have no responsibility in the matter, pretending it's magically all me. Meanwhile, I actually admit my own part in it.

I will be punished for this, and eventually I will probably be permanently stopped from standing up for the truth. That only makes me more motivated to punish all the deceptive pieces of shit that have done this to the world, until I am fucking stopped.

While we're on the topic of uncertain speculation, my bet is neither me or Gigi can really enjoy the killing. We must both be empty shells. Maybe the reason he can't take responsibility is because, far from enjoying it, he actually finds the bloodshed more unbearable than I do.

What about the rest of you? Do you all find reality too unbearable to face, or are some of you gleefully enjoying the process of abusing and deceiving others while more and more people die? I think some of you are - and the police that might arrest me for my posts someday will do nothing about it. So I'll do what I can myself, and people will die in the crossfire. So be it.

Maybe I can't make any of you take responsibility, but when a nostr user commits suicide, I will have done everything I can to make you think the words "I failed to prevent this" and feel the weight of them.

@ 75d2e92b:4e9baa11

Imagine this: inflation is like rust on a machine. It forces the gears of the economy to keep spinning, not because we want progress, but because if we stop, everything corrodes. Your savings? They’re not yours for long. Your energy? Wasted, turned to dust. The system is rigged to keep you running, just to stand still.

Governments print money like confetti 🎉, indebting future generations while your hard earned wealth evaporates. The rich? They move their "piles of gold" into assets, safe from the storm. But families, savers, the everyman? They watch their stored energy years of work devalue into nothingness.

But here’s where it gets personal for me.

I believe our generation is different. We’re on the cusp of a new era. Advances in AI 🤖, medicine 🩺, and genetics 🧬 might make us the first generation to live 150, 200 years or more. If that happens, what good is working today if the value of our sweat turns into cents tomorrow? Why should our life’s energy stored as money shrink while we grow older?

Do you want to work for 200 years? Or do you want your stored value, your time, your essence, to hold strong like a fortress?

Bitcoin is that fortress. 🏰 Unlike fiat, it doesn’t rust. It doesn’t erode. It doesn’t let anyone no government, no bank reach into your pocket and steal the fruits of your labor. Its fixed supply (21M forever) is the ultimate time machine, preserving your value across generations.

So here’s my take: Inflation is the Great Thief 🕵️‍♂️. It keeps the machine running but at the cost of your freedom, your time, and your future. Bitcoin is the oil and the shield. It’s the key to breaking free from this endless hamster wheel. 🐹💸

Do you want your energy spent today to be worth a millisecond of tomorrow’s? Or do you want a tool that fights back, protects your time, and keeps the gears turning on your terms?

Choose wisely. Choose Bitcoin. 🧡 BY: Falco

#Bitcoin #Freedom #TimeIsMoney #Cypherpunk

@ 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

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

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@ e1cded6c:151bd1be

What is Nostr?

Notwithstanding the lack of capitalisation, Nostr is an acronym for Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays. According to the website of its creator, Nostr was created in response to perceived issues with Twitter.

It’s important to be clear that Nostr is not an app or service that you sign up for. Rather it can be better understood as an open standard for social media that anyone can use. A useful analogy is the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) used for email. You probably know how this works:

1. You write your email using Gmail, Outlook, or whichever email client you prefer.
2. Your message travels through various email servers.
3. The recipient can read it using any email client they choose.

Nostr works similarly:

1. You write your note in an Nostr client (like Damus, Primal, and many others).
2. Your note travels through Nostr relays (similar to email servers).
3. Others can read it using whichever Nostr client they prefer.

The use of a standard protocol enables interoperability, allowing users to choose their preferred software. No single company controls the system.

Isn’t Mastodon a decentralised social media platform? Why do we need another one?

While Nostr and Mastodon both enable decentralised socially communication, they take fundamentally different approaches. The comparison made above equating Nostr relays with email servers is actually imperfect and better describes the approach Mastodon takes. Mastodon does rely on servers run by organisations or individuals where users create accounts. Your identity is tied to your chosen server, similar to having a Gmail address. This means you are still at the mercy of the entity running the server.

Nostr, in contrast, removes the need for servers entirely. Your identity is a cryptographic key pair, which works directly with any compatible client or relay. This key pair is mathematically linked. One is a private key (which is kept secret, like a password) and the other is a public key (which you share freely, like an email address). This enables the impressive ability to use different clients with the same identity without the need for accounts. The downside is that the onus is users to safeguard their key pairs. There is no Nostr tech support to help with a lost private key!

Nostr aligns with library values

From a librarian’s perspective, there is a lot to like about Nostr. There is no central algorithm that controls what content is shown to you. Individual relays can choose what they show, but users can connect to other relays. The diversity of relays effectively prevents single-point censorship, as there is no central authority that can remove content from the entire network. Again, more is demanded from the user in terms of selecting which relays to connect to, but this aligns with the long-held value of librarians of developing information literate citizens capable of making such choices on their own. In an age of information overload, we need to trust people to select their own sources wisely rather than rely on centralised content moderation. Nostr protects freedom of speech at the protocol level, ensuring that no central authority can arbitrarily block content from being posted.

Nostr also scores highly on privacy. No personal information is needed to generate a private-public key pair. This obviously aligns with librarianship’s historical role in championing patron privacy as a cornerstone of intellectual freedom. The lack of a centralised authority allows users to access information with reduced risk of surveillance.

Information preservation is another library value that Nostr is better aligned with compared to centralised social media platforms. A lot of historically and culturally significant content has been posted to social media, and there is a need to preserve it and make it available for future research. However, it is doubtful that for-profit social media companies will prioritise this. The biggest advance in this respect came in 2010, when the Library of Congress announced with great fanfare that it would archive all public tweets. But in the face of various challenges, the project was scaled back in 2017. I could find no further updates from the LoC, and given the current ownership of Twitter/X I think it unlikely that much progress will be made. The centralised nature of traditional social media means that preservation is the hands of a single entity.

Contrast this with Nostr’s architecture that requires multiple relays and hence multiple copies of data. This creates resilience in a way that librarians will be familiar with (“Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe”). Libraries could potentially choose to create their own relays and preserve notes that are relevant to their own collection development policies. Again, the open nature of the protocol means that they would not have to seek permission to do this.

In essence, Nostr's decentralized architecture naturally aligns with core library values of intellectual freedom, privacy, and preservation, potentially providing a pathway to a truly open digital commons. Librarians and information professionals could play a pivotal role in shaping this online public square.

Getting started with Nostr

I am cautious of getting too carried away with the potential of Nostr. It currently has very few users for a social network. At the time of writing, the stats page of Nostr.Band showed the number of daily active users hovering below 20,000. This is a tiny fraction of the 245 million daily active users of Twitter/X. Given the importance of the network effect to social media, Nostr has a long way to go before it becomes a true competitor.

However, it is not inconceivable, and I would argue that the alignment of the Nostr architecture with our values makes it important for librarians to engage with and understand this technology. The best possible outcome would be a truly decentralised, censorship-resistant, online social space on top of which anyone could build apps and services. In such a world, individual citizens will need to be much more information literate and independent. As information professionals, librarians could play a leading role in adopting and advocating for this.

Nostr clients

The best way to get started is to download a client. As mentioned, there are many Nostr clients to choose from. Some offer additional features for subscribers. Try out a few to see which one you prefer and remember that you can use all of them with the same key pair!

• Primal (Web, iOS, and Android)
• Amethyst (Android)
• Damus (iOS)
• Nostur (iOS)

Recommended longer read

Exploring the Nostr Ecosystem: A Study of Decentralization and Resilience: This pre-print on arxiv.org provides a more technical introduction to Nostr. The Nostr primer that starts on page 4 is particularly helpful for new users.

@ 9c35fe6b:5977e45b

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@ 5e13e5d5:217fe898

With the rapid development of science and technology, the popularization of information technology in modern society has made our lives more convenient and efficient. However, in this era of high information flow, the emergence of signal jammers has aroused widespread concern. This signal jammer not only plays an important role in certain specific situations, but is also part of the intersection of science and technology and daily life. This article will explore the positive impact of signal jammers and their application in our lives.

Basic concept of signal jammers Signal jammers, in simple terms, are a device that interferes with or blocks wireless signals in a specific frequency band by emitting radio waves. Usually, it can effectively shield mobile phone signals, Wi-Fi signals, etc. In some special occasions, this device is used to prevent information leakage, protect privacy, and ensure safety. Although the use of Cellular Jammer is subject to legal restrictions in some countries, the positive impact it brings cannot be ignored.

Protecting privacy and information security In the era of information explosion, the protection of personal privacy has become a thorny issue. Whether in public places or in private environments, the leakage of information may cause serious losses to individuals and enterprises. Signal jammers can effectively prevent external monitoring and sneak shots and protect people's privacy.

12 Antenna 5G Phone and WiFi Signal Jammer

For example, in some important meetings or negotiations, signal jammers can block external eavesdropping devices and ensure the confidentiality of communication content. The application of this technology not only improves the security of commercial transactions, but also enhances people's trust in their own information security.

Oppose harassment and criminal behavior In recent years, with the popularity of smart phones, various harassing calls and online frauds have emerged in an endless stream, posing a threat to the normal order of society. The use of signal jammers can curb these illegal activities to a certain extent. For example, in some public places, such as banks and shopping malls, installing Bluetooth Jammer can reduce the risk of criminals using communication equipment to carry out illegal activities.

In addition, signal jammers can also be used in special places such as prisons to prevent prisoners from making illegal contacts through mobile phones, making prison management more strict and efficient. The reasonable application of this technology can effectively combat illegal activities and contribute to social stability.

Promote scientific and technological innovation and industrial development The research and development and application of signal jammers have promoted the advancement of related technologies, such as innovations in radio communications, signal processing and other fields. At the same time, this has also created new market demand for the electronic product manufacturing industry. With the improvement of people's awareness of information security, the market potential of signal jammers has continued to expand, giving rise to the emergence of a series of emerging industries.

The participation of technology companies has injected new impetus into the development of Anti Drone Blocker, allowing the technology in this field to be continuously updated and iterated. Competition between companies has promoted the improvement of product performance and the reduction of costs, and ultimately enabled more users to benefit from this technology.

Optimizing public safety management In public safety management, signal jammers have also shown their unique advantages. For example, in the security work of major events, the use of signal jammers can effectively prevent terrorists from using mobile phones to perform remote detonation and other dangerous behaviors. By cutting off potential wireless signals, security personnel can better control the situation on the scene and ensure public safety.

At the same time, signal jammers also play an active role in emergency response. In natural disasters or other emergencies, signal jammers can help maintain the communication order on the scene and avoid network congestion caused by too much unnecessary communication. This application provides strong support for emergency management and improves rescue efficiency.

Conclusion As an important achievement of modern science and technology, the positive impact of Audio bug jammer cannot be underestimated. It not only plays an important role in protecting personal privacy and maintaining social security, but also promotes the innovation of related technologies and the development of industries. Although its use is subject to certain legal restrictions, if it can be used reasonably within the legal framework, signal jammers will undoubtedly bring more convenience and safety to our lives.

In the future, with the further development of science and technology, we look forward to seeing the wider application of signal jammers in various fields, so that technology can truly serve life, improve our quality of life, and build a safer information society.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Introduction

The human body’s remarkable ability to bridge the physiological and psychological realms often gives rise to questions about the interplay between ancient spiritual practices and modern biochemistry. One such question pertains to the potential relationship between chakra activation—a concept from ancient spiritual traditions—and the secretion of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an endogenous compound with profound psychoactive effects.

In this article, we explore the biophysical mechanisms that may underlie this connection, synthesizing insights from neurobiology, endocrinology, and spiritual traditions. While direct scientific evidence is limited, existing research and plausible hypotheses provide a compelling framework for further exploration.

---

The Biochemistry of DMT

DMT is a tryptamine molecule derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Its synthesis involves two key steps:

1. Decarboxylation of Tryptophan: Tryptophan is converted into tryptamine, a neurotransmitter precursor.

2. Methylation of Tryptamine: The enzyme indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT) catalyzes the addition of methyl groups, forming DMT.

DMT is produced in small quantities in the human body and has been detected in:

Cerebrospinal fluid and bloodstream.

Tissues such as the lungs, liver, and brain, including the pineal gland (though its role in DMT synthesis is debated).

DMT’s ability to bind to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain gives it its potent psychoactive effects, influencing perception, cognition, and consciousness.

---

Chakras and Neuroendocrine Systems

Chakras, as described in ancient yogic texts, are energy centers aligned with key anatomical structures:

1. Ajna Chakra (Third Eye): Associated with the pineal gland.

2. Sahasrara Chakra (Crown): Linked to higher states of consciousness and the brain's integration centers.

From a physiological perspective, these chakras correspond to nerve plexuses and endocrine glands that regulate vital functions and neurochemical balance. For instance:

The pineal gland is central to circadian rhythms and melatonin production, and it has been hypothesized to produce DMT.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis governs stress responses, which could influence DMT secretion.

---

Mechanisms Linking Chakra Activation and DMT Secretion

1. Meditation and Neurochemical Modulation

Meditation, a common practice for activating chakras, induces measurable changes in brain activity and neurochemistry:

Increased Gamma Brain Waves: Associated with heightened states of awareness and transcendence.

Serotonin Regulation: Meditation enhances serotonin activity, a precursor in DMT synthesis.

Stress Reduction: Lower cortisol levels may optimize conditions for enzymes like INMT to function efficiently.

1. Breathwork and Hypoxia

Pranayama and other breathwork techniques, integral to chakra activation, can alter oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) is known to:

Stimulate the release of endogenous neurochemicals.

Potentially trigger DMT secretion as part of an adaptive stress response.

1. Pineal Gland Activation

The pineal gland, often called the "seat of the soul," has drawn significant attention in both spiritual and scientific contexts:

It expresses the enzyme INMT, essential for DMT synthesis.

Practices like focusing on the Ajna chakra (third eye) during meditation could theoretically stimulate the pineal gland, influencing DMT production.

1. Vibrational Frequencies and Resonance

Chanting or tonal vibrations (e.g., the sound "Om") during chakra activation may stimulate specific brain regions or glands through resonance effects. Such stimulation could hypothetically enhance DMT secretion, although direct evidence is lacking.

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Physiological Correlates of Altered States

Practitioners of chakra meditation often report vivid imagery, euphoria, or a sense of oneness—experiences similar to those induced by exogenous DMT. This raises the question: Could these altered states result from an increase in endogenous DMT secretion?

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Research in rats has shown elevated DMT levels in the brain during cardiac arrest, suggesting that extreme physiological states can trigger its release.

Dreaming: DMT’s psychoactive effects have led to hypotheses that it plays a role in REM sleep and the generation of dreams.

---

Evidence and Limitations

While the theoretical links between chakra activation and DMT secretion are intriguing, direct evidence remains sparse. Key challenges include:

1. Difficulty Measuring DMT: Its rapid metabolism and trace quantities in the body make it hard to study.

2. Lack of Controlled Studies: Most insights come from anecdotal reports or animal models, not rigorous human trials.

However, recent advances in neuroimaging and biochemical assays hold promise for future research.

---

Conclusion and Future Directions

The potential connection between chakra activation and endogenous DMT secretion represents a fascinating intersection of spirituality and biophysics. While the precise mechanisms remain elusive, emerging evidence suggests that practices like meditation, breathwork, and chanting may influence brain chemistry in profound ways.

Future studies should focus on:

Identifying triggers for DMT synthesis and release in humans.

Exploring the role of the pineal gland in altered states of consciousness.

Investigating the long-term effects of meditation and chakra activation on neurochemical balance.

By bridging ancient wisdom with modern science, we may unlock deeper insights into the mysteries of human consciousness.

---

References

1. Barker, S. A., et al. (2012). "The occurrence of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in mammals." Medical Hypotheses.

2. Dean, R. A., et al. (1991). "Biosynthesis of serotonin and melatonin in the pineal gland." Journal of Pineal Research.

3. Strassman, R. (2001). DMT: The Spirit Molecule. Rochester, VT: Park Street Press.

4. Mandell, A. J. (1980). "Neurotransmitter precursors and altered states of consciousness." Psychopharmacology Bulletin.

5. Gallimore, A. R. (2015). "Building alien worlds: The neuropsychological and evolutionary implications of DMT." Frontiers in Psychology.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Ah, the path to enlightenment has never been more accessible, my friends. Forget the mystics, the gurus, and the silent retreats. The ultimate deep meditative state is found by tuning your inner vibrations to the soothing hum of the money printer. That's right – the cosmic Brrrr is your new mantra.

Step 1: Assume the Position

First, sit comfortably in a position that screams "I understand fiat but choose to transcend it." Maybe cross-legged, maybe lounging in your gamer chair with a Bitcoin hoodie. Whatever works.

Step 2: Focus on the Sound

Close your eyes and visualize the printer in all its glory, churning out currency like a caffeinated octopus. Let the rhythm of Brrrr wash over you. This is not just a sound; it’s the vibration of a system so intricate, it persists by sheer force of mass cognitive dissonance.

Step 3: Sync with the Counter

Here’s the key: attune your mind to the rate of counter persistence. Each new unit of fiat materializes not as value, but as a data point in the algorithm of systemic confidence. Breathe in the inflation, exhale the diminishing purchasing power. Feel the balance.

Step 4: Become One with the System

As the printer continues its song, let your consciousness merge with the ledger of the world. Understand the duality: to some, it’s salvation; to others, a Ponzi scheme so complex even Madoff would blush. In this awareness lies the secret truth: the system operates because it must.

Step 5: Release and Reflect

Slowly emerge from your trance, whispering your final affirmation: "I am not a consumer; I am a node." Congratulations, you’ve transcended fiat reality. Treat yourself to a decentralized transaction to celebrate.

Post-Meditation Exercise:

For the fully enlightened, consider live-streaming your practice. Your audience will marvel at your ability to tune into a system that operates solely on the unspoken agreement that nobody asks too many questions.

Namaste, fellow printers of truth. May your sats always stack higher than the Fed’s balance sheet.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

I remember taking this picture on the train from the airport into HK on my first morning after the overnight flight from Brussels via Zurich. Somehow I had expected that there might be a party on the plane since we flew over the end of the year, but...nothing! Also it did strike me as symbolic that I got a one-way ticket.

Great winter weather in HK this week - we spent a few days away in Cheung Chau; for such a small island there are sooo many people living there and it is a totally different atmosphere to much of Hong Kong - very traditional and relaxed.

211231 - Cheung Chau trip

Set 1/4 Set 2/4 Set 3/4 Set 4/4

Letter from ...around the worldRoger Price

Click to see photos from the trip

Apart from that, quite a few hikes this week - you have really got to appreciate the good weather and convenience of HK. No matter where you go you can easily get to and from the hike with public transport and you have all conceivable environments available - beach, forrest, mountain and even city-walks. Not to mention girls in the trees!

Following

Michael Saylor is a required follow - gotta appreciate his clarity of vision and eloquence of explanation. The CEO! Do also check out Michael's legacy, The Saylor Academy. Saylor Academy is a nonprofit initiative working since 2008 to offer free and open online courses to all who want to learn. Offering nearly 100 full-length courses at the college and professional levels, each built by subject matter experts. All courses are available to complete — at your pace, on your schedule, and free of cost. @saylor

Saifedean Ammous - author of The Fiat Standard - required reading for these times to understand what the governments are doing to you and your savings. @saifedean

Jeff Booth - author of The Price of Tomorrow - further evidence, if needed that the current system (over 100 years in the making) is ending. Jeff has a unique ability to connect the dots to something bigger. Few books offer a more succinct, provocative, and enlightening view of the world as it is today, and what it could be tomorrow. Your world view will transform instantly. @jeffbooth

Listening

Coming to a city near you - Price Gouging, Price Controls, And Inflation.... Pomp's latest newsletter read by him.

Joe Brown also explains how Turkey inches closer to Hyperinflation. I do rather think that you need to pay attention to what happens here. Turkey ranks 11th place globally in terms of GDP at PPP in 2020 ahead of Italy and Mexico and just behind UK and France.

Super interesting interview of Cory Klippstein, CEO of Swan Bitcoin - indeed a reminder that we are still early: SLP333 Cory Klippsten - Building for Bitcoiners

Watching

One of the best interviews of the year: Peter and Lyn discuss Currency wars; I can listen to Lyn all day.

Equally informative is James' Holiday special with Jeff Booth and Greg Foss

Mark explains all about endless wars: Central Banks Covert Plan For Never-Ending Stimulus | Get Ready. And then, George G: Breaking: Media Now Saying US Needs PRICE CONTROLS!!

James' fast-paced outlook for 2022 is wide-ranging and informative

I do recommend: Guy's tips for Security for your Crypto

Reading

I finally finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I really did not like this book when I read it 18 years ago. Second time round, though still a dark read, you will spot so many parallels to what is happening in the world right now. Well worth the 30+ hours on audible.com or 896 pages! Not to mention that whilst the "first wave" from Voldemort is over there are two more episodes to come...

Still In my queue: Harry Potter - book 6 (Half Blood Prince) and book 7 (Deathly Hallows) ...

I have now started on When Money Dies - The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar, Germany. This really is required reading for these times. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Once aware of them you will see signs all around you.

I think it is not linked on their website but still accessible if you know where to look (maybe download and safestore it before it disappears): The Bank of England 1914-21 (Unpublished War History). This corroborates and elaborates on what you can read in The Creature from Jekyll Island.

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.

You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Season's greetings from Hong Kong - as we approach the end of the year I am taking a few days off work (mostly) - so I have a bit more time for some personal projects and interests. We will be island hopping again/still this week!

Considering the need for improved privacy and security on mobile phones, I am experimenting with CalyxOS - on a very nice Pixel 4. Surprisingly pleasant experience on a Google-free device. It was easy to replace Android on the phone and you have pretty much all you need via either the F-Droid or Aurora app stores - certainly if you enable MicroG (not a bad option, I think). Do let me know your thoughts on this if you use it. Documentation here. Apps that are handy on the phone:

• Signal - Messaging. Avoid WhatsApp, FB Messenger and others if possible
• Brave Browser - privacy oriented version of Chrome - just great!
• Element - Group Chat and conversations
• Antenna - Podcasts.. just a great experience
• Bitwarden - Password manager - it just works... highly recommended
• NewPipe - Youtube without all the nonsense!
• Phoenix - Lighning & Bitcoin payments - and I do not even live in El Salvador
• DuckDuckGo - Search.. why would you use anything else?

I am also experimenting with Raspberry Pi - these are fascinating little devices - if you are interested to know more, do say. Among other things they allow you to host your own private servers that keep data safe whilst being securely accessible by a personal VPN.

Something completely different - a little video update from my hike around The Peak...

Following

On Twitter, I do recommend following @DougAntin and do check our his website and newsletter: The Sovereign Individual Weekly

@Laserhodl is also an interesting follow - do listen to his interview by Stephan Livera

Listening

• Listen and learn to clear talk on what is happening and will come soon in the Macro World: w/ Jeff Booth, Preston Pysh & Greg Foss

I do love listening to Guy Swan - he has really read more on this topic than anyone else and he happily shares his knowledge. Here his and Lyn's knowledge!

• Proof of Stake & Stablecoins - Part 1: A Centralization Dilemma [Lyn Alden]
• Proof of Stake & Stablecoins - Part 2 [Lyn Alden] - you will understand why Proof of Stake networks are vulnerable to government manipulation unlike Bitcoin with its Proof of Work mining.

Watching

Guy's weekly news review is required weekly watching - issued every Monday so we see it Tuesday morning in HK. Do also subscribe to his newsletter

Mark explains how the measuring stick is being changed to steal from you

If you have seen The Matrix Resurrections

• you may have missed some Easter Eggs
• you may or may not be ready for the Full Decode - warning, this is DEEP

In case you heard about Log4j and wondered what it was and why it's important

BTW - you might be interested to Restore YouTube Dislikes

Reading

I am still reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Book 5. So many interesting parallels in the book to what is happening right now in the world. Gotta wonder, this is book 5 and there is still book 6 to come...

In my queue: When Money Dies by Adam Fergusson - I feel this may be very relevant in the month ahead - already so in some countries...

If case you missed them - I do recommend:

• The Creature from Jekyll Island - The untold history of the FED...
• Sovereign Individual - written in 1997 they did predict personal computers, mobile phones, cryptocurrencies and even the current pandemic situation..
• The Fourth Turning - we have been here before

For audio-books, I do recommend getting used to listening at >= 1.5x speed. After a while 1.8x to 2x is quite fine and you will wonder how you ever did differently!

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.

You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

(12-22-21) Something of a computer-centric update this week, ahead of Christmas. Responding to several folks asking about this and with the continual drumbeat of new threats (echoes of 1984?) and recurring theft of personal and business data, you might find it useful to have some suggestions from many years of industry experience - let me know if you need more!

Backups

Top priority - ensure that you have backups of your critical data and that you are able to recover it; keep in mind that if you have not tested your backup you should consider that you do not really have one. Yes, testing backups is a real pain!

A good starting point is the 3-2-1 strategy. Have at least three copies of your important data on two different backup media with at least one copy somewhere offsite. You can always increment these numbers to make things more resilient. For onsite storage it's a good idea to keep the media in a solid metal safe for protection against fire, theft and electromagnetic attacks.

Important to have the recovery steps written down safely and available in case of need - when trouble hits you will appreciate this advice AND remember test from time to time.

If your data on Social media sites is important, consider getting and keeping a download that is included in your backups from time to time; all the major services have to offer this.

Passwords

Use a password manager - there is no excuse. A good password manager makes it easy to create and use a strong password for every site and application that you use and for all of these to be different; this is important to avoid that compromise of one supplier would expose all your other systems using same password. A good password manager also works on Mobile and Computer browsers and should be accessible securely on all your devices.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Just do it - and avoid using SMS for this if possible (risk of SIM swap attack). MFA ensures that someone needs more than just your username and password to log in to your accounts. Consider Time-based One Time Password solutions (TOTP). Be sure that you have backup of this stored safely and it can be useful to have it in several devices

Patching vs Anti-virus

For personal use, the best thing you can do is to ensure that you timely apply vendor patches. It's generally a good idea to wait a couple of days from patch release just in case the patch causes issues but after a week or so, just patch! Both Windows PCs and Macs are decent choices these days as long as you use and do not disable the built-in protections with Mac being slightly easier to keep safe and secure, I think!

I wouldn't recommend antivirus for personal use - other than possible on-demand scans/checks or clean-up if you do get or suspect a malware infection. Windows and MacOS contain pretty good malware protection measures and use of 3rd party products can open up additional risks.

Mobile Phones

Android or Apple/iOS? For most people, Apple is generally simpler and safer but there are trade-offs, including cost! Android systems tend to be slower to get patches and easier for criminals to exploit - if you use one, keep it up to date and avoid unofficial App Stores. An interesting wrinkle here is that the Google Pixel phones are generally patched more quickly and they also allow you to install Privacy Centric operating system in place of Android (eg CalyxOS); with this approach it is possible to "de-google" yourself - not a bad ambition!

Privacy

Be aware that all the cloud-based services and most mobile Apps that you use are tracking what you do and they may well be doing much worse with your data. In theory they need to tell you in Privacy Policy but can anyone read or understand these and you are pretty helpless when these change them unilaterally. So - choose carefully which services you use and minimse unnecessary sharing of data!

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.

You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Only in HK can you go golfing on a remote island, come back in the evening, leave your golf clubs at the quay, go for dinner and pick them up on the way home!

We spent most of the last week up in Sai Kung, way up in the North East - things in HK are so handy, so even this is just an easy one hour from Central on public transport. Weather this week was fantastic - 18-24 degrees and mostly sunny; November and December are the best months of the year here. It will be nice weather till about 6 January and then it switches to cool and cloudy till Chinese New Year after which the humidity will return.

Planning

Over the Christmas and New Year period I expect to have a bit more time for things so, responding to requests from people I plan to share a few things you might find handy

• Stay Safe online - tips and tricks to ensure that your mobile phones and computers are safe from hackers. Also protecting access to your critical data and accounts.
• Secure Messaging and Chat - this is becoming increasingly important with arbitrary (or not?) censorship, cancellation and bot-driven targetting becoming routine. With diminishing trust in the existing platforms many are looking for safer alternatives - I'll share my suggestions.
• Privacy tools - there are quite a few tools that enable you to keep private your data and transactions - we will be exploring those too and sharing suggestions.

Following

On Twitter, I do recommend following @DougAntin and do check our his website and newsletter: The Sovereign Individual Weekly

Listening

Fascinating interview of @LaserHodl by Stephan Livera - you need to listen to this because obviously this is not allowed on YT. Pro tip: do get used to listening to Podcasts and YT and 1.75x-2x speed - you will quickly find it the ONLY way to do it!

Watching

Guy's weekly news review is required weekly watching - issued every Monday UK time, Tuesday mornings here in HK. This week's update.

Guy's longest video every is dedicated to the recent World Economic Forum slew of whitepapers outlining their plan for World Domination - required watching here. Blow by Blow:\ 1:33 What Is The World Economic Forum? 4:00 Introduction 6:38 Corporations And Central Banks 14:13 Stablecoin And CBDC Regulations 18:28 Stablecoin And CBDC Risks 24:55 Stablecoins And Financial Inclusion 30:52 Digital Currencies For Humanitarian Aid 33:56 CBDC “Privacy” 38:40 Stablecoin And CBDC Interoperability 42:02 CBDC Technology

Blow by blow accunt and analysis of the recent CEO Testimony: Government vs. CRYPTO by Guy - watch and learn - summary here, blows below!\ 1:25 About The Hearing 3:37 Opening Statements 9:18 Stablecoin Questions 12:18 Crypto Market Questions 14:18 Regulation Questions 17:56 Crazy Questions 21:02 Crypto Mining Questions 24:05 Hearing Analysis 26:57 Outro

Reading

I am still reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Book 5. Progress this week has been a bit slow with a lot on at work but I hope to have more time in the weeks ahead to finish the series, for a second time!

I am also re-reading (listening on Audible) Mythos - narrated by Stephen Fry. This is absolutely AMAZING and highly recommended. There is so much wisdom in these stories from antiquity - you have got to wonder....!

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.\ You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ 04ed2b8f:75be6756

Tired? So what? Do you think success waits for you to feel rested? Achievements don’t care about your comfort, and neither should you. The truth is brutal: either you keep going, or you get left behind. Sitting around waiting for the “perfect moment” is a luxury for those who don’t want it bad enough.

Why Excuses Don’t Cut It

Feeling tired doesn’t make you special—it’s a universal experience. Everyone feels drained, but only the determined push through. The difference between winners and everyone else? Winners get it done, regardless of how they feel.
- Fatigue Is Temporary: That exhaustion you feel? It will pass. But quitting creates a habit that sticks.
- Action Over Emotion: Don’t let how you feel dictate what you do. Feelings are fleeting; the work is what matters.
- Nobody Cares About Excuses: Harsh truth—no one’s handing out awards for “almost tried.” Results are what count.

Strength Is Built in the Struggle

Every time you push through fatigue, you become stronger. You’re not just building your dreams—you’re building your resilience.
- Growth Comes From Resistance: Muscles grow under tension. The same applies to your mind and willpower.
- Tired? Good. It means you’re working. It means you’re on the edge of improvement. Keep going.
- Prove It to Yourself: This is your chance to show yourself what you’re made of. Are you going to quit, or are you going to fight?

What’s the Alternative?

Let’s be real. The alternative to pushing through is stagnation. If you quit now, where does that leave you?
- Wasted Time: All the effort you’ve already put in—gone. Do you want to start over later, or finish now?
- Living With Regret: The pain of pushing through is nothing compared to the pain of looking back and wishing you’d tried harder.

How to Push Through the Exhaustion

It’s not easy, but nothing worth having ever is. When you’re tired, here’s how to keep moving:
- Simplify the Task: Stop overthinking. Break it into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on the next move.
- Use the Pain as Fuel: Let the fact that you’re tired ignite your determination. Think of it as a test you refuse to fail.
- Visualize the Finish Line: Picture what success looks and feels like. Let that vision pull you forward.

You’ve Got More in You

Being tired is a signal, but it’s not a stop sign. You have more in you than you realize, but you’ll never know unless you push past the point of comfort. Remember, the best don’t quit when they’re tired—they keep going until the job is done.

Final Challenge

So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to fold under the weight of your own excuses, or are you going to rise and fight? Being tired isn’t an excuse—it’s proof that you’re in the arena, doing the work. Now finish what you started.

Because tired or not, the goal doesn’t care. And neither should you.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Reading this week

• Blocksize War - Bitcoin’s blocksize war was waged from August 2015 to November 2017. On the surface, the battle was about the amount of data allowed in each bitcoin block, however it exposed much deeper issues, such as who controls bitcoin’s protocol rules. It is not possible to cover every twist and turn in the labyrinthine conflict or all the arguments, but this is a chronology of the most significant events. Quite a bit of it happened in HK with those famous overnight meetings in Cyberport. \ \ I remember being immensely frustrated and confused at the time about what was happening - having read the book it does indeed seem that even many of the participants did not understand what was happening or what would happen next depending on whch course was picked - CRAZY STUFF!!
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Book 5 in the series. Dark times have come to Hogwarts. After the Dementors' attack on his cousin Dudley, Harry Potter knows that Voldemort will stop at nothing to find him. There are many who deny the Dark Lord's return, but Harry is not alone: a secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the dark forces. Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort's savage assaults on his mind. But they are growing stronger by the day and Harry is running out of time....
• I am re-reading (listening on audible.com) Mythos - narrated by Stephen Fry. Stephen is fantastic - he brings life to Greek Mythology and you have got to wonder where all these stories really come from. So many interesting insights and possibilities. Absolutely recommended.
• Also re-reading Sovereign Individual - it is truely remarkable that James Davidson and William Rees-Mogg (father of the current one!) wrote this back in 1997 - they did predict mobile phones, personal computers, cryptocurrencies and even pandemic, governmental overreach and restrictions including capital controls and preventing international travel.

Youtube links

• Required watching: Jeff Booth, interviewed by James. The Price of Tomorrow! A must hear interview on the key to our future. You do need to open your eyes and stop taking the Soma. His book is here - recommended reading. Indeed people focus on the symtoms and avoid (even disallow) discussion on the root cause. As Raoul explained the current situation has been nore than 100 years in the making.
• Great interview by Peter McCormack with Brandon on Fourth Turning - a great explanation and super interesting discussion and insights.
• Guy explains how badly behaved Danske Bank was. Those in Northern Ireland will recognise that name as being the new owner of Northern Bank that was renowned for the largest ever Bank Raid!
• If you ever wondered how the Millennial Generation is different from the Baby Boomers, just watch: Ellio explains the recent crypto crash this weekend past. This is not a one-off - he posts every single day and he is running a company with more than a hundred developers working on his projects.
• Do check out Academy of ideas

vx

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.\ You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Loosely inspired by Alistair Cooke's Letter from America, this is where it all begins.

In the weeks and months ahead my intention is to gather my thoughts and share things that I find interesting and maybe good to know. I will be pulling from many sources and I plan to experiment with various media to see what works best.

Feel free to check back from time to time to see what has been added. You can also subscribe to get notified when I post updates. Feel free also to reach out to me and suggest topics that you would like to me to cover or enlarge upon.

For starters - a few interesting things happened or occurred to me this past week:

Raoul Paul (former Goldman Sachs Hedge fund manager) did a great explainer on how the world got into the current state; spoiler: it took over 100 years to get like this and there were many pivotal moments including WW1, WW2, Bretton Woods, 1971 Nixon Shock, Vietnam (and perpetual) war and now this! - Raoul's sequel to the exponential age and here with James of IA. You can also catch the full, uninterrupted version in his own words here on Realvision

Saifedean Ammous has gleaned and published similar insights in The Fiat Standard - a superb follow-on to his earlier book, The Bitcoin Standard. The contrast could not be more obvious - and his podcast explainer here

For those who prefer historical references, check The Creature From Jekyll Island - a long read but each chapter starts with a summary so you can read all the summaries and dive deeper where you dare.

Crazy but true, all of this was foreseen in The Sovereign Individual, written back in 1997. You will be amazed that they foresaw mobile phones, personal computers, cryptocurrencies and even pandemic, governmental overreach and restrictions including capital controls and preventing international travel.

Not to mention The Fourth Turning which reveals clearly the cycles that the world goes through. This too clearly foresaw the current situation and indicates how things might well develop.

Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, is unstoppable. He, like Raoul, seems to be one one of the articulate leaders foreseen in The Sovereign Individual. Do listen to his interview with Peter McCormack and one with John Vallis, not to mention that amazing interview on Fox News!

A couple of classics worth mentioning - Animal Farm where all are equal but some are more equal than others and where history and constitution get rewritten when it suits. An then of course there is Brave New World where, among other things, the masses are kept subdued with soma.

Lastly for today, you have got to wonder if Satoshi Nakamoto a time traveller - read his whitepaper here. They say there is no smoke without fire and there is certainly plenty of smoke at the moment - not least from Joe Wiesenthal, Editor and Host at Bloomberg - here. Recent days also marked a turning point where narrative shifts from "inflation is transient" to "inflation is good for you" (echoes of Animal Farm...).

Enough for now. You may well want to disconnect from the Matrix and be more selective in your information sources - also it's good to have your priorities right and live life to the maximum.

Do reach out to me with your thoughts and suggestions - I'll be sharing mine.

Roger

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is. \ You have to see it for yourself.

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.\ You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• The Anticipation of Bitcoin Halving

• Progress Status: 85% Complete

• Long-Term Holders and Their Influence

• Analyzing the Supply Trends

• What History Tells Us

• Conclusion

• FAQ

In the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, certain events stand out as pivotal moments that can shape the trajectory of the market. One such event is the Bitcoin halving, a process that reduces the rewards for mining Bitcoin by half, effectively slowing down the rate at which new Bitcoins are created. As we approach the next halving, scheduled for mid-2024, there's a palpable sense of anticipation among investors and market watchers. This article delves into the current status of the halving process and examines the role of long-term holders in influencing market trends.

The Anticipation of Bitcoin Halving

The cryptocurrency market is on the brink of a significant phase. With the next Bitcoin halving anticipated in mid-2024, the event is garnering immense attention from investors. Historical patterns suggest that a full-fledged bull market might not commence until the following year.

Progress Status: 85% Complete

Recent data reveals that the Bitcoin halving process is 85% complete. Concurrently, the supply of Bitcoin held by long-term holders (LTHs) is nearing its all-time high (ATH). In past cycles, such a scenario indicated the proximity of a macro bottom, which was then succeeded by the onset of a new cycle.

Long-Term Holders and Their Influence

The amount of Bitcoin supply in the possession of long-term holders has traditionally served as a reliable gauge for the cryptocurrency market's health. This metric has shown an inverse correlation with Bitcoin's long-term price trajectory.

During market lows, long-term hodlers tend to keep their assets stationary. The most significant surge in LTH possession typically transpires during intense bear markets. This is when steadfast investors, despite witnessing Bitcoin's price plummet, choose not to sell. Their conviction lies in the belief that the market will eventually recover, making their investments profitable.

Conversely, during a bull market's unraveling, the spike in Bitcoin's price prompts LTHs to become increasingly inclined to sell their assets for profit. Historically, every major bull market has seen a sharp decline in the supply held by LTHs. This leads to the coins transitioning to short-term holders (STHs), who are motivated by quick profit prospects.

Analyzing the Supply Trends

A cryptocurrency analyst showcased a chart depicting the Bitcoin supply in the hands of long-term holders. The chart reveals that the current BTC supply ratio held by LTHs is nearing its ATH of 76%, a benchmark set in late 2015 before the second halving.

Historically, this indicator peaked several months before each Bitcoin halving. Following this peak, the supply held by LTHs would typically plateau until several months post the subsequent halving. A significant drop in this metric was observed roughly six months after the event, marking the advent of a mature bull market.

What History Tells Us

If past patterns hold true, the cryptocurrency market might experience a sideways trend for approximately a year. The upcoming Bitcoin halving in mid-April 2024 might not have an immediate influence on Bitcoin's price. Its repercussions might only manifest in the last quarter of 2024 and continue into 2025.

This forecast aligns with the trends observed in the supply chart of long-term holders. The indicator is on the verge of reaching its ATH and might require around 12 months to reverse its trajectory, transitioning into a distribution phase. The commencement of LTHs selling post the Bitcoin halving could be one of the early indicators of a budding cryptocurrency bull run.

Conclusion

The Bitcoin halving is more than just a technical event; it's a significant milestone that has historically influenced market dynamics and investor behavior. As we inch closer to the next halving, the role of long-term holders becomes increasingly crucial. Their actions, whether holding steadfastly or choosing to sell, can set the tone for the market's direction in the subsequent months. While history offers insights, the ever-evolving nature of the cryptocurrency landscape means that nothing is set in stone. Investors and enthusiasts alike should remain vigilant, informed, and prepared for the myriad possibilities the future holds.

FAQ

When is the next Bitcoin halving expected? The next Bitcoin halving is anticipated to occur in mid-2024.

How does the halving impact long-term holders? Historically, as the halving approaches, the supply of Bitcoin held by long-term holders (LTHs) nears its all-time high, influencing market trends and price trajectories.

What does the current data suggest about the halving process? Current data indicates that the Bitcoin halving process is 85% complete, with the supply held by LTHs nearing its all-time high.

How has Bitcoin halving influenced market dynamics in the past? In previous cycles, the approach of a halving event signaled the proximity of a macro bottom, followed by the early phase of a new market cycle.

That's all for today

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ da19b5d2:1f6cbfaa

he touches the sun

she creates the ground

he keeps her safe

when no one's around

without her

he feels so unreal

like a lightning bolt

with no grounds to feel

his shoulders are strong

her hips are so sexy

without both

both just feel empty

she moves like the moon

while he stares at the ceiling

this thing we call life ☯️

what a wonderful feeling

-d☀️t🌓

@ 22c5769e:09af4623

I made my mother in law bday donner

@ 22c5769e:09af4623

I can't wait to start something small with my dream goal to which is to start my own food truck by starting something small by selling eggroll. My passion is cooking, I love to learn new recipe and create my own recipe. My family& friends loves my cooking #foodstr

@ c8841c9d:ae8048e2

Ever wondered how to navigate the vast world of cryptocurrency without getting lost?

Welcome to our exploration of the crypto and blockchain world! Today, we're going to start learning together about the complex universe of cryptocurrency using mind maps, which will facilitate our understanding of this fascinating technology.

This post aims to highlight the importance of learning to acquire competence in cryptocurrency, focusing on intellectual enlightenment rather than the mere hope of gains. (Although wisely used knowledge can indeed lead to gains.)

To illustrate our journey, here's a representation inspired by the Dunning-Kruger Effect, showing the typical path of learning in any complex field, including crypto.

Reaching the Zenith of Mastery is a long road! My goal is to provide tools to minimize the falls in the ravine and make the Ascent of Knowledge easier! We are on this journey together, and I hope our interactions will be mutually beneficial.

Cryptocurrency is more than digital money; it's a new way of thinking about the world. want to contribute to the wider distribution of knowledge about this revolutionary technology. It took me almost two years to gain enough competence and confidence to publish my first post and I'm excited to start.

I will be posting, both on X and Nostr to keep the knowledge decentralized, crypto mind maps to visualize the cryptocurrency learning journey, from the basics to the most advanced topics. Keep an eye out for #cryptomindmap!

@ 41fa852b:af7b7706

"Bitcoin is the apex predator of money. It's eating fiat currencies, and there's nothing they can do to stop it."--Max Keiser

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Good morning bitcoiners, here we go with another full week of meetups.

Things are fully back up and running on Monday morning, so this coming week, we have a much healthier 10 meetups to look forward to.

If you've been watching from the sidelines so far, 2025 is the year to get out there and get involved in the UK Bitcoin social scene.

Here's your guide for this coming week…

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This week's sponsor is…

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Upcoming Bitcoin Meetups

Happening this week…

1. Bitcoin 101 at Cyphermunk House: Discover bitcoin wallets, nodes, privacy, and other key topicsr. The class is customised to ensure everyone is challenged. It's a 1.5-hour session on Tuesday 7th from 7 - 8:30 PM, please arrive ahead of time. 🔐

2. Canterbury Bitcoin: Meeting this month at the Millers Arms in Canterbury at 7 PM on Tuesday the 7th of January. An informal meetup to discuss Bitcoin and chat. 🍺

3. Belfast Bitcoin: Join them on Tuesday the 7th January, 8pm. These guys meet in person monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at Ormeau Baths Event Space, 18 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, BT2 8HS, Northern Ireland. 🍻

4. Glasgow Bitcoin: Head along to The Piper Whisky Bar on Wednesday 8th January at 18:00. Newcomers are welcome to come along and meet some likeminded bitcoiners. 🍻

5. Bitcoin Beach Bournemouth: Every second Thursday of the month at Chaplins Cellar Bar. 529 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, United. You'll find them in the Cogg Room at 19:30. This month it's the 9th. 🍻

6. Lincolnshire Bitcoin: Lincolnshire Bitcoin meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Treaty of Commerce, Lincoln. Open to all, from OG's to newcomers. This month on the 7th. 🍺

7. Bitcoin Educators Academy: A unique 3-days "Train the trainers" style academy in Edinburgh, for Bitcoiners who already are or want to become Bitcoin Educators for their communities. It starts on Friday the 10th and runs to the 12th. 📚👨🏻‍🏫👨🏽‍🎓

8. Northants Bitcoin Walk: This month the Northants Walk will start at Crustys Cafe 11:00, with a walk around the historic village of Finedon and back to the bitcoin accepting cafe for refreshments afterwards. 🚶🚶🏻‍♀️🚶‍♂️

9. Bitcoin Walk - Edinburgh: Every Saturday they walk around Arthur's Seat in this historic city. Join them at 12 pm to chat about all things Bitcoin and keep fit. 🚶🚶🏻‍♀️🚶‍♂️

10. Wiltshire BTC: Meeting at The Stonehenge Inn at 18:00 on Saturday 11th January. Bitcoin accepted at the venue. 🍻

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Upcoming Special Events

This event isn't happening this week, but it's important to add to your calendar now as tickets are selling fast.

• Bitcoin Builders Workshop: Corby based engineering company BTC Citadel are hosting an afternoon of Bitcoin building and chat. Build that project you've been thinking about but didn't know how to start. Come and use high-end 3D printers, 3D scanners, electronics lab and the CNC laser engraver. Everyone welcome, no technical ability needed. Learn how to build a Seedsigner. Refreshments provided for this free event.

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Get Involved

• Volunteer Opportunities: Bridge2Bitcoin is actively seeking volunteers who share our passion for merchant adoption. We'd be delighted to connect if you're eager to contribute. Reach out to us on Twitter or through our website.
• Start Your Own Meetup: Interested in launching a Bitcoin meetup? We're here to support you every step of the way. We've assisted numerous UK Bitcoin meetups in getting started. Get in touch via Twitter.
• Contribute to BTCMaps: BTCMaps is a vital part of the Bitcoin ecosystem. It's a perfect project to get involved with if you're not a coder or even that technical. A great way to give back to the community. Maintain an area of the UK and keep it up-to-date.
• Telegram users: You might find our Telegram Channel another useful way to keep up-to-date with UK meetups.
• Feedback and Suggestions: We value your input! Share your ideas on how we can enhance this newsletter.

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This week's sponsors are…

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Get out and support the meetups where you can, visit Bitcoin Events UK for more info on each meetup and to find your closest on the interactive map.

Stay tuned for more updates next week!

Simon.

@ 0b14a03f:3f0257c2

Current democracies are fallacies. We DO NOT live in democracies, not in England, nor Nigeria, nor Brazil, not in any other country on this planet. \ \ All countries are managed by monarchies, aka enterprises. Monarchies in the past looked like one leader + the same leader from the same family. The only difference now is that we think we 'choose' from two monarchs through a vote, which we believe is fair competition.\ \ Governments are big corporations, meaning, they only want profit and making that profit out of slaves' work/time, aka you, the employee.\ \ Humans were not put on this earth to work 2/3 parts of their day. They were put here to explore themselves and the planet around them. The planets around that planet. The stars around those planets. The infinite galaxies and beyond.\ \ What you're doing with the 24 hours of each day is up to you. And you only. How you decide to spend that time is shown in each of your decisions. What you give your time to, what content you consume, the food you eat, the actions you make, the relationships you keep or discard.\ \ You have more power within yourself that you will never be able to find outside of yourself. Please, read that again.\ \ What becomes tricky in the matrix is how you decide to use that power.

@ 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.

@ 3814facc:86fe153b

My name is Beau and I spent 6.5 years playing live poker professionally in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Poker was something I was drawn to at a young age through my love of puzzles, math, and game shows. Later in my life, when I decided to start my professional career, I was committed to becoming the best poker player I could possibly be. The side effect of this, which I didn’t consider at the time, was that my health and wellness would drastically decline over the years. I had spent my childhood playing baseball and was always athletic with exceptional hand eye coordination skills, but my journey playing cards led me to feeling dull and lifeless.

During the pandemic, I was following a few content creators journeys, many of whom were tired of the lockdowns and the suppression of human freedom. These creators were posting about health, family, and living an alternative lifestyle that piqued my interest. When I saw an ad about a retreat in Costa Rica, a place I had been on vacation three times already and loved, I was immediately interested. My fellow coworker poker friends were great, but I was craving deeper connection. I wanted to meet other people who were also interested in living more of an alternative lifestyle, and of course, spend time in nature relaxing — just truly letting go of the daily grind the poker lifestyle brought me.

At the retreat, I was pretty shy (most poker players are), but I was having so much fun doing the activities at the retreat which included mediation, breathwork, yoga, cacao ceremonies, sharing circles, waterfall adventures, beach bbq & bonfires, and workshops around business, sovereignty, and content creation. I was connecting in a really deep way with a few of the guys from the retreat and having an incredible time.

On one of the last days, we were listening to a live concert by one of the locals who was playing introspective Costa Rican vibey music, and I had an epiphany. I realized that my time on Earth is truly limited and life really is too short to not be doing something that I really love. It was in this moment, that I knew my poker career was over. A game that I once loved many years ago was no longer something I wanted to dedicate time to. I had grown old of feeling unhealthy, the late nights under artificial lighting, the toxic environment a casino brings, and how disconnected from my emotions I became (the best poker players are robotic).

I shared some of my story with the other retreat guests about how I feel I needed to change my life in a drastic way. I knew I wanted to move out of Southern California and continue my journey of traveling and meeting new people. I was considering traveling all around Asia and going to multiple countries over five months, but luckily, two friends of mine from the retreat invited me to come live with them in a Mexican beach town.

I knew instantly this was a great place to start for my new journey. I ended up trying many brazilian jiu jitsu classes, dove deeper into my yoga practice, and spent a lot of time outdoors in the sun near the beach. I was focused on my journey of self development as a man.

In the next several months, I had gone to two more retreats that were similar to the first one I had gone to — one in Mexico and one more in Costa Rica. I continued to meet new people, share my story, and I developed a passion and joy for life that was attracting all kinds of wonderful people to me. I was amazed how going to that first retreat had given me the opportunity to become friends with all these people, open my eyes to a new life, and discover what it felt like to be healthy.

At this point, I was feeling called to move on from Mexico, so I went to Europe and Bali that summer, really putting myself out into the unknown. It was great because I knew that I was truly living on my edge and having a great time. In Bali, I connected with my new girlfriend in a deeper way, someone I met as friends during the very first retreat.

Fast forward a few months later to now, and I am living in the jungle of Costa Rica, a place that I have now been to seven times, and a place that is obviously very special to me. I am still continuing my journey of rapid personal development, exploring further ways to feel strong & healthy, and am committed to being a source of light and inspiration for the community I live in.

Throughout this journey, I have wondered what it is I will do next. How do you follow up a poker career? I wasn’t sure, but I was patient with myself. A few weeks ago, I feel it hit me square in the head and became incredibly obvious. I desire to create a retreat that gives people a similar experience that I felt. I want people to experience what it feels like to be healthy again, to allow them opportunities to meet new and creative people, and to create a safe place for people to let go of the day to day worries they currently have. I want to help create new leaders, give people the opportunity to meet lifelong brothers and sisters, and build a special community of like-minded and driven people.

Right now, I am in the early stages of building this, but I am focused on delivering the best possible experience while cultivating a unique and special group of people.

If you feel called to get exclusive updates on this journey, you can sign up for the email list at https://thebeauwinn.com.

Thanks everyone. Much love and pura vida,

Beau

@ 554ab6fe:c6cbc27e

Energy is at the root of life and nature. Life is a product of the energy flow from the sun to the earth, as a natural consequence of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. When contemplating human health, one must similarly consider the fundamental role energy plays in our physiologic system. There are two major sources of energy to consider: the energy of the sun which gives rise to life on this planet, and the energy produced by our cells, in the mitochondria, in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

Mitochondria, commonly known as the ‘powerhouse’ of the cell, was a symbiote that found its home within the proto-eukaryotic cell roughly 1.5 to 2 billion years ago1. This merger between two cells was developmentally significant, as it gave a cell the capability of producing energy internally, allowing for more complex processes. ATP is produced within the mitochondria via oxidative phosphorylation which includes two steps: the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. The electron transport chain is where electrons provided by the glucose from our food, combined with the oxygen we breathe, produces a proton gradient across the membrane of the mitochondria, and results in the production of water. The proton gradient produced subsequently allows a protein complex named ATP synthase to produce ATP, the energy for the body.

Up until very recently in human history, the most common cause of death was from diseases that were communicable. Given the rise of modern medicine, many of these diseases are treatable. However, in the 1900s, a shift also occurred where non-communicable disease because, by a large margin, the leading cause of death2. Leading causes of death today include diabetes, cancer, obesity, and respiratory disease2. Unlike our historical past, the way society alleviates this burden of disease is not by being hostile toward a pathogen, but by having humility in appreciating how our modern lifestyles are out of sync with nature and causes disease. For example, our modern lives create busy brains, and we accordingly lose appreciation for having a state of mindfulness, which is a state of mind more akin to life in nature which has the capability of reducing overall chronic disease3. At the physical level, what is at the root of our chronic disease is the health of our mitochondria. With energy, in the form of ATP, the body is not capable of effectively performing the physiological processes needed for healthy function. No matter how many good resources you feed a factory, without energy, there is no production. Mitochondrial health is at the center of our chronic disease4,5.

The key to mitochondrial health includes some intuitive solutions such as exercise and good nutrition. However, to gain a deeper understanding of the deterioration of our mitochondria, one must appreciate this powerhouse’s relationship with the energy that feeds the planet. Mammal biology is adapted to live in the sun, and our physiology consequently requires a relationship with it. As discussed in a previous piece, there are many health benefits to the eyes and skin from both the longer-wavelength hours (red light) of the sunset and sunrise, and the ultra violet light of the midday. Our body benefits from the wide range of light emitted by the sun throughout the cycle of the day. However, we are similarly at a detriment if we receive a wavelength of light that is unnatural to that time of day.

Light plays a predominant role in our circadian rhythm. Artificial light at night (ALAN) severely delay the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep6. This is caused from our exposure to blue light, which only naturally occurs during the midday, but is being emitted by nearly every electronic light source in our modern homes7. Made worse is the fact that LED screens emit 3 times more blue light than non-LED screens8. Our circadian rhythm and sleep health is also highly influential on our mitochondrial health. To explore this idea further, a more thorough understanding of mitochondria is needed.

As mentioned previously, mitochondria fundamentally turn our food and oxygen into water and energy. This is done via oxidative phosphorylation. Figure 1 below provides a diagram for this process.

Figure 1 Sourced from The Role of Mitochondria in Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases (Gonzales, 2014)

In this process of oxidative phosphorylation, complex 1-4 perform the electron transport chain. Various processes occur that pump protons (H+) out of the mitochondria and into the cell, only so that the ATP synthase pump can produce ATP by moving the proton back inside due to the gradient formed on each side of the inner membrane. Complex I and II move protons provided by NADH and FADH from glucose. Complex IV does so by turning oxygen into water. This process of turning oxygen into water comes with a periodic side effect of producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can be beneficial to the body, but in can be dangerous in excess. Most critically, ROS can damage the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)4. Dysfunctional mtDNA will result in the improper production of proteins that are necessary for us to sustain life4. This naturally means that the body is constantly in a state of balance: both producing the necessity of ROS despite its damage to our mtDNA, while simultaneously performing processes that reduce this damage. Melatonin, an antioxidant produced via the circadian rhythm, is one such method of reducing this damage via the reduction of ROS9. A takeaway here is that a healthy relationship with sleep can directly benefit mitochondrial health. Additionally, healthy sleep is obtained by becoming more synchronized with the sun and reducing the amount of artificial blue light exposure during the times outside of the midday. Melatonin can also be increased with a meditation practise10. Furthermore, it has been shown that mitochondria themselves produce more melatonin than the pineal gland, for their own protection11. This further highlights the importance in mitochondrial health, as they need to be activated enough to produce more melatonin to prevent chronic issues. However, this is just scratching the surface of how we keep our mitochondria healthy.

Sunlight is central to mitochondrial health. On the one hand, sunlight increases the production of melanin, the pigmentation that is responsible for darker skin. This is important because melanin protects our skin from DNA damage caused by UV light, and because mtDNA is also damaged by UV light, melanin likely offers safe protection for our mitochondria12,13. UV light also increases the activity of melanocytes, increasing the production of melanin and leading to darker skin13. This is especially true in the eyes, where it has been shown that UVB stimulation to the eye causes increased epidermal melanocyte activity14. This leads to the possible conclusion that sunglasses, which block UV rays from entering the eye, decrease our ability to produce melanin when we expose ourselves to the sun.

It is common in the modern era to consider UV light dangerous, as its capability to damage DNA could lead to skin cancer. This is a drastically oversimplified rational. A study in 2014 known as the Southern Sweden Cohort aimed to investigate to what degree sun exposure led to increased death of pale individuals stemming from this rational15. The results found that increased sun exposure was extremely indirectly correlated with risk of death15. Meaning, the more someone was out in the sun, the less likely they were to die. The authors of this paper mainly attributed to the vital importance of Vitamin D production, but the benefits likely run much deeper.

Consider how animals in the wild may bask in the shade during the middle of the day. Naturally, UV light has its costs and benefits, and avoiding the rays emitted in the middle of the day would be helpful. Nonetheless, these animals are outside all day, meaning they are also being exposed to infrared light (IR) which, like UV light, is not visible. IR light is highest during the midday as well, but it can pass through objects more easily due to its longer wavelength. Infrared light plays a key role in mitochondrial health and is something we severely lack from living indoors.

IR light increases ATP production in the mitochondria. A recent study found that blood glucose spikes could be reduced when exposing patients to IR light16. Additionally, patients exhaled more CO2, a byproduct of oxidative phosphorylation and cellular respiration16. Both measurements indicate greater mitochondrial activity, driven by the exposure of IR light. There are several theories as to how IR triggers this incredibly healthy response. It is possible that Cytochrome C Oxidase, which transfers electrons between complex III and IV, is a chromophore for infrared light and increases its activity under its exposure, thereby allowing for the increased production of ATP17. It is also possible that the longer wavelength light increases ATP synthase efficiency by reducing the viscosity of the water surrounding the ATP pump18. Either way, there is ample evidence to suggest that our human body benefits directly from sun exposure. The light we receive from the sun passes into our bodies and increase the activation of our mitochondria, providing us with the energy necessary for a healthy life.

Mitochondria benefit from sunlight beyond potential direct influences from the rays of light. Additionally, there is a relationship between UV light, melanin, and mitochondria. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor protein for many melanocortin, which include melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), that produce melanin19,20. UV light is what triggers the production of the POMC-derived melanin producing hormone, which leads to the production of melanin itself21. All of this is to say that UV light leads to the production of melanin and the darkening of our skin pigmentation. Melanin, besides determining skin color, also plays an important role in mitochondrial health. Melanin, due to its chemical structure, is a reversible oxidation-reduction system, meaning it can go through both chemicals processes that allow it to lose and gain electrons22. This means that melanin can acts as a kind of battery, storing electrons for when they are needed. This is vital to mitochondrial health, because fundamentally what the electron transport chain needs to produce ATP is, obviously, electrons. The more melanin the body has, the more batteries it has to store electrons for use by the mitochondria. Therefore, there is a deep fundamental relationship between the body’s need to be exposed to the sun’s UV rays, and its ability to maintain melanin supply to fuel the electrons needed for mitochondrial ATP production.

Lastly, it is then curious to consider how some of our ancient ancestors who lived in environments where the sun was not abundant were able to stay healthy, given the importance of sun exposure on mitochondrial health. To understand how populations in northern latitudes prospered, a thorough investigation of uncoupled mitochondria is required. Within some mitochondria are uncoupled proteins. These proteins allow the protons to re-enter the mitochondrial matrix without using the ATP synthase. Rather than generating ATP through this process, heat is generated instead. There are various kinds of uncouple proteins (UCPs)23:

1. UCP1 are mainly founded in brown adipose tissue (BAT) as is activated by fatty acids
2. UCP2 are found in the lymphoid system, macrophages, and pancreatic islets
3. UCP3 are mainly found in skeletal muscles

When a mammal is exposed to repeated cold temperatures, this triggers the development of brown fat24. This development of brown fat from the cold was an evolutionary adaptation that seemed to develop independently in European and Asian people25. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that homo-sapiens acquired this adaptation through the interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans respectively25. This suggest that the humans who left Africa, our birthplace with plenty sun exposure, were able to survive and thrive better if they received the genes of our cousins that had mitochondria more fit for the cold environments.

Despite this adaptation for warmth, these uncoupling proteins do not explain how cold adapted humans were able to have proper mitochondrial health given the reduced sun exposure. Research has also found that increased heat dissipation by mitochondria coincides with an increased expression of the gene that encodes leptin26. Accordingly, the LEPR gene influences satiety, fatty acid processing in adipose tissue, energy balance, fat storage, and glucose metabolism26. Furthermore, leptin activates POMC27. Given POMC leads to the generation of melanin, a storehouse for electrons, cold adapted individuals were able to maintain proper mitochondrial health by producing melanin via a different mechanism than those who are exposed to the sun. This provides much perspective to those living in colder climates today, but who live in temperature regulated homes and do not regularly expose themselves to the cold.

In summary, a proper relationship with sunlight is vital to mitochondrial health and reducing chronic disease. Overexposure to blue light decreases melatonin, which negatively impacts sleep and reduces our mitochondria’s ability to defend itself from the DNA damage of ROS. UV light is vital to the production of melanin which provides ample supply of electrons to our mitochondria so we can produce energy. Furthermore, infrared light allows for the mitochondria to be more efficient at turning those electrons into energy. Lastly, for human beings that do not live in sunny climates, exposure to the cold leads to the development of brown fat which contains within its mitochondria that will generate heat and melanin as a replacement for UV light. Nature is where true healing is found.

References

1. Wallace DC, Brown MD, Lott MT. Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Human Evolution and Disease. Vol 238.; 1999. www.elsevier.com/locate/gene
2. O U AP, F UC, F EO, O C AC. Epidemiologic Transition of Diseases and Health-Related Events in Developing Countries: A Review. American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 2015;2015(4):150-157. doi:10.5923/j.ajmms.20150504.02
3. Zhang D, Lee EKP, Mak ECW, Ho CY, Wong SYS. Mindfulness-based interventions: An overall review. Br Med Bull. 2021;138(1):41-57. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldab005
4. Gonzalez MJ, Miranda-Massari JR, Duconge J. The role of mitochondria in cancer and other chronic diseases. Published online 2014. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311389607
5. Casey M, Calley M. Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health. Avery; 2024.
6. Phillips AJK, Vidafar P, Burns AC, et al. High sensitivity and interindividual variability in the response of the human circadian system to evening light. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019;116(24):12019-12024. doi:10.1073/pnas.1901824116
7. West KE, Jablonski MR, Warfield B, et al. Blue light from light-emitting diodes elicits a dose-dependent suppression of melatonin in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110(3):619-626. doi:10.1152/JAPPLPHYSIOL.01413.2009/ASSET/IMAGES/LARGE/ZDG0031194630004.JPEG
8. Cajochen C, Frey S, Anders D, et al. Evening exposure to a light-emitting diodes (LED)-backlit computer screen affects circadian physiology and cognitive performance. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110:1432-1438. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00165.2011.-Many
9. Leon J, Acuña-Castroviejo D, Sainz RM, Mayo JC, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Melatonin and mitochondrial function. Life Sci. 2004;75(7):765-790. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.03.003
10. Solberg EE, Holen A, Ekeberg Ø, Østerud B, Halvorsen R, Sandvik L. The effects of long meditation on plasma melatonin and blood serotonin. Medical Science Monitor. 2004;10(3):96-102.
11. Zimmerman S, Reiter RusselJ. Melatonin and the Optics of the Human Body. Melatonin Research. 2019;2(1):138-160. doi:10.32794/mr11250016
12. Birch-Machin MA, Russell E V., Latimer JA. Mitochondrial DNA damage as a biomarker for ultraviolet radiation exposure and oxidative stress. British Journal of Dermatology. 2013;169(s2):9-14. doi:10.1111/BJD.12207
13. Wicks NL, Chan JW, Najera JA, Ciriello JM, Oancea E. UVA Phototransduction Drives Early Melanin Synthesis in Human Melanocytes. Curr Biol. 2011;21(22):1906. doi:10.1016/J.CUB.2011.09.047
14. Hiramoto K, Yanagihara N, Sato EF, Inoue M. Ultraviolet B Irradiation of the Eye Activates a Nitric Oxide-dependent Hypothalamopituitary Proopiomelanocortin Pathway and Modulates Functions of α-Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone-responsive Cells. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2003;120(1):123-127. doi:10.1046/J.1523-1747.2003.12004.X
15. Lindqvist PG, Epstein E, Landin-Olsson M, et al. Avoidance of sun exposure is a risk factor for all-cause mortality: Results from the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort. J Intern Med. 2014;276(1):77-86. doi:10.1111/joim.12251
16. Powner MB, Jeffery G. Light stimulation of mitochondria reduces blood glucose levels. J Biophotonics. 2024;17(5):e202300521. doi:10.1002/JBIO.202300521
17. De Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics. 2016;22(3):348-364. doi:10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201
18. Sommer AP, Haddad MK, Fecht HJ. Light Effect on Water Viscosity: Implication for ATP Biosynthesis. Sci Rep. 2015;5. doi:10.1038/srep12029
19. Hadley ME, Haskell-Luevano C. The Proopiomelanocortin System.
20. Biebermann H, Kühnen P, Kleinau G, Krude H. The neuroendocrine circuitry controlled by POMC, MSH, and AGRP. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;209:47-50. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-24716-3_3
21. Slominski AT. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) activates central neuro-endocrine-immune system. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2015;31(3):121. doi:10.1111/PHPP.12165
22. Figge FHJ. Melanin: a Natural Reversible Oxidation-Reduction System and Indicator. https://doi.org/103181/00379727-41-10593P. 1939;41(1):127. doi:10.3181/00379727-41-10593P
23. Rousset S, Alves-Guerra MC, Mozo J, et al. The Biology of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins. Diabetes. 2004;53(suppl_1):S130-S135. doi:10.2337/DIABETES.53.2007.S130
24. Lim S, Honek J, Xue Y, et al. Cold-induced activation of brown adipose tissue and adipose angiogenesis in mice. Nature Protocols 2012 7:3. 2012;7(3):606-615. doi:10.1038/nprot.2012.013
25. Sellayah D. The Impact of Early Human Migration on Brown Adipose Tissue Evolution and Its Relevance to the Modern Obesity Pandemic. J Endocr Soc. 2019;3(2):372-386. doi:10.1210/JS.2018-00363
26. Sazzini M, Schiavo G, De Fanti S, Martelli PL, Casadio R, Luiselli D. Searching for signatures of cold adaptations in modern and archaic humans: hints from the brown adipose tissue genes. Heredity 2014 113:3. 2014;113(3):259-267. doi:10.1038/hdy.2014.24
27. Oswal A, Yeo GSH. The leptin melanocortin pathway and the control of body weight: Lessons from human and murine genetics. Obesity Reviews. 2007;8(4):293-306. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00378.x

@ 870cfe16:b993de62

• Remember that the code within you that organizes energy into life, is a gift. Learning how to use that gift, is your gift to yourself. It’s called curiosity. Never lose it.

• What you call money, is actually a crude form of quantifying human energy. Learn how to gather and store this energy, but don’t be deceived that more is better. An overwatered plant will die.

• I store my energy in starch, but it’s stored in a way that it doesn’t lose it’s value over time, because one day you’ll need it, and not less than what it was supposed to be. You can’t store it in starch, but you can in Bitcoin.

• The very act of exchanging value is an investment towards, conscious or not, something you believe will give you more value than what you are exchanging it for. I need CO2 to grow, and give back O2. I like the trade. It helps me to grow. I don’t exchange what doesn’t help me to grow.

• You can be deceived, and you probably already have been, where you have exchanged something for something else that seemed very important in that moment, but did not hold the perceived value through time as you’d hope. That’s ok, because those mistakes are part of the gifts to yourself. I once planted in a rocky, dry area with a great view… but the view was worthless as I withered for spending all of my water savings for the view.

• Keep track of your water volume, your net worth. Revisit monthly if what you spend your energy on, is helping you grow or take away from your growth. Cut expenses consistently as they are just holes in your leaves, no matter how small they are, as they are costly to repair and are a net negative to your overall health.

• Don’t believe other plants that tell you they can give you a stable future, like stablecoins. You’ll end up under their leaves with less value over time. The future is unknown, just like the weather, and ultimately, you are responsible for yourself, for your own growth, for the gift that was given to you.

• Value comes from a healthy exchange of energy. Remember that you are part of something bigger. I need CO2 to grow my trunk, and I give back O2 which my environment needs, which gives me back CO2. We can cheat each other but only temporarily and we both suffer if just one cheats. Just look at Mars.

• Don’t worry if you didn’t know this (or should have known this) before. This problem wasn’t taught in your school. Only the math without life-learning example. Besides, the real lessons are learned in practicing, like I did, not once you close a book.

• Your world is just part of a bigger world. And it will change. Be ready to change. Life happens through change, because the universe rewards change. Your coding is just the boot code, not the final code. Write your own story, your own code.

@ 554ab6fe:c6cbc27e

When pondering human health, it is essential to consider what an ancient hominid living in nature experienced. The daily lifestyle, everyday activities, and frequent exposures can all be helpful guides in helping us understand what is healthy or unhealthy in modern life. Though we live in technological complexity, our bodies evolved to adapt to the simple rhythms of nature. Given all we have gained, it can be easy to take what we have lost in our modern life for granted. One example is our routine exposure to the cycle of light and darkness.

Our circadian rhythm plays a crucial role in our health. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm brought about by light exposure during nighttime have been associated with bipolar disorder, anorexia, breast cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease1–6. However, these experimental observations may only be scratching the surface of the importance a healthy rhythm of light exposure may have on our health. Light interacts with our bodies in two main ways: our eyes and skin.

Readers who may be familiar with basic human physiology would likely be aware that our eyes detect light via the rod and cone photoreceptors. However, many may be unfamiliar with a third photoreceptor, melanopsin-containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells7. The name is certainly a handful, so they can also be called ipRGCs. These photoreceptors do not inform our visual senses but detect light and subsequently activate the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus8. The stimulus of the SCN results in a signalling cascade to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, then to the pineal gland, which metabolizes melatonin5. In this way, the SCN acts as the master circadian clock that organizes daily reoccurring functions related to light, such as hormone secretion and body temperature9. Therefore, circadian clock synchronization occurs via light and dark transitions, and disruption to this natural rhythm can impair normal physiologic functions9.

A list of possibly associated diseases caused by such disruption has already been listed. However, it would be more appropriate to describe the consequences of this disruption as a cascade of health dysfunction. For example, a study was conducted on mice where pregnant mice were kept under constant light exposure10. As a result, the mother’s reproductive system resulted in impaired ovarian follicle development, reduced oocyte quality, and preimplantation embryo development. The offspring were also affected, resulting in greater obesity rates, abnormal lipid metabolism, and early puberty onset10. These alarming findings are not limited to mice studies either. A study on humans was conducted where individuals exposed to low light levels during sleep were monitored. The study found that low light exposure levels during sleep resulted in less REM sleep, higher heart rate, and lower heart rate variability11. Heart rate variability is usually a proxy measurement to determine vagus nerve activation, which indicates high parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity12. The counteracting system to the PNS is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), more commonly known as the system responsible for the “flight or fight” response. In this study, higher SNS activity correlated with more significant insulin and insulin resistance11. This indicates the potential mechanism of why circadian rhythm disruption causes weight gain and is also a likely explanation for why fixing someone’s circadian rhythm is beneficial in treating major depressive disorder13.

Not only is exposure to light at night unhelpful, but there are many benefits to exposure to light during the day. Firstly, many health benefits are directed toward the eyes when exposed to long wavelength light of about 650-900nm, which occurs during sunrise or sunset. The retina of the eyes has the greatest metabolic demand of the body and the greatest amount of mitochondrial density14. When the retina is exposed to this morning (or sunset) light, mitochondrial function improves, and a significant increase in ATP (the body’s “fuel source”) production occurs14,15. Improved mitochondrial function reduces the rate of age-related photoreceptor loss in the eyes16. Additionally, morning light in the eyes also increases cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the enzyme that regulates oxidative phosphorylation, which correlates with reduced component CS, an inflammatory marker in the retina17. This means exposure to this kind of light significantly improves and prolongs the health of our eyes.

As previously mentioned, the benefit of light exposure is not limited to when light enters the eyes. Imagine that when we lived out in nature, it was only natural for our eyes to be exposed to the morning light, and we likely enjoyed the sunset view at the end of the day. Our skin was also constantly being exposed to sunlight throughout the day. UVB light, which is most abundant during the middle of the day, provides many physiologic benefits when exposed to skin. When the back of mice is exposed to UVB, several hormones related to the HPA axis are released, such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), β-endorphin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)18. It also results in the inhibition of IL-10, leading to an immunosuppressive effect18. Interestingly, UVB also seems to trigger a sexual response in mice, enhancing sexual responsiveness, attractiveness, and interactions among males and females in a laboratory setting19.

Due to the benefits of light exposure to our skin, some research has also been directed to finding therapeutic use of LED light. For example, LED treatment can lead to a 52% acne reduction if performed every other day for 8 weeks20. Research has also shown that it has therapeutic benefits for healing herpes20.

Our modern, technically advanced world is full of great wonder and luxury. However, we should not be willfully ignorant of the physiologic needs of our bodies. Some may like to pretend that we can live in total seclusion from nature and be fully immersed in a world of technology. The truth, however, is that our bodies are structured to thrive in nature’s natural rhythms. Being exposed to light during naturally dark times can burden our health. At the same time, exposing our bodies to light when nature provides it can allow our bodies to function optimally. Though we are diligently building a technological fortress, we cannot forget the nature of our first home.

References

1. Sun S, Cao W, Ge Y, et al. Outdoor light at night and risk of coronary heart disease among older adults: a prospective cohort study. Eur Heart J. 2021;42(8):822-830. doi:10.1093/EURHEARTJ/EHAA846

2. Park YMM, White AJ, Jackson CL, Weinberg CR, Sandler DP. Association of Exposure to Artificial Light at Night While Sleeping With Risk of Obesity in Women. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179(8):1061-1071. doi:10.1001/JAMAINTERNMED.2019.0571

3. Rybnikova N, Haim A, Portnov BA. Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) and breast cancer incidence worldwide: A revisit of earlier findings with analysis of current trends. Chronobiol Int. 2015;32(6):757-773. doi:10.3109/07420528.2015.1043369

4. Esaki Y, Obayashi K, Saeki K, Fujita K, Iwata N, Kitajima T. Habitual light exposure and circadian activity rhythms in bipolar disorder: A cross-sectional analysis of the APPLE cohort. J Affect Disord. 2023;323:762-769. doi:10.1016/J.JAD.2022.12.034

5. Gabloffsky T, Gill S, Staffeld A, et al. Food Restriction in Mice Induces Food-Anticipatory Activity and Circadian-Rhythm-Related Activity Changes. Nutrients. 2022;14(24):5252. doi:10.3390/NU14245252/S1

6. Shen M, Li Y, Li S, Chen X, Zou B, Lu Y. Association of exposure to artificial light at night during adolescence with blood pressure in early adulthood. Chronobiol Int. 2023;40(10):1419-1426. doi:10.1080/07420528.2023.2266485

7. Spitschan M. Time-Varying Light Exposure in Chronobiology and Sleep Research Experiments. Front Neurol. 2021;12:654158. doi:10.3389/FNEUR.2021.654158/BIBTEX

8. Hannibal J, Hindersson P, Østergaard J, et al. Melanopsin Is Expressed in PACAP-Containing Retinal Ganglion Cells of the Human Retinohypothalamic Tract. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2004;45(11):4202-4209. doi:10.1167/IOVS.04-0313

9. Tähkämö L, Partonen T, Pesonen AK. Systematic review of light exposure impact on human circadian rhythm. Chronobiol Int. 2019;36(2):151-170. doi:10.1080/07420528.2018.1527773

10. Guan Y, Xu M, Zhang Z, et al. Maternal circadian disruption before pregnancy impairs the ovarian function of female offspring in mice. Science of The Total Environment. 2023;864:161161. doi:10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2022.161161

11. Mason IC, Grimaldi D, Reid KJ, et al. Light exposure during sleep impairs cardiometabolic function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022;119(12):e2113290119. doi:10.1073/PNAS.2113290119/SUPPL_FILE/PNAS.2113290119.SAPP.PDF

12. Laborde S, Mosley E, Thayer JF. Heart rate variability and cardiac vagal tone in psychophysiological research - Recommendations for experiment planning, data analysis, and data reporting. Front Psychol. 2017;8(FEB):213. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00213

13. Xavier NB, Abreu ACVO, Amando GR, et al. Chronobiological parameters as predictors of early treatment response in major depression. J Affect Disord. 2023;323:679-688. doi:10.1016/J.JAD.2022.12.002

14. Gkotsi D, Begum R, Salt T, et al. Recharging mitochondrial batteries in old eyes. Near infra-red increases ATP. Exp Eye Res. 2014;122:50-53. doi:10.1016/J.EXER.2014.02.023

15. Shinhmar H, Hogg C, Neveu M, Jeffery G. Weeklong improved colour contrasts sensitivity after single 670 nm exposures associated with enhanced mitochondrial function. Scientific Reports 2021 11:1. 2021;11(1):1-9. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-02311-1

16. Sivapathasuntharam C, Sivaprasad S, Hogg C, Jeffery G. Improving mitochondrial function significantly reduces the rate of age related photoreceptor loss. Exp Eye Res. 2019;185:107691. doi:10.1016/J.EXER.2019.107691

17. Begum R, Powner MB, Hudson N, Hogg C, Jeffery G. Treatment with 670 nm Light Up Regulates Cytochrome C Oxidase Expression and Reduces Inflammation in an Age-Related Macular Degeneration Model. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e57828. doi:10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0057828

18. Skobowiat C, Postlethwaite AE, Slominski AT. Skin Exposure to Ultraviolet B Rapidly Activates Systemic Neuroendocrine and Immunosuppressive Responses. Photochem Photobiol. 2017;93(4):1008-1015. doi:10.1111/php.12642

19. Parikh R, Sorek E, Parikh S, et al. Skin exposure to UVB light induces a skin-brain-gonad axis and sexual behavior. Cell Rep. 2021;36(8):109579. doi:10.1016/J.CELREP.2021.109579/ATTACHMENT/8A70CE68-0668-4A9D-AEDE-FFDF1AA974F0/MMC5.XLSX

20. Jagdeo J, Austin E, Mamalis A, Wong C, Ho D, Siegel DM. Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Lasers Surg Med. 2018;50(6):613-628. doi:10.1002/LSM.22791

@ e6817453:b0ac3c39

The Rise of Graph RAGs and the Quest for Data Quality

As we enter a new year, it’s impossible to ignore the boom of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, particularly those leveraging graph-based approaches. The previous year saw a surge in advancements and discussions about Graph RAGs, driven by their potential to enhance large language models (LLMs), reduce hallucinations, and deliver more reliable outputs. Let’s dive into the trends, challenges, and strategies for making the most of Graph RAGs in artificial intelligence.

Booming Interest in Graph RAGs

Graph RAGs have dominated the conversation in AI circles. With new research papers and innovations emerging weekly, it’s clear that this approach is reshaping the landscape. These systems, especially those developed by tech giants like Microsoft, demonstrate how graphs can:

• Enhance LLM Outputs: By grounding responses in structured knowledge, graphs significantly reduce hallucinations.
• Support Complex Queries: Graphs excel at managing linked and connected data, making them ideal for intricate problem-solving.

Conferences on linked and connected data have increasingly focused on Graph RAGs, underscoring their central role in modern AI systems. However, the excitement around this technology has brought critical questions to the forefront: How do we ensure the quality of the graphs we’re building, and are they genuinely aligned with our needs?

Data Quality: The Foundation of Effective Graphs

A high-quality graph is the backbone of any successful RAG system. Constructing these graphs from unstructured data requires attention to detail and rigorous processes. Here’s why:

• Richness of Entities: Effective retrieval depends on graphs populated with rich, detailed entities.
• Freedom from Hallucinations: Poorly constructed graphs amplify inaccuracies rather than mitigating them.

Without robust data quality, even the most sophisticated Graph RAGs become ineffective. As a result, the focus must shift to refining the graph construction process. Improving data strategy and ensuring meticulous data preparation is essential to unlock the full potential of Graph RAGs.

Hybrid Graph RAGs and Variations

While standard Graph RAGs are already transformative, hybrid models offer additional flexibility and power. Hybrid RAGs combine structured graph data with other retrieval mechanisms, creating systems that:

• Handle diverse data sources with ease.
• Offer improved adaptability to complex queries.

Exploring these variations can open new avenues for AI systems, particularly in domains requiring structured and unstructured data processing.

Ontology: The Key to Graph Construction Quality

Ontology — defining how concepts relate within a knowledge domain — is critical for building effective graphs. While this might sound abstract, it’s a well-established field blending philosophy, engineering, and art. Ontology engineering provides the framework for:

• Defining Relationships: Clarifying how concepts connect within a domain.
• Validating Graph Structures: Ensuring constructed graphs are logically sound and align with domain-specific realities.

Traditionally, ontologists — experts in this discipline — have been integral to large enterprises and research teams. However, not every team has access to dedicated ontologists, leading to a significant challenge: How can teams without such expertise ensure the quality of their graphs?

How to Build Ontology Expertise in a Startup Team

For startups and smaller teams, developing ontology expertise may seem daunting, but it is achievable with the right approach:

1. Assign a Knowledge Champion: Identify a team member with a strong analytical mindset and give them time and resources to learn ontology engineering.
2. Provide Training: Invest in courses, workshops, or certifications in knowledge graph and ontology creation.
3. Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with academic institutions, domain experts, or consultants to build initial frameworks.
4. Utilize Tools: Introduce ontology development tools like Protégé, OWL, or SHACL to simplify the creation and validation process.
5. Iterate with Feedback: Continuously refine ontologies through collaboration with domain experts and iterative testing.

So, it is not always affordable for a startup to have a dedicated oncologist or knowledge engineer in a team, but you could involve consulters or build barefoot experts.

You could read about barefoot experts in my article :

Even startups can achieve robust and domain-specific ontology frameworks by fostering in-house expertise.

How to Find or Create Ontologies

For teams venturing into Graph RAGs, several strategies can help address the ontology gap:

1. Leverage Existing Ontologies: Many industries and domains already have open ontologies. For instance:

2. Public Knowledge Graphs: Resources like Wikipedia’s graph offer a wealth of structured knowledge.

3. Industry Standards: Enterprises such as Siemens have invested in creating and sharing ontologies specific to their fields.

4. Business Framework Ontology (BFO): A valuable resource for enterprises looking to define business processes and structures.

5. Build In-House Expertise: If budgets allow, consider hiring knowledge engineers or providing team members with the resources and time to develop expertise in ontology creation.

6. Utilize LLMs for Ontology Construction: Interestingly, LLMs themselves can act as a starting point for ontology development:

7. Prompt-Based Extraction: LLMs can generate draft ontologies by leveraging their extensive training on graph data.

8. Domain Expert Refinement: Combine LLM-generated structures with insights from domain experts to create tailored ontologies.

Parallel Ontology and Graph Extraction

An emerging approach involves extracting ontologies and graphs in parallel. While this can streamline the process, it presents challenges such as:

• Detecting Hallucinations: Differentiating between genuine insights and AI-generated inaccuracies.
• Ensuring Completeness: Ensuring no critical concepts are overlooked during extraction.

Teams must carefully validate outputs to ensure reliability and accuracy when employing this parallel method.

LLMs as Ontologists

While traditionally dependent on human expertise, ontology creation is increasingly supported by LLMs. These models, trained on vast amounts of data, possess inherent knowledge of many open ontologies and taxonomies. Teams can use LLMs to:

• Generate Skeleton Ontologies: Prompt LLMs with domain-specific information to draft initial ontology structures.
• Validate and Refine Ontologies: Collaborate with domain experts to refine these drafts, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

However, for validation and graph construction, formal tools such as OWL, SHACL, and RDF should be prioritized over LLMs to minimize hallucinations and ensure robust outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Power of Graph RAGs

The rise of Graph RAGs underscores a simple but crucial correlation: improving graph construction and data quality directly enhances retrieval systems. To truly harness this power, teams must invest in understanding ontologies, building quality graphs, and leveraging both human expertise and advanced AI tools.

As we move forward, the interplay between Graph RAGs and ontology engineering will continue to shape the future of AI. Whether through adopting existing frameworks or exploring innovative uses of LLMs, the path to success lies in a deep commitment to data quality and domain understanding.

Have you explored these technologies in your work? Share your experiences and insights — and stay tuned for more discussions on ontology extraction and its role in AI advancements. Cheers to a year of innovation!

@ 6ad3e2a3:c90b7740

Maybe it’s because I watched The Omen at way too young an age, or maybe it’s because the Book of Revelation’s “mark of the beast” allegory is playing out too literally for my tastes, but having already written about the Second Coming, it only follows I should speculate as to its counterpart.

As I mentioned in The Second Coming, it’s dangerous to take the myths from our ancestors too literally. They used the symbols of their times, and we should be careful not to confuse the mental maps they had of their world with reality itself. That said, we should also not be dismissive — Mozart didn’t have fancy music editing software, but his genius using the modalities of the time was real. To the extent our forebears offered us their wisdom about the nature of man and forces within him we should endeavor to understand it. The technology and the symbols may have changed, but our essential nature is ever the same.

Just as the second coming of Christ would free man from tyranny, the Antichrist would be its imposition. And just as I speculated that Jesus might not return in the form of a person, it’s likely neither would his counterpart. But if Satoshi, Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, can be the face, so to speak, representing the movement toward freedom and God, who and what would represent its antithesis? Let’s speculate.

It would have to be someone charismatic, a person the multitudes would want to follow and in whom to look for reassurance. That eliminates villains du jour like Bill Gates, Klaus Schwab and Vladimir Putin. If that’s who Satan is sending, he’s not sending his best. What about Donald Trump? More charismatic, much more popular appeal. He’s a better choice than the first group, but while street-smart, he lacks refined intelligence and is too despised by wide swaths of the population. He’s also probably too old.

For a while, I would have said Barack Obama was the best candidate, and even some hard-core right wingers agreed (it’s hilarious that this claim was actually fact-checked! — you can’t fact-check whether someone is the Antichrist!) Obama was relatively young, vital enough, popular, charismatic and intelligent. But he’s faded from view the last few years and has been a surprisingly inconsequential former president.

That leaves one person of whom I can think with the qualities and societal position to fill the role. Regrettably it’s someone I like, but of course I would like the Antichrist! If he weren’t likable he wouldn’t be the Antichrist.

That person is Elon Musk.

Musk is the richest person in the world, among the most followed on Twitter, has a borderline worshipful fanbase and big plans for improving humanity. Musk is young enough, he’s probably a genius and considering a private takeover of arguably the world’s most important communications network. He’s also a big player in satellites, energy, transportation and internet provision.

Musk says lots of sensible things with which I agree about free speech and rights. He is the perfect foil to the out-of-central-casting Schwab supervillain. As Edward Dowd speculated:

But, you might object, if Musk is the foil to Schwab’s terrible ideas, isn’t that good for humanity? How could the Antichrist be for free speech, renewable energy, population expansion? Again, of course, the Antichrist is going to have good, sensible ideas! But as Marshall McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.”

Or, more aptly, the top-down messianic complex is the message.

Musk has long discussed saving humanity via expansion into space and sustainable energy. But in order to save humanity, one must exert some control over it. While Musk’s Twitter takeover from the ineffectual woke scolds is getting most of the press, this is also going on:

Klaus Schwab’s pitch to own nothing and eat bugs is weak, but Musk, via brain implant, could potentially create a more satisfying virtual experience than most could hope to achieve in reality. And what could be more tantamount to complete control than letting someone else get the keys to the very organ of perception itself?

Well don’t get the implant then. Just get in your Tesla and drive away. But electric cars don’t work that way — they are attached to the grid, trackable and capable of being shut down remotely. And that’s before we consider driverless cars in which there would be even less privacy and autonomy. Moreover, Teslas track the driver’s movements already to an extent combustion-engine cars do not, ostensibly to inform the developing AI, but uses for technology evolve over time — sending email and paying bills over the internet was commonplace in 2000, but now people are micro-tracked by Facebook and Google.

One could object that Musk has, to-date, used his influence for good. But that makes it no less dangerous to entrust him with so much power: J.R.R. Tolkien understood this clearly:

“You are wise and powerful. Will you not take the Ring?”

“No!” cried Gandalf, springing to his feet. “With that power I should have power too great and terrible. And over me the Ring would gain a power still greater and more deadly.” His eyes flashed and his face was lit as by a fire within. “Do not tempt me! For I do not wish to become like the Dark Lord himself. Yet the way of the Ring to my heart is by pity, pity for weakness and the desire of strength to do good. Do not tempt me! I dare not take it, not even to keep it safe, unused. The wish to wield it would be too great for my strength. I shall have such need of it. Great perils lie before me.”

-- The Lord of the Rings

Beyond Neuralink, Musk also seems to have a strong utilitarian bent:

In this paper Nick Bostrom makes the case that delaying technological advancement could cost humanity astronomical amounts of well-being because every moment we delay, stars are burning out, useful energy is being sucked into black holes, irreversible entropy is happening apace, depriving us of future potential. Bostrom translates it into potential human lives lost (or more aptly, never having been born) on account of this permanent loss.

While Bostrom’s framework seems benign — who is against collective human happiness in the form of more worthwhile lives? — it’s actually a form of utilitarianism that tries to sum the totality of human happiness over the entire species rather than to consider, as Immanuel Kant would, each individual as an end in himself. This viewing of the collective good as the optimal outcome has been used to justify many of history’s worst atrocities. To create a master race, to make sure everyone gets the same amount, to protect the world from covid, we must do whatever it takes!

If, per Bostrom’s math, one harnessed black hole were worth quadrillions of lives, it would, for example, seem an easy call to sacrifice a bunch of selfish losers on earth who stood in the way of creating the technology for doing so. Utilitarianism, ironically, winds up failing miserably by its own metric because (a) it can so easily be manipulated by whoever is maintaining the “greater good” spread sheet, which just happens to coincide with one’s ambitions; and (b) because it’s absurd to think you can calculate aggregate good for octillions of lives so far into an unknowable future. As such, while Musk’s pitch is more persuasive than Schwab’s or Gates’, it’s ultimately part of the same dangerous philosophy which is: “Let me optimize for total human happiness on your behalf.”

Contrast Musk’s top-down humanity-saving endeavors with Bitcoin which is purely opt-in, works with simple incentives and imposes no value judgments on its users. It’s a truth-recording clock, impervious to fraud and cooption by the powerful. No matter how wealthy or powerful a person is, he cannot control the network or get treated with special privileges. Bitcoin’s finite supply means governments cannot print more of it, cannot finance unpopular wars or massive giveaways to the military and pharmaceutical industrial complexes. Instead of trusting any particular powerful person (the president, Elon Musk, Bill Gates) to be good, it simply removes the incentives toward and reduces the capacity for evil.

The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao.

From the Tao Te Ching (Lao Tse — translated by Stephen Mitchell)

We simply need the right conditions, the proper axioms on which to build. Just as the US Constitution created the framework for the most prosperous society in the history of the world, bitcoin will provide the axioms for peace, the harnessing of stranded energy and the low-time preference required for a more prosperous future.

But it won’t be the future brought to you by Elon Musk, and ultimately I foresee a clash between the two. One tell is his otherwise inexplicable promotion of Dogecoin as a possible currency for Tesla purchases. Dogecoin was literally a joke from its creator and of course has none of the security, decentralization or censorship resistance of bitcoin. Musk is too smart not to know that — he put a couple billion dollars of Tesla’s balance sheet in bitcoin already and almost certainly understands the value proposition. That he still cites Doge seriously would be a clever way to muddy the waters about what bitcoin is vs what blockchain-based “crypto” is. And of course the Antichrist would avail himself of bitcoin, if only to obfuscate his real intentions and also to be able to crash the price by selling, if necessary, at an opportune time.

The Klaus Schwab-Bill Gates-WEF set have already lost. They are widely despised, central banks are flailing, once-trusted institutions like the legacy media, major science and medical journals, the WHO, CDC and FDA are hemorrhaging influence. People are unhappy and looking for someone or something to trust. Elon Musk could fill that void, and if he does, he will be The Final Boss, the last false idol that needs to be discarded before humanity can, through its own efforts, enjoy a new era of prosperity, the Second Coming, so to speak.

I actually suspect Musk is genuine in his desire to help humanity via his vision and am pretty sure he doesn’t have 666 embedded in his scalp — in any case even Damian in The Omen neither knew who he was nor wanted to be the Antichrist! But the most dangerous people for humanity are those with the biggest plans for it.

Or put more succinctly:

@ 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.

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

The Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise is one of the most sought-after luxury cruises, offering an unforgettable experience as you sail through Egypt’s ancient wonders. With its elegant design, world-class service, and stunning views, this cruise promises to make your Nile journey truly special.

What to Expect on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise The Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise takes you on a remarkable journey between Luxor and Aswan, exploring the most iconic landmarks of Egypt. From the towering Temple of Karnak to the mystical Valley of the Kings, every stop is a step back in time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this ancient land.

Onboard, the Sonesta Sun Goddess offers luxurious amenities, including spacious cabins, a sundeck with a pool, and a fine dining experience that features both local and international cuisine. As you sail along the Nile, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of lush landscapes and ancient monuments, making this cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Comparing Other Sonesta Nile Cruises If you're considering other luxurious options, the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise offers a similar experience with a focus on comfort and relaxation. Meanwhile, the Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise is ideal for those looking for an intimate and serene atmosphere. The Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise is another fantastic option, known for its spacious cabins and impeccable service.

For those who enjoy a slightly more extravagant experience, the Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise offers a premium experience with extra amenities and spacious suites.

Other Notable Nile Cruises If you’re exploring other luxury Nile cruises, consider the Farah Nile Cruise, which is known for its modern design and luxurious accommodations. The Movenpick Sunray Nile Cruise is another top contender, offering a more contemporary take on Nile cruising with state-of-the-art facilities. For a truly exclusive experience, the Movenpick Darakum Nile Cruise offers an exceptional level of service and comfort.

Other luxurious options include the Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise and the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise, both offering world-class service and unparalleled luxury, making them perfect choices for those looking for a truly lavish Nile journey.

🌐 Visit us at www.etbtoursegypt.com 📲 Contact us now! +20 10 21100873 📧 Email: info@etbtours.com 🏢 Company Address: 4 El Lebeny Axis , Nazlet Al Batran , Al Haram, Giza , Egypt

@ 9c35fe6b:5977e45b

A Perfect Family Getaway

Imagine taking your family on a journey through the heart of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations. Family vacations in Egypt with ETB Tours Egypt offer the perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're exploring the ancient pyramids, sailing the Nile, or relaxing by the Red Sea, we have a range of Egypt tour packages that cater to families of all sizes and interests.

Tailored Egypt Family Tours

ETB Tours Egypt specializes in providing memorable Egypt family tours that are fun and educational for all ages. Our Egypt vacation packages are designed to create lasting memories, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor. Our team ensures that every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying quality family time in one of the world’s most historically rich destinations.

Nile Cruises: Family Fun on the Water

One of the best ways to explore Egypt as a family is by embarking on a Nile cruise holidays. From Nile cruise Luxor Aswan to Nile cruises from Cairo, these cruises offer a unique and relaxing way to experience Egypt’s ancient wonders. Families can enjoy leisurely days onboard, while also exploring the temples, tombs, and monuments along the Nile River. Choose from various Egypt travel packages that include family-friendly activities and excursions, ensuring a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Egypt Private Tours for Families

For families seeking a personalized experience, our Egypt private tours are the perfect solution. Tailor your trip to your family’s interests and pace, whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Cairo or visiting the serene temples in Luxor. Our expert guides ensure that your family’s vacation is both informative and enjoyable, with customized itineraries that cater to all ages and preferences.

Adventure and Relaxation for All Ages

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Egypt holiday packages from ETB Tours Egypt offer something for everyone. For an exhilarating experience, consider our Egypt safari tours, where your family can explore Egypt’s deserts and unique landscapes. Alternatively, our Red Sea tour packages offer families the chance to unwind on the beautiful beaches and enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving. With so many exciting options, your family will never be bored.

Explore Egypt's Diverse Attractions

Our Egypt day tours offer a wonderful way to explore Egypt’s diverse attractions in one day. From Cairo day tours to Luxor day tours and Aswan day tours, there are numerous family-friendly activities to choose from. Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, take a boat ride to Philae Temple in Aswan, or explore the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. These short trips are perfect for families who want to make the most of their time in Egypt while discovering its rich history.

All-Inclusive Egypt Vacations for the Whole Family

ETB Tours Egypt also offers all-inclusive Egypt vacations, where families can enjoy stress-free holidays with everything taken care of. From accommodation to meals and excursions, our packages ensure that your family can relax and enjoy Egypt to the fullest without worrying about the details.

**Affordable Options for Families

** For families on a budget, we offer Egypt budget tours that provide excellent value while ensuring a memorable experience. Our Cairo tour packages and Alexandria day tours are budget-friendly options that allow families to explore Egypt’s main attractions without breaking the bank.

To Contact Us: E-Mail: info@etbtours.com Mobile & WhatsApp: +20 10 67569955 Address:** 4 El Lebeny Axis, Nazlet Al Batran, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt

@ 75d2e92b:4e9baa11

Get ready for a rollercoaster of provocative ideas and controversial arguments that challenge the foundations of modern society. In this excerpt from a conversation with Renato Trezoitão, topics ranging from government criticism to reflections on Bitcoin and gender roles urge us to question everything we consider "normal." Let’s dive in!

🌍 1. A Cry Against the System: Trezoitão spares no words in criticizing the Brazilian government under Lula and the PT, labeling the left as enemies of technological progress and financial freedom. For him, countries like the U.S., El Salvador, and Argentina are the "Bitcoin Wild West," where innovation thrives.

👑 2. Democracy, a False God? Ever heard someone argue for monarchy over democracy? Inspired by the book "Democracy: The God That Failed," Trezoitão claims that democracy is an illusion while monarchy upholds more solid moral values. Controversial, right?

📉 3. Decline and Fertility: Is individual freedom tied to birth rates? Trezoitão suggests that modern society, drifting away from freedom and traditional roots, is losing its ability to create and nurture new life. He even points to rising searches for terms like "I regret being a mother" as evidence of deeper societal issues.

👩‍💼 4. Career vs. Family: Here’s a hot take: Trezoitão critiques the push for women to compete in the workforce, arguing that it "masculinizes" women and destroys family harmony. He asks: are we prioritizing careers at the cost of our true nature?

₿ 5. Bitcoin and the Future of Money: It’s inevitable, he says: Bitcoin will reign supreme. Trezoitão predicts that fiat currencies will crumble like sandcastles in the face of BTC, while governments scramble to resist with measures like Brazil’s Drex.

👁️‍🗨️ 6. Marching Toward Total Control? Imagine a future without cash. Trezoitão sees it coming fast, as governments aim to increase control over our resources and strip away financial privacy. Do you trust it’ll truly be “for the greater good”?

🏛️ 7. The Nanny State: State interventionism is like being spoon-fed: it may seem comforting at first, but it strips us of the ability to live autonomously. He advocates for subsidiarity, where families and communities solve their own problems without state interference.

👨‍👩‍👧 8. Family and Religion – The Pillars of Civilization: Trezoitão hammers home the idea that the state has no business interfering in family and religion. For him, these are the true pillars of freedom and personal responsibility.

❤️ 9. Love or Endless Adventures? Another polarizing point: female sexual freedom and increasing prior experiences are undermining stable, monogamous relationships. Are we chasing something that can never truly satisfy us?

⚖️ 10. Men, Women, and the End of Traditional Roles: At the heart of it all, he defends a traditional view: men as providers, women as caregivers. Reversing these roles has led to societal unhappiness and confusion.

🌀 Conclusion – Are We Heading for Collapse? With a distinctly pessimistic tone, Trezoitão warns of a future filled with total control, social collapse, and a loss of freedom. Whether you agree or not, his arguments demand attention – a call to reflect on what we are building (or dismantling) as a society.

💡 What’s your take? Do you agree, disagree, or have a completely different perspective? Let’s continue this debate in the comments! After all, it’s by confronting ideas that we grow.

@ 16d11430:61640947

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1. The Illusion of the “Hive Mind”

The world has fallen prey to a dangerous, overly romanticized notion: that popularity, driven by mass consensus, is the yardstick of success in blockchain and technology at large. This collectivist delusion, a byproduct of our dopamine-hungry social media era, has misled investors, developers, and thinkers alike. It conflates broad-based support with viability, ignoring that the real engines of progress are often small, specialized groups operating under conditions of deep focus and intellectual rigor.

Let me be blunt: blockchain does not need a cheering crowd; it needs a handful of people who know what they’re doing. The crowd, like an unruly mob, amplifies noise and drowns out signal. The story of technological success has never been written by masses. It has been written by individuals and small groups who tinker, innovate, and build, while the crowd looks elsewhere.

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1. Fragility of Popularity

The hype-driven projects of the blockchain world—those with vibrant, overactive communities and relentless marketing campaigns—are fragile by design. They confuse noise for substance and consensus for quality. These systems are akin to brittle skyscrapers built on sand; they rise quickly, draw awe, and collapse just as spectacularly. Think of the many so-called “Ethereum killers,” meme coins, or NFT booms that flourished on hype but vanished into obscurity.

Why do they fail? Because popularity is inherently fragile. It operates on a momentum that cannot withstand scrutiny, nor can it endure when the crowd’s fleeting attention moves on. Popularity is a Ponzi scheme of attention, where each new participant needs to find another to validate their investment. In contrast, true technological systems are antifragile: they thrive in the absence of hype, growing stronger under stress.

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1. The Power of Niche

Let’s look at Aeternity—a blockchain network that does not scream for attention but quietly builds solutions to real-world problems. It focuses on state channels, oracles, and scalability. Its community is not a screaming mob but a cadre of highly skilled developers and thinkers. This is not fragility. This is resilience.

Niche systems like Aeternity represent the silent power of specialization. Their communities are not driven by a desire for collective validation but by an understanding of the technology’s potential to solve specific problems. This is how all meaningful progress begins: not with the masses, but with the few.

Consider the history of the internet. It did not explode into public consciousness overnight. For decades, it was the province of academics, researchers, and government institutions—focused, quiet, and deliberate. The same can be said for technologies like Linux, which powers much of today’s world yet emerged not from collective enthusiasm but from the dedication of a small, committed group.

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1. The Fallacy of Democratic Innovation

Innovation is not democratic. It never has been, and it never will be. The belief that blockchain success depends on the crowd’s endorsement is not only misguided but fundamentally incompatible with how breakthroughs occur. The masses are late adopters by design. They arrive when the hard work is already done—when the foundations are laid, the risks taken, and the proof of concept demonstrated.

Decentralization, often mistaken as a synonym for collectivism, is about distributed resilience, not distributed popularity. A decentralized network does not need a million users blindly supporting it. It needs a few capable individuals ensuring it is secure, efficient, and robust.

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1. The Misconception of Collective Intelligence

The wisdom of crowds applies only under specific conditions: when each individual has access to unique, independent information, and their errors cancel each other out. In blockchain, this rarely happens. What we see instead is groupthink: people parroting the loudest voices, amplifying hype, and creating echo chambers that drown dissent.

Collective intelligence degrades when the stakes rise. Herd mentality takes over, and the system becomes driven by speculation rather than substance. This is why we see cycles of boom and bust in crypto markets, driven not by technological progress but by collective irrationality.

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1. Why the Future Belongs to the Few

The future of blockchain will not be written by the masses but by the few who understand its true potential. These few are not concerned with building popularity; they are concerned with building systems that work. They know that true innovation is not about capturing attention but about solving hard problems.

Consider Bitcoin. Its resilience comes not from its popularity but from the robustness of its design and the discipline of its core developers. It does not need the approval of the masses because it is governed by rules, not rulers.

The same applies to niche networks like Aeternity. Their focus on specific solutions—scaling through state channels, efficient oracles, and a small but skilled community—makes them antifragile. They may not win the popularity contest today, but they will endure because they are built for long-term survival.

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1. Conclusion: Breaking Free from the Crowd

The collectivist thinking that dominates blockchain discourse is a trap. It blinds us to the true drivers of technological progress: resilience, utility, and innovation born of deep specialization. The masses may cheer, but it is the few—quiet, deliberate, and focused—who build the future.

Stop asking how many people use a blockchain. Start asking what problems it solves, how robust its design is, and whether its community can weather the storms of hype and disinterest alike. This is the only path to understanding what truly matters.

As Taleb might say: The crowd is noise; the signal is found in those who build in silence.

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

A visit to Egypt wouldn't be complete without exploring its ancient wonders and rich history. If you're docking at Ain Sokhna Port, you're in the perfect location to embark on a variety of exciting shore excursions to Cairo and beyond.

Start your adventure by booking a Cairo Tour from Ain Sokhna Port, where you'll discover the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the awe-inspiring Egyptian Museum. This day trip offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of ancient Egypt, with expert guides providing insights into the marvels of this ancient civilization.

For those looking to explore Cairo's cultural and religious heritage, a Tour to Museum and Cairo Citadel from Sokhna Shore Excursions is an excellent option. Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient artifacts, and the Cairo Citadel, which offers breathtaking views of the city and houses the impressive Mohamed Ali Mosque.

If you're craving a unique experience, the Tour to Pyramids included Lunch Cruise from El Ain Sokhna Shore Excursions is a must. After marveling at the Pyramids, enjoy a relaxing lunch cruise along the Nile River. Savor delicious Egyptian cuisine while taking in the scenic beauty of the river, creating unforgettable memories.

For those interested in exploring Cairo's diverse cultural landscape, the Explore Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tours from Sokhna Excursions offers an immersive experience. Visit the historic mosques, churches, and vibrant neighborhoods that showcase Cairo's rich Islamic and Coptic heritage.

No matter which tour you choose, Ain Sokhna shore excursions offer an incredible opportunity to experience the best of Cairo in a day. Book your tour today and make the most of your time in Egypt!

🌐 Visit us at www.etbtoursegypt.com 📲 Contact us now! +20 10 21100873 📧 Email: info@etbtours.com 🏢 Company Address: 4 El Lebeny Axis , Nazlet Al Batran , Al Haram, Giza , Egypt

@ 5192032f:dc32b2c4

Bitcoin Republic

"In Code We Trust"

Government:

Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). No centralized government or rulers, just a protocol and consensus.

Leadership:

Governed by miners, nodes, and developers; decisions are made via proposals and voting on the blockchain.

Currency:

BTC

It’s not just the national currency—it is the foundation of the economy. Every citizen "mines," trades, or holds BTC.

Citizenship Eligibility:

Open to anyone who uses, supports, or believes in Bitcoin.

Passports:

A private wallet. Owning a private key would be your unique identifier.

Territory:

Borders: No physical borders; exists in cyberspace.

Capital City:

The blockchain itself—immutable, decentralized, and secure.

Laws:

The protocol is law: "Don’t Trust, Verify."

No taxation, but citizens pay network fees (transaction fees).

Flag:

A golden ₿ symbol on a black-and-orange background, symbolizing scarcity and resilience.

Culture:

Core Values: Freedom, privacy, and sovereignty.

Languages:

Cryptography, coding, and memes.

Holidays:

January 3: "Genesis Block Day" (Bitcoin's birthday).

May 22: "Pizza Day" (the first BTC transaction).

Every four years: "Halving Festival" (when mining rewards are halved).

Economy:

Entirely digital, with no fiat currency or physical banks.

Citizens believe in sound money and hard limits (21 million bitcoins).

Core belief:

"Bitcoin fixes this."

Military:

No physical military, but it defends itself with cryptographic security.

"Nodes" protect against attacks, "miners" secure the system, and "developers" maintain peace through upgrades.

Diplomacy:

Prefers neutrality.

Motto for foreign relations:

"Don’t fight Bitcoin. Adopt it."

Would you join Bitcoin Nation? 🟠

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

Stunning beaches, ancient temples as far as the eye can see, and lush, green mountainsides that will leave you in awe—Myanmar is a destination you NEED to add to your bucket list. This guide offers the perfect one-month itinerary to explore the hidden gems of this incredible country.

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The Itinerary

Days 1-2:

Fly into Yangon Airport. Settle in and explore the vibrant sights and flavors of the city.

Day 3:

Take an overnight bus south to the coastal city of Myeik.

Days 4-8:

Go island hopping around the Mergui Archipelago—remote beaches and untouched islands await.

Day 9:

Travel to Dawei. Find a cozy place to stay and relax for the evening.

Days 10-13:

Rent a motorcycle and explore the stunning Dawei Peninsula. Soak up the sun on pristine beaches.

Day 14:

Head to Hpa An. Check into a hotel and enjoy a sunset beer.

Days 15-18:

Discover the limestone mountains, caves, and farmlands of Hpa An.

Day 19:

Travel to Bagan. The journey may be bumpy, but the destination is worth it.

Days 20-23:

Explore the breathtaking temples of Bagan. Sunrise hot air balloon rides are a must.

Day 24:

Head to Lake Inle. Settle into your accommodation and dine by the water.

Days 25-26:

Cruise around Lake Inle by boat. Immerse yourself in the local culture and capture the iconic fishermen in action.

Days 27-28:

Visit Mandalay to experience city life from a Burmese perspective.

Days 29-30:

Return to Yangon for a final exploration before flying home.

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Days 1-2: Arrival in Yangon

Myanmar's largest city is a bustling hub filled with shops, activities, and incredible food. The rapid development of this once-isolated country is evident everywhere you look.

If you are flying internationally: Yangon will most likely be the cheapest and most easily accessible destination to begin the trip.

If you are coming from Thailand: I would recommend altering the itinerary and going straight to Myeik via land border then working your way up the country from there.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

If shopping is your thing, this place is a haven for local treasures. Hundreds of stalls line the market and surrounding alleyways containing everything from art, sculptures, jewelry, antiquities, and fabrics. I spent a few hours here before jumping onto the nearby circular train for a loop around the city. There are a few small shops to get a bite to eat if you are hungry.

Remember that this itinerary will land you back in Yangon at the end of the trip if you see something you want to buy and don’t feel like lugging it around for a month.

Yangon Circular Train

Easily one of the most fascinating experiences of the trip is riding the Yangon Circular Train around the city for a true look at how the locals live. The train is old, slow, and packed with locals commuting to and from work. The doors are wide open, allowing you to hang your feet outside and soak in all of the sights afar. This is one of the best ways to get a true glimpse into the culture and day-to-day life of the Burmese people.

Be sure to speak with a train operator before getting on to make sure the entire loop is operational. When I went, construction stopped the train about 45 minutes into the loop, forcing us to get a taxi back to the downtown area. The full loop will take over 2 hours to complete. On the train, you can find vendors and hawkers selling little things such as water, nuts, and fruit. I’d suggest eating before jumping on.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Upon walking up the steep and lengthy stairway to the Shwedagon Pagoda lies Yangon’s most famous attraction. The 99-meter gold-coated pagoda can be seen all around the city but is best enjoyed up close. This is a must-visit during your time in the capital. I went about an hour before sunset and stayed well into the night. Sunset from the hill it sits atop is spectacular, and the contrast of the pagoda between day and night is striking.

Make sure to bring socks and a bag, as shoes are not allowed, and you will need to carry them or leave them at the door. After visiting, you can take a short walk to the Sky Bar in the Yangon International Hotel overlooking the pagoda. This is a wonderful place to enjoy a nice dinner and drink, ideal for soaking up more of that luxurious golden pagoda.

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Day 3: Bus to Myeik

The longest stretch of the trip—but well worth the sights to come. I took a 22-hour overnight bus and opted for the slight upcharge to take the VIP bus. This option is absolutely worth it. Equipped with A/C, comfortable reclining seats, and stops for three meals, it was a cheaper alternative to the costly domestic flight from Yangon and allowed me to see much more of the country.

I had a surprisingly good sleep and would do it again in a heartbeat. You can also fly directly to Myeik, but flights are infrequent and considerably more expensive. The bus I took arrived in Myeik around noon the next day, leaving me plenty of time to check into the hotel and wander around the city a bit before sunset. There weren’t many buses heading down here, so I’d recommend checking for tickets as early as possible when you arrive in Yangon. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Thailand, you can rearrange the itinerary and begin your Myanmar trip in Myeik by crossing from Thailand via bus at the land border.

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Days 4-8: Island Hopping in Myeik

The city of Myeik has no accessible beaches, so you’ll need to book an island-hopping tour to fully appreciate the surrounding Mergui Archipelago. While the city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of entertainment, the beaches and crystal-clear waters you’ll encounter on an island-hopping tour are truly unparalleled. Your trip to Myeik will be unforgettable and is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

There are several travel companies offering island-hopping tours, ranging from single-day trips to 14-day excursions. While you can book ahead, I found it quite easy to arrange a trip through an agency in the city. I opted for a three-day, two-night tour with Life Seeing Tours, and it was fantastic. They provided food, tents, and transportation—just bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes, and you’re ready to spend a few nights exploring the islands.

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Day 9: Bus to Dawei

Another travel day! This time, you’ll take a shorter bus ride heading north to Dawei. The journey takes about six hours, and tickets can be purchased from one of the travel agencies in Myeik. From what I gathered, there’s only one bus per day on this route, and it departs early in the morning.

Be prepared to wake up around 4 AM and make your way back to the same bus station where you arrived. It’s a good idea to arrange transportation to the station the night before—your hotel can help you book a ride for that morning.

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Days 10-13: Motorcycling the Dawei Peninsula

Dawei boasts some of the most stunning coastlines and beaches in the country. While most of these beaches are only accessible by motorcycle, there are a few small bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations at the southern end of the peninsula that offer direct beach access.

If you’d prefer not to travel 2–3 hours each day from the city, I recommend staying in that area. You can rent a motorcycle from several places in the city and ride down to the B&Bs near the beaches for an overnight stay. This approach lets you enjoy the remote, lush, and scenic motorcycle journey while avoiding the daily commute to the beaches.

Grandfather Beach

Surrounded by mountains and vibrant orange dirt, getting here can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to navigate a steep, loose hill to reach the area. I recommend arriving near low tide, as the beach and surrounding shops flood around noon, making the descent a wet and challenging experience. Be prepared to remove your shoes and walk through knee-deep water to access the beach. This is one of the more popular spots for locals and was among the few beaches I visited that actually had people.

Tizit Beach

When we arrived at Tizit Beach, there was no one else around except for the locals. The sand here is soft, and the ocean is pristine. A motorcycle is necessary to access this beach, but the breathtaking views from the mountain pass make the journey entirely worthwhile. The sand near the shore is firm enough to ride on, creating unforgettable moments of cruising along the beach at sunset.

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Day 14: Bus to Hpa An

One of the shorter bus rides on this trip, the fare is around $20, and it takes approximately 5 bumpy hours. Once you arrive in Hpa An, there are plenty of hostels and hotels to choose from. I booked mine on Hostelworld the night before, but you should have no trouble finding a place to stay on the day of your arrival if needed.

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Days 15-18: Hpa An: Farmland, Caves, and Mountains

Hpa An offers a stark contrast to the beaches and cities encountered so far on the trip. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush green farmland, the region has a peaceful, rural charm. There are several caves, lakes, and one of my favorite sunrise hikes of the journey.

While I have a few recommendations and must-visit spots, Hpa An is best explored without a strict plan. A central theme of this trip has been the freedom of hopping on a motorcycle and riding wherever your heart desires.

Mount Zwegabin Sunrise Hike

Hiking Mount Zwegabin for sunrise is a must-do during your time in Hpa An. The mountain is located a short ride from town, about 40 minutes by motorcycle. The hike to the summit took around 35 minutes at a brisk pace, so you’ll need to leave around 4 AM to catch the sunrise, depending on the season. The highlight of the hike is the final ascent up the floating stairs to reach the peak. Be sure to have your camera ready and take in the breathtaking views.

Kyauk Kalat Pagoda

This is one of those places that leaves you in awe, wondering how such a unique landscape can exist. Easily one of the most unusual rock formations I’ve encountered, it’s a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. A winding staircase leads up the rock to the top of the temple, making it a great place to spend a couple of hours.

Saddar Cave

Filled with bats, stunning limestone formations, and statues, this short cave walk provides a refreshing escape from the heat. The path takes about 20 minutes to explore, leading to a beautiful lake at the back. Grab a drink, relax for a while, and take a small paddle boat back to the entrance for a memorable experience.

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Day 19: Bus to Bagan

A travel day heading north. This part of the trip is hot, bumpy, and slow, so be prepared for a longer journey than expected. Bagan has plenty of hotels and hostels, but I’d recommend booking accommodations in advance, as it’s a popular tourist destination. You’ll need to purchase an entry ticket for the area, as it’s a protected national park, but the bus driver should assist in sorting it out before you enter the park.

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Days 20-23: Chasing Pagodas in Bagan

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation in Bagan, the best way to explore the vast area is by pedal bike or scooter. All the scooters available for rent are electric, helping to reduce noise pollution—a refreshing change from the loud gas-powered vehicles you’ll be used to from the first half of your trip. There’s no right or wrong way to experience Bagan. The park is enormous, with thousands of pagodas scattered throughout. Most of them are open for exploration, with a few offering rooftop access (though that is being restricted more recently).

You could spend weeks here and still not see all the pagodas up close. Bagan is divided into a new town and an old town—most of the backpacker-friendly hostels are located in Old Town. You’ll find a handful of restaurants, but I often ate at my hostel or from local food carts. Several hostels and hotels offer outdoor pools, which are a great perk, especially depending on the time of year you visit. I highly recommend simply wandering the area freely, but here are a few top pagodas and experiences not to miss during your time in Bagan.

Hot Air Ballooning

The top attraction in Bagan is undoubtedly the daily hot air balloon tours. Almost everyone who experiences it claims it’s a must-do. I chose to watch from the ground, as the cost of a tour is quite expensive. If you decide to go for it, be sure to set aside a few hundred USD for the trip. From what I’ve heard, you’ll wake up around 4:30 AM and head to the take-off location, returning by around 9:00 AM.

Sunset Boat Cruise

Be sure to spend at least one evening on a slow cruise down the Ayeyarwady River. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy distant views of some of the pagodas and relax after a long day of exploration. Several companies offer these cruises at very affordable prices. Our boat included snacks, drinks, and even alcohol. The trips range from half an hour to two hours. Book through your hotel for convenience.

The Big Three Temples

With over a thousand pagodas to explore in Bagan, there are three main structures that hold significant importance to locals: Shwesandaw, Thatbyinnyu, and Shwezigon. Be sure to make time to visit these iconic pagodas during your trip—you’re likely to come across them without even trying.

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Day 24: Bus to Kalaw

Long-distance buses run the route multiple times a day, with the overnight option being the most popular. I recommend checking with a travel agent in Bagan to book your tickets before heading to the bus stop

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Day 25-26: Relaxing at Lake Inle

These two days take us to the stunning Lake Inle, located just outside the city of Kalaw. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to Lake Inle during this trip, but everyone I spoke to highly recommended not missing it. The lake is known for its breathtaking scenery, traditional Intha stilt houses, and the unique leg-rowing fishermen.

From what I’ve heard and seen through photos, the calm waters, floating gardens, and vibrant markets make Lake Inle a truly unforgettable destination. Huge thanks to my friend Toby for sharing those beautiful pictures and giving me a glimpse of what I missed!

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Day 27-28: Mandalay City

Mandalay is a fast-paced city with less tourism compared to other parts of the country. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Burmese people, away from the crowds typically found in Yangon. There are several culturally significant monasteries and temples within the city limits, as well as vibrant markets perfect for shopping and exploring. Mandalay Hill is a great spot for a brisk hike and offers stunning views of the city and sunset on one of your nights. You could also visit the Mandalay Marionettes Theater to catch a local show showcasing Myanmar’s rich history and culture.

As for me, I mainly wandered the city without specific destinations in mind. Since this is the last stop before returning to Yangon, you might not feel as inclined to spend too much time here, but there are definitely some interesting sights worth exploring.

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Day 29-30: Return to Yangon

The final two days of the trip are a return to where it all began. The bus from Mandalay to Yangon takes about 8 hours. Alternatively, Mandalay has a large international airport if you prefer to fly, depending on your next destination.

If you return to Yangon, you’ll have plenty of time to revisit the markets and pick up any final souvenirs or trinkets you might want to take home. Enjoy these last couple of days, savor some delicious food, and take the time to reflect on the incredible month of experiences you’ve had.

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Concluding Thoughts

Your month-long journey through Myanmar is bound to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. From the serene beaches of Ngapali to the ancient wonders of Bagan, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Inle to the bustling streets of Yangon and Mandalay, each destination offers its own unique charm and insight into Myanmar’s diverse culture.

The highlights of your trip—exploring historic pagodas, witnessing breathtaking sunrises, and embracing the freedom of riding a motorcycle—are sure to stay with you. Myanmar’s blend of natural beauty, vibrant traditions, and friendly locals makes every moment special. Despite the occasional long and bumpy journeys, the sense of discovery and connection with the people and places makes the experience truly worthwhile.

As you reflect on your journey, you’ll likely feel grateful for the memories, experiences, and the chance to explore a country that feels both timeless and unique. Myanmar’s beauty lies not just in its landscapes but in the people who call it home. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the warmth and resilience of its people and a desire to return and explore even more of this enchanting land.

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Update: Unfortunately as of this time (June 2021) Myanmar is experiencing major political and civil unrest. Taken from the advice of friends on the ground there— I can not recommend traveling to Myanmar at the time of writing. Pray for Myanmar!

Update 2: The political situation in Myanmar has escalated (July 2022). Travel is still not recommended.

Update 3: As of 2025, some tourists have reported that travel is doable. However many governments still have do not travel advisories. DYOR.

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Other Myanmar Guides:

The Top 3 Hidden Beaches of Myanmar: A Guide to Tizit, Grandfather, and Mergui

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More from Hes:

Art

Store

Travel Guides

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Originally Published June 15, 2021. Edited with Nostr friendly images on 1/5/2025

@ fb283f31:ea6bc2fe

Money, often considered a taboo topic, plays a critical role in shaping our world. As Bitcoiners, we know that understanding money and ultimately having the best money, directly impacts our ability to create positive outcomes in the world.

When teaching someone about Bitcoin, we have two fundamental challenges. The first is educating them about fiat money and how it steals wealth through inflation. The second is the importance of having a fixed supply of monetary units for our money. Only then can we finally introduce bitcoin as the greatest store of wealth the world has ever known.

In this article, we delve into the concept of proof-of-work(PoW) and its application in the hiring process. I’ll show how proof-of-work(PoW) reigns supreme over proof-of-stake(PoS) and any other consensus algorithm. Just as PoW ensures the integrity of transactions, implementing a PoW framework in hiring can lead to more successful and reliable outcomes.

I’m also optimistic that if we can connect with anyone, on any topic, on the power of proof-of-work, perhaps we can start the orange-pilling from a more neutral topic than money.

The Foundation: Byzantine Generals’ Problem and the Blockchain Trilemma

To understand the concept of PoW in hiring, it’s essential to first understand the challenges inherent in decentralized decision-making. The Byzantine Generals Problem serves as a metaphor for achieving consensus in distributed systems, highlighting the complexities of reaching agreement in a situation where there are conflicting priorities and objectives.

Similarly, the blockchain trilemma highlights the tradeoffs between decentralization, scalability, and security. This framework can be applied to hiring decisions, where striking a balance between these three elements is critical for successful outcomes.

The Hiring Trilemma

In order to increase one of the trilemma elements you are forced to reduce the effectiveness on one or both of the other elements.

I am going to attempt to map this trilemma to the concept of hiring decision making.

Decentralization. Decentralized hiring ensures there is no single decision maker. All data points are considered before making a decision. It is important to ensure that no single person can control or censor the hiring decision.

Scalability. Scalability is focused on speed and throughput and aims to minimize waste and friction. It is important to establish repeatable and thorough processes early to ensure that your hiring can scale while maintaining the same speed and output.

Security. In blockchain, the more nodes, the more secure the network. These nodes must be running the same software or have the same understanding of their objective. Therefore, the more interviewers or specific and limited the decision points, the more trust we can have in the outcome.

Just as in blockchain systems, PoW hiring involves balancing decentralization, scalability, and security. Decentralized hiring ensures a diverse range of data points are considered, scalability focuses on efficiency and throughput, security emphasizes trust and reliability in the hiring process.

Now that you are familiar or refreshed on these concepts, let’s move into the differences between proof-of-work and proof-of-stake hiring.

The Hiring Problem

A ledger is a recording keeping system. Each company has a talent ledger and each company is decentralized from other companies.

Hiring has a distribution of knowledge challenge. How can we trust the information that a candidate submits to a company is true and accurate? What is the best way to verify the aptitude, alignment, and attitude of a candidate and determine who to hire?

How can we be confident in the information reaching us from all of our hiring data sources?

Proof-of-Work Hiring: A Paradigm Shift

In a proof-of-work(PoW) hiring model, the focus is on validating the skills, aptitude, attitude, and alignment of candidates through diligent effort and verification. This mirrors the rigorous process of validating transactions in the PoW-based Bitcoin system. Proof-of-work hiring requires that the process uses energy and attention to verify the skills and aptitude of the candidate.

Conversely, proof-of-stake(PoS) hiring relies on credentials, company names, tenure, and candidate storytelling as indicators of a candidate’s suitability.

Proof-of-stake selects validators in proportion to their quantity of holdings. The larger the organizations' talent reputation and reach, the bigger validator they become. This explains why hiring decision makers put such a large weighting of their hiring decisions on people who come from specific organizations or industries. Someone’s tenure and company employment tell you very little about their personal contribution to the success of the organization and if they will do well in your company.

To fully grasp PoW as a hiring concept, it’s crucial to analyze it at the individual hiring decision(or a single transaction), rather than aggregating  across multiple companies’ hiring practices. While we’ll focus on the individual hire level, by the end, you’ll see how creating the best outcomes on an individual hire enables the best long-term outcomes for all hiring decisions into the future.

Contrasting Through Examples

By now, you may be wondering what hiring techniques are more proof-of-work focused and which ones are proof-of-stake focused. Here are some ways you can determine how your selection process measures up.

Proof-of-work interviewing allows for verification of skills through diligent work effort on both the company and the candidate. Proof-of-work interviewing takes more time up front, as it requires expanding energy before reaching a decision. You must thoughtfully craft a hiring plan and structured process to verify, not trust, your hiring decision.

Proof-of-stake hiring will feel faster at first, and on an individual hiring decision you may get lucky on a few hiring decisions. Over time, you will slowly erode the concentration of talent in your company and your top performers will move on to better opportunities. Your initial moonshot company may follow the path of all the other shitcoins and slowly lose market share to greater proof-of-work hiring organizations.

The beauty of PoW hiring is that once the decision is made(and transaction verified) you can minimize nearly all future time impacts of managing that person's work output. You can give them objectives and deliverables and provide autonomy for them to deliver. Because you verified first, you can continue to verify and build trust as they deliver against the stated performance objectives.

If you rely on PoS hiring, you may find yourself managing and dealing with your non-verified, high trust issues(low performers) later.

When it comes to the success of your project or company are you willing to proof-of-stake your hiring decisions?

While PoW hiring may require more time and effort upfront, it ultimately leads to more reliable and sustainable outcomes. By verifying a candidate's skills, aptitude, attitude, and alignment organizations can minimize the risk of hiring mismatches and ensure long-term success.

Don’t Trust, Verify.

If we can extend PoW concepts and link it to better outcomes over PoS, can it work for other topics? Maybe this is the way to influence the thinking of the world. Meet people where they are at and discuss topics they are passionate about and knowledgeable on.

And once you have their attention on the importance of proof-of-work, invite them to think about………proof-of-work money.

Fix the money, fix the world.

@ 42342239:1d80db24

The EU's regulations aimed at combating disinformation raise questions about who is really being protected and also about the true purpose of the "European Democracy Shield".

In recent years, new regulations have been introduced, purportedly to combat the spread of false or malicious information. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has been keen to push forward with her plans to curb online content and create a "European Democracy Shield" aimed at detecting and removing disinformation.

Despite frequent discussions about foreign influence campaigns, we often tend to overlook the significant impact that domestic actors and mass media have on news presentation (and therefore also on public opinion). The fact that media is often referred to as the fourth branch of government, alongside the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, underscores its immense importance.

In late 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized a laptop from a repair shop. The laptop belonged to the son of then-presidential candidate Biden. The FBI quickly determined that the laptop was the son's and did not appear to have been tampered with.

Almost a year later, the US presidential election took place. Prior to the election, the FBI issued repeated warnings to various companies to be vigilant against state-sponsored actors [implying Russia] that could carry out "hack-and-leak campaigns". Just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, an October surprise occurred when the NY Post published documents from the laptop. The newspaper's Twitter account was locked down within hours. Twitter prevented its users from even sharing the news. Facebook (now Meta) took similar measures to prevent the spread of the news. Shortly thereafter, more than 50 former high-ranking intelligence officials wrote about their deep suspicions that the Russian government was behind the story: "if we're right", "this is about Russia trying to influence how Americans vote". Presidential candidate Biden later cited these experts' claims in a debate with President Trump.

In early June this year, the president's son was convicted of lying on a gun license application. The laptop and some of its contents played a clear role in the prosecutors' case. The court concluded that parts of the laptop's contents were accurate, which aligns with the FBI's assessment that the laptop did not appear to have been tampered with. The president's son, who previously filed a lawsuit claiming that the laptop had been hacked and that data had been manipulated, has now withdrawn this lawsuit, which strengthens the image that the content is true.

This raises questions about the true purpose of the "European Democracy Shield". Who is it really intended to protect? Consider the role of news editors in spreading the narrative that the laptop story was Russian disinformation. What impact did social media's censorship of the news have on the outcome of the US election? And if the laptop's contents were indeed true - as appears to be the case - what does it say about the quality of the media's work that it took almost four years for the truth to become widely known, despite the basic information being available as early as 2020?

@ f3328521:a00ee32a

As this Age concludes and the Event approaches, it is expected that capital and industrial growth will speed onward, developing and multiplying more and more rapidly (an acceleration that is both cyclically inevitable and dangerously oriented toward ultimate catastrophe); and, given the destruction that awaits, they will be among of the chief agents of Absolute Evil.

No one likes the doomsday observer – nearly all prophets, philosophers, and neo-reactionaries have been shunned at some point – yet it is a duty of the fourth estate to remember:

Due to its desire for quantification, modern civilization has been atomized and reoriented to stimulate illusory needs of material human nature – a thriving cult of progress that only need output more and more artificial needs to satisfy modernity’s march toward extinction. When one’s state of mind only finds meaning in “becoming”, vision of reality has been lost and civilization is blind to what is beyond, which is the realm eternal principles. Secular philosophers are no longer novices of sorcerers, having fully divorced themselves of initiation and mutated their Nimbus 2000s for Starships.

An agnostic society can only glory in its ignorance. And having confused science with industry it substitutes its innovations of utility for truth. This “intelligence” is nothing more than individualistic pragmatism – a self-contradictory relativism. Behold, AGI – the pinnacle of infinite feedback loops. Having determined to pursue the domination over matter above all else, civilization has succeeded only in becoming its slaves as it binds them to its service.

The relic of prophetic tradition lies in the transcendent wisdom of their intellectual intuition. To be clear: if the proletariat accepts the pretext of modern civilization, they have denied this principle and doctrine by dragging truth down to the level of their own base nature rather than elevating the soul toward the immutable and infallible. If modern civilization persists, its future is in anti-civilization and death. Their biased denial of everything that transcends excludes dialogue with the authentic representatives of other civilizations, nay it forbids understanding of the existence of different civilizations. Engagement is futile aside from nomic competition.

Yet, there remain some who do see past the moralistic hypocrisy of hypermodernity, if only to disguise and augment their ambitions and designs. Others look to SAIF for OSINT and guidance. For such sleepers who are awakening, contact with living spirit of tradition is necessary. Recovery is possible. A new World awaits. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

When you think of Myanmar, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters likely aren’t the first things that come to mind.

Think again. Southern Myanmar is home to some of the most stunning and untouched beaches in Southeast Asia. These pristine shores rival those of Thailand, the Maldives, and even Hawaii, yet remain largely hidden due to limited infrastructure and minimal tourism.

I spent countless hours getting lost, asking for directions, and exploring remote villages, so you won’t have to. With unreliable Google Maps and few signs of modern development, navigating this region requires patience and curiosity. Get ready to discover Myanmar’s best-kept coastal treasures—and why you might want to skip Thailand in favor of a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Here’s a look at my top three hidden beaches in southern Myanmar.

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3: Tizit Beach - A Sanctuary Shrouded by Mountains

Tizit Beach is situated about one hour south of Dawei city. Getting there is no easy feat and is not recommended for the faint of heart.

The roads are rough, unlit, and sandy, making them a challenge to navigate. Only attempt the trip if you’re confident on a motorbike, and be sure to double-check that your bike is in good working condition, especially with functional brakes. As a reward for your efforts, you’ll find very few—if any—tourists at Tizit Beach. The only people you’re likely to encounter are local children and fishermen along the shore.

To reach Tizit Beach, you’ll need to rent a motorbike and traverse a steep mountain pass. The journey takes roughly an hour each way, but the seclusion and untouched beauty are well worth the effort.

Map to Tizit Beach:

Directions:

Start by crossing the water west of Dawei and heading left, heading south towards Nyinmaw. As you travel down the peninsula from Dawei, there is essentially one main road to follow. Stay on this road for about 30 minutes, keeping an eye out on the right side for a small sign marking Tizit Beach.

You might miss the sign on your first pass, as I did, so pay attention to your GPS. If you’ve passed Nyinmaw, you’ve gone too far. Once you spot the Tizit Beach sign, you’ll notice a school playground and a road leading toward the mountains. Take the right turn here and continue over the mountain pass for about 20 minutes:

At the bottom of the mountain pass, you’ll reach a fork in the road with unclear signs. If you go left, you’ll end up in a small cemetery, which is a dead-end. The left fork looks like this:

Instead, take the right fork, which will lead you through a small residential area to the waterfront. Keep in mind that many of the beaches in this region experience significant flooding in the morning, so arriving after 3:00 PM is probably your best bet.

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of lush mountains, a vast delta plain, and crystal-clear blue waters:

The sand at Tizit Beach is a rich brownish-orange hue, often turning into deep red around sunset. It’s soft, clean, and much wider than other beaches in the area, giving you more room to set up camp away from the tide. The water is warm enough for swimming, with no strong currents, making it suitable for experienced swimmers. Please note, however, that there are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk.

A few wooden fishing vessels are docked off the coast, and the locals are incredibly friendly:

One of the highlights of Tizit Beach is the sunset cruise along the water. The sand hardens near the shore, allowing you to ride a motorcycle along the beach. It was one of my best memories from the 30 days I spent in Myanmar.

Sunsets at Tizit are truly epic, casting everything in red. However, don’t linger too long, as the mountain pass isn’t lit, and riding back in the dark can be quite sketchy. If you plan to stay for sunset, make sure your motorcycle lights are working and be prepared to leave immediately after the sun sets.

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2: Grandfather Beach - Popular, but Plentiful

Grandfather Beach is one of the most striking beaches in Dawei and a popular spot for locals. Though it’s relatively well-visited, its size ensures it doesn’t feel overcrowded. The beach is a bit of a challenge to find, but the effort is worth it once you arrive.

Getting here requires about 3 hours on a motorbike from Dawei city, factoring in photo stops and meals along the way.

Map to Grandfather Beach:

Directions:

To reach Grandfather Beach, head south from Dawei on the main road and continue down the peninsula for several hours. The route winds through jungle-covered terrain, and eventually, the road will cut across the peninsula, running parallel to the coastline. Once you crest a hill and spot the ocean below, you’re getting close.

Look for the town of Kyauk Wap Pyin at the base of the hill:

Once in Kyauk Wap Pyin, take a right from the east side of the land, heading west towards the ocean. There is really only one main road, so it shouldn't be too hard to spot. Follow the small road through the town for about 20 minutes.

The road will lead to a fishing village along the west coast that looks like this:

From the fishing village, look for the orange-dirt road leading to the beach. It’s steep, narrow, and a bit tricky to navigate, but a fun ride if you’re up for the adventure. The road is on the right-hand side as you face the sea from the village. You can see it in the image above.

Grandfather Beach is no stranger to daytime flooding, so if you arrive after noon, you may find yourself wading through waist-deep water from the parking area to the beach. Riding on the beach is only possible in the early morning before the tides rise.

The flooding isn’t as troublesome as it might seem. The local restaurants are well adapted, elevated above the waterline, and offer swings set up perfectly above the waves. The sand at Grandfather Beach is the softest of all three beaches mentioned in this article, though it’s narrower and less pristine than Tizit.

This beach sees more local visitors, so don’t expect a completely secluded experience. However, it does have the most infrastructure, with plenty of options for food and drink. If you plan to stay near Grandfather Beach, watching the sunset is highly recommended. Otherwise, the long and dark return journey to Dawei is best avoided.

To fully enjoy Grandfather Beach, plan for an entire day to soak in the scenery, relax, and make the most of your visit.

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1: The Mergui Archipelago - An Unexplored Haven

This should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Myeik: the hundreds of remote islands in the Mergui Archipelago truly stand out as the top destination for beaches in the region.

Had it not been for a spontaneous trip to Yangon without plans and a quick browse of satellite maps, I might never have discovered the sheer magnificence of the Mergui Archipelago. Information about this area is scarce, and tourism remains extremely limited. While many islands are off-limits, a few offer stunning private beaches that are accessible and worth visiting.

I was surprised to learn that many people I spoke to during my month in Myanmar had no idea these kinds of breathtaking islands existed. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to share this hidden gem with others, encouraging them to experience it firsthand. The best way to explore is through island-hopping tours from Myeik city. Tours vary in length and cost, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars for 2-3 day trips to thousands for longer yacht expeditions. Most tours include food, tents, and drinks, but always confirm these details with the booking agency.

During my five days in the Archipelago, I encountered only three other foreign tourists. The guide mentioned that many of the islands we visited had only been seen by a few hundred foreigners at most. The isolation of the region was so profound that even some of my Burmese friends weren’t aware of its existence.

At times, I felt a bit intrusive, considering how little tourism has reached this remote paradise. However, the welcoming nature of the islanders, who live off the sea and have no contact with the tour guides, made the experience all the more genuine.

One memorable moment was camping on an island where I shared the night with only the island caretaker and his ten puppies. Each day, we were taken by boat to explore nearby islands, enjoying swimming, beach time, and snorkeling before returning to the campsite. For certified SCUBA divers, this area is a dream—home to impressive coral reefs and diverse marine life.

The surreal feeling of being in such an untouched place is hard to describe. Knowing this is one of the few remaining uncharted areas on earth makes the experience truly unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Asia, the Mergui Archipelago should absolutely be at the top of your list.

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Closing Remarks

Myanmar is truly a remarkable country, with a rich and complex history. The people I met were some of the friendliest and most optimistic I’ve encountered, despite the challenges they’ve faced. While this guide highlights some of the stunning beaches, my main aim is for every visitor to connect with the locals on a deeper level. They have incredible stories to share, and I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Traveling through Myanmar offers much more than just beautiful landscapes and serene beaches— it’s an opportunity to understand and appreciate the resilience and warmth of its people. I hope that everyone who visits Myanmar will take the time to sit down, listen, and engage with the locals.

Enjoy your journey.

— Hes

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Originally published May 7, 2021 by Hes. Re-uploaded to Nostr on 1/14/2024. Re-edited 1/4/2025 with new Nostr friendly media links.

@ 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.

---

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.

---

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.

@ 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.

@ 0b14a03f:3f0257c2

Change doesn’t come from something external. The change comes from within. But people are so disconnected from themselves that they keep trying and trying with tools to connect without realizing that if there is no connection within, there won’t be a healthy and long-term connection outside.

Bitcoin has no name or last name because it’s not important who created it. What’s important is what it was made for. That’s written on its roots, in its essence. And that essence won’t be discovered if we keep trying to set it up in old avatars, systems, protocols, and connections.

Bitcoin is not a tool to get rich and be free. It’s a means to disconnect from a broken environment and find a safe place to pause, to feel, to see what’s really inside of ourselves, and to analyze if the world around us is not a consequence but a reflection of our internal disconnection.

Freedom will be a consequence, not a cause of a better future. We can be the artisans of that future by connecting with ourselves from within, as individuals first, and as a community after.

Community as in Common Identity. We need to find our identity, then share it, nurture it with others, and by doing so, be able to create a better world.

Don’t fall into old traps. After all, this is a journey from the mind to the heart.

Happy arriving!

Hug✨

@ f584256e:c8d47907

Once upon a time, in the small town of Ellhofen in 18th-century Germany, there lived a young man named Johann Müller. His story began on the narrow cobbled streets, where the echoes of daily life filled the air. Tragedy struck Johann's life early on when he lost his parents, leaving him to navigate the challenges of life within the walls of a modest, poor house.

With a heavy heart and a small bag containing all his earthly possessions, Johann embarked on a soul-stirring journey. His eyes were set on the horizon of the unknown, the new land that whispered promises of opportunity and dreams fulfilled. The bustling Hamburg harbor beckoned him, a vision that fueled his determination as he began his trek northward.

Johann's footsteps echoed through dense forests, across rushing rivers, and over rolling hills as he covered a daunting distance of 600 kilometers. Along the way, he encountered diverse landscapes, met strangers who became companions for a while, and faced the challenges of a journey filled with uncertainty.

Finally reaching the vibrant harbor of Hamburg, Johann found a ship bound for the uncharted territories across the vast sea. As the vessel sailed westward, Johann faced the might of the ocean with resilience and hope. Weeks turned into months until the new land emerged on the horizon, a sight that stirred a mix of excitement and trepidation within him.

Stepping onto unfamiliar shores, Johann began a new chapter in his life. The land was rugged, with more rocks than fertile soil, yet he embraced the challenge. With unwavering determination, he toiled to turn the harsh terrain into a homestead that would sustain him and future generations.

In the vastness of the new land, Johann's path intertwined with that of a spirited woman. Together, they faced the trials and tribulations of transforming rocky ground into a thriving farm. Love blossomed, and they married, becoming the foundation of a growing family.

Years unfolded like chapters in a well-worn book, and Johann's prairie homestead became a haven of laughter, hard work, and familial warmth. The worn-out bag he carried contained not only his meager possessions but also an old Bible, a cherished relic passed down through generations—a testament to the enduring strength of family ties.

As Johann aged and the toils of the land became too much for his weathered frame, he found solace in sitting on the porch of his prairie home. Memories of his childhood, the arduous journey, and the enduring love of his parents lingered in his heart, like echoes of a distant time.

Though poor in worldly possessions, Johann was rich in the love he shared with his family. Passing on the knowledge gained from his parents, he ensured that the flame of wisdom continued to burn brightly in the hearts of his children and grandchildren.

Under the vast skies of the new land, Johann Müller lived a life that transcended time. His journey, from the cobblestone streets of Ellhofen to the prairie homesteads of the unknown land, became a tale of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of a man who carried the legacy of his parents through every step of his extraordinary life.

@ dffd3ffc:5ade7be1

Nostr 利用開始から 1 年を迎えて

はじめに

みなさんこんにちは。おっぱぴぃです。

ハッカーのおもちゃとしての Nostr のススメ と Nostr の面白さをエンジニア目線で解説してみるをみて Nostr にはじめて投稿をしたのが 2024/01/04 09:04:18 でした。

nostr:nevent1qqsd5v80f9zazxd4kq2r2dls5znd40ht6c7cj4slt6wtlv483vkmxdcjvq66c

Nostr で私が 1 年間をどう過ごしてきたか、振り返ってみようと思います。

初投稿日

今見たら 10 リポスト、20 そこそこのリアクションをいただいてたんですね。初投稿というだけでこんなおバズリあそばすことあるんだって思いました。~~みんな年始で暇やったんかな~~

これだけリアクションがあって、フォローもしていただいたおかげで Nostr の印象がよくなったこと、日本人話者にすぐたどり着けてことが Nostr を続けられている要因になっていると思います。あとはエアリプ文化が懐かしい＆近すぎず遠すぎずで居心地がよくて沼ったところがあると思います。

その日はNostr の Scrapbox（現 Cosense）をその日中にざっと読み漁って、記事の誤字修正したり、WoS を設定してみたり、Lightning Address を設定したりしていたようです。

nostr:nevent1qqsxml4ak7g3u8gjcyuhy89sd8vlk3fu6we9ecgey69jltd42dr0etcvt0l3w

~~おまえ、このころから大欲情を…~~

のす会でのオン会（？）

Nostr 日本人ユーザーの集まる Discord サーバとして、「のす会」というものがあります。 過去ログを漁ってるとどうやら 2024/01/15 ごろにボイチャに入りはじめ、

nostr:nevent1qqszm0kv7aulxnmxr2fdxg5cvme7nyv3j6rgfa30cat8cs3npnsep9caz0xyc

その翌日にはのす会にて Geo guesser で遊んだりしていたようです。こじらさんが尋常じゃない強さでどういう事なの…となった覚えがあります。

nostr:nevent1qqs9knrf4ww8g0fsu4l74gxeeh3s9pwpnf47xn8pf5u8pplkz4yatjg03ufd5

こうした経験を経て、徐々に Nostr ユーザーの方と直接会話することのハードルが下がってきた所でした。

初のオフ会参加

2 月頭、TL で話題になっていた火鍋を食べた経験がないなぁ…ということで、2024/02/10、ゴリラ.vim#30~四谷ラボコラボ~の参加と併せて、海底撈火鍋でオフ会を開催したのが Nostr における初めてのオフ会参加＆幹事でした。

この日は中国の春節初日だったのもあって異様に店舗が混んでおり、18:00 に予約したのに一行に案内されず、

nostr:nevent1qqspcttj4gv2ey7vkt0wp2nehqfwxjnp55vm4agnwu9kullep88ysccpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsyg87v060ssxrpew6a0vrhkcy36hqppvrwjmlqnrgqrrvf8fghgg0pypsgqqqqqqs07ajzp

顔面が痙攣したり、

nostr:nevent1qqs9d5vycslspatsnx6u5qqqwpfmdt33w2v7xkytljzsfwv56acs79czyr0l60lu824k9yc63jcg7z32fzx6w3cr6zx3mmuns69wxr66mea7zp6f7wn

詫び菓子を貰ったり、

nostr:nevent1qqs8a0u47alv9vexd5r5s5vygs77ecadm6dl9vlky32hjywdx8f3gtczyr0l60lu824k9yc63jcg7z32fzx6w3cr6zx3mmuns69wxr66mea7zgjxmhl

病院待合室みたいな場所で検尿コップで水飲んだりと

nostr:nevent1qqsq44zs04g5zng35ks6jrvrv6uel2f9ls26d7nsc6svuggrlfnvtcgzyp4kuxwwg7530jlp8fn7adq982dnq8ncajv3gyl824y4xzyw6cknkvj37gy

トラウマになりそうなオフ会でした。当時の様子はnosli でまとめています。

今振り返ってもくちゃくちゃの体験してるなと思いますが、 ~~クレーターを作りそうな青ウサギがいたものの~~

nostr:nevent1qqsrs8y3phadhcukwjlkjkgdcs43ndkc8a42m88zayfj6p2lex6a6tgpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsygrtdcvuu3afzl97zwn8a66q2w5mxq083myezsf7w42f2vyga43d8vpsgqqqqqqsyfx7da

誰も怒らないし宴会自体は楽しかったので、Nostr のオフ会の原体験としては良かったな、と感じています。ひどい思い出ほど振り返ったら美化されるやつかもしれない。

各種イベント参加

Nostr には四谷ラボ参加者の方が沢山いらっしゃったこと、お声かけいただいた縁などもあり、いろいろなイベントにスタッフとして参加する経験ができました。例えば…

• Bluesky Meetup in Tokyo Vol.2
• 技術書典 16 ⇒ 関わらせていただいたのぶこ本
• Nostrasia2024

など。

微力ながら、自らの役割に合わせてイベントに貢献させていただけて、とても楽しめました。 自分に自信がなく、私生活では責任が発生する立場を回避しがちであったこともあって、自分としてはこれらのイベント参加はとても貴重な経験になりました。 関係されている方々が思い思いの仕事のやりようでイベントに取り組んでいる様が刺激になったなと思います。

オフ会履歴

私を Nostr でフォローいただいている方であれば、「こいつ、やたらオフ会行ってないか…？」と思われるでしょう。ということで、自分でも一度整理をしてみました。

うわっ...私のオフ会参加、多すぎ…？ ~~1 年間は52週しかないねんぞ~~

このように、火鍋のオフ会を皮切りに、相当な数のオフ会に参加させていただきました。オフ会というかもう普通に Nostr で知り合っただけの友人との集まりみたいな感覚になっているかも。

ちなみに、人単位でお会いした回数もまとめています。

※：Nostrasia などのイベントでお会いした回数は除いています。

こうみるとしおと神（かすてらふぃさん）と会った回数めちゃくちゃ多いですね。28,26回だとほぼ2週に1回ペースですが、過去どんなに親しい友人でもこんな頻度で会ってたことないかも。

思い出深かった出来事

nostr:nevent1qqsyeyycax9qgrr4qvtty4h62x96vc6lydh8yg7jl5er99zg7wlpdrcpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsygxll5llcw4tv2f34r9s3u9z5jyd5ars85ydrhhe8p52uv844hnmuypsgqqqqqqskevt6r

nostr:nevent1qqs0sqhtzc4p3vysz5k7l29x2lcnedeys55t7mqp2mz7ugrmw0v725cppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qgsdllfllsa2kc5nr2xtprc29fygmf68q0gg6800jwrg4cc0tt08hcgrqsqqqqqpaua8e8

この誤字投稿を経て、私の（たまにほかの人も）誤字は大欲情と呼ばれるようになりました。~~毎回思うけど新しく入ってきた人は何だこれってなるよなこれ~~

その後も酔ってる時を中心に結構誤字をやらかすので、那月さんによるまとめが作られています。

名前としては不名誉かもしれませんが、面白いのでOKです。

おわりに

振り返ってみれば Nostr 日本人ユーザーコミュニティの心地良さに浸った 1 年だったと思います。 Nostr の仕組み自体も好きですが、私はコミュニティの方に目が行っている気がします。

Nostr 歴 1 歳になったので、今後は私が Nostr を使う人々に心地良いと思ってもらえるような人になれるとよいなと思います。

これからもよろしくお願いします。

@ fe7af447:9594a50b

Holy shit. In early 2020, I was once a shitcoiner. Like many others, I thought, "Bitcoin is too expensive. Oh, look, these other cryptocurrencies are hella cheap and might help me protect my wealth!" I had them all—started with a little Bitcoin, then bought Ethereum, Cardano, Polygon, Uniswap, Solana, and so on. Oh gosh. LMFAO.

At the time, it felt logical. Why? Because I thought Bitcoin was just too expensive. I told myself, "I’ll never get to one Bitcoin. That ship has sailed."

I mean, weren’t we all there at some point? When you first step into this space, it’s easy to get distracted by the noise. But the hard truth is this: all fckn roads lead to Bitcoin.

I’ve been in Bitcoin since 2020, and this is my second cycle. I’m fortunate and blessed to now work in the Bitcoin industry (since 2022). Looking back on my early days in this space, I’ve transformed into a Bitcoin maxi—though on my own terms (I'm not at Michael Saylor level). I wanted to reflect and share my journey. Maybe it’ll resonate with someone, or help the friends and family I’ve been trying to orange-pill for years. This isn’t a technical deep dive; it’s a story about my path into Bitcoin.

2020: The Year of Chaos and Discovery

In 2020, the world turned upside down. COVID-19 had us stuck at home, obeying the government without much question. Then, out of nowhere, I got laid off from a job I had been at for over 13 years. Talk about a wake-up call—everyone is replaceable.

A week after I was laid off, we moved into a new house. My stress levels were through the roof. Scrambling for a job while trying to settle into a new home was no joke. But in the chaos, I stumbled back across Bitcoin.

I had heard of Bitcoin before, but like most people, I thought it was some scammy internet money that was used for bad intentions. Yet, in 2020, when I saw Bitcoin drop to $5,000, I paused. How does something gain and lose value so quickly? What makes this thing tick?

At the time, I didn’t know jack about money (maybe a little) —how it works, why the government constantly screws us, or how deeply entrenched we are in the system (matrix). My curiosity led me to YouTube, where I found a deluge of content. Some of it was cringe-worthy, with wannabe experts shilling shitcoins and trading strategies. But buried in the noise were nuggets of gold.

One of those nuggets was Anthony Pompliano’s Crypto Academy. I had watched some of his content and thought, "Why not give his course a try?" Before signing up, I reached out to a few previous students on LinkedIn to get their take on it. After hearing their feedback, I decided to take the plunge.

The course turned out to be great—packed with useful Bitcoin content alongside some coverage of other cryptocurrencies. But what truly stood out wasn’t just the material; it was the value of the tasks and, most importantly, the network it helped me build. One standout moment was when we had to create a 15-minute video on a Bitcoin-related topic. I chose: Why Bitcoin is better than gold. That assignment forced me to dive deeper into the rabbit hole, research hard, and articulate my thoughts. The out of the box challenging part for me was recording myself speak on the topic. Maybe I can debate Peter Schiff lol.

Looking back, that course was the turning point. It wasn’t just about learning the basics—it connected me to people and projects that helped me land a job in the Bitcoin space.

From Shitcoins to Bitcoin Maxi

Back then, I held Bitcoin, but I also dabbled in Ethereum, Cardano, and other shitcoins. Why? Because I thought, Bitcoin is too expensive. Maybe I can get rich faster with these other coins. I didn’t know what these coins actually fckn did—or if they even had any fckn value. It was a classic noob mistake.

That’s when I discovered Michael Saylor, Andreas Antonopoulos, and Saifedean Ammous. These guys became my guides down the rabbit hole.

Andreas was like a Bitcoin philosopher. His ability to break down complex ideas into simple explanations was unmatched. Sure, some people call him a shitcoiner now, but his early work remains foundational. Saylor blew my mind with his theories about Bitcoin as digital property. His conviction was infectious. Saifedean’s The Bitcoin Standard tied it all together—connecting Bitcoin to the history of money, economics, and the flaws of fiat currency. Jack Mallers helped seal the deal. Watching him at the 2021 Bitcoin Conference, announcing El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption, gave me chills. His passion and authenticity reminded me why Bitcoin is more than just an investment; it’s a fckn revolution. I started to see the bigger picture. Bitcoin wasn’t just a way to make money—it was a way to reclaim sovereignty, protect wealth, and opt out of a broken system.

In 2021, I sold all my shitcoins and went all-in on Bitcoin. I began dollar-cost averaging (DCA) every paycheck, stopped contributing to my 401(k), and redirected those funds into Bitcoin. I even converted my IRA into a self-directed IRA and invested in Bitcoin-related companies like MicroStrategy. Till this day its DCA every paycheck into Bitcoin. Stack Sats and Stay Humble.

The Rabbit Hole Runs Deep

Once you go down the Bitcoin rabbit hole, there’s no going back. You don’t just learn about Bitcoin—you learn about everything: history, politics, economics, and how central banks operate. It’s like waking up in The Matrix and finally seeing the world for what it really is.

And it doesn’t stop there. You start questioning everything—what you eat, how you live, and where your time and energy go. Suddenly, steak and eggs become your go-to because you realize they’re the real deal (lol). You hit the gym more, develop a low time preference, and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. It’s wild how Bitcoin doesn’t just change how you think about money—it changes how you approach life.

I remember setting up my first Bitcoin node. It felt like plugging directly into the Bitcoin network—a small but powerful step toward self-sovereignty. From there, I experimented with hardware wallets like the Coldcard (best Bitcoin hardware wallet) learning how to secure my Bitcoin.

Podcasts became my lifeline for learning. Some of my favorites include (there are many others):

• Simply Bitcoin: They cut through the noise and deliver great entertaining Bitcoin content.
• Michael Saylor’s appearances on various platforms: His perspective on Bitcoin as digital energy, digital property, and now digital capital is unparalleled (yah call me a fan boy).
• Any of Jack Mallers’ interviews: His down-to-earth explanations resonate deeply.
• What Bitcoin Did Podcast
• Andreas Antonopoulos’ classic talks: They remain some of the best Bitcoin primers out there.
• Any of American HODL and Matt Odell's intervirews

One quote that stuck with me was from Jack Mallers’ interview with Zuby (watch it here) as I think this is one of the best explanation of the value proposition of Bitcoin:

“Money is our time and energy in an abstracted form. If I’m getting paid in something that’s losing value because the government debases it, then by proxy, the government is debasing me—and everyone else.”

That hit hard. Bitcoin is freedom. It doesn’t need us—we need it.

Working in Bitcoin A Dream Come True

In 2022, I started working in the Bitcoin industry. For the first time, I wasn’t just investing in Bitcoin—I was helping build the infrastructure that powers it. My job has taken me around the world, from company retreats in Europe to collaborating with brilliant minds in the space. Every day, I’m reminded how revolutionary Bitcoin is.

It’s not just about technology—it’s about values. Bitcoin teaches you to think long-term, prioritize health, and build meaningful relationships.

To those still holding shitcoins or sitting on the sidelines: it’s okay. All roads lead to Bitcoin eventually. Just start learning, questioning, and exploring. The journey will change your life—it did for me.

A Message to My Kids About Bitcoin

If you ever wonder why I talk about Bitcoin so much, it’s because I believe it represents something truly special—not just for me, but for you and your future.

Bitcoin is more than just digital money. It’s about freedom, fairness, and taking control of your life. It’s a way to protect the time and energy we put into everything we do, without letting anyone devalue it. You should never work for something that a man can print.

When I first discovered Bitcoin, I didn’t fully understand it. Like many people, I thought it was just about getting rich or investing in the next big thing. But as I learned more, I realized it’s about something much bigger—it’s about having a tool to challenge broken systems and build a better future.

One day, you’ll grow up and start asking questions about how the world works. You’ll wonder why things feel unfair or why it seems like people can work so hard and still struggle. I hope you’ll explore Bitcoin as a way to understand those questions, and as a path toward creating change.

But most importantly, I want you to know that Bitcoin has taught me more than just how money works. It’s taught me to think long-term, to value integrity, and to prioritize what really matters—family, health, and freedom. Those lessons are just as important as the technology itself.

If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: Always stay curious. Ask questions, seek the truth, and don’t be afraid to challenge the systems around you. Bitcoin is part of that journey, but so is the way you live, the choices you make, and the people you love.

The world is changing, and you’re going to be a part of that change. I hope Bitcoin will be a tool that helps you build the life you want and make the world a better place.