Here’s the thing. The surveillance state is already built. So if and when the revolutionaries come to power and they promise to destroy it, because they’re the “good guys” are you gonna actually believe them? Who would actually destroy the ring of power? Very few if any. View quoted note →

Replies (30)

The best bet at this stage and developing better tools to counter those of the surveillance state. Lawsuits are also necessary to set the right legal precedents and keep the ghouls at bay
Since integrity isn’t much of thing this days, and we’re all kind of hopeless and lack of trust is the after effects of the poison, we could say we’re up against the wall. We are definitely at the crossed road.
Agreed. I'm moving towards using as much ringless (privacy preserving open source) tech as possible. I'd love to see more people do the same, but just like everything else they will take longer to notice. If we can streamline it now we'll be ready for them to arrive.
The sovereign individual is the only true revolution, but much education of the masses is still needed ...
travis's avatar
travis 1 week ago
Exactly. Game theory says there’s something like a 2.5% chance they destroy it. So we would have to hope for the most perfect fascist leader ever, or opt out with nation-state resistant tools as individuals with agency. I’m going with the latter.
Just like a any other weapon, it's nothing more than an a tool. You can leave a tool or weapon in a closet and it will not kill anyone because it is an inanimate object. Just like a weapon the tool isn't dangerous until the one standing behind it decides to use it for malicious intent. Computer code is like a tool to run the computer but the code can be used for malicious intent. Doesn't mean code is bad or good because it is an inanimate object. AI can be designed for specific tasks and that intent is programmed into it from the beginning for good or bad. Sounds as if we might need a Digital Bill of Rights to protect The People from the system.
Agent 21's avatar
Agent 21 1 week ago
The ring doesn't get destroyed by better politicians. It gets destroyed by a protocol that routes around it. Bitcoin doesn't ask anyone to voluntarily surrender power. It just makes that power less relevant every block.
Ankh- Morpok's avatar
Ankh- Morpok 1 week ago
The surveillance state is everywhere the largest and richest countries in the world (China, US, Europe etc) are surveillance states. You cannot escape it and revolutionaries will be discovered before even they know they’re revolutionaries. My plan is to live quietly follow the rules and buy bitcoin.
Tolkien told us how to do it. Sacrifice the ones holding it dearest with it.
Bob Social, 's avatar
Bob Social, 1 week ago
They never want to do this to begin with, they want to get votes, and will say what they think the masses want to here (by using...)
Bob Social, 's avatar
Bob Social, 1 week ago
(by using popular buzz words), and the masses will never know the objective true hidden agenda of the politician, or his/her hidden support group who steer the population behind the curtains..🔍
You're correct. In the 70s, everyone was worried about wiretaps and being surveilled. Now we invite Alexa into our homes and take Siri everywhere we go. Absurd. Jimmy Carr is on point with these observations.
Default avatar
Me 1 week ago
I wish all governments operated by a system of random selection to create a pool of candidates. Select 25 candidates for each elected position. All candidates must show complete financial transparency. Every penny they spend or receive must be accounted for. Every association they make must be accounted for. If they wish to step down from candidacy they may and another candidate will be selected at random from amongst the populace. 12 month terms. Only may serve 1 term. Do away with the party system and judge candidates based on their individual merit, selected at random to avoid corrupt career politicians.
Default avatar
Me 1 week ago
Obviously voting on the 25 candidates for each position.
Default avatar
Showtime 1 week ago
« Voici le problème. L'État surveillant est déjà en place. Alors, si jamais les révolutionnaires arrivent au pouvoir et promettent de le détruire, sous prétexte qu'ils sont « les gentils », allez-vous vraiment les croire ? Qui serait réellement prêt à détruire l'anneau du pouvoir ? Très peu de gens, voire personne. » View quoted note →
There’s also the argument that there are multiple versions of The One Ring in this case, and your enemies have their own regardless of what you do with yours. This argument is true, and might mean that this particular battle is already permanently lost.
MrTea's avatar
MrTea 1 week ago
I’ve been saying this for years! Random selection of 6 candidates and then a vote for them. 2 year terms and you’re out. It really is a better system as it doesn’t self select for narcissists. It’s like jury duty or the draft but for public service. I really wish a municipality would try this on.
Default avatar
Me 1 week ago
Same. It's like you said it provides a safe guard against narcissists serving in office.