Monopolies are a problem. That's where governments need to step in and control them. Politicians should be serving those who vote for them rather than those with the money. We have to somehow show them that. Voting them out is one way. With things like the Apple phones people should take a stand and not buy them. Nobody needs an iPhone, but they fall for the marketing.
Crypto does give us some possibilities, but I could get into the damage mining it does. At least Steem doesn't use that much energy.
BTW Please don't upvote your own comments. Let others choose what it is worth. I know you need votes to boost your rep, but I would have voted anyway.
Unfortunately, no one seems to have the courage to tackle the political funding issue. I think some form of public funding mixed with strictly controlled voter direct contributions is the answer. No one should be allowed to donate more than £1,000 in a year to a political party. This would mean political parties would be forced to look for a broader number of funding sources and not be beholden to one or two large donors.
I think the reports of emissions from crypto mining of crypto is overblown based on my research. Whether it's miners or a 100,000 people sitting at a bank HQ, I think bitcoin is probably more green as a money source than traditional banks. I expect the vast majority of the newer Cryptos to be proof of stake, like steem.
Self vote was for visibility, have had people complain about not seeing my comments. Hopefully won't be an issue soon!