What a priceless post this is for a newbie such as myself. You have outlined many of the reasons why I joined Steemit - freedom of expression; the shifting of wealth away from the state, and indeed, from corporations; and the building of a unique and committed community.
Indeed, it is only in community that we can actually unite together as "the dispossessed" to create a world in which we can all get a rightful slice of the pie. My most recent post discusses the value of community: https://steemit.com/life/@drrobertmuller/striving-for-a-better-future-community-is-the-answer
I'd just like to pick up one major point you've made here - that of cryptocurrencies playing a part in the diminishing power of the state. Now, many people may see this comment as fanciful, but as an experienced sociologist, I think you're absolutely correct. Let me elaborate.
State income comes from two main sources: taxes and fees, and investments (of course, there is the printing of money, but this isn't actually income - it is the printing of capital rather than the production of income). Over the last 10 years, investments have crashed, so the burden of state income has fallen increasingly on taxes and fees.
Cryptocurrencies, I think we all agree, are still in their infancy, and are miniscule in size compared to what they will be in the future, despite already numbering in the billions of dollars. This money has to come from somewhere - basically, it comes from us, the people and is being diverted from the state's coffers (correct me if I am wrong). Ethically, there is nothing wrong with this because the state is no longer using its income for the benefit of "the people" - instead, it diverts this store of wealth to corporations and into the war machine. This is happening increasingly across the apparently democratic western world.
The fact that corporations are also starting to "use" cryptocurrencies rather than controlling them is a good sign because this will assist the growth of cryptocurrencies. This combination of users will lead to the economic strangulation of the state I believe.
Your post is spot on! Thanks.
I think you're spot on too. The so called democratic governments are clearly not benefiting their people.
I'd argue some democratic states (particularly the US) are beginning to act more like a form of corporate feudalism, given the growing wealth gap and protection of white collar crimes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-feudalism
Thanks, @drrobertmuller, I like the way you think. You have one more follower :)