My knowledge is limited on cryptos.... I look at them the same way I look at all currencies. They are a representation of human energy. We all in some way trade our time for one type of currency or another. The difference is government control.... If I'm missing something please point me in the right direction. I'm willing to do more research.
I would look at John Oliver doing a satire bit on cryptocurrencies as good thing. In my opinion this means the traction cryptos are gaining is starting to weaken the power structure. So they need to turn towards "programs"(what my grandparents used to call a t.v. show)to program and control public opinion.
My perspective and opinion is coming from being in the United States. I know there was a repeal on the Smith Mundt Act. Originally this bill was known as the Anti-Propaganda Act in 1948. Now it allows the U.S. government to do the opposite of what the original bill was intended to do. They can legally, not lawfully create theater for "lame" stream media.
That means, here in the U.S., they can out right lie about any event or even create events that fit their agenda.
Sorry for being so long winded. My point is that this kind of publicity is what we should expect from powers that don't like competition.
Thanks @ura-soul for another thought provoking post
Brandon
Thanks for the clear response here, yes, that 'Act' (on the stage, populated by puppets!) was in my mind when I wrote this, though I didn't recall the exact name. There are numerous important differences between government / central bank controlled currencies and cryptocurrencies, but one of the main ones is the absence of government control in cryptocurrencies, yes. We will no doubt see more attempts by statists to turn popular opinion against cryptocurrency simply so they can increase their own personal power - however, I think this is one realm that they cannot win with and may only be left with an outright dictatorial option of banning all but their own version of the cryptocurrencies.. Which will be a major action that will grab the attention of all but the most zombified people... So is unlikely at this point.
It's sadly true that such moves are to be expected and it is for us to hold up the examples for all to see. I am not religious and I don't advocate for religious books, but there is always wisdom to be found in them in places and here I am reminded of the Biblical quote:
John speaks of 'false profits', but 'prophet' is always more valuable than 'profit' ;)