Bitcoin’s Operation Chokepoint with Doomberg

 
 

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“Ejection from the banking system can be random. Happens for political reasons in the US all the time. It’s rarely reported about. And, in a way, it’s more devastating than being on probation for having been convicted for something, because not being able to bank in 2023 is akin to not being able to function in society.”
— Doomberg

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Doomberg is an anonymous collective producing the world’s most popular financial substack. In this interview, we discuss coordinated action against the crypto industry being undertaken with limited congressional approval or oversight. We talk about historical precedents, what this could mean for Bitcoin and Bitcoiners, and why we need a financial bill of rights.

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Mark Twain once said that “History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.” Therefore, Bitcoiners should be extremely wary of the recent precedents of a ruling US administration being willing to de-bank business verticals antithetical to certain political beliefs. In 2011, the Obama administration targeted selected online poker businesses. In 2013, the same administration used the DoJ to lean on banks doing business with firearm dealers and payday lenders.

The problem is simple: a legitimate business and/or technology is kneecapped by a ruling body for subjective political reasons. Public-private institutions, such as banks, are lent on to hamper the functioning of businesses earmarked as being problematic. The fundamental issue is the methods applied are anti-democratic. There is no open debate or examination. A decision is made behind closed doors, and people, institutions and businesses are pressured to comply.

We are currently witnessing coordinated illiberal action against crypto-aligned companies. The intent is clear. Yet, there has been no debate. And whilst Bitcoiners may gain comfort from the actions being taken against crypto, the problem is politicians haven’t revealed their full intentions yet. It is highly likely that Bitcoin is also in their crosshairs. As Doomberg asserts “eventually they'll come for your Bitcoin too.”

What this lays bare is the willingness of those in control to de-bank perceived enemies. De-banking at face value may seem like an annoyance, but it actually strips an individual of agency. A person without access to the financial system is effectively neutered. It is a malevolent, silent and effective means of control. And, the methods applied a decade ago are being reapplied to control first crypto, and then Bitcoin. Be aware, be prepared, and raise hell.

TIMESTAMPS

00:01:47: Introductions
00:02:17: Coordinated action against crypto
00:07:34: Nocoiners unaware of banking strife
00:11:06: The global financial squeeze on the average citizen
00:18:13: Pandora's Precedent, and Operation Chokepoint
00:27:38: Poker's Black Friday
00:40:28: Bitcoin is a target, and deplatforming
00:48:08: Original Operation Chokepoint 2013
00:54:23: The need for a new Bill for financial rights
00:57:58: Conspiracy theories, increasing surveillance, and free speech
01:08:36: Audience capture
01:12:14: Final comments

 

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SHOW NOTES

Connect with Doomberg:

Mentioned in the interview:

Other Relevant WBD Podcasts:

PodcastPeter McCormack