Thank you, as always Mr. Myers, for the thoughtful commentary. I'm not sure I see the parallel between Bitcoin's success as an asset / store of value and the doom of the Republic.

As for getting rid of corrupted institutions, I don't see any viable solutions on the horizon. Best I can tell, since 1971, the political and corporate managerial classes have slowly been overtaken by looters.

These people are like the traders in the Twin Towers on 9/11. The building was burning right above them and they couldn't leave their trading desks because they were making too much money.

Our "leaders" aren't builders. They're not statesmen. They're not visionaries. They just loot everything in sight for short-term gain, with no regard for long term consequences.

From where I sit, Bitcoin is the only viable 'solution' to sovereign looting. Every dollar of economic energy that goes to Bitcoin becomes a dollar of economic energy that can't be squandered by the state.

Bitcoin represents the first opportunity for the People to retain the fruits of their industry without risk of sovereign capture or debasement.

I'd be interested to hear more of your thoughts though, if you have a moment to share them.