https://www.charterless.com/p/the-infrastructure-of-dissent-the

Imagining a new digital infrastructure for resistance and organizing against government overreach.

Dear Friends,

Last week, I wrote about how the blockchain provides a parallel institutional order for those failed by the existing system. I did not, however, imagine how relevant this “infrastructure of resistance” would become to so many Americans last week. Next week I will return to writing about tokens and incentive design, but this week, that feels hollow.

So this week, I want to extend what we talked about last week. I want to focus on how new technology provides scaffolding for digital resistance and organization.

I know this isn’t why you read this newsletter. But as I have written before, blockchain is an inherently political technology. Individual freedom is literally written into its code. Resisting oppression is its core ideology. Building coalitions that can replace corrupt institutions is its central function.

If you’re uncomfortable with politics, you shouldn’t be swimming in blockchain waters. And if you think the only legitimate political use of technology is avoiding taxation– well, I won’t be offended if you unsubscribe.

Recently, I heard someone say that millennials and Gen-Zs inhabit two opposite political worlds.

For millennials, our political awakening happened with the Obama years. Between 2008 and 2016, we saw the US elect a Black President, expand health care and legalize gay marriage.

For Gen-Z, their awakening was the election of Donald Trump. Between 2016 and 2020, they saw the US reject its first female Presidential nominee, then roll-back climate protections and reverse protections for women and minorities.

Is it any wonder that millennials are more optimistic than their younger siblings?

But between blind optimism and blind nihilism there is a giant middle ground. Progress is not inevitable, but neither is destruction.

To restore forward momentum, we need the courage to confront two conflicting realities:

  1. Americans are overwhelmingly aligned on moderately progressive values.
  2. American policy still continues to move in a more conservative direction.

By way of example, let's look at two of today’s most controversial issues: abortion and gun control.

A shocking number of Americans (85%!) say that abortion should be legal in at least some circumstances. At the same time, 81% support universal background checks for firearms. 64% support an assault weapon ban. Those are progressive - if modest -positions.

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