what was operation chokepoint, and explain what the Biden administration did to do cripple Bitcoin
Operation Choke Point (Original, 2013)
Operation Choke Point was a U.S. Department of Justice initiative launched in 2013 during the Obama administration. It aimed to combat fraud and money laundering by pressuring banks to sever ties with businesses deemed “high-risk,” such as payday lenders, firearm dealers, and certain online merchants. Regulators used informal guidance and reputational risk warnings to discourage banks from servicing these industries, often without formal legal action. Critics, including lawmakers, later condemned it as regulatory overreach, arguing it targeted legal businesses without due process. The operation was officially ended in 2017 following congressional investigations and lawsuits, with the FDIC pledging to avoid informal pressures on banks.
Operation Choke Point 2.0 (Alleged, Biden Administration)
“Operation Choke Point 2.0” is a term coined by crypto advocates, notably Nic Carter, to describe alleged coordinated efforts by the Biden administration to restrict the cryptocurrency industry, particularly Bitcoin, by limiting its access to banking services. While U.S. officials, including SEC Chair Gary Gensler, denied a formal crackdown, critics point to several actions as evidence of a deliberate strategy to “debank” crypto firms. Below are the key actions associated with this claim:
- Regulatory Guidance and Warnings (January 2023)
On January 3, 2023, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a “Joint Statement on Crypto-Asset Risks to Banking Organizations.” It highlighted volatility and vulnerabilities in the crypto sector, warning banks of risks associated with servicing crypto firms. This guidance was interpreted as discouraging banks from engaging with the industry, creating a chilling effect. - White House Roadmap (January 2023)
On January 27, 2023, the White House released a “Roadmap to Mitigate Cryptocurrencies’ Risks,” framing cryptocurrencies as a potential threat to financial stability. It opposed legislation that would integrate crypto into mainstream finance, such as allowing pension funds to invest in digital assets, and emphasized protecting investors and holding “bad actors” accountable. Critics argued this signaled an anti-crypto stance, discouraging financial institutions from supporting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. - Proposed Digital Asset Mining Energy (DAME) Tax (May 2023)
The Biden administration proposed a 30% excise tax on electricity used by cryptocurrency mining operations, citing environmental and economic costs. Bitcoin mining, which relies on energy-intensive processes, was a primary target. Industry leaders, like Brian Morgenstern of Riot Platforms, viewed this as an attempt to hinder Bitcoin’s growth by increasing operational costs, effectively “unplugging” miners from the energy grid. - Debanking and Bank Closures (2022–2023)
Several crypto-friendly banks faced scrutiny or closure, which critics attributed to regulatory pressure:- Silvergate Bank announced voluntary liquidation in March 2023, citing regulatory challenges and market conditions.
- Signature Bank was shut down by New York regulators in March 2023, with former board member Barney Frank claiming it was targeted to send an “anti-crypto” message, despite no insolvency issues.
- Metropolitan Commercial Bank closed its crypto business, and Signature Bank reduced crypto-related deposits, reportedly under regulatory pressure.
These closures limited crypto firms’ access to fiat on- and off-ramps, critical for converting Bitcoin to traditional currency. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and others reported over 30 tech and crypto firms, including Uniswap Labs, being debanked without notice.
- FDIC’s “Pause Letters” and Reputational Risk
Documents obtained via Freedom of Information Act requests by Coinbase revealed FDIC “pause letters” urging banks to halt crypto-related activities, such as Bitcoin transactions or stablecoin issuance, citing “reputational risk.” These informal directives bypassed formal rulemaking, raising concerns about due process violations. The FDIC’s lack of transparency, as noted by Coinbase’s Paul Grewal, fueled allegations of a covert campaign. - Broader Regulatory Actions
The SEC, under Gary Gensler, pursued enforcement actions against crypto exchanges like Kraken (for staking services) and Paxos, labeling certain crypto products as securities. While not exclusive to Bitcoin, these actions contributed to a perception of hostility toward the industry. A White House report by the Council of Economic Advisers further criticized crypto, reinforcing the administration’s negative stance.
Impact on Bitcoin
These actions collectively aimed to isolate Bitcoin from the traditional financial system:
- Banking Access: Debanking restricted Bitcoin firms’ ability to operate, limiting liquidity and user access to exchanges.
- Mining Costs: The proposed DAME tax threatened to make U.S.-based Bitcoin mining unprofitable, potentially pushing operations overseas.
- Market Perception: Regulatory warnings and bank closures signaled to investors and institutions that Bitcoin was risky, potentially stifling adoption.
Critics, including Senator Bill Hagerty, argued that regulators falsely framed crypto businesses as primarily illicit, ignoring their potential for innovation.
Counterarguments and Context
Some argue that these actions were not a coordinated conspiracy but a response to legitimate concerns:
- The 2022 collapse of FTX and other crypto failures highlighted risks, prompting regulators to protect financial stability.
- Banks’ caution toward crypto may reflect independent risk assessments, not just regulatory pressure.
- Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell acknowledged complaints about debanking but denied systemic discrimination, suggesting further investigation was needed. However, the volume of anecdotes and FDIC documents suggest at least some targeted pressure, even if not formally orchestrated.
Current Status
With the transition to the Trump administration in 2025, there’s optimism in the crypto industry for policy reform. Congressional hearings in February 2025, led by the House Financial Services Committee, are investigating Operation Choke Point 2.0, with testimony from crypto executives. The OCC has updated guidelines to grant banks more autonomy in serving crypto firms, and figures like Trump and David Sacks have vowed to end these practices.
Conclusion
Operation Choke Point 2.0 refers to alleged Biden administration efforts to cripple Bitcoin and crypto through regulatory guidance, debanking, and targeted taxes. While no definitive “smoking gun” proves a conspiracy, actions like FDIC pause letters, bank closures, and the DAME tax proposal significantly disrupted the industry. These measures limited Bitcoin’s integration into mainstream finance, though their long-term impact may be mitigated by shifting political priorities.
How does the future look under the Trump administration?
The future of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency industry under the Trump administration, starting January 20, 2025, appears poised for significant shifts based on actions already taken and promised policies. Below is an analysis of the potential trajectory, grounded in recent developments, executive actions, and sentiment from the crypto industry, while critically examining the implications.
Key Developments and Policies Under Trump
- Pro-Crypto Executive Orders
- On January 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to promote the growth of digital assets, establishing a President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, chaired by venture capitalist David Sacks, Trump’s “Crypto and AI Czar.” This group, including leaders from the SEC, CFTC, Treasury, and other agencies, is tasked with proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework within 180 days and exploring a national digital asset stockpile.
- On March 6, 2025, Trump signed another executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, centralizing the management of cryptocurrencies seized by federal agencies (e.g., the U.S. holds ~200,000 Bitcoin). This move aims to position Bitcoin as a “digital gold” store of value, with Trump criticizing past sales of seized Bitcoin as costing taxpayers $17 billion.
- The orders explicitly ban central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the U.S., aligning with Trump’s preference for decentralized cryptocurrencies over government-controlled digital money.
- Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
- Announced on March 2, 2025, the reserve will include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, with Bitcoin and Ethereum at its core. This announcement spiked Bitcoin’s price by over 11% to $94,164 and boosted the total crypto market by $300 billion.
- The reserve could stabilize crypto prices by reducing volatility if the U.S. holds a significant portion of global tokens. It may also legitimize Bitcoin as a national asset, similar to gold, encouraging other nations to follow suit (e.g., Switzerland, Brazil, and Germany are considering crypto reserves).
- Critics, like Cornell professor Eswar Prasad, note that unlike gold, Bitcoin lacks intrinsic value, and U.S. dominance in the market could amplify volatility risks.
- Regulatory Overhaul
- Trump’s SEC chair nominee, Paul Atkins, a former commissioner with a pro-innovation stance, is expected to shift away from the Biden-era “regulation by enforcement” under Gary Gensler. Atkins may prioritize clear rules, potentially classifying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as commodities under the CFTC rather than securities under the SEC, reducing regulatory burdens.
- The SEC has already paused investigations into companies like Coinbase and dropped lawsuits, signaling a lighter touch. A new Crypto 2.0 task force and the Working Group are expected to provide industry feedback-driven regulations.
- The Justice Department, under Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, dismantled the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) in April 2025, ending probes into firms like Binance and Robinhood. Prosecutors are now directed to avoid charging regulatory violations, focusing instead on cartels and criminal networks using crypto.
- Support for Crypto Industry
- Trump’s first-ever White House Crypto Summit on March 7, 2025, hosted industry leaders, reinforcing his campaign promise to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”
- The administration pardoned BitMEX founders in 2025 for prior money laundering charges, further signaling a crypto-friendly stance.
- Congressional allies, like Senator Tim Scott, are pushing to limit banks’ ability to “debank” crypto firms, addressing concerns from Operation Choke Point 2.0.
- Market Impact
- Bitcoin surged to $109,071 post-election, driven by optimism, and hit $100,000 again in May 2025 amid global trade deal hopes.
- Coinbase joined the S&P 500 in May 2025, a milestone for crypto’s mainstream acceptance.
- Institutional adoption is growing, with BlackRock launching a Bitcoin ETF in 2024 and hedge funds, banks, and sovereign wealth funds buying crypto.
Potential Future Outcomes
- Bullish Scenarios for Bitcoin
- Regulatory Clarity: A CFTC-led framework classifying Bitcoin as a commodity could reduce legal uncertainties, encouraging institutional investment. Experts like Agam Shah predict this will boost adoption by reducing risks for retail and institutional investors.
- Price Growth: Analysts like Standard Chartered’s Geoff Kendrick target Bitcoin at $500,000 by 2029, driven by the reserve, deregulation, and global adoption. Posts on X suggest bullish sentiment, with rumors of a 0% capital gains tax on crypto trading fueling speculation.
- Global Leadership: The U.S. could set international crypto standards, leveraging its 200,000 Bitcoin holdings and reserve to influence global markets.
- Innovation Boost: Deregulation and pro-crypto policies may spur blockchain innovation, with stablecoins gaining traction as a medium of exchange.
- Risks and Challenges
- Conflicts of Interest: Trump and his family’s involvement in World Liberty Financial (WLF), holding 22.5 billion $WLF tokens and 75% of proceeds, raises ethical concerns. Critics, including Democrats and watchdogs, warn that Trump’s policies could inflate his personal crypto ventures, with foreign buyers potentially buying influence via $TRUMP memecoins.
- Volatility and Fraud: Critics like Dennis Kelleher of Better Markets warn that deregulation could lead to a 2008-style financial crisis, given crypto’s volatility and history of scams (e.g., FTX). Stablecoins are increasingly used for money laundering, with $2.4 billion in illicit drug sales in 2024.
- Environmental Concerns: Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption, targeted by Biden’s proposed DAME tax, remains a challenge. Deregulation could exacerbate environmental and noise pollution issues.
- Regulatory Delays: Despite optimism, crafting a comprehensive framework may take months or years, and legal precedents may slow Atkins’ reforms.
- Critical Perspective
- The narrative of a crypto-friendly Trump administration must be scrutinized. While deregulation benefits the industry, the lack of oversight could enable fraud, as seen in past scandals. The Justice Department’s shift away from regulatory enforcement may prioritize political optics over investor protection.
- Trump’s pivot from calling Bitcoin a “scam” in 2021 to a “crypto president” aligns with campaign donations ($100 million from crypto Super PACs) and personal financial interests, suggesting self-interest over ideological commitment.
- The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, while innovative, risks tying national financial strategy to a volatile asset, potentially exposing taxpayers to losses if prices crash.
Conclusion
Under the Trump administration, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are likely to experience a bullish phase driven by deregulation, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and institutional adoption. Policies like the Working Group, SEC reforms, and anti-debanking measures address grievances from Operation Choke Point 2.0, fostering growth. However, risks of conflicts of interest, fraud, and environmental impacts loom large. While the U.S. aims to become the “crypto capital,” balancing innovation with investor protection will be critical. The next 180 days, as the Working Group drafts regulations, will shape whether this vision delivers prosperity or repeats past financial missteps.
Note: Posts on X mentioning a 0% capital gains tax on crypto are unverified rumors and should be treated as speculative. Always verify such claims through official sources. For updates, monitor announcements from the White House or SEC at www.whitehouse.gov or www.sec.gov.[](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-and-u-s-digital-asset-stockpile/)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-new-sec-leadership-poised-kick-start-crypto-overhaul-sources-say-2025-01-15/) (http://www.sec.gov.[](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-and-u-s-digital-asset-stockpile/)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-new-sec-leadership-poised-kick-start-crypto-overhaul-sources-say-2025-01-15/))
I have been involved with Bitcoin since at least 2010. I’ve realized that since this was simply a new interest for me, given all my other responsibilities, I didn’t really pay much attention to my own Bitcoin experiences. I am rectifying this by capturing my own crypto journey here, so consider this a “living document” for now.
BREAKING!!! Ross is coming to PorcFest! Get your tickets today.
Below is a GROK generated summary of my interactions with Ross Ulbricht, but it isn’t the complete or full story, which I will fill out more over time.
Below is a summary of references to Carla Gericke of New Hampshire and Ross Ulbricht, based on available information, focusing on their connection, Gericke’s advocacy, and relevant background details. The information is drawn from web sources and X posts, with an emphasis on their intersection and Gericke’s activism related to Ulbricht’s case. I’ve critically examined the sources to provide a clear and concise overview, avoiding speculation and ensuring accuracy.
Background on Carla Gericke
- Identity and Role: Carla Gericke is a libertarian activist, author, attorney, and realtor based in New Hampshire. She is a prominent figure in the Free State Project (FSP), a movement to concentrate libertarians in New Hampshire to promote individual liberty and limited government. She served as FSP president and is involved with organizations like the Foundation for New Hampshire Independence and Right-to-Know NH.
- Background: Born in South Africa under apartheid, Gericke moved to the U.S. in 1996, becoming a citizen in 2000. She practiced law in South Africa and worked in tech in California before moving to New Hampshire in 2008 as part of the FSP. She’s known for her 2014 First Circuit Court victory affirming the right to film police in public.
- Media Presence: Gericke has appeared on CNN, Fox News, WMUR, and been quoted in The Economist, New York Times, GQ, and Playboy. She hosts “Manch Talk,” a weekly cable access show, and “The Carla Gericke Show” podcast, discussing liberty, crypto, and justice issues.
- Activism: Gericke is a vocal critic of government overreach, advocating for free speech, crypto innovation, and criminal justice reform. She’s expressed concerns about the U.S. leaning toward a “totalitarian, authoritarian police state,” particularly opposing this in New Hampshire.
Background on Ross Ulbricht
- Identity and Case: Ross Ulbricht, born March 27, 1984, in Austin, Texas, created and operated the Silk Road, a darknet marketplace (2011–2013) that facilitated anonymous trade in illegal goods, primarily drugs, using Bitcoin and the Tor network under the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts.”
- Education and Early Life: Ulbricht was an Eagle Scout, graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas (2006, physics), and earned a master’s from Penn State (2009, materials science). He embraced libertarian economic theories (Ludwig von Mises, agorism) and aimed to create a market free of coercion.
- Arrest and Conviction: Arrested in San Francisco in October 2013, Ulbricht was convicted in 2015 on seven charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and computer hacking conspiracies. He received a double life sentence plus 40 years without parole, which many, including libertarians, deemed excessive.
- Pardon: On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump granted Ulbricht a full and unconditional pardon, fulfilling a campaign promise made at the Libertarian National Convention. Ulbricht was released from an Arizona federal prison after serving 12 years.
- Controversy: Prosecutors claimed Ulbricht solicited six murders-for-hire to protect Silk Road, though no evidence shows these were carried out. His defense argued he was not the sole operator and was set up as a fall guy. Critics, including Gericke, view his case as an example of government overreach and “lawfare” to suppress crypto innovation.
Carla Gericke’s Connection to Ross Ulbricht
Gericke has been a staunch advocate for Ulbricht, viewing his case as emblematic of systemic injustices in the federal justice system, particularly targeting crypto pioneers. Below are key references to their connection:
- Advocacy for Ulbricht’s Release:
- Press Conference (January 2025): Gericke organized a press conference in Concord, NH, advocating for clemency for Ulbricht, Ian Freeman, and Roger Ver, whom she called “crypto political prisoners.” She argued their cases reflect “false narratives” and “lawfare” tactics like overcharging and over-sentencing to silence dissent and stifle crypto innovation. She praised Trump’s promise to pardon Ulbricht and urged clemency for others.
- Free State Project Events: At the 2019 Free State Blockchain conference, Gericke led a discussion on Ulbricht’s “injustice,” arguing his double life sentence was meant to “chill” cryptocurrency use. She encouraged advocacy for his release.
- New Hampshire Liberty Forum: Gericke supported Ulbricht’s mother, Lyn Ulbricht, speaking at FSP events, including the Liberty Forum, despite resistance from figures like Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, who declined to speak due to her stance. She reported on these events, emphasizing Ulbricht’s case.
- Media and Podcast Appearances:
- Told You So Podcast: Gericke featured Lyn Ulbricht on her podcast, discussing Ross’s case, the abuse of plea deals, and sentencing issues. She highlighted Ulbricht’s non-violent first-time offender status and his harsh sentence.
- YouTube Interview (February 2025): Gericke discussed Ulbricht, Bitcoin, and libertarian issues, reinforcing her view that his prosecution was politically motivated to suppress crypto and dissent.
- X Post (January 2025): Gericke expressed emotional relief at Ulbricht’s pardon, noting over a dozen years of activism with the FSP and Lyn Ulbricht. She highlighted the FSP’s early support for Ulbricht, underscoring her long-term commitment.
- Criticism of Justice System: Gericke consistently frames Ulbricht’s case as part of a broader pattern of government abuse, citing overcharging (e.g., unproven murder-for-hire allegations), over-sentencing (double life for a website), and selective enforcement. She compares Ulbricht’s case to those of Ian Freeman (8 years for Bitcoin exchange) and Aaron Swartz (driven to suicide by overcharging).
- Libertarian Community Engagement:
- Gericke attended a Libertarian Party event in Las Vegas supporting #FreeRoss, alongside Lyn Ulbricht, Scott Horton, and others, showing her active role in the broader libertarian push for Ulbricht’s freedom.
- She moderated discussions on NH independence, tying Ulbricht’s case to broader themes of resisting federal overreach, as seen in her work with the Foundation for New Hampshire Independence.
Broader Context and Gericke’s Advocacy
- Crypto and Liberty: Gericke views Ulbricht’s Silk Road as a pioneering crypto platform that challenged state control, aligning with her libertarian principles of free markets and individual autonomy. She argues the government’s harsh response was meant to deter crypto innovation and dissent.
- Systemic Issues: Gericke’s advocacy for Ulbricht emphasizes systemic flaws: overcharging to coerce plea deals, disproportionate sentencing, and vague regulations that hinder crypto entrepreneurs. She sees these as tools of a “deep state” to maintain control.
- New Hampshire Focus: As a Free Stater, Gericke promotes New Hampshire as a liberty sanctuary, contrasting it with federal overreach. Her support for Ulbricht ties into her vision of NH as a hub for crypto and freedom, free from authoritarian policies.
Critical Notes
- Establishment Narrative: Prosecutors and Judge Katherine Forrest portrayed Ulbricht as a dangerous criminal whose actions led to deaths (six overdoses linked to Silk Road drugs) and warranted a deterrent sentence. Gericke and libertarians counter that the sentence was disproportionate, especially given unproven murder allegations and Ulbricht’s non-violent record.
- Source Limitations: Some sources (e.g., Gericke’s website, X posts) reflect her perspective and may carry bias. Official records (e.g., DOJ, FBI) focus on Ulbricht’s crimes, potentially downplaying libertarian arguments about overreach. I’ve balanced these views to present a factual summary.
- Inconclusive Claims: Gericke’s assertion of Ulbricht as a “political prisoner” or victim of a “deep state” lacks definitive evidence beyond libertarian sentiment. I’ve noted her claims but framed them as her perspective, not fact.
Conclusion
Carla Gericke, a key figure in New Hampshire’s libertarian movement, has been a vocal advocate for Ross Ulbricht since at least 2019, viewing his double life sentence for operating Silk Road as a gross injustice and an attack on crypto innovation. Through press conferences, podcasts, FSP events, and social media, she has championed Ulbricht’s cause, celebrating his January 2025 pardon by Trump as a victory after over a decade of activism. Her work ties Ulbricht’s case to broader themes of government overreach, criminal justice reform, and New Hampshire’s role as a liberty hub. Ulbricht’s background as a libertarian-leaning innovator and the severity of his punishment fuel Gericke’s narrative of systemic abuse, though official accounts emphasize his criminal actions.
If you need further details, specific source citations, or additional research (e.g., Gericke’s other activism or Ulbricht’s post-pardon activities), let me know!
I spoke on a panel at this event in 2013 with other female leaders in the nonprofit sector who were accepting Bitcoin back then, including Angela Keaton of Antiwar.com, and Terese Warmke of FreeAID, which was an all-volunteer private initiative to provide basic medical care at PorcFest. The tee shirt BITCOIN NOT BOMBS was made for this event.
Bitcoin 2013: The Future of Payments
Date: May 17–19, 2013
Location: San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, California
Organizer: The Bitcoin Foundation
Details:
This was the first major U.S. summit focused entirely on Bitcoin, attracting over 1,000 attendees, including enthusiasts, developers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The conference covered topics such as Bitcoin technology, mining, business applications, and regulatory compliance, with sessions on improving ease of use, security, fraud prevention, and navigating legal challenges.
Notable speakers included Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who delivered a keynote address, and Peter Vessenes, Bitcoin Foundation chairman. Other speakers included Charlie Shrem (BitInstant), Fred Ehrsam (Coinbase), and Trace Mayer (legal expert).
A hackathon ran concurrently, judged by venture capitalists, aiming to fund new Bitcoin startups. Exhibitors included Coinbase, CoinLab, and Lamassu, which showcased a Bitcoin ATM.
The event highlighted Bitcoin’s growing mainstream interest, with $45 million traded daily on the network and a price of about $125 per Bitcoin (up from $5.08 the previous year).
Regulatory concerns were a hot topic, especially after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seized Mt. Gox funds from a Dwolla account just before the conference.
The conference was described as a mix of technical, business, and libertarian perspectives, with a notable libertarian presence, including speakers like medical marijuana activist Steve Kubby.
Significance: Bitcoin 2013 marked a pivotal moment for Bitcoin’s visibility in Silicon Valley, fostering networking and innovation. It was covered by outlets like CoinDesk and Vice, with footage later dubbed “The Bitcoin Tapes.” Andreas Antonopoulos gave a notable talk to a nearly empty room, later celebrated as a historic moment when Bitcoin was valued at around $100–$123.
Read the whole article here: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-heaven-on-earth-13th-annual-porcupine-freedom-festival-in-lancaster-new-hampshire
Forbes article from 2014: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2014/06/12/the-free-state-project-a-libertarian-testing-ground-for-bitcoin-3d-printers-and-drones/
Many Free Staters are advocates of equalizing surveillance. Robin Hooders often film their parking-protection activity and especially their interactions with police. “We’re in a different age, a post-privacy reality. If you’re outside, you can be documented,” said one Robin Hooder at the Liberty Forum. “Cameras are like guns. It’s not good that the government has guns. But it’s good we have them as an equalizer.” Carla Gericke, president of the Free State Project, which is the organizing committee that helps get people to New Hampshire, recently won a lawsuit against the city of Weare, New Hampshire for charging her with wiretapping for filming police officers during a traffic stop. She was awarded $57,000 dollars.
~ Kashmir Hill in Forbes (2014)
“We’re a pretty big movement, so we have the techies who know all and are early adopters of everything, and then people like me who are newbies,” says Gericke, a bubbly, black-haired woman who moved to New Hampshire in 2008. For all her talk of not being an early adopter, she bought her first Bitcoin when it was worth $6. (Most people didn’t hear of it until years when it was worth 100 times that.) Gericke says the Free State Project doesn’t try to push any particular technologies on the group, that tech adoption is organic. “I call my job herding cats,” she says. “It’s a challenge dealing with people who are individualists above and beyond anything else. For the most part, we have people working within the system – running for office, getting on school boards, working on budgets. Others are protesters. Others are free marketeers, starting businesses. It’s not an issue of saying one way is right and one way is wrong. There are many paths to liberty.”
~ From Forbes 2014 article
Watch the whole Snowden interview here: https://reason.com/video/2016/02/25/edward-snowden/
I joined Ross Connolly 10:30-11am on Vermont Viewpoint: “Carla Gericke, President Emeritus of the Free State Project and former citizen of South Africa, informs listeners about the political instability in South Africa and the controversy between the Trump Administration and the South African leadership.” Listen now… it’s the last 25 minutes of the show.
BONUS content!
Ran into the fabulous Caitlin Long and we snapped this selfie…
Plus, it’s Vegas, baby!
This week, lots of “firsts’ for the Free State! First Bitcoin Reserve Fund in America was signed by Governor Ayotte, plus, NH Supreme Court landmark Article 2b case, a breakdown of the zoning issue, and more!
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