Bitcoin is Freedom Money, a form of censorship-resistant digital cash that allows anyone with an internet connection to send money to others regardless of nationality, boundaries or other arbitrary restrictions.
I personally first bought from the Silk Road through my friend who bought it, Silk Road led by the mysterious horror pirate Roberts, and this is the first thing I heard about Bitcoin. Although the Silk Road is controversial (the “things” that most people buy and sell are certainly illegal drugs), it represents a fundamental example of the free form offered by Bitcoin.
Later in 2013, the Silk Road was closed by the FBI and Ross Ulbricht was revealed as the founder of the market and the true identity behind the pseudonym of Roberts, the fear pirate, – despite claiming that several people operated the account. Ulbricht was sentenced to two life sentences, plus forty years in prison, without the possibility of parole.
In my opinion, as well as many Bitcoin people, this is too much. Even if you think Ulbricht is convicted of everything (all non-violent crimes) he is also called an example and is not actually worth being locked up for the rest of his time.
Fortunately, Ulbricht received a completely unconditional pardon from President Trump in January. Literally, the founders of the Silk Road regained their freedom.
This version of Bitcoin magazine celebrates and highlights the freedom aspect of Bitcoin, with a series of articles and art focusing on people and projects that use Bitcoin to improve freedom, as well as those who make this possible… Particularly focused on Ulbricht and Silk Road.
For other stories about Bitcoin as Freedom Money, flip the magazine!
Welcome to the question of freedom.
Aaron Van Wirdum
Don’t miss your chance to have the freedom issue– Never seen before a letter from Ross Ulbricht and his mother Lyn. Limited operation. Only available when supply lasts.
This article is an editorial letter from the latest printed version of Bitcoin magazine Freedom Questions. We share it here in an effort to conduct early research on the ideas discussed throughout the issue.
