§Reflections on the Freedom Convoy and the Importance of Decentralization

I have a hard time sitting down to write this post—even years later, as the memories linger. I remain furious and deeply saddened by the developments that unfolded in Canada during the Freedom Convoy in early 2022. Love it or hate it, the convoy was far more peaceful than the riots that Justin Trudeau himself supported in the summer of 2020. If you have doubts about that, go watch the countless hours of footage still available on platforms like YouTube, Rumble, or the decentralized networks where uncensored documentation thrives.

§The Dangers of Centralized Power

The weaponization of bank accounts and anti-money laundering (AML) processes—originally designed to fight terrorism—and the invocation of the Emergencies Act were tyrannical moves that set a dangerous precedent. Not once did the prime minister reach out to reconcile differences or engage in a decent conversation with people holding opposing views. He weaponized Canada’s currency against its own citizens, freezing accounts and disrupting lives. He even took propane and petrol away from folks enduring frigid Canadian nights. This was unacceptable then, and it remains a stark reminder of how fragile freedoms can be under centralized control.

§Bitcoin and Censorship Resistance

In that tense atmosphere, I personally donated Bitcoin to support the convoy, and I was profoundly happy to see that such a decentralized currency existed in this context—it provided a censorship-resistant way to contribute when traditional financial systems were being manipulated to silence dissent.

§Lessons Learned and the Move to Nostr

In the years since, these events have profoundly shaped my perspective on communication and financial sovereignty. That’s why I’m here on Nostr with you all—a protocol we know operates without central servers or gatekeepers, letting us share thoughts freely through relays anyone can run. It’s resistant to the kind of overreach we witnessed, where voices were silenced and funds were frozen. Built on principles similar to Bitcoin’s, it empowers us to connect directly, own our data, and sidestep the whims of corporations or politicians.

Here’s to keeping those unfiltered conversations about freedom alive.