In the previous EdgedSolo post, a question was presented: In light of developing "bitcoin anonymity" solutions, which will eventually (and fundamentally) alter the relationship between the indidual and the state, how will individuals and associations manage resources to maintain and enhance "the public good" at a time when government capabilities to do the same are diminishing? This post will address that question, as well as some other relevant questions and issues.
First, some assumptions are going to be made for the purpose of addressing this question. One assumption made here is that the progress of decentralized virtual currencies (particularly as solutions that enable anonymity evolve) will eventually liberate large numbers of individuals all over the globe to exercise greater ability to do what they want completely outside of the purview of governments. Another assumption that will be made here is that many individuals will, upon realizing they are capable of doing so, will act primarily in a self-interested way, but that a growing number will become involved in micro-philanthropy - a practice of making small donations that collectively will comprise a significant part of the gifting economy.
In some ways, these assumptions are already borne out by data. In many cases, as incomes rise, contributions to nonprofits decrease, and tax incentives - provided by governments that are currently able to do so - often enable higher levels of giving than would otherwise occur. This, however, is a generalization, as current levels of giving to nonprofits vary widely from place to place in the United States.
First, some assumptions are going to be made for the purpose of addressing this question. One assumption made here is that the progress of decentralized virtual currencies (particularly as solutions that enable anonymity evolve) will eventually liberate large numbers of individuals all over the globe to exercise greater ability to do what they want completely outside of the purview of governments. Another assumption that will be made here is that many individuals will, upon realizing they are capable of doing so, will act primarily in a self-interested way, but that a growing number will become involved in micro-philanthropy - a practice of making small donations that collectively will comprise a significant part of the gifting economy.
In some ways, these assumptions are already borne out by data. In many cases, as incomes rise, contributions to nonprofits decrease, and tax incentives - provided by governments that are currently able to do so - often enable higher levels of giving than would otherwise occur. This, however, is a generalization, as current levels of giving to nonprofits vary widely from place to place in the United States.
