If you’re worried about the #Bitcoin network energy usage, here are some facts to lean on…
Factually it uses <1% of global energy.
As per the BlockCap report it uses much lesser than 1% of global energy, yet serving as the decentralized digital alternative to an inflationary & central banking based financial system.
Comparing national energy consumption to #Bitcoin network, the kind of energy it consumes is important to take into consideration…
Excess energy from hydro power, natural gas flares, geothermal energy. More energy is wasted in transmission losses than what’s used by Bitcoin.
Looking at just the US energy grid, there’s about 67% of wasted energy during the generation & transmission processes. If #Bitcoin network is tapping into those wasted energy sources like mining from old hydroelectric plants, mining from natural gas flares etc… it’s great.
Just about 34% of energy reaches the customer, tapping into mostly the wasted energy to secure the best open monetary network in the world is a great use of it I’d argue.
Truth. Gold mining, refining, storage, transportation, fiat & banking infrastructure, armored fleet, military/army/navy/Air Force and a bunch of other things are needed to secure the borders & sovereign currencies.
#Bitcoin energy should be compared to those combined 🤷♂️
The term "Military-Industrial Complex" (MIC) was popularized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address in 1961. Here's an explanation of what it entails and how it functions:
### Definition:
The Military-Industrial Complex refers to the relationship between a nation's military, its government defense establishment, and private industry involved in producing arms, military technology, and other defense-related products. This complex has evolved to include think tanks, universities, and other institutions that also contribute to or benefit from defense policy and spending.
### Components:
1. **Government (Military and Defense Departments):**
- The government sets defense policy, determines military needs, and allocates budgets. In the U.S., this primarily involves the Department of Defense (DoD), but also other agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, the CIA, and others involved in national security.
2. **Defense Contractors:**
- These are private companies that design, produce, and sell military hardware, software, and services. Examples include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, and many others. These companies depend on government contracts for a significant portion of their revenue.
3. **Congress:**
- Members of Congress influence defense spending through their ability to authorize and appropriate funds. Defense spending can be a significant economic driver for districts with military bases or defense manufacturing facilities, leading to what's often called "pork barrel" projects.
4. **Think Tanks and Lobbying Groups:**
- These organizations often receive funding from defense companies and advocate for policies that would increase defense spending or favor specific military technologies or strategies.
### How It Works:
- **Budget Cycle:**
- Defense spending is part of the federal budget, which Congress must approve. Lobbying efforts by defense contractors, military leaders, and related interest groups can influence these budgetary decisions.
- **Revolving Door:**
- There's a notable "revolving door" phenomenon where individuals move between positions in the military, defense companies, and government. This can lead to policies that benefit former or future employers due to personal relationships or future career prospects in the defense industry.
- **Research and Development:**
- Significant R&D in military technology is often funded by the government, sometimes through contracts that promise future purchases if the technology proves viable. This intertwines the interests of the military with those of the companies developing these technologies.
- **Economic Impact:**
- Defense spending can significantly impact local economies, especially in areas with defense installations or manufacturing plants. This economic dependency can lead to political support for continued or increased military expenditure.
- **Lack of Accountability:** The complexity and secrecy often associated with defense projects can lead to less accountability regarding costs, effectiveness, and ethical considerations.
- **War as Business:** There's a concern that wars or conflicts might be prolonged or initiated for economic benefits to the defense industry.
- **Influence on Foreign Policy:** The MIC might push for policies that secure markets for defense products, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and international peace.
In essence, while the Military-Industrial Complex has been pivotal in maintaining military readiness and technological superiority, it also poses challenges regarding governance, transparency, and the ethical distribution of public resources. Its operation reflects a deep integration between economic interests, national security, and political power, with significant implications for both domestic policy and international relations.
ELON MUSK: "It's pretty wild that a tiny tax on tea started the revolution and now we get the living daylights taxed out of us and theres no revolution. You get taxed on what you earned, you get taxed on what you buy, and you get taxed on what you own. Taxes, taxes, taxes, and what does it get spent on? That's why we need to reduce the size of government."