When I was 24, entering the world of business and freelance work. I got a piece of advice from a crazy guy that has served me well my entire life:
NEVER say no to a job.
Think of the number you would be happy to do it for, and ask for it. No matter how ridiculous it sounds.
NEVER quit a job.
Think about how to change it to be the job you want. Whatever that might be.
More money. Time off. Focusing on what you like, eliminating what you don’t.
Demand those things. He said I’d astonished how often people say yes.
He was right.
Americans should worry less about the freedoms that authoritarians will take by force and more about the freedoms they will simply forfeit in exchange for dopamine and convenience.
I was just on an international voyage during which I was lucky enough to spend time with people who’ve had their freedom revoked in some way, and see bitcoin (and nostr) as a potential solution.
On my return, I stopped in a blue state where I am considered a right wing nut job, and a red state where I am viewed as a radical leftist.
(I associate with neither.)
One thing is painfully clear: Across the board Americans are spoiled rotten by free speech and peace - including myself.