Bitcoin (BTCUSD)

[Strategyone]

Actually, I absolutely can continue to claim BTC is independent of any banks because they are just acting as one option as an exchange agent. People and/or businesses can transact with BTC without going through any bank or any third party exchange. You should try it sometime. I have purchased large ticket items internationally going straight wallet to wallet address. It took approximately 30 seconds to complete. When I did a very similar purchase 2 years prior using Wells Fargo Bank, there were massive exchange fees and delays. It took between 1 and 2 weeks for the funds to clear on the other side.

As to your question:

Is there anyone satoshi could turn out to be that would turn you off? Like maybe the leader of another country, or the leader of a mafia? Or a central intelligence agency of another country?

Not really. Of course there are certain examples that you bring up that I would prefer not be satoshi, like the mafia or some undesirable world leader, however, I have written those types of characters off as being remotely possible. Have you read the Bitcoin whitepaper? Although I haven't read the full document, I have studied a good percentage of it and from what was created, I highly, highly doubt the types of characters you have suggested were smart enough to come up with this new system.

As to your issues with the term "mining" as it relates to crypto currencies, I didn't make that term up. I don't necessarily like the term either but it is commonly accepted as the term used to pay for processing power of the "mining" machines. It is irrelevant when comparing mining gold on your own property. Apples and oranges. Also, the taxable event from mining is also pretty much irrelevant as I expect to pay taxes on gains just like any other business. Why do you think paying taxes on gains is an issue?