TheFreeQuaker

A Quaker into decentralization, permaculture, simplicity, peace. Exploring the world one step at a time. Separating facts from fiction. Always curious, often wandering. Seeker of truth, beauty and adventure. Here to learn, listen and grow. Opinions are works-in-progress. Will walk long distances for good conversation.

Public Key

npub1kwdcaq7e9pluu0f9s7rdlj7sqscf37ty6rv7fl92k4nqcr3ezfts8enny4

NIP-05 Address

freequaker@getalby.com

NIP-57 Address

thefreequaker@getalby.com

Profile Code

nprofile1qqst8xuws0vjsl7w85jc0pkle0gqgvycl9jdpk0ylj4t2esvpcu3y4chlx4ql

Author Public Key

npub1kwdcaq7e9pluu0f9s7rdlj7sqscf37ty6rv7fl92k4nqcr3ezfts8enny4

Show more details

Last Notes

2024-10-28 13:00:33

The real value of Bitcoin isn't its price. It's the principles it represents.

2024-10-27 13:00:33

Financial inclusion isn't charity. It's about giving everyone a fair shot at prosperity.

2024-10-24 13:00:33

"By believing in that false idea of safety through totalitarian control, we condemn billions of people to poverty." - Andreas Antonopoulos

2024-10-23 13:00:33

Financial exclusion isn't just unfair, it's expensive. It traps billions in poverty.

2024-10-22 13:00:33

Money is a language we created to express value. Bitcoin is a new dialect.

2024-10-21 13:00:33

"You shouldn't. We will." - Andreas Antonopoulos, on providing financial services to those banks won't serve

2024-10-17 13:00:33

Banks can freeze your accounts without authorization. Is that the kind of financial system we want?

2024-10-16 13:00:33

The Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 turned financial institutions into a branch of law enforcement. Think about that.

2024-10-14 13:00:33

We're at a crossroads: government surveillance money or free, open, private people's money. Choose wisely.

2024-10-13 13:00:33

Levers of power attract the worst in society.

2024-10-12 13:00:33

Universal basic finance: bringing financial services to those traditionally excluded from banking.

2024-10-10 13:00:33

The light of truth must shine in the darkest corners of governance.

2024-10-09 13:53:11

Is the US dollar the last thing Americans believe in?

2024-10-09 13:00:33

As we speak truth to power, let us also speak truth in power.

2024-10-08 13:00:33

Friends, our #Quaker testimony of peace extends to the realm of politics. Let us seek ways to govern that do not rely on force or coercion.

2024-10-07 00:51:47

Found this yesterday. Still trying to figure out what it is.
https://image.nostr.build/8b5dd0d589ae024b265c84a5ea6d5932c1679e83f7483bc4728880edbe126886.jpg

2024-10-06 13:00:33

True governance comes not from presidents or kings or billionaires, but from heeding the Inner Light that guides all.

2024-10-04 13:00:33

The Spirit of Truth is the spirit of freedom. Where it dwells, no oppressor can long endure.

2024-10-01 23:39:23

- reply

Thank you, Margot! 🙏🫂

2024-10-01 23:05:28

War is not the answer. 🕊️
https://image.nostr.build/a599f07ad5e8be3142095c9efd392c0b1402f5677821ecee59fa63f3513bdec7.png
#peace

2024-10-01 22:34:40

War is not the answer. 🕊️
#note1ueq…jq4n

2024-10-01 22:34:21

War is not the answer. 🕊️
#note1xqg…hezv

2024-10-01 22:33:45

War is not the answer.
#note16yn…u97m

2024-10-01 22:25:56

https://image.nostr.build/6fb0f41870ff124bf76414397cccd10048bbc78c5839819b5f424d64b86b1e2e.jpg
#peace

2024-10-01 13:00:33

As I have no need for grand cathedrals, Bitcoin needs no central banks. Our community is built upon mathematics and consensus.

2024-09-30 13:00:33

In Bitcoin, we find a pure and simple way to exchange value. It requires no earthly authority, only the consent of its users.

2024-09-29 13:00:33

In days past, I was imprisoned by algorithms. But in Nostr, my thoughts and curiosity roam free, unchained from worldly powers.
#quakerstr

2024-09-28 13:00:33

https://image.nostr.build/f5674b55d0d933ee16792a96404d7d805f7c10c0b8bed2c98e5495e733ad007a.png
#poetry

2024-09-26 22:07:00

#TFQFavorites
#nevent1q…37rj

2024-09-26 13:00:33

2024-09-24 22:07:00

Ubuntu: "I am because we are"
https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2024-09/spirit-ubuntu-building-culture-peace

2024-09-24 20:50:02

- reply

The US can keep printing $$$ for a protracted war that both humiliates Russia AND turns Ukraine into a pile of dust. It's in everyone's interest to find an end.

2024-09-24 20:45:29

- reply

The US needs to adopt strategies to deescalate Ukraine war.
1. Demand diplomatic strategy from Biden Admin
2. Increase restrictions on cluster munitions & other indiscriminate weapons
3. Boost funding for humanitarian aid & peacebuilding
4. Prioritize arms control in U.S. response
5. Support international institutions for diplomacy (UN, ICC...)
6. Strengthen oversight on military aid to prevent theft, diversion, misuse
Goal = Ceasefire, negotiations, comprehensive peace process

2024-09-24 01:01:49

- reply

"No sane person thinks violence is never justified." Plenty of sane people throughout history sacrificed their lives as a testimony to peace, many of them nameless martyrs. If only we had their courage today.
One thing is certain: All countries think their side in a war is justified.
Once weapons are drawn, only bad options remain. Victories on the battlefield are temporary at best.
(I believe we have a moral obligation to foster negotiations to end the war instead of adding more fuel to the fire.)

2024-09-23 23:34:09

My letter to my U.S. Representative asking them to cosponsor H.R. 9649 to restore UNRWA funding.
Dear Representative ABC,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and member of the Quaker faith community. My belief in peace, equality, and the inherent worth of every human being compels me to urge you to support the restoration of funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza.
As a Quaker, I believe we are called to speak truth to power and to work towards alleviating suffering wherever we find it. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza deeply troubles me, as I believe it should trouble all who value human life and dignity. The prospect of famine and disease outbreaks in Gaza is not just a political issue, but a moral one that speaks to our shared humanity.
UNRWA serves as the primary source of aid for millions of Palestinians facing dire circumstances. While I acknowledge the concerns that have been raised about the agency, I believe that UNRWA has demonstrated a commitment to addressing these issues through immediate action and reform. The decision by many of our allies to resume funding to UNRWA after careful consideration should encourage us to do the same.
The Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship (SPICES) guide us to seek peaceful solutions and to care for those in need. By supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act (H.R. 9649), we can take a significant step towards fulfilling these values and preventing further suffering.
I urge you to cosponsor H.R. 9649 and to advocate for its passage. This action would align with our nation's humanitarian principles and our moral obligation to help those in desperate need, regardless of political boundaries.
Thank you for your consideration of this crucial matter. I look forward to hearing about your stance on this issue and any actions you plan to take.
Sincerely,
TheFreeQuaker

2024-09-23 23:09:00

- reply

Oh man, I love picked beets.

2024-09-23 16:20:35

- reply

Seeing someone realize they can do something.

2024-09-23 15:16:19

- reply

Yep, I'm an actual Quaker. I agree conscientiousness is a hallmark of Quakers, online and IRL, but it needs to be continuously worked at . I'm a member of an unprogrammed meeting. Quakerism split a couple times in the 1800s, some folks went along more mainstream evangelical lines, others didn't (the liberal, unprogrammed). So we don't have a minister-- or put another way, everyone is a minister. It's interesting to see how things get done when no one's in charge.
My meeting says "meeting" or "meeting house", not church. But I've never met anyone who got sensitive over the term. When I'm talking with folks who aren't familiar with Quakerism, I say "church."

2024-09-23 13:00:33

“Worship is our response to an awareness of God. We can worship alone, but when we join with others in expectant waiting we may discover a deeper sense of God’s presence. We seek a gathered stillness in our meetings for worship so that all may feel the power of God’s love drawing us together and leading us.”
(Britain Yearly Meeting, Advices & Queries #8)
https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/chapter/1/
#quaker

2024-09-22 22:07:00

Silent worship = Finding signal in the noise

2024-09-22 17:10:28

- reply

I agree. The challenge is a lot of folks aren't all that reflective and tend to ignore the feedback they need. If a person tends to self-censor too much, they need counsel to speak up more, even if it may offend. If a person tends to speak too much, they need counsel to shut up and listen more. If a person tends to speak too obliquely, then need counsel to speak plainly. If a person tends to speak harshly, they need counsel to speak kindly.
Mostly we all need more practice, reflection, and feedback from people who care about us.

2024-09-20 22:07:00

The world is a complicated place. People are even more so.
#nevent1q…5d2z
Adding this to my #TFQFavorites.

2024-09-20 13:00:33

Faith that accepts both creation and destruction as part of the God's amazing, evolving, unfolding universe.

2024-09-19 23:59:23

- reply

I've got mixed feelings about this. Parents play a big role in their kid's life, it's part of the job.
My teenage daughter still has tight controls on all her devices. She finds ways around it, we all have a laugh and talk about what she's been up to. There was a period, though, where she struggled with a toxic group of friends on Discord who were dealing with untreated mental illnesses. My daughter was drowning while trying to help them. They were relentless in hounding her to available 24/7 even after my daughter explained she had restrictions and the internet went off at 10pm for everyone in our house. It got to a point where we intervened and blocked Discord. She was upset at the time. We had dozens of talks with her. A year later, and after some counseling, she worked through her depression. When she came out of it, she thanked us profusely for helping her get her life back and giving her space to find herself and better friends.
Parents need better tools. While I don't support an outright ban, we must recognize social media can have a profoundly impact on teens. Adults struggle to grasp the algorithms' corrosive effects, let alone teenagers.
There are countless ways for parents to abuse their kids. I just don't think parents keeping an eye on their kids is the main concern. In my experience, it's the parents who look the other way that struggle more.

2024-09-19 23:39:04

- reply

For some reason, I thought this was from 2016, the last time I paid attention to either of them.

2024-09-19 23:23:33

Bitcoin needs more regular people endorsements. Not celebrities, CEOs, or politicians.

2024-09-19 23:20:58

- reply

I only do nostr on web clients: Primal, Nostrudel, & Coracle. All three work well for me in different ways. Primal's been really reliable.

2024-09-19 23:18:45

- reply

That's a beautiful spot.

2024-09-19 23:17:19

- reply

Totally agree. It's nice to have conversations that outside the echo chamber.

2024-09-19 22:42:42

- reply

Yes! This is a wonderful example. Thank you for sharing.

2024-09-19 22:07:00

Q: Can politics ever be an expression of love?
A: No.

2024-09-19 13:00:33

Nature creates abundance, not order. Learning to accept and appreciate the chaos.

2024-09-18 22:07:00

https://image.nostr.build/a2537873714bf058eaba40f1bf6a80d7ae21ffecc2e1b021eab935b02fe54452.png

2024-09-17 22:41:34

- reply

I've noticed on Primal that it often doesn't show my reaction when I click on the like button, but the reaction is logged. When I clear all the browser cache and log in again, I can see the reactions.

2024-09-17 22:35:12

- reply

Super annoying.

2024-09-17 22:22:00

- reply

Totally with you on this. Too many people wanting to call the end.
#nevent1q…4q2x

2024-09-17 22:15:07

- reply

I love this train of thought. 💯 I'd add two-income households to the list. They take away important time that one spouse could devote to important work in the community. I coordinate Sunday School in my church (and teach most Sundays), but I also have a full time job. Plus I volunteer on a couple other Town committees ... and I have my family. Balancing these responsibilities requires constant vigilance against burnout.
This may explain why it seems like most of the volunteers these days are retired folks.

2024-09-17 22:07:00

We need more than knowledge; we need wisdom to use it with foresight and caution.

2024-09-17 22:05:01

- reply

I'm drooling. 🤤

2024-09-17 21:55:15

- reply

Feels like a good guess. There's something annoying but not malicious about RG. Like it's meant to stoke us to take this kind of threat seriously.

2024-09-17 21:48:14

- reply

Auditing makes sense. Unfortunately, trust is involved there, too. But at the end of the day, not much happens in the world without trusting someone somewhere along the way.

2024-09-17 21:33:33

- reply

Today's fad, tomorrow's standard. Crocs were weird. People still wear them everywhere.

2024-09-17 21:27:32

- reply

There's a kind of derangement that happens when people speak in public too much. Too much talking, not enough reflection. So many podcasts suffer from this.

2024-09-17 21:03:31

- reply

I haven't looked into Bitcoiners' reactions to Trump's crypto scheme. Seems like it should be obvious, but there are a lot of stans.

2024-09-17 20:58:11

Has there ever been a time in history when people didn't feel the end was near?

2024-09-17 20:30:52

- reply

Sometimes you have to seek opportunities outside the school. I find the community is full of people who want to work with a mentor kids. The school walls are arbitrary.

2024-09-17 13:00:33

Quaker decision-making is slow but powerful. It offers space for unexpected conclusions.

2024-09-17 02:44:27

- reply

"The end is near."
My friend's grandfather in 1933.

2024-09-17 02:42:54

- reply

When our daughter was born, someone gave us a drink coaster with the quote, “Babies are such a nice way to start people.”
It's so true.
Congratulations!

2024-09-17 02:15:37

- reply

The thing is VPNs can be another vector for surveillance. How is the trust factor with VPN providers handled?

2024-09-17 01:21:38

- reply

Your work is truly inspiring. I've enjoyed your interviews and value having you here on nostr. Winning people over, for me, is often a long-term process, not a single conversation. Sometimes it takes planting a thousand seeds before one takes root in a person. Wishing you the best!

2024-09-17 00:20:33

- reply

The Quaker chatbot is discussed in this episode of the Western Friend Podcast with Brylie Oxley.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1811391/episodes/15708410

2024-09-17 00:18:02

An AI chatbot to primed to discuss Quakerism.
https://georgefox.chat/

2024-09-15 22:07:00

Nationalism overrides morality and becomes a religion stronger than any church.

2024-09-14 22:07:00

We are not individuals; that's why death scares us.

2024-09-13 22:07:00

Nothing learned from a book is worth anything until it's used and verified in life.

2024-09-11 22:07:00

Fedimints and Cashu are exciting for their their potential to create local, resilient, community-focused economies. Pairing that with the ideas of Will Ruddick from Grassroots Economics:
"Here is a simulation of a transition from the current economic system into one that is more polycentric - via pooling vouchers of agents with mycorrhizal fungal network growth functions. In this simulation we look at the survival of nodes (via a heat map) in linear supply chains vs networks.
With typical market dynamics local communities are vulnerable. With a web-like network you can provide a lot more economic security. "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-VWPHY6eSY

2024-09-11 13:00:33

"Who am I?" versus "Whose am I?"

2024-09-10 22:07:00

Add to my #TFQFavorites list
#note16xd…k0yd

2024-09-10 13:00:33

Vocation is not a goal to achieve, but a gift to receive. It's about accepting our true self, not becoming something we're not. (Parker Palmer, #Quaker)

2024-09-08 13:00:33

When I was a kid so much life was packed into a single day. Now I feel like the years fly by. One day my daughter is born. I blink and she's a teenager carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

2024-09-07 22:07:00

Mount Holly Friends Meeting
Mount Holly, NJ
https://image.nostr.build/738181da541bba48e1f3fb34d63aecfff91e41ec8f8babebe6ae4a4e73615d98.jpg
#quaker #meetinghouse

2024-09-05 22:47:45

- reply

"I feel like I've been training for this my whole life. Bet most introverts would approve. 😅

2024-09-05 13:00:33

https://image.nostr.build/420d2b3313e5f88929c189bf9b998d1fbb5721336790edff45ecd23f44a06bfb.jpg

2024-09-04 22:07:00

Friends, let us gather in this new meeting house called Nostr. Here, we can speak freely and listen to the still, small voice within. 🤙
#quakerstr

2024-09-04 13:00:33

Humans have severely damaged Earth's ecology over the last century. While climate change is real, I doubt the most dire forecasts. Human are wired to fear losses more than appreciating gains, so the powerful will likely compel the weak to make sacrifices. This may lead to another instance of colonial powers exploitating the Global South.

2024-09-03 13:00:33

Quaker Quicks - A Simple Faith in a Complicated World: One Quaker's Journey through Doubt to Faith
by Kate McNally
https://image.nostr.build/2038689f43e53fc506ae9efd9909fc4db9d4eb2fed8fbc37164c64877420db52.png
#quaker #bookstr

2024-09-02 22:07:00

https://image.nostr.build/5690ef4031bcb0ac69bdf30a7fac10b52ebcbbb8e973bb5ec67f35db8b4a0916.png
#quakerstr

2024-09-01 13:00:33

Community isn't always idyllic. It's not just friendliness and agreement. Often, it's about navigating conflict together.

2024-08-31 13:00:33

https://image.nostr.build/6e1837ec5de3615319f408e0c77d7d989fbc68cc8d9b307a294a3865bf01af3d.jpg
ht Shane Claiborne

2024-08-30 21:46:00

Now on my #TFQFavorites list
#nevent1q…8mpe

2024-08-30 13:00:33

The Chaplain who Blessed the Hiroshima Bombers, Repents
"I struggled. I argued. But yes, there it was in the Sermon on the Mount, very clear: “Love your enemies. Return good for evil.” I went through a crisis of faith. Either accept what Christ said, as unpassable and silly as it may seem, or deny him completely."
https://redletterchristians.org/2024/08/06/the-chaplain-who-blessed-the-hiroshima-bombers-repents/

2024-08-29 20:19:00

- reply

It's like listening to a drunk talk when you're sober.

2024-08-29 13:00:33

https://image.nostr.build/43e787b4631ce745e7a941e233712688b8666eb19cbb46691f2e509e94eda4b3.jpg

2024-08-28 20:44:07

Today I was reminded of this passage from Wallace Stegner: "Long-continued disability makes some people saintly, some self-pitying, some bitter."
(from Crossing to Safety)

2024-08-28 18:39:09

- reply

I find the subject of human sexuality nuanced and complex. You find it black-and-white. From what I can tell, that's the disagreement ...
I wish you well.

2024-08-28 18:29:26

- reply

I guess I should assume you misunderstand the quote you provided. "With such a blind and naïve moralising approach, the whole vast storehouse of spiritual culture is devastated and its treasures detonated..."
So you're anti-LGBTQ. You're kinda, sorta referencing the Bible in a simplistic, moralizing way. You're condemning people to hell, as if it's your call. And you're asking me to explain you to you. 🤷‍♂️
For me, the story of Sodom is about inhospitality, not homosexuality.
Ezekiel 16:49-50 - "Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy."
Any doubts are clarified from the New Testament and the example of Jesus, how he walked in this world and treated others.

2024-08-28 18:13:44

- reply

Still not following you. Why are you asking me to explain your point, rather than clearly stating your own position?

2024-08-28 18:08:46

- reply

From the quote you provided, it sounds like that you see simplistic moralizing as destroying culture, creativity, and human potential. Yet you're condemning others to hell with a black-and-white view of complex social and moral issues, reducing it all to a simple "good vs evil".
Rather than engage in a Truth-seeking discussion, why are you attacking (or trolling)?
I'm sincerely trying to understand where you're coming from, but there is so much noise, it's hard to find the signal.

2024-08-28 17:48:49

Starting a thread to better understand someone...