Interesting article in the Friday edition of the Samoa Observer (6 July 2018) regarding tax and the clergy.
First up, I am indifferent to the issue and parties involved. Second, I believe in everyone, no exception, even IF you are Jesus, in paying their "fair" share of tax so as to enjoy the public goods, services, infrastructure etc that government strives to provide especially for a small island nation in the middle of the South Pacific.
Anyways, what caught my eye was the following...
The Minister of Revenue is quoted stating that - "We (government) have the power and authority to seize funds from their personal accounts. The Government will also go after their personal assets, their personal belongings such as homes and vehicles, anything that is of value, we will seize."
Thankfully, I live in a time where, there is one thing government will find hard to control/contain/seize especially when it becomes mainstream... and that is Bitcoin. Whilst they can take my car, freeze my bank accounts, go after my home and seize anything of value, over my dead body will they have access to my Bitcoin. When I say Bitcoin, I'm referring to Bitcoin #BTC, not BCasH :p
As far as I am concerned and can observe, I'm not too worried, as long as I pay my taxes, do not engage in tax evasion, then its rainbows, roses, unicorns and chocolates in paradise. Nevertheless, in the back of mind, I will still have that statement swimming around reminding me of the power that Government has and the counter to that power in the value of what Bitcoin has to and will offer to you as an individual and the world. Financial sovereignty, freedom and control :)
PS: I do sincerely and genuinely hope that Government will also have the vision and foresight to create an enabling and friendly regulatory environment to allow cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to thrive.