I'm trying to summarize in as few words as possible, what is the problem with centralized currencies? Writing an article about why decentralization is important. I would like a good problem summary to start.
I would say:
- Someone always has the ability to counterfeit
- Controlled by centralized authority who can change the rules as they see fit
- Centralized authority can print more money
- People can have their bank accounts frozen
Ideally a sentence or two to summarize. Maybe something like "Centralized currencies can always be cheated by someone and manipulated in a manner that most benefits those in control, to the extent of locking you out of your account or taking away your money if you do not behave in the manner those people would like. When the people control the currency, the people decide the rules that govern it and no one person can touch your money without your permission"?
Anything else I'm missing?
Thank you!
The main problem is not someone counterfeiting.
The main problem is that you are trusting someone else, no matter whether it's the government, your bank, whatever. Any sort of centralized framework, you are putting a lot of trust into others. As humans we have seen that others, no matter how trustworthy they seem to be can also turn around and stab you in the back. This isn't something that you would want.
Another problem as you said is the way that governments are manipulating their currencies to suit their needs, to fulfill the promises they made back in election. This often involved printing a lot more currency than the country could afford to in order to not tax more people(a very unpopular policy).
Bitcoin basically solves all this. You don't need to trust anyone.