I am a bit perplexed by the first step here.
So Logically
1994 => NSA publishes paper on Electronic Currencies
1998 => Nick Szabo conceives bitgold
1999 => Circle is founded. Possible joint venture between Szabo Karpeles, and others.
2000 => Mark Karpeles registers bitcoins.com
2004 => Bitpay is founded, paving the way for a ready to roll bitcoin payment processor.
2004 => Mt Gox is founded, paving the way for a bitcoin exchange.
2008 => Bitcoin.org is registered.
2009 => Bitcoin is launched by Satoshi Nakamoto
correct me if i'm wrong but... whooooaaaa
Isn't it a bit ironic that the system most use to stay away from surveillance is put in motion by NSA itself?