Chargex

In the late 1960’s, a ‘new’ concept in credit was introduced: credit cards for general use.

Initially, charge cards were in circulation in order to make it easier for wealthy people to make everyday purchases of hotel stays, expensive meals and luxury goods. It was a sign of status, and those card carrying members had American Express or Diner’s Club.

The rest of us had cash (or a cheque, with photo ID).

So the first credit cards were introduced for the rest of us to allow us to feel like we had status, too. Status to let us get into debt. And, boy, did we ever get into debt!

Bank Account Debit Cards

Then the cheque was made outdated by the introduction of debit cards. Now you could buy at your local shops in the same way as you used to with cash or credit cards, but, instead, the money was removed from your account on the same day.

The other thing that happened was the ‘personalization’ allowed with the different banks and credit unions having different styles of credit cards. There’s nothing we like better than something that shouts “Look at me, I’m Sandra Dee”.

Government Changes

In Canada, two things have been changed by the Government: 1) pennies have been discontinued; and 2) cheques from the Government are being phased out – the ‘preferred’ method of disbursement is through your bank account as direct payments.

Eventually, no more payments will be made by cheque by the Government, including your Income Tax refund, and Employment Insurance handouts. Do you see where this is going?

Cashless Society

David Icke says that he predicted this change in 1993. It’s true, he did. In his version, he saw that we will have a barcode inserted under our skin (probably on our wrist) and that you would be unable to get goods and services without it.

Well, it seems that this is happening already. But it’s not yet ‘under our skin’. Most everyone has an app on their smart phone which allows them to purchase coffee at Starbucks, amongst other places.

We are being allowed to have easier and easier ways of paying for our goods, but is it really for our good?

The Consequences

“Imagine, if you will…” (from the Twilight Zone TV show) that you’ve managed to piss off someone in authority. It might be something as innocuous as posting a funny comment about a politician on Facebook or Twitter (a common event these days). Now what would happen to your ability to live if the money that you have in the bank, or credit on your card, was suddenly stopped? You’d pay with cash, right?

But what if cash was no longer in circulation, no longer allowed to be used for purchases? Now what?

If you want to experience this event, try going offline and becoming self-sufficient. It is difficult, but not impossible. You can always barter your services.

But what if that becomes illegal, too?

Conclusion

We are allowing our freedoms to be eroded every day. When the financial freedoms are gone, they’ll only be one choice left: to die. Can you hear me, now?