Where the panel landed
The panel agreed that the protests were likely to continue or escalate because the underlying causes had not been addressed. Josh Gagalla emphasized unemployment, frustration, and police militarization, while Dan Eve focused on the daily stream of new brutality videos and the likelihood of a broader movement against police violence. On Bitcoin, the panel was more optimistic: the price had held the $9,000 range after the halving, adoption infrastructure was growing, and Lightning tools were making Bitcoin easier to earn and spend.
What they were watching
Bitcoin briefly rose to $10,398 before forming what Thomas called an almost perfect Bart Simpson pattern back toward the $9,200 area, then continued ranging in the $9,000s. The panel all agreed with the Magic Eight Ball that the price would be higher the following week, while still warning that Bitcoin remains volatile and that miners had seen hash rate pressure after the halving.
Protests continue worldwide
The panel discussed the continuing protests after George Floyd’s death, with demonstrations spreading beyond the United States to Tokyo, Berlin, and London. Josh compared the moment to Occupy Wall Street in the way many grievances could converge into one movement.
Militarized police escalate the streets
Thomas argued that postwar military equipment and tactics had transformed American policing away from community trust. Dan pointed to repeated videos of disabled people, homeless people, protesters, and press being attacked as evidence that the police response itself had become the issue.
No clear political solution
The panel saw few solutions being offered from the federal level. Thomas noted that all four officers had been charged and the main officer’s charge upgraded, but warned that convicting police officers remains difficult and that the administration seemed more interested in walls and force than reform.
Bitcoin ranges after the Bart
Bitcoin’s sharp rise above $10,000 and drop back into the $9,000s was treated as classic Bitcoin volatility. Josh stressed long-term trend and caution, while Dan focused on post-halving hash rate, miner efficiency, and the stock-to-flow red dot as reasons for continued optimism.
Hash rate after the halving
Dan noted that hash rate had reached roughly 120 exahashes near the halving, then dropped toward 90 before recovering around 104 to 105 exahashes. The panel treated this as miner churn rather than a death spiral, with older machines likely becoming unprofitable.
Bitcoin ATMs and Cash App
Coin ATM Radar passing 8,000 Bitcoin ATMs became a sign of continuing physical-world adoption. Thomas praised Cash App for remaining Bitcoin-only, adding deposits and withdrawals, supporting recurring purchases, and avoiding some of the friction associated with Coinbase.
Adoption through earning and Lightning
Dan highlighted RewardPortal as a way for people to earn sats through surveys, tasks, bonuses, and Lightning payouts. Josh argued that the community should focus on getting Bitcoin companies to adopt Lightning before the next bull run fills blocks and gives altcoin promoters an opening.
Coronavirus fatigue and reopening
The panel split over the likelihood of a second wave. Dan and Josh were more optimistic that society would adapt, protect the elderly, and avoid another full shutdown, while Thomas warned that the United States had flattened the curve without driving it down and was reopening into an unfinished outbreak.
I don't blame people being super angry.— Josh Gagalla
a protest that's about police brutality has become about police brutality— Thomas Hunt
Signs point to yes.— Magic Eight Ball
The price of Bitcoin went up this week briefly rising to 10,398— Thomas Hunt
don't bet your food on it— Josh Gagalla
we've given out over a million sets already.— Dan Eve
Story of the Week
Police protests become the national story
The dominant story was the continued spread of protests after George Floyd’s killing and the visible escalation of police violence against protesters and press. Thomas framed the moment as the result of police militarization after Iraq and Afghanistan, with community policing replaced by armored vehicles, riot gear, and military tactics. Josh connected the unrest to unemployment and broader frustration, while Dan saw a growing movement against police brutality itself. Bitcoin continued in the background, but the episode opened with the United States looking like a domestic war zone.
"a protest that's about police brutality has become about police brutality"— Thomas Hunt