I’m not normally one to go all conspiracy theory about stuff, but when I heard this story today, this connection immediately came together in my mind.
The story is that in December, an unelected technocrat government was appointed in Italy to impose austerity measures on the failing Euro nation. This government has no accountability and no fixed time mandate. The new government has passed a number of astonishing edicts including:
- A ban on cash transactions of over €1000 (~$1270 USD) with indications that this level will be gradually reduced to as low as €300 (~$380 USD);
- A requirement that credit card companies report all transactions carried out by Italians, in Italy and abroad to the fiscal authorities;
- Delays and refusals by banks in allowing customers to withdraw cash balances of as little as Euro 10,000;
Also, the Finance Police has placed cameras at the physical borders with Switzerland to register all license plates. In addition, currency-sniffing dogs have been deployed at the border.
The Mises Institute of Canada blog picks up the story and comments that these controls will “result in more capital flight away from Italy” and “they will make the country a lot less attractive to foreign investment than it already is.” The blogger also reminds us that “Intervention begets more intervention as it never solves the underlying problems.” In other words, in the long run, Italy is not likely to be the only Euro nation with such impositions placed upon it.
What does this have to do with the Mark of the Beast? It’s a potential first step.
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:16-17
Most speculation about the Mark of the Beast is centered on the nature of the Mark—what it might look like, what form it might take—or on the identity of the Beast. New identification and tracking technologies are routinely singled out, as are authoritarian or simply polarizing leaders. Where speculation is lacking is on the purpose of the Mark.
The purpose of the Mark is pretty straight forward, to restrict commerce, but there is scarce speculation about what will lead us to such a state. What steps might be taken leading up to the imposition of such a mark. Again, it seems obvious that some authoritarian regime will have to take over. But history is full of authoritarian regimes that have not imposed any marks. So what do we look for?
According to the original source of this information, Zerohedge.com, this would mark the first time in history where cash might no longer be legal tender. Of course, the transaction amount would first have to be brought to zero (€,$,£, whatever) but for end-times watchers, this seems like a lot more to get worked up over than barcodes and radio hosts.
