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I do not know if the *Takeback of the Top20* witness positions is going to succeed, nor do I know what is going to happen if it does. Yet, triumph or fail, this is not only a major landmark event on the Steem blockchain, it could very well be a seminal moment in the history of all blockchain, especially that of the dPOS chains. 

Whatever happens, I am glad that I had the opportunity to participate and I am glad that I had the opportunity to participate with so many others that I count as friends, whether we have met or not. 

https://i.imgur.com/bY2K3Wb.jpg

I would like to say that this has been the entire community rallying around to resist the centralization of the Steem blockchain, but that is not the case. Some members of some communities are voting to support a single authority with their stake, which is their choice to use as they see fit. They have cast their vote for the position that they support, and it isn't one of freedom for the community - it is about the maximization of their individual worth. This is the Steem blockchain, and it doesn't easily forget. 

In the story of *Remember the Titans,* a football team came together to put their differences aside and work toward a common goal. In that case, the difference was one of skin color. Today on Steem, there are many differences that are being put aside in order to gather the stake necessary to *takeback* the blockchain. It is commendable. 

There is little doubt in my mind that once the dust settles, the conversations and arguments will begin soon after, but that is besides the point. This event shows that when push comes to shove, *most* of those who are highly invested in the outcomes of Steem, can work in unison. Perhaps there will even be some knock-on effects that lead Steem into the next phase of its maturity.

Innocence was lost at the point of centralization. Now, if there is a new Hardfork that takes back the chain, fast decisions need to be made to make sure that it is secure for the community, that centralization can't happen again. What exactly that is going to look like is very likely being heavily discussed and plans made right now - I am hoping that there is unemotional sense and maturity in the decision-making to do what is required - *without overreaching.*

This is an opportunity to put the Steem blockchain and community into the spotlight as an example of what can go right with a large, *self-governed* and highly diverse group who have a wide range of values, yet still can work together. This is the possibility to show exactly why decentralization is important, and succeed or fail to takeback the Steem blockchain, doesn't fail to highlight this point.

through usage, the Steem blockchain takes on our collective personalities and cultures to build a dynamic and ever-changing profile of us. It becomes us through our contributions, interactions and transactions; and what it is today looks different to what it was in the past and what it will become in the future. It is growing, evolving and maturing into what will be the new breed of digital communities and the new forms of economy and governance.

It records the best of us and the worst of us.
And it always remembers the Steemians.

### We are all remembered on Steem. 

Taraz
[ a Steem original ]

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### Vote or Proxy.

We need at least 7 more witnesses in the top 20 to take back Steem and take back our decentralized future. Please vote for the correct witnesses to do so, or [proxy me](https://steemit.com/hive-174578/@tarazkp/vote-for-witnesses-or-set-me-as-your-temporary-proxy) if unsure and your votes will follow mine, which are set for decentralization of Steem and the community it houses.

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[![Onboarding](https://i.imgur.com/e6A1MiM.png)](https://steemonboarding.com/)</center>

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