Hi @venomnymous, I think what you are talking about happened quite some years ago? Here are some points which you might consider or read through to help clarify your doubts:

1. Based on the Bitcoin technology, blockchain payments are decentralised and not controlled by the government. Hence it it not the same as a cashless world currency reported back 30 years ago on the cover of Economist as you have mentioned.

2. Bitcoin's lightning technology opens nodes, where small transactions are transmitted through peers. They are hence not part of the blockchain but an additional layer of data. Will can still treat your friend coffee as long as you have a workable cryptocurrency wallet connected to the lightning system. "Government and banksters" won't know about it.

3. Having cashless options is already happening in our society, e-payments, using payment through apps. I am sorry that you might be still living in a part of the world that is inaccessible to the new technologies.

4. Blockchain and security are tied together. You cannot talk about one without the other.

5. There will be better control knowing that government-issued fiat currencies are linked to inflation rates that could not be controlled by the people. Bitcoin's rarity and deflation is the best example of how the people can gain better control of long-term wealth.

6. Thank you for paying attention to this article, a press release from Blockshow Asia 2018 which I am honored to present. Stay tuned on my Steemit page to gain more insights of the future of blockchain and I will bring back reports from the conference next week.

-tysler