This last week has proven testing not only to the Steem blockchain and our top 20, but to each and every single individual that holds this space close to their heart. Emotions have run marathons in the last seven days, opinions have flung further than shit on a fan ever did, the proverbial middle finger was raised in unison, the community stood together tighter than 300 spartans and the SOUL of Steem suddenly found their voice.

There are a LOT of people regurgitating what has been going on with the whole Justin Sun drama - that's great... I think the news needs to spread, and there are always those that need to be informed with the ABC's but I have done more than my bit toward that... and continue to do so - but that is NOT what this post is about... and for good reason!

For the first time in a VERY FNCKING LONG TIME the "irrelevants", the "discarded" and "disregarded" around here have found their loud speakers! I am referring to the people who have spent the better part of three years feeling like they mean nothing to this space because their voices were never heard. I am ALSO referring to the new blood in this space that have - by grace, arrived with their passion.

So, with that said -

This post goes out to our "top 20" and beyond!

@blocktrades, @roelandp, @good-karma, @anyx, @someguy123, @ausbitbank, @yabapmatt, @gtg, @themarkymark, @steempress, @aggroed, @cervantes, @thecryptodrive, @drakos, @lukestokes.mhth, @therealwolf, @followbtcnews, @steempeak, @abit, @ocd-witness, @emrebeyler, @curie, @stoodkev, @jesta, @netuoso, @actifit, @timcliff, @arcange, @liondani, @pharesim, @riverhead, @bhuz, @pfunk, @busy.witness, @nextgencrypto, @aizensou, @steemitboard, @guiltyparties, @justyy, @holger80, @neoxian, @oflyhigh, @kevinwong, @c-squared, @ats-witness, @quochuy, @firepower, @blockbrothers, @jackmiller, @mahdiyari, @c0ff33a, @delegate.lafona, @fyrst-witness, @wise-team, @coingecko, @ura-soul, @dragosroua, @adsactly-witness, @b0y2k, @qurator, @steemychicken1, @ihashfury, @steemed, @steemgigs, @stem.witness, @patrice, @complexring, @bobinson, @klye, @enginewitty, @partiko

A message to ALL of you, which I sincerely hope you take heed of.

Without delving into the unnecessary and "over-killed" detail of what we have ALL been through in the last little while, I would like to get my teeth stuck into something which I don't believe has been said yet - but is incredibly important! - Well, in my opinion anyway.

This "battle" has without question pushed the boundaries of this blockchain. The contemplations of "loss", "change" and even "failure" have become stark and almost realistic to one and all - yet despite surmounting circumstance the passionate voices and weight of the people here have lifted and carried it all.

Interestingly enough...We, the PEOPLE of Steem have ALWAYS been here - but seldom get heard or acknowledged... until needed.

And THIS is where my message to ALL of you listed above begins!

I think, that NOW is a REALLY good time to make it known that the BLOOD of this platform lies NOT within the money, but within the hearts of the people here. Although, if you have not already realised this through the activities of the last week+ then you simply must be living under a fncking ROCK!

There are MANY of us that do not approve of plenty of you that lie within the top 50 even... but let it be remembered that when it counted, we kept you there!!! - Yes! - WE kept you there for the sake of protecting this blockchain!

Why am I bringing this up?

Simple really...

As a community, we want what is best for Steem. We are the people who have ploughed our passions into this space. Given of our time, energy and love. We want to see this blockchain succeed, just like you do - except now I think it is safe to say that we want to see it succeed in a manner which ACKNOWLEDGES the VOICES of the PEOPLE who are the FOUNDATION of the network!

WE, the PEOPLE are STEEM!

Plenty of people didn't want to vote to keep the top 20 in place - but have done so despite their reservations and distaste. The community, regardless of "inner conflicts", has pulled together and put monumental momentum behind driving the success of this battle. I, for one - would be enormously saddened to see all this effort become obsolete in two months time when our waters are still...

... and that is why I am speaking up!

I think it is important for all witnesses to realise that the Steem defensive TIDAL WAVE created did not come from any of you as individuals... it came from THE PEOPLE OF STEEM which you have yet to know the names of.

Don't forget that!

You may not know our names, but as the nameless - we collectively steer this ship and WE select YOU.... NOT the other way around!

Once we have all ridden this "Justin" wave... be mindful of the above, because you now have a community that is not only passionately dedicated - but has also realised their worth and is not afraid to stick to their guns.

I think I speak for most Steemians when I say in conclusion that we want to see a list of top 20 witnesses in place that positively actions growth for Steem.