Alternatives to Western Union

[cdnmatt]

CouldnтАЩt move your existing money
Had wildly unpredictable fees that were high and rising fast

On these two points he's bitching about the block size. Yes, there's the POTENTIAL those two could happen, but not for the forseeable future, and the currently the network is humming along just fine. Those points are moot.

Allowed buyers to take back payments theyтАЩd made after walking out of shops, by simply pressing a button (if you arenтАЩt aware of this тАЬfeatureтАЭ thatтАЩs because Bitcoin was only just changed to allow it)

He's talking about RBF (reverse by fee), and that's not how it works. It's not like anyone can just reverse a transaction at any time of their choosing. He's fear mongering.

Is suffering large backlogs and flaky payments

No, there's no backlogs or "flaky payments" (wtf that means). There is various stop measures already in place within the protocol to ensure you can't spam the network, if that's what he means by "flaky payments".

which is controlled by China

This is somewhat true, but again, fear mongering. The majority of mining companies are Chinese though, simply due to the cheaper electricity and lease rates compared to Western countries.

and in which the companies and people building it were in open civil war?

Again, fear mongering.

[Tobi]

OK, remember, I'm relying on you and your promises that my bitcoins will be worth $1,500+ each by the middle of summer... or nothing.