Bitcoin vs CBDCs:
The Epic Showdown Shaping America's Battle for Financial Freedom and Bitcoin
*Image courtesy of Midjourney
The Political Landscape and the Bitcoin Battlefield
In the new digital frontier, Bitcoin and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have become prominent subjects in American political discourse. No longer a fringe issue or a niche tech fascination, these digital currencies are now central policy considerations, shaping the ideological battlegrounds of our time.
Surprisingly, the Bitcoin question has become a bipartisan issue. Candidates from both sides of the aisle, united in their belief in financial autonomy, have voiced strong support for Bitcoin, the world's first decentralised cryptocurrency. At the same time, they've launched fervent critiques against CBDCs, portraying them not merely as instances of government overreach but as dystopian tools of oppression and financial surveillance, pointing to the devastating consequences already visible in China who implemented a CBDC and are now able to use this to financially censor citizens who speak out against the Chinese government.
The Protagonists and Their Perspectives
Vivek Ramaswamy (Republican Presidential Primaries Candidate) and Robert Kennedy Jr. (Democratic Presidential Primaries Candidate), despite their differing backgrounds, stand united in their support for Bitcoin and their concerns about CBDCs. Ramaswamy, a Harvard Law graduate and successful entrepreneur, and Kennedy Jr., a renowned environmental lawyer and activist, both view Bitcoin as a testament to financial independence and a potential safeguard against government overreach.
Bitcoin and the Ballot Box
Cryptocurrencies are no longer a fringe investment. With an estimated 46 million Americans already having invested in them, the crypto question could very well become a single voter issue. A growing wave of political figures are recognising this trend, positioning themselves accordingly.
Elizabeth Warren, known for her advocacy for the underprivileged, has surprisingly expressed skepticism towards Bitcoin. She has asserted that 'Cryptocurrency has created opportunities to scam investors, assist criminals, and worsen the climate crisis.' This position appears to contradict her public image, as Bitcoin stands as the sole technology to date that offers a proven solution to financial exclusion. Moreover, Bitcoin presents an alternative to the prevailing fiat system which perpetuates the economic disadvantages faced by the very people she pledges to protect.
Key Political Players in the Crypto Conversation
The crypto conversation extends beyond the presidential race, permeating the fabric of federal and state politics.
"Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, has been vocal about her investment in cryptocurrencies. She has also expressed her concerns about the potential dangers of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). According to Gabbard, CBDCs would only serve to grant excessive control to the government, enabling them to monitor and influence every financial transaction. On the other hand, Cynthia Lummis, a Republican senator from Wyoming, has been a staunch advocate for Bitcoin, viewing it as a reliable store of value. She has stated, 'I want America to stay at the forefront of this technology, which both has the potential to spur tremendous innovation and provide increased financial inclusion.'"
Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, and Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, have both taken firm stances against CBDCs, framing it as a question of personal freedom versus government surveillance.
Bruce Fenton, a Bitcoin advocate who ran for Senate in New Hampshire, and Ted Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, have both highlighted the potential of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, advocating for a hands-off regulatory approach. Cruz has been quoted saying, "We need to be encouraging financial innovation. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have enormous potential."
The Road Ahead
Unlike many other countries that seem to passively accept the rise of digital currencies, the American political landscape is a hotbed for vibrant debates around CBDCs. As the number of American crypto investors grows, politicians who oppose Bitcoin and support CBDCs may find themselves on the wrong side of history. The crypto conversation isn't just about financial policy - it's about freedom, autonomy, and the evolving relationship between citizens and their government in the digital age. With each passing day, it becomes increasingly clear that Bitcoin will play a pivotal role in shaping that future.
References: https://earthweb.com/cryptocurrency-statistics/ https://decrypt.co/124071/florida-governor-ron-desantis-introduces-legislation-bans-cbdc https://news.bitcoin.com/nd-governor-urges-20-states-to-block-legislation-that-bans-cryptos-use-as-money-says-its-a-threat-to-our-freedom/ https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/04/28/crypto-industry-is-absolutely-at-war-against-gensler-warren-blockchain-association-ceo-smith-says/ https://www.theblock.co/linked/148387/ted-cruz-bitcoin-earth https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vivek-ramaswamy-says-no-limit-what-self-invest-gop-presidential-campaign