The recent U.S. election results sparked a wave of emotions and assumptions among my friends, many of whom directed their frustrations towards me as a supporter of Bitcoin. As a Green Card holder, I was not eligible to vote, but I understand their disappointment in seeing their preferred candidate lose. However, their reactions reflect a limited understanding of what Bitcoin represents and its value.
In a highly polarized political landscape, ideological stereotyping becomes evident, not only during election season but also in spaces where innovative thinking should be encouraged. This was evident during the Ohio State University commencement, where Chris Pan’s speech on Bitcoin was booed by students. This resistance to new ideas is not unique to academia; I have encountered similar biases in my own academic journey at Georgetown.
Despite the prevalence of bias and inequality, Bitcoin operates on entirely different principles. It is borderless, leaderless, and accepting of any nationality or skin color without requiring any form of ID to participate. People in war-torn countries use Bitcoin to cross borders safely, human rights defenders receive donations through Bitcoin, and women living under oppressive regimes get paid through the Bitcoin network.
Bitcoin is a tool of empowerment for anyone willing to participate, regardless of race, nationality, or background. It offers a lifeline to those in need, enabling them to carry their economic energy across borders and participate in a global economy. It supports activists, women, and marginalized populations who face financial hardships due to oppressive regimes or lack of economic infrastructure.
In the context of the U.S. election, Bitcoin offers a new avenue for engagement with presidential candidates. While President-elect Donald Trump has made promises regarding Bitcoin, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign reportedly declined to support the Bitcoin community. This highlights the importance of evaluating Bitcoin advocates based on their merits and global impact, rather than through political bias or misappropriated terms.
The Fiat experiment has failed the global majority, leaving many without access to stable economic infrastructure or long-term financial security. Bitcoin offers a viable alternative for those living with volatile currencies and limited financial resources.
In conclusion, Bitcoin is a tool of empowerment and financial independence for those in need, transcending political boundaries and biases. It is essential to evaluate Bitcoin based on its merits and impact, rather than through the lens of political bias or misappropriated terms. Bitcoin advocates deserve to be recognized for their work in promoting financial inclusion and empowerment on a global scale.