Vitalik questions blind support for pro-crypto politicians, urging broader values.
Crypto’s roots in privacy and decentralization are highlighted amid political maneuvering.
As the US election heats up, cryptocurrency has become a significant talking point. Politicians like Trump, who recently announced plans for his fourth NFT drop, and Biden, who Veto-ed SAB 121, made headlines. Trump’s campaign gained further attention by announcing pro-bitcoin JD Vance as his running mate. Amidst this politi-crypto buzz, Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin published a lengthy blog titled “Against choosing your political allegiances based on who is ‘pro-crypto.’”
In his blog post, Vitalik contends that focusing only on crypto-friendly politicians is shortsighted. He emphasizes that the core values of the crypto space, derived from the Cypherpunk movement, include privacy, internationalism, and decentralization.
Against choosing your political allegiances based on who is "pro-crypto"https://t.co/rEbRjZYtFB
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) July 17, 2024
Vitalik stressed that pro-crypto politicians should understand and uphold these core crypto values.
Crypto’s Roots: Vitalik stresses that crypto originated from the Cypherpunk movement, which champions privacy, decentralized networks, and individual freedoms, not just financial gains.
Broader Technological Freedoms: He argues that other technological freedoms, such as encrypted communication and privacy of digital identity, are just as important as cryptocurrency.
Crypto Isn’t Everything: Vitalik believes that the focus should not be solely on crypto. Instead, broader goals of freedom and privacy should guide political support.
Internationalism: He advocates for internationalism, suggesting that crypto can help reduce global inequality.
Long-term Vision: Vitalik warns that politicians who support crypto today might not maintain these values in the future. He urges the community to look beyond immediate pro-crypto stances and consider politicians’ overall vision.
Vitalik Faces Criticism
While some praised Vitalik’s insights, others disagreed. Critics argue that his stance on privacy, internationalism, and decentralization is impractical in the political arena. They claim that the state often opposes privacy-preserving technologies and that internationalism conflicts with national political obligations. Additionally, they assert that current pro-crypto politicians are also likely to support decentralized AI, contrary to Vitalik’s concerns.
In summary, Vitalik’s article sparks a vital debate on the role of crypto in politics, urging the community to prioritize core values over mere pro-crypto stances.
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