Buterin’s Call for Thoughtful Voting
Vitalik Buterin, one of the creators of Ethereum, recently wrote a blog post that’s getting a lot of attention. He’s telling the crypto community not to support politicians just because they say they like crypto.
Hints at Trump
Buterin didn’t name Trump directly, but it’s pretty clear he’s talking about him. Trump and his running mate JD Vance are trying hard to win over Bitcoin fans, getting big donations from people like the Winklevoss twins.
More Than Just Pro-Crypto
Buterin thinks saying you’re pro-crypto isn’t enough. He wants people to see if these politicians support bigger goals like encrypted messaging, privacy-friendly digital IDs, and good access to information.
Think About Your Values
Buterin also wants crypto fans to think about their broader values. If you care about freedom, think about whether a politician supports your right to have the family you want. If you care about economic fairness, push for affordable housing.
Policies That Affect Crypto
Buterin points out that various policies, beyond just those about Bitcoin, affect the crypto world. He mentions economic tariffs and visa issues that stopped his friends from attending EthCC in Brussels.
The Global Perspective
“The crypto industry is uniquely international, so immigration law is crypto law,” Buterin wrote. He’s asking which politicians and countries get this.
Trump’s Mixed Messages
Buterin hints that Trump might make it easier to deal with digital assets but could also take away other freedoms. Given Trump’s past criticism of Bitcoin, there’s no telling what his long-term stance will be.
Example of Russia
Buterin talks about Russia, saying that authoritarian regimes often claim to be “crypto-friendly” for their own reasons. While Russia sees digital assets as a way to get around sanctions, it also makes it harder to monitor transactions.
Are They Really Pro-Crypto?
Buterin warns that some politicians might say they’re “pro-crypto” just to get votes, without really supporting the community’s values.
Choosing Wisely
Buterin tells voters to make sure “pro-crypto” candidates are genuine. If not, find better options.
Community Reactions
Buterin’s post led to lots of debates. Jake Chervinsky from the Variant Fund says good crypto policy needs pro-crypto politicians. He believes political reality often wins over idealism.
Supporting Pro-Crypto Politicians
Hillary Adler from BitcoinOS thinks supporting pro-crypto politicians is key for financial freedom. She feels a candidate’s stance on crypto shows their commitment to individual liberty and free markets.
Charles Hoskinson’s Take
Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson talks about Trump’s promise to pardon Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht if re-elected. He criticizes the current administration, warning that re-election could hurt the American crypto industry.
A Divided Nation
Buterin’s post shows the deep divisions in America. Many voters can’t tolerate different views. With major policy differences on issues like Gaza, Ukraine, climate change, and immigration, there’s a lot at stake beyond crypto in the upcoming election.
