US Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr has recently expressed his support for Bitcoin, the decentralized cryptocurrency that has been gaining popularity and value in recent years. In an interview with Bitcoin Magazine Kennedy said that Bitcoin is a “freedom currency” that empowers individuals and protects them from government interference and inflation.
NEW – ?? US Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr says #Bitcoin is a "freedom currency."
"Freedom of transaction is as important as freedom of speech." ? pic.twitter.com/wzGCIq7W2m
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) October 4, 2023
Kennedy, who is running as an independent candidate in the 2024 election, said that he believes in the vision of Bitcoin’s anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, who wanted to create a peer-to-peer electronic cash system that does not rely on any central authority or intermediary. Kennedy said that Bitcoin is a way to restore the sovereignty and dignity of the people, who have been exploited and oppressed by the corrupt and inefficient political and financial systems.
Kennedy also criticized the current administration’s policies on monetary and fiscal matters, saying that they are leading the country to a debt crisis and a loss of confidence in the US dollar. He said that the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing and the government’s stimulus spending are creating artificial bubbles in the stock market and the real estate sector, while devaluing the purchasing power of the average American. He warned that these policies will eventually result in hyperinflation and social unrest, similar to what happened in Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
Freedom of speech is widely recognized as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of democracy. It allows people to express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation. It also fosters a culture of dialogue, debate, and diversity that enriches the public sphere.
However, freedom of speech is not enough to ensure a free and prosperous society. Without freedom of transaction, people’s choices and opportunities are severely limited by the constraints imposed by the state or other actors. For example, if the government bans certain products or services, or imposes high taxes or regulations on them, people cannot freely exchange them according to their own needs and wants. This reduces their welfare and happiness, as well as their ability to innovate and create value.
Moreover, freedom of transaction is essential for the protection and promotion of freedom of speech. Without economic freedom, people cannot afford the means to express themselves, such as books, newspapers, internet access, or social media platforms. They also cannot support the causes and movements they believe in, such as donating to charities, NGOs, or political parties. Furthermore, they cannot resist the pressure and influence of those who have more economic power and resources, such as corporations, media outlets, or governments.
Kennedy said that he supports a sound money policy that is based on a limited supply of currency and a free market determination of interest rates. He said that Bitcoin is the best example of such a policy, as it has a fixed supply of 21 million coins and a transparent and immutable ledger that records every transaction. He said that Bitcoin is also resistant to censorship and confiscation, as it is distributed across a global network of nodes and miners who secure and validate the system.
Kennedy said that if he is elected president, he will promote the adoption and innovation of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the US. He said that he will work with Congress to pass legislation that recognizes Bitcoin as legal tender and exempts it from capital gains taxes. He also said that he will appoint pro-Bitcoin officials to key positions in the Treasury Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He said that he will also encourage other countries to join him in embracing Bitcoin as a global reserve currency.
Freedom of transaction is as important as freedom of speech for a democratic society. Both freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They enable people to exercise their autonomy and agency, as well as to contribute to the common good. They also foster a culture of tolerance, pluralism, and innovation that benefits everyone.
Kennedy said that he is confident that Bitcoin will prevail over the legacy financial system, as it offers a superior alternative that is more secure, efficient, transparent, and democratic. He said that Bitcoin is not only a currency, but also a social movement that represents the values of liberty, equality, and justice. He said that Bitcoin is the future of money and the future of America.