The Rise of Crypto Lobbying
It’s no secret that cryptocurrency is gaining political traction, with lobbying efforts reaching unprecedented levels. According to a report by Public Citizen, the number of lobbyists specializing in cryptocurrency issues skyrocketed from 115 in 2018 to a whopping 320 by 2021. But wait, there’s more! The number of representatives within the crypto sector more than tripled from 47 to 157 during the same period. It’s like watching a ‘who’s who’ of crypto at a D.C. cocktail party—but with more Bitcoin and less small talk.
Midterm Elections: Crypto’s Political Playground
As the United States gears up for the midterm elections, scheduled for November 8, 2022, it’s clear that crypto is becoming the new kid on the political block. Numerous cryptocurrency holders are flexing their financial muscles by contributing hefty sums to political campaigns. One standout example is Sam Bankman-Fried, CEO of a prominent crypto exchange, who has funneled over $14 million into the “Protect Our Future” political action committee. It’s like the Super Bowl for campaign funding, but instead of touchdowns, we’re scoring legislative victories.
Confs, Cryptos, and Keynotes
At the SkyBridge Alternatives Conference (SALT) this year, which took place in sunny The Bahamas, the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency took center stage. With more than 2,000 attendees, the conference showcased illustrious figures discussing the future of crypto. Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and all-around crypto champion, delivered a keynote entitled “How Governments Can Empower the People with Crypto.” If that doesn’t scream ‘political influencer,’ I don’t know what does.
Yang’s Vision for Crypto in Politics
In an engaging conversation with Cointelegraph, Yang elaborated on how cryptocurrency is not just a blockchain phenomenon but also an essential tool for political campaigns and economic equality. He believes the crypto community must educate legislators to navigate this new digital frontier effectively. Think of it as a boot camp for lawmakers, but with more graphs and fewer push-ups.
Universal Basic Income: The Crypto Connection
But the crypto discussion doesn’t end with campaign financing; it extends into broader economic strategies like universal basic income (UBI). Yang suggests that UBI can be distributed in various forms, including cryptocurrency. Imagine receiving your monthly check and finding it comes with a side of Ethereum! It’s the utopian future we dream of while binging on late-night talk shows.
Building a Better Political Future
Yang’s ambitions don’t stop at his crypto advocacy; he’s also spearheading the Forward Party, which hopes to bridge divides in the American political landscape. According to Laura Del Savio, the party’s communications strategist, they aim to change the paradigm that drives political polarization. Because let’s face it, no one enjoys a divided dinner table when discussing politics, especially when the turkey hasn’t even been served.
The Call for Activation
In conclusion, as cryptos carve out their niche in politics, it’s a call to action for advocates to engage intelligently and effectively. Yang encourages everyone in the space to step up and influence the future actively. After all, if we want a future where crypto thrives alongside social equity, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work. He puts it succinctly: “To build the future we want, we cannot sit back and hope for the best.”
