Bitcoin: A Tool of Empowerment
In a recent speech on the floor of the Canadian parliament, Member of Parliament (MP) Joël Lightbound expressed his gratitude towards Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, on the 15th anniversary of the release of the Bitcoin white paper. Lightbound, who himself owns Bitcoin, urged people to study the cryptocurrency rather than advocating for its purchase. He highlighted how Bitcoin has helped empower the underbanked and individuals living in oppressive regimes.
Quotes from Influential Figures
During his speech, MP Lightbound cited two significant quotes that resonated with the audience. One was from former Twitter CEO and prominent Bitcoin advocate Jack Dorsey, while the other was from Gary Gensler, the current chief of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Gensler's quote, although surprising to some due to his previous stance on crypto, was actually from 2019 before he assumed his role as SEC chief.
Gensler's Support for Crypto
In 2019, Gensler expressed his belief that the crypto ecosystem, including the project created by Satoshi Nakamoto, has the potential to bring about transformative change. He emphasized the benefits of lower verification and networking costs, which could lead to economic inclusion and the reduction of economic rents and data privacy costs. On the 15th anniversary of the Bitcoin white paper, Gensler tweeted his well wishes to Satoshi Nakamoto but also reminded crypto companies of the importance of compliance with securities laws.
Gensler's Controversial Stint as SEC Chief
Gensler's appointment as the SEC chief initially sparked optimism within the crypto community due to his background in teaching about cryptocurrencies. However, his tenure has been marked by controversies and disappointment for crypto enthusiasts.
