In the heart of Manhattan, high above Hudson Yards, in a lively hotel, bitcoin MagazineThe magazine’s editor-in-chief, Mark Goodwin, sat down with US presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a candid and engaging interview that shed new light on his political views.
The interview began with RFK’s assessment of the Democratic Party and the evolution of the definition of a “Kennedy Democrat.” According to him, Kennedy Democrats are rooted in the party’s historic values of defending the working class, environmental stewardship, pacifist principles and skepticism toward corporate influence. He stressed the need to counter the undue influence of financial giants such as BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard, which control a significant part of the economy, including military contractors, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
One of the central topics of the interview was RFK’s plan to address the growing power of tech giants and their influence on free speech and the open Internet. He outlined a multifaceted approach that includes executive orders against government-sponsored censorship on social media, legislative amendments to protect free speech and convening the heads of major social media companies to ensure political speech remains uncensored.
RFK’s stance on controversial figures like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden was clear. He pledged to pardon them on his first day in office and also expressed interest in reviewing the case of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, to assess whether his sentence was fair.
The conversation then turned to the economy and the question of whether taxpayers would support policies that raised taxes and potentially led to inflation to fund various initiatives, including wars and responses to crises like COVID-19. RFK highlighted the historical use of fiat currency to finance wars without taxing the population directly, and noted that inflation was a form of hidden taxes.
The interview took an intriguing turn when RFK spoke about his interest in bitcoin and the need for financial freedom. He shared how the government’s actions during the Ottawa truckers protests, where people’s bank accounts were closed without due process, sparked his appreciation for the importance of freedom of transaction. RFK expressed its intention to protect bitcoin, potentially backing the US dollar with cryptocurrencies and other hard assets to provide an alternative to fiat currency.
The future of the US dollar was another important topic. RFK highlighted the challenge posed by the rapid globalization of the dollar and the emergence of alternatives offered by the BRICs and other nations, which could erode the dollar’s status as a global reserve currency.
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) were met with skepticism. RFK argued that they could become instruments of control and warned against their potential to eliminate cash currencies, ultimately giving governments complete control over individuals’ financial transactions.
The interview delved into the challenges of implementing pro-bitcoin policies, including working with an engaged Congress. RFK expressed his intention to use executive orders and Treasury policies to make changes without relying solely on legislative action.
The conversation also touched on the military-industrial complex and the war in Ukraine. RFK criticized the detrimental impact of wars on both the domestic and global fronts, emphasizing the immense resources spent on military efforts that could be directed toward solving urgent domestic problems.
Drawing parallels with history, RFK analyzed the possible consequences of inflation and the risk of social unrest. He underscored the importance of addressing economic disparities and protecting Americans’ ability to own homes, consistent with Thomas Jefferson’s vision.
The interview concluded with RFK’s vision of hope for American democracy and his commitment to addressing pressing issues. He acknowledged the challenges posed by powerful interests, but urged citizens to monitor their actions and promised to make a difference.
In a political landscape often dominated by familiar faces, RFK’s unconventional approach and commitment to addressing powerful interests make him a notable candidate worth watching. His dedication to preserving individual freedoms, addressing economic disparities, and promoting financial independence through bitcoin sets him apart in the crowded field of presidential hopefuls.
