There's a lesson the crypto community can learn from the way that Donald Trump, and the rich in general, play with government. My perspective was inspired by the news that President Trump has threatened to veto the bipartisan stimulus bill proposed by the US Congress yesterday. Trump stated that the $600 afforded each American in the Congressional agreement was insufficient and demanded $2000 checks for each American.
Sure, I'm for $2000 rather than $600. You can say that $2000 would devalue the dollar more, but I honestly don't care about that. My financial life is denominated in BTC. My point is that Trump doesn't care. He's more than willing to completely demolish the financial solvency of the US government to ensure his image in the public. You'd be hard pressed to convince me that the average American understands anything other than the nominal value of money. So to them, when Trump demands $2000 instead of $600, he looks like an absolute hero. Smart move for a man who is about to leave the office and needs good PR for the TV network he's about to start for stupid hillbillies.
It's also worth noting that Trump's threat is completely toothless. The stimulus measure passed with more than 2/3rds majority in both houses. This signals that Congress would overrule Trump's veto even if he gave it. Doesn't matter. Trump's still in good standing with Cletus and Becky.
There's a deeper point. Trump and those of his ilk understand, I believe, that the financial situation of the US is untenable. Moreover, they understand that the US isn't really a country. It's a vehicle for personal advancement, and that includes government. My epiphany came when I realized that I think of government and America the same way, but I haven't been using it that way. I've too often taken on the perspective of the oppressed proletariat, looking on my tools as obstacles. My house is therefore less established than it could be.
The lower financial class hates government, and they view it as an enemy.
The middle financial class hates government, and they view it as a necessary evil.
The upper class hates government, and they view it as a tool.
Here's the trick the rich pull on the middle and lower classes: The rich make everyone else believe that government only serves the rich, and you're not a good prole unless you harbor a non-insignificant amount of hidden disdain for government and the rich. Yes, the rich are fine with promoting this view of hating the rich. Why? It keeps everyone else out of government, leaving it for the rich. Rich folks are also quite willing to elevate proles who understand the game and are willing to yell about government as an enemy while using it as a tool. Many American politicians actually aren't rich until after they get into politics. They realize that government is the best way to get rich, so they use it.
In the same way, I used to think that having an offshore bank account was only for the rich. I used to think that an international lifestyle was only for those connected to the army or a corporation. I used to think a lot of stupid things. My life immediately got better when I realized that I can have everything the "rich" can have. That includes power in government.
Expect my 2028 campaign, the first campaign 100% powered by Ethereum defi.
