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Elizabeth Warren pays homage to Satoshi Nakamoto with Bitcoin at the center above the Capitol Hill.
In an unexpected twist, long-time Bitcoin adversary Elizabeth Warren, atop Capitol Hill, glimpsed an orange glow and raised a flag in praise of the anonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, celebrating the network's 15th anniversary. As part of the Capitol Hill Flag Initiative, Senator Warren's office submitted a request to commemorate Satoshi Nakamoto's achievement in creating the "truly inclusive financial system." On December 18, 2023, the colors of the United States flew above the Capitol Hill, dubbed by Bitcoin enthusiasts as HODL Day.
While the sudden embrace of Bitcoin by the Massachusetts senator may seem surprising, her career-long rhetoric of fighting for those underserved by the economy finally materialized in this specific statement. The certificate awarded by the architects of the Capitol Hill for flag dedication noted that Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin "brought new economic freedom to previously overlooked populations by both private and public institutions," seemingly echoing her campaign team's pledge to support the working class negatively impacted by government and banking sector corruption.
Friends of PubKey from Bitcoin Magazine noticed the senator's office application regarding the flag-raising and will host a public event in New York City on February 15 at 6 PM EST to unveil not only the story behind the flag but also the flag itself. They dramatically read the infamous December 18, 2013, post on BitcoinTalk that immortalized "HODL" from actor, comedian, and Bitcoin enthusiast T.J. Miller's Bitcoin Dictionary. Prior to the event, an X (formerly Twitter) space hosted by Bitcoin Magazine and PubKey at 4:30 PM EST will further narrate how Satoshi's flag and Warren's endorsement came to be. Like the liberty-centered taverns of the mid-1770s, PubKey and similar establishments play a crucial role in socializing ideas and stories that constitute revolutions.
Thomas Pacchia, co-founder of PubKey, noted the senator's shift in an interview with Bitcoin Magazine. "This is a historic moment in how Washington politicians view the Bitcoin protocol's promises and inclusivity. What politicians do is far more important than what they say." Her website describes her as a "leading figure in consumer protection, financial reform, and social justice," and her recent advocacy for Satoshi's work seems perfectly aligned with her proclaimed mission.
Just a week before Warren ordered the flag to be raised, the senator introduced legislation to provide the Treasury Department with more tools to restrict Bitcoin's illicit use, boldly stating that they "need new laws to combat the use of cryptocurrencies, allowing terrorist organizations, rogue nations, drug traffickers, ransomware gangs, and fraudsters to launder billions of dollars, evade sanctions, fund illegal weapons projects, and profit from devastating cyberattacks," during her reelection campaign. Warren co-authored a letter with Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments, in May 2022 expressing concerns about incorporating Bitcoin into 401(k) plans, stating, "Investing in cryptocurrency is a risky and speculative endeavor, and we are concerned that Fidelity would expose the retirement savings of millions of Americans to these risks."
Now, with U.S. regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission approving 11 Bitcoin spot exchanges, including Fidelity's FBTC, Warren has changed her tone, acknowledging the immense economic freedom brought about by this new technology and joining the ranks of an increasing number of elected officials supporting the Satoshi Nakamoto protocol.
Bitcoin Magazine and PubKey encourage Bitcoin users to politely note this shift, directly contacting Warren's office and tagging her X (formerly Twitter) account, thanking her for supporting Satoshi Nakamoto and acknowledging him as a hero. |
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