An Introduction to the Shift from Centralized to Decentralized Finance
Renowned figure in technology and the crypto industry, Balaji Srinivasan, believes that the recent approval of U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) signifies a transformative shift from a century-long dominance of centralized monetary systems to the emerging realm of decentralized finance. In his view, this shift is comparable to the reversal of the historical Executive Order 6102, which involved the confiscation of gold from U.S. citizens. Srinivasan sees the rise of crypto assets like bitcoin as a pivotal moment, transferring power from central bodies back to individuals.
The Historical Context: A Landmark Event
In 1935, during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, the U.S. government orchestrated a significant gold confiscation, solidifying state-centric financial control. Srinivasan highlights this event as a landmark in the history of centralized financial dominion. He argues that the approval of the spot bitcoin ETF represents a radical departure from this age-old centralized fiscal regime and paves the way for the adoption of decentralized digital currencies.
Srinivasan states:
"Since FDR's seizure of gold, our lives have revolved around the centralized state rather than the decentralized market. The state has had control for so long we've forgotten what freedom is like. But now gold is slipping out of their hands, and back into yours. And history is running in reverse."
The Role of Technological Advancements in the Paradigm Shift
Srinivasan highlights the significance of technological advancements in facilitating this shift. Unlike the previous century, where technologies like mass media favored centralization, today's innovations, such as personal computers, end-to-end encryption, mobile technology, and notably cryptocurrencies, champion decentralization. This technological transformation plays a vital role in redistributing financial authority from central institutions to individual entities and decentralized systems.
Srinivasan asserts, "Thus, top talent isn't being pulled into a government Brain Trust. It's being brain-drained out of the U.S. establishment. And as a consequence, the epic legal battles are, on balance, going our way."
A Steady Move Towards Decentralization
Srinivasan reflects on the legal conflicts and changing dynamics within institutions, pointing to a steady move towards decentralization. The approval of the spot bitcoin ETF, decided by a narrow 3-2 vote, exemplifies this evolution. It signifies a legal recognition of the escalating impact and legitimacy of decentralized finance, representing a significant shift in the institutional viewpoint towards cryptocurrencies.
The Notion of Liberty and Global Freedom
At the core of Srinivasan's argument is the concept of liberty. He contends that Bitcoin and similar technologies symbolize more than mere financial instruments; they are part of a larger crusade for global freedom. The apprehension of traditional establishments, he notes, stems not only from the challenge of regulating a novel monetary system but also from the fear of losing control over a worldwide framework that is increasingly eluding their regulatory purview.
What are your thoughts on Srinivasan's perspective? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Buy Gold?
Gold was a safe investment option for those who were in financial turmoil. Many people are now turning their backs on traditional investments like stocks and bonds, and instead look to precious metals like Gold.
Gold prices have been on an upward trend over recent years, but they remain relatively low compared to other commodities such as oil and silver.
Experts believe this could change soon. According to them, gold prices could soar if there is another financial crisis.
They also mention that gold is becoming more popular due to its perceived worth and potential return.
Consider these things if you are thinking of investing in gold.
- Consider first whether you will need the money to save for retirement. It's possible to save for retirement without putting your savings into gold. That said, gold does provide an additional layer of protection when you reach retirement age.
- Second, make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into before you start buying gold.There are several different types of gold IRA accounts available. Each account offers different levels of security and flexibility.
- Keep in mind that gold may not be as secure as a bank deposit. Losing your gold coins could result in you never being able to retrieve them.
You should do your research before buying gold. Make sure to protect any gold you already own.
What should I pay into my Roth IRA
Roth IRAs allow you to deposit your money tax-free. The account cannot be withdrawn from until you are 59 1/2. However, if your goal is to withdraw funds before that time, there are certain rules you must observe. You cannot touch your principal (the amount you originally deposited). This means that you can't take out more money than you originally contributed. If you wish to withdraw more than you originally contributed, you will have to pay taxes.
You cannot withhold your earnings from income taxes. So, when you withdraw, you'll pay taxes on those earnings. Let's suppose that you contribute $5,000 annually to your Roth IRA. Let's further assume you earn $10,000 annually after contributing. On the earnings, you would be responsible for $3,500 federal income taxes. This leaves you with $6,500 remaining. You can only take out what you originally contributed.
You would still owe tax on $1,500 if you took out $4,000 of your earnings. You'd also lose half the earnings that you took out, as they would be subject to a second 50% tax (half of 40%). Even though you had $7,000 in your Roth IRA account, you only received $4,000.
There are two types if Roth IRAs, Roth and Traditional. Traditional IRAs allow pre-tax contributions to be deducted from your taxable tax income. You can withdraw your contributions plus interest from your traditional IRA when you retire. You can withdraw as much as you want from a traditional IRA.
Roth IRAs are not allowed to allow you deductions for contributions. However, once you retire, you can withdraw your entire contribution plus accrued interest. There is no minimum withdrawal requirement, unlike traditional IRAs. You don't need to wait until your 70 1/2 year old age before you can withdraw your contribution.
Is it possible to hold a gold ETF within a Roth IRA
While a 401k may not offer this option for you, it is worth considering other options, such an Individual Retirement Plan (IRA).
Traditional IRAs allow contributions from both the employer and employee. An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is another way to invest in publicly traded companies.
An ESOP provides tax advantages because employees share ownership of company stock and profits the business generates. The money in the ESOP can then be subject to lower tax rates than if the money were in the individual's hands.
A Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA), is also available. An IRA allows you to make regular payments throughout your life and earn income in retirement. Contributions to IRAs do not have to be taxable
Statistics
- The price of gold jumped 131 percent from late 2007 to September 2011, when it hit a high of $1,921 an ounce, according to the World Gold Council. (aarp.org)
- Indeed, several financial advisers interviewed for this article suggest you invest 5 to 15 percent of your portfolio in gold, just in case. (aarp.org)
- If you accidentally make an improper transaction, the IRS will disallow it and count it as a withdrawal, so you would owe income tax on the item's value and, if you are younger than 59 ½, an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty. (forbes.com)
- Instead, the economy improved, stocks rebounded, and gold plunged, losing 28 percent of its value in 2013. (aarp.org)
- You can only purchase gold bars at least 99.5% purity. (forbes.com)
External Links
bbb.org
wsj.com
- Saddam Hussein's InvasionHelped Uncage a Bear In 90 – WSJ
- Do you want to keep your IRA gold at home? It's Not Exactly Lawful – WSJ
irs.gov
forbes.com
- Gold IRA, Add Sparkle to Your Retirement Nest egg
- Understanding China's Evergrande Crisis – Forbes Advisor
How To
The best place to buy silver or gold online
First, understand the basics of gold. Gold is a precious metal similar to platinum. It's rare and often used to make money due its resistance and durability to corrosion. It is very difficult to use and most people prefer to purchase jewelry made of it over actual bars of Gold.
Two types of gold coins are available today: the legal tender type and the bullion type. Legal tender coins can be used for circulation within a country. These coins usually come in denominations such $1, $5 and $10.
Bullion coin are not intended for investment. However, their value will increase with inflation.
They are not exchangeable in any currency exchange system. For example, a person who buys $100 worth or gold gets 100 grams. This gold has a $100 price. Each dollar spent earns the buyer 1 gram gold.
You should also know where to buy your gold. There are several options available if your goal is to purchase gold from a dealer. First, go to your local coin shop. You might also consider going through a reputable online seller like eBay. You can also purchase gold through private online sellers.
Private sellers are individuals who offer to sell gold at retail or wholesale prices. Private sellers will charge you a 10% to 15% commission for every transaction. Private sellers will typically get you less than a coin shop, eBay or other online retailers. However, this option is often a great choice when investing in gold since it gives you more control over the item's price.
Another option for buying gold is to invest in physical gold. Physical gold is much easier to store than paper certificates, but you still have to worry about storing it safely. To ensure that your physical gold remains safe, you need to secure it in an impenetrable container such as a vault or safety deposit box.
To purchase gold by yourself, you can visit a bank and a pawnshop. A bank can offer you a loan for the amount that you need to buy gold. Customers can borrow money from pawnshops to purchase items. Banks typically charge higher interest rates than pawn shops.
The final option is to ask someone to buy your gold! Selling gold can be as easy as selling. Contact a company such as GoldMoney.com, and you can set up a simple account and start receiving payments immediately.
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By: Jamie Redman
Title: The Emergence of Bitcoin ETFs: A Paradigm Shift in the Financial Landscape
Sourced From: news.bitcoin.com/balaji-srinivasan-equates-bitcoin-etf-move-to-reversal-of-fdrs-historic-gold-seizure/
Published Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:30:07 +0000
