RFK Jr. Vows To Pardon Silk Road’s Ross Ulbricht

On Thursday, United States Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a significant statement on social media, pledging to free Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht if he secures the presidency in November. Kennedy criticized the severity of Ulbricht’s two life sentences, suggesting they were excessively harsh for merely “hosting an e-commerce platform.” He also encouraged his followers to sign a petition advocating for Ulbricht’s release.

Kennedy’s stance shines a light on the broader issue of cryptocurrency regulation and governmental policies. Recently, former President Trump has captured the crypto community’s attention by portraying himself as the “crypto President,” a move that has placed cryptocurrencies at the forefront of national discussions. Kennedy’s consistent and substantial support for blockchain technology and digital assets sets him apart from what might be perceived as campaign-centric rhetoric.

In 2023, Kennedy proposed stabilizing the U.S. dollar by backing it with Bitcoin and eliminating the capital gains tax on Bitcoin, aiming to mitigate the devaluation of the global reserve currency. This stance reflects his deeper commitment to the growth and integration of blockchain technology into the financial system. To counter criticisms of his support for Bitcoin, Kennedy revealed that he had personally invested in Bitcoin for each of his seven children, reinforcing his statement, “I’m going to put my money where my mouth is.”

Kennedy has also been vocal against the establishment of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). He cites significant privacy issues and the inherent weaknesses in the current banking system as primary reasons for his opposition. Trump shares similar concerns about CBDCs, marking a rare point of convergence between the two politicians.

One of Kennedy’s most innovative proposals is to place the entire U.S. fiscal budget on the blockchain. He believes this would bring unparalleled transparency, efficiency, and accountability to government spending. This radical idea has yet to be matched by any other politician in the United States, showcasing Kennedy’s willingness to embrace bold, technology-driven solutions.

As the 2024 election draws closer, the issue of pardoning American dissidents has become increasingly popular among presidential hopefuls. Alongside Kennedy, former President Trump and former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have also expressed their intentions to grant pardons. Ramaswamy, who has since exited the race and endorsed Trump, had initially pledged to pardon figures like Julian Assange, Ross Ulbricht, and other non-violent prisoners on his first day in office.

Ramaswamy’s potential role in Trump’s future administration remains a topic of speculation, with Trump hinting at his involvement in some capacity should he win in 2024. In a conversation with independent journalist Tim Pool, Trump revealed that he was seriously considering the possibility of pardoning Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, further contributing to the dialogue on dissident pardons.

Kennedy has consistently positioned himself as a maverick on this issue. He has affirmed his intentions to pardon Assange, whistleblower Edward Snowden, and Ross Ulbricht should he be elected. This aligns with his broader narrative of advocating for transparency, justice reform, and technological integration.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promises and proposals indicate his deep investment in technological advancements and reformative justice. By leveraging blockchain and advocating for the rights of dissidents, Kennedy aims to introduce considerable changes to the existing political and financial systems. This approach, if implemented, could reshape several aspects of U.S. governance and economic policy.