Bitcoin Enthusiasts Gather in D.C.

On Mar. 11, 2025, Washington, D.C., hosted a gathering of prominent Bitcoin supporters, organized by the Bitcoin Policy Institute.

Michael Saylor’s Speech

Michael Saylor delivered a compelling speech on Bitcoin’s significance for America. A video of his remarks ignited discussions on social media, particularly on X, regarding the notion of a “better Bitcoin.” Pierre Rochard from Riot Platforms joined the conversation, arguing against this idea.

The Debate Begins

The controversy was sparked by Jason Calacanis, who expressed that Saylor’s promotion of Bitcoin through risky accumulation methods is detrimental to the cryptocurrency’s ecosystem. He asserted that there’s excessive centralization and conflict in this approach, ultimately setting the stage for the launch of a “better Bitcoin.”

> Saylor’s relentless pumping of bitcoin, and his high-risk accumulation techniques, are damaging the bitcoin ecosystem and brand. — Jason Calacanis

Calacanis further amplified this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for a better alternative to Bitcoin.

Resistance from Bitcoin Maxis

Supporters of Bitcoin reacted robustly, defending its integrity. Matty Ice from Consensus Pro argued that launching a better Bitcoin is inherently impossible due to the unique network effects, security features, and the historical importance of the original Bitcoin. This sentiment was echoed by others in the community.

Pierre Rochard Responds

Pierre Rochard provided a thorough rebuttal to Calacanis’s critiques. He argued that Bitcoin’s decentralization is fundamentally embedded in its design and that simply owning a large amount of Bitcoin doesn’t grant any individual exploitative power over the network. He highlighted that Bitcoin’s strength lies not just in ownership but in the distribution of nodes and the consensus rules that maintain the network’s security.

Rochard pointed out that regardless of an influencer’s activities, Bitcoin’s value is dictated by its predictable issuance schedule and robust community. He stressed that Bitcoin has withstood significant challenges, affirming its resilience and steadfastness.

The Improbability of a Better Bitcoin

While Rochard did not explicitly dismiss the notion of a better Bitcoin, he claimed that creating one would be improbable, as it would necessitate challenging Bitcoin’s established dominance in security and liquidity. He noted that attempts to replicate Bitcoin have generally faltered due to inherent vulnerabilities in altcoins.

In conclusion, he reaffirmed that Bitcoin’s core properties—being secure, permissionless, and verifiable—outweigh the influence of individual voices within the community.

Final Thoughts

At the D.C. event, Rochard emphasized Bitcoin’s advantages over gold, highlighting the ease of auditing and verifying Bitcoin. He raised doubts about the actual reserves of gold held in Fort Knox, advocating for a serious audit procedure.

His remarks echoed the themes of BTC acquisition emphasized by Saylor, who projected that the U.S. should aim to secure a substantial leading position in Bitcoin by 2035.

Disclaimer: The debates and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect consensus views within the Bitcoin community.