American Consequences - July 2017

that require you to be an accredited investor (with a net worth of more than $1 million), you can buy “shares” in a blockchain’s technology by purchasing its cryptocurrency. Of course, that doesn’t mean buying bitcoin is an easy trade... or one for your rent money. BITCOIN HAS BEEN CALLED ‘DEAD’ 129 TIMES On June 20, 2011, Forbes wrote “So, That’s the End of Bitcoin Then.” On January 16, 2015, USA Today wrote “Bitcoin Is Headed to the ‘Ash Heap.’” On May 5, 2017, The Daily Reckoning wrote “The Death of Bitcoin.” Since 2011, bitcoin has been declared dead at least 129 times. Newsletter writers, journalists, and academics have called it a “Ponzi scheme.” Others like the idea in theory but have doubts. They are convinced the government will shut down bitcoin and render it worthless. If it were 2013, I would have agreed with them. From 2009-13, bitcoin rallied from a fraction of a penny to more than $1,100... and then spectacularly crashed 85% to $185. It looked like a classic “pump and dump” to me. That’s why I ignored it. But then something very interesting happened. Instead of collapsing back to pennies, bitcoin found support in the $200 range. Even after the bubble popped, bitcoin was still worth billions.

AWHOLE NEWWAY TO DO BUSINESS

I predict that in a few short years, most international trade will be conducted through a blockchain... just like most of the world’s communication is done via e-mail. But the blockchain won’t only change trade... Think about real estate. Real estate transactions have been done basically the same way since the Middle Ages. It’s a cumbersome, paperwork-heavy process that takes months. In a few years, the blockchain will allow you to qualify for a loan, conduct a title search, and close on a house in a single day. It’s not that far off. It’s not every day you get to see a life- changing trend happen right before your eyes. In a few short years, the word “blockchain” will be as commonplace as e-mail. And it will spawn entire new industries. Barclays has proven the blockchain works to conduct business... And it won’t take long before this technology becomes widespread. Remember, e-mail took off just two years after its first use. But here’s the thing... The technology is run using cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. You can use cryptocurrencies to protect your wealth and privacy... But they also act as “shares” in the burgeoning blockchain industry. As more people use the blockchain, these “shares” increase in price. Unlike hedge funds

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