Angel Investor vs. XRP: A Battle of Wits and Wallets!

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In a rather remarkable display of digital bravado, our good friend Jason McCabe Calacanis, that legendary wagerer of startup fortunes and all-round high-society poker player (you know, the chap responsible for greasing the wheels of over 300 startups, including those household names Uber and Robinhood), has decided to grace us with his opinion on that thrilling little knickknack known as XRP. His words were presented with all the charm of a house cat perched atop a freshly polished mahogany table: “a centrally controlled security.” Well, pinch me, dear reader, for I could scarcely believe my ears!

Now, what prompted this dazzling epiphany? It seems our friend Calacanis was reacting to a post from Polymarket, which suggested that Ripple’s very own Brad Garlinghouse had enjoyed a delightful repast with none other than former US President Donald Trump. How’s that for a tête-à-tête? As if dining with a former POTUS wasn’t enough, Polymarket careened into the deep end of speculation with odds hinting at a potential spot ETF this year, boasting a staggering 70%. A round of applause, if you please! 🎉

Calacanis, with all the earnestness of a vicar at a Sunday morning service, took umbrage with the notion of XRP as a decentralized darling. He declared, “XRP is a centrally controlled security — is that even a question for anyone here?” It’s almost as if he was serving crumpets at a garden party and someone dared to suggest that a wasp might serve as the flagship of the insect kingdom. “According to every crypto OG I talk to,” he continued with gusto, “it’s the opposite of Bitcoin. If the SEC allows it to trade like Bitcoin, then securities law will be worthless!” You can almost hear the collective gasp from the assembled gentleman and gentlewomen of Bitcoin!

Chaos, he warned, would ensue if his fears came to pass, and a million startups would swarm like bees around a honeypot, while the world watched aghast. “That kind of chaos is NOT a good idea for America,” he intoned somberly, sounding remarkably like a schoolmaster chastising kids caught in the cookie jar. “We must keep our markets as tidy as a well-ordered garden, after all!”

Swift XRP Community Pushback

However, not all were inclined to bow at the altar of Calacanis’s musings. The XRP faithful, recognizing an opportunity for a lively kerfuffle, took to their keyboards somewhat like soldiers charging into battle. One chap by the nom de plume Vet (@Vet_X0) promptly made it quite clear that XRP is as neutral and free as a runaway horse. “XRP and Bitcoin,” he cried, “are the same in that they float merrily along on a decentralized and open-source codebase!” Such poetic imagery! 🐎

Another participant, the keenly observant brandon (@BlueFoxAlaska), chimed in to remind Calacanis of some good old-fashioned legalities: “There have been court rulings, Jason. Very clear. XRP is not a security.” It appears that the courtroom had thrown the proverbial book at him, leaving poor old Calacanis to wonder how on earth he became embroiled in such lighthearted back-and-forth. “What’s the tea?” Brandon cheekily inquired, clearly relishing the chance to stir the pot.

And thus we find ourselves at a crossroads in this long-standing debate, with the currency of the realm—the eternal tussle over regulations and definitions—resurrecting itself to bedevil us once more. Fear not, dear reader, for as I pen this, XRP dances about the markets at a lively price of $2.64, no doubt enjoying the fracas as much as we are. Such is the delightful chaos of the digital age! 💰

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2025-02-17 13:12