I started Bitcoin day 2 by taking a small amount of mushrooms so "not everyone at the conference seemed like an asshole". Ultimately I don't think that worked it just made my tummy ache.
Day 2 was no longer industry badge holders only so it was massively more busy. Really the first day in a way. First of all there were way more pigs and rent-a-pigs. 2+ private companies, locale PD, TSA, and secret service off the top. Plus of course a few "totally not cops" wandering around not suspiciously at all. This made the line into the main stage area so long that you would find its tail randomly in the middle of the convention floor hundreds of yards away from the security checkpoint.
The vibe today was different as well. With so many more people the level of grift has lowered. Now not only were there bitcoiners trying to sell each other new wallets or advertising yet another mining resale service but just regular type people. You could tell by the way they looked around with vague confusion yet obvious hope. Many people are drawn to Bitcoin for an alternative to whatever isn't working. I can't afford my groceries any more and these bitcoiners say they can help let's check it out sorta deal.
There were many keynotes and talks today. As yesterday they ranged from mind melting libertarian screeds to intriguing bits of tech talk.
Phill Zimmerman, inventor of PGP, gave a short talk about why the US is fighting against E2EE. Pretty good besides his need to keep saying "the US is doing this, obviously china is doing it more"
It was also a day of political speeches on the main stage. All MCd by this guy:
The human rights foundation spoke about people needing to check their financial privileges and argued that Bitcoin allows those in disadvantaged areas to potentially transmit value sans government approval and banking institutions. Perhaps the most compelling talk of the day and at least attempting to make a True case for crypto.
By now though I had only drank 3 cups of coffee, including some free Bitcoin coffee (not made by robots which were broken today whenever I walked by), and nothing else. My stomach was loving it.
Unfortunately I was looking masc today and wouldn't you know it at Bitcoin 2024 the men's bathrooms had long lines and the women's didn't. Didn't want to argue with libertarians about gender so no quick women's room run for me.
In the afternoon the main stage had senators Tim Scott and Cynthia Lummis. Who spent the whole time just saying each other's names repeatedly. "If the government controls the money then they control us" says two senators to standing ovation.
20 minutes late they finally shut up and allow the giant Snowden head to dominate the stage. He gave perhaps the best talk of the day and essentially begged everyone to take his warnings about the lack of privacy on BTC blcokchain seriously. Lots of clapping and yet the block chain remains insecure. But that's what he's always done. Begged to be taken seriously while everyone pretends to care but does not heed him. Declares the US to be (becoming) the "Land of the fee home of the slave" to end his speech.
Between every speech ads play. This trailer for "God bless bitcoin" was incessant. Don't worry the animation remains shitty
Next was RFK jr. Now this was when the crowd really got wild. Absolutely jam packed audience. Nowhere to stand but the far back of the giant hall. He declares his Bitcoin policy. He declares himself the first Bitcoin president And says it's strange that since the fall of the Soviet Union America has gotten less free. A paradox he says. LOL. He ends his speech with something like "I'm not red, blue or even purple. Those are the party's colors. I consider myself orange. Trump may have orange hair but I have an orange heart" crowd goes fuckin insane.
Finally it was Russell Brand and the CEO of Rumble's turn. They just spent the few minutes I was there going back and forth about how awesome each other is.
I couldn't handle anymore so I stumbled out of the convention hall to try and find some food away from the conference. As a final goodbye for the day I saw the Cyber truck Bitcoin edition from the header. I've seen more bazingamobiles here than I have anywhere else ever. Most aren't quite so ugly just the normal amount.
I'm so tired. Tomorrow surely will be great. They've banned large bags and backpacks from the whole convention for the day. Trump will be there at 3 rumors persist that Harris will show up. The lines will be longer.
These photos are big maybe i should shrink em for tomorrow.
Day 1: concert style security. Quick metal detector and bag check if ya had a backpack
Day 2: 2nd layer of bigger metal detectors. Few Police officers. One or two uniformed SS.
Today: backpack and bags fully banned. Tons of uniformed SS highly armed plus many men wondering around wearing oddly bulky suits as if something was being g worn under them...
So yes more and more.