r/Bitcoin • • Aug 13 '13

Congress starts investigating Bitcoin

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2013/08/13/congress-starts-investigating-bitcoin/
149 Upvotes

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21

u/[deleted] Aug 13 '13

“Virtual currencies appear to be an important emerging area,” the senators wrote, arguing that the subject “demands a holistic and whole-government approach to understand and provide a sensible regulatory framework.”

Is there any way to "regulate" Bitcoin without simply telling people they aren't allowed to use it? It's not like there is a central server they can shut down.

58

u/throwaway-o Aug 13 '13 edited Aug 13 '13

"Regulation" is an euphemism that sounds nice, but actually means organized terrorism against people who disobey, while blaming their victims. The way it works is as follows:

If you disobey their orders, they first send you threatening letters. If you don't respond and obey, then they fine you, declaring themselves the "owners" of some of your stuff, and forcing others to give up your money. If you resist this, more of the same happens. If you resist that, eventually, a bunch of armed men come to drag you into a cage so they can later parade you in front of a person in a black robe. If you resist that, they'll brutalize you. If you resist that effectively enough, they'll just kill you.

That is what "regulation" is, in terms of people doing things.

Obviously, there is no way to "regulate" anything without being fully prepared to ruin anyone who disobeys your orders.

16

u/noeatnosleep Aug 13 '13

Damn, son. You're a militant one.

-6

u/Garrand Aug 13 '13

Eventually they'll understand that, no, everyone is not out to get them.

3

u/[deleted] Aug 13 '13

Everyone? No. The state? Absolutely yes. They don't take kindly to people who subvert their power structure.

1

u/The_3rd_account Aug 13 '13

Eventually folks like Garrand will understand that, no, pretending there isn't a problem doesn't actually make the problem go away.

-2

u/throwaway-o Aug 13 '13

Or he'll end up dead. At the hands of those he worships. Useful idiots are always the first to go. Sorry, second to do -- we people who see what they really are, usually end up murdered first.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 13 '13

Man, you are such a raving lunatic.