In reply to Chris Farlee.

Do you know anything about the prohibition of Cannabis in America?
That isn't government being used to determine winners and losers? Did you know that they have kept Cannabis out of every study concerning the viability of biofuels? Nevermind that Cannabis has already proven itself to be a safe and reliable means of producing fuel in America. Nevermind that it doesn't take a high level of skill to grow. Nevermind that it will grow damn near everywhere. The fact is that if you can't control the source, you can't control the market... and with Cannabis (as well as Bitcoin) there is no way to keep control of the source. People interested in controlling the markets are "entrenched interests". Who determines what is legal and illegal? The people who can afford to pay off your legislators...that's who!

Money laundering? Are you fing kidding me? All of the worst cases of money laundering were conducted by BANKS (notice banks/bankers don't go to jail for doing it either)! LIBOR? Forex-manipulation? Being able to track revenue streams is not at issue with Bitcoin. WTF do you think the "blockchain" is? It's a PUBLIC LEDGER OF EVERY SINGLE TRANSACTION THAT OCCURS ON THE BITCOIN NETWORK! What is at issue is that with Bitcoin and other cryptos you don't need BANKS, BANKERS, LAWYERS, and REGULATORS to verify the ownership of funds. You either have the private keys, or you don't. DONE! There are 4 "incumbent businesses that are "THREATENED" by Bitcoin. Now you know why the California legislature thinks they can say word one about who gets to participate in Bitcoin and other cryptos!

Licenses to mine? Background checks? WTF? That isn't playing "winners and losers"? I don't think you have the slightest clue what you are talking about. Go download a wallet. Go to some faucets and get some free Bitcoin, get one of your friends to do the same and then conduct a transaction or two for yourself.... THEN come back here and tell me how much GOVERNMENT REGULATION, you needed in order to do it!

-Oz