https://www.change.org/petitions/manchin-joe-don-t-let-the-government-ban-bitcoinSenator,
As you are undoubtedly aware, lawmakers and federal regulators demonstrated great foresight during the 1990s and early 2000s by taking a "wait and see" approach to the Internet, rather than strangling it in the cradle. The Internet is used for all sorts of sordid activity, but its usefulness dramatically outweighs its harm.
We are on the cusp of another such revolution: this time a revolution in money. You are correct that bitcoins are used in many sordid and criminal activities. However, the #1 most widely used form of money used by criminals, drug dealers, and terrorists is still the U.S. Dollar. Should we ban that, too? So far, the only countries to have banned bitcoin are those with a history of autocratic rule--Russia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and China. Do we really want to join that group?
I urge you to take a wise approach to this newly emerging technology. I urge you to push for smart regulations to protect U.S. consumers and strangle criminals and money launderers--but not to throw the baby out with the bath water.
What advantages does bitcoin offer?
a) Free and seamless payment network. Eliminate billions of dollars in fees charged by banks and payment processors. Allow poor immigrant workers to send money overseas without paying exorbitant fees.
b) Creates a payment system outside the control of "too big to fail" banks. Allows consumers a choice.
c) Security and privacy. Credit card numbers and personal information are not stored and transmitted multiple times over vulnerable networks. Bitcoins are cryptographically secure and cannot be forged.
Respectfully yours, Sincerely, [Your name]
https://www.change.org/petitions/manchin-joe-don-t-let-the-government-ban-bitcoin
