Well... I see this with a lot of nuance.  But there are several things they could try to do that would be ultimately futile, but could cause some nasty ripples (pun not intended... but then...) as well as harm to certain individuals.  As a US citizen I could be in that bucket, sadly.

First there is the precedent of Executive Order 6102.  I think this is unlikely, but not impossible.  Right now all governments including the US gvmt are not doing well in the reputation and confidence arena.  And that kind of move by an administration that is fairly well hated by everyone but the choir would likely not go over well for them.  Also the Bitcoin virus has already spread so far and deeply that not only would this be bad for many businesses, but it would hurt individual government folks.  And there are also several other practical differences that I will not take the time to go into here.  But that is one route forward.

Another, is if they were to pull a China and ban bitcoin or more likely try to neuter bitcoin by regulation.  Again, they are way too late, and this will not stop bitcoin no matter what they do.  It will just hurt the US.  But the amount of stupid we have been seeing from our government as well as the amount of evil... well I would not put it past them.

At this point several people would say "Well it's just the US.  This can't stop bitcoin".  And that is true! But it could hurt the US and it's citizens (me!). But, on the other hand this would also be a reality they would see if there is a peanut in any of their heads.

Anyway... It is not impossible for there to be a bad move made on the part of my country, and honestly?  I like at least what my country USED to stand for too much to see that happen.  Plus if they take away everything I have worked hard for I will be double pissed.

But wait 'till you hear my flip side theory.  Hehe... It's a doozy.  

Next post.