http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ron_Paul,_official_Congressional_photo_portrait,_2007.jpgThis United States Congress image is in the public domain. This may be because it is an official Congressional portrait, because it was taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because it has been released into the public domain and posted on the official websites of a member of Congress. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.
I am not so sure that Dr. Paul would have too much of a say in my use of his image, but of course if he requested that I cease doing it, I would.
I have mixed feelings about this, solely because I feel like it uses Dr Paul's name, words and likeness almost to promote Bitcoin.
I think his stance on alternative currencies at least puts him as a supporter of what bitcoin stands for, and I doubt that he would have any problem with this. I don't think he will ever directly endorse bitcoin though.
Also, given that a good many "True Believers®" genuinely believe that Bitcoin's value would be soaring right now were it not for some mysterious "manipulator", the quote chosen almost seems counter-productive: if the allegations of "the manipulator" are true, then Bitcoin is no better than USD, except you have the option not to use Bitcoin.
I am a True Believer® and I don't believe that bitcoin's value should be soaring. Before it became a hot press item, it has a slow steady appreciation rate, and if you cut out the bubble on the graph, we are pretty much back on track. If Bitcoin had an annual value change of +/-2% I would be happy with that, as it would make a useful currency. 10-20% swings in the course of a week make it a speculation/investment item, and a lousy currency.
Money is a medium of exchange, not an investment item. Holding on to dollars or bitcoins is foolish, and any currency should be diverted into wealth generating or life improvement rather than being hoarded for potential future valuations.
Just two bitcents from a True Believer®
Please include the allegations of "the manipulator" rather than referencing them. I am ignorent of what he has said about anything. From what I can tell he can make the speculators dance, and he helps clear any imbalances in the valuation of bitcoins. On both accounts, I approve.
