I would be very surprised if the (US) government were to try to "shut down" Bitcoin. Perhaps regulate it. Perhaps harass an individual entity using Bitcoin.
I believe we have a protected right to use technology like Bitcoin. To make it illegal you would have to deny me the right to:
1. Free communication/speech.
2. Identify myself (authentication/digital signatures).
3. Retain private information (keys).
4. Trade with other people.
The government has an interest in requiring me to report Income so that they can check if I've paid my taxes. But this is no different than any other cash or barter transaction.
It would require a very restrictive police state to outlaw the use of Bitcoin as a technology.
I believe we have a protected right to use technology like Bitcoin. To make it illegal you would have to deny me the right to:
The government has an interest in requiring me to report Income so that they can check if I've paid my taxes. But this is no different than any other cash or barter transaction.It would require a very restrictive police state to outlaw the use of Bitcoin as a technology.