From: Omegaman <omega@bigeasy.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 11:18:44 -0800 (PST)
To: Steve Schear <azur@netcom.com>
Subject: Re: New crypto regs outlaw financing non-US development
In-Reply-To: <v02140b04aeec957d92db@[10.0.2.15]>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.3.95.961230112949.594C-100000@jolietjake.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain


On Sun, 29 Dec 1996, Steve Schear wrote:
 
> I doubt the Executive order can be interpreted to mean U.S. citizens cannot
> purchase stocks of foreign companies engaged in crypto.  There are many
> companies (e.g., NEC, Siemans, Philips, ect.) which engage in development
> of crypto equipment which would not be exportable if they were produced in
> the U.S.  Can the gov't deny us the right to invest in these and other
> offshore companies?

You doubt but are you sure?  Potential investors are unsure as well.  The
executive order has a "chilling effect" on such investments, and could
affect their actual stock value.

The idea strikes me as an attempt to slow strong crypto development so
U.S.-sponsored escrow alternatives can be put into wide deployment.

It may also be a "trial-balloon" to see if the USG can get away with deny
individuals and corporations the right to invest in "non-approved"
technologies.  The current administration is hell-bent on imposing any
limitations it can.

All this makes me wonder why there is any doubt that this country has
devolved into a near police-state.  Compromise away your rights and you get
what you deserve.

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 Omegaman <mailto:omega@bigeasy.com> 
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