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. _______________________________________________________________ Omegaman mailto:omega@bigeasy.com PGP Key fingerprint = 6D 31 C3 00 77 8C D1 C2 59 0A 01 E3 AF 81 94 63 Send e-mail with "get key" in the "Subject:" field to get a copy of my public key _______________________________________________________________