>Can the government stop me from buying something with USD? Not a chance.
What? Of course they can. They can get a warrant and bust into your house and put you in jail if they have basis to believe you have bought something they think you shouldn't have (drugs, child porn, slaves, and tons of other things).
You're getting way off track here. The assertion was that the government is afraid that it can't stop you from spending bitcoins, the implication being that it can with cash. Bitcoin vs. USD doesn't solve your ability to purchase weaponized measles.
Generally I agree with you, but in some cases a government does interfere to limit, inhibit, discourage, or prevent purchasing to varying degrees. They make it very hard. Controlled substances for example.
They can even do it automatedly, such as freezing the ability to withdraw or deposit funds electronically.
Sure, but also notice how they never (in history) tried to control your dollars in such a manner.
If they had set their mind to do just that, I bet they would succeed. For one: forbid all cash, arrest at once anyone using or accepting it (or any self issued barter system) and only allow credit cards and e-money.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, etc., etc.
UH OH