A tough bug correct decision.
As much as I hate the thought of dirt-bags getting away with it, this was the right decision. We are already highly monitored and the thought of the state being able to track anybody for any reason without any notification is pretty scary stuff.
As citizens of the 'free' world we have to watch those in power to make sure we are not toads being boiled a degree at a time and all that stuff.
My main concern in the UK is the Euro... think about this... if we *do* go into the Euro at some point, then one day, surely the state will say 'hang on', it's cheaper if we do away with money and we'll issue everybody a transaction card instead... there goes the beautiful anonymity of cold hard cash. You wouldn't be able to buy anything without that transaction being recorded. On the assumption that only you can use the card, you are now being tracked 24x7.
Long live cash.
Or, let's find a way to live without it altogether. It fucks up the world no end that's for sure. If money went away tomorrow, I ask you people, would everything become worthless or priceless ?
PS: First!