You could calculate hash functions with pen and paper as well. It may be somewhat slow but once you get the hang of it you could calculate a couple hashes a week.

Should we ban pen and paper problem solving? Who is to decide which numbers and operators are public good? Is math in its entirety blasphemous?

Although comparing pen and paper calculations with the greedy wasteful world of bitcoin mining is ridiculous, I think it’s less ridiculous then associating anything you don’t agree with drugs or any other boogieman argument.

Law and ethics are not as clear cut as you are trying to portray. Nature and ecology are precious but so are Personal freedoms. They were not given to society, they were earned with blood and tears and they’re equally precious.