Ripple is not a cryptocurrency !
It is an electronic token, issued by a company. Ripple Labs Inc.
They can do what they want, they are in the USA, so they can receive national security letters - they may have received some already.
They can create tokens from thin air and basically they are a FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY
Just like Wells Fargo blocked wire transfers to exchange because Uncle Sam wanted it, they could (be forced) do the same....they are unsuitable as an investment!
I understand where you are coming from...and with that I know that the banks and the government have the power already, so I'm hedging my bets. I'm all for bitcoin/ether/litecoin...something...anything...that's better than what we currently have with fiat and the rate of government control over our lives. And with that, I'm a trained mediator who does my best to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. So I always consider both sides of the equation as equally as I can...and I currently see Ripple as the "middle ground" and worth the investment.