[freeeee]

Ok. The point I'm trying to make here is the SSN has gone far, far beyond its inteded use. One of the major objections of those opposed to the social security system when it was first proposed was the abuse prone to numbering citizens.

Sure enough that abuse has occurred, despite heroic efforts to combat it.

While the damage done to privacy by SSN's was profound and unprecedented, it pails in comparison to the potential for abuse posed by these chips. IMO, the RFID is one of the most powerful data gathering devices ever invented. Today we are told we are in a post 9-11 world, and "everything is different" meaning security is paramount above all other concerns.

In light of this, why should we believe chips won't be abused?

[Junior]

I can't see the government forcing people to put something in them, in what amounts to invasive surgery. The Civil Libertarians already are a bit snarky about lesser invasions of one's privacy. I can see them positively livid about chipping people.

[Free Vulcan]

When I opened my current bank account, I asked them if I had to give them my SSN. They said yes, it was federal law. I checked, they were right.

My credit card company wouldn't give me one without one, same with my cell phone co., my utilities, driver's license, unemployment benefits, insurance, etc. You have to give your SSN for a loan, credit card, utilities, insurance, etc., so they can do a credit check...which identifies you by SSN.

Almost any financial or govt institution that you do business with requires a SSN to verify your identity, anyone that says otherwise is blowing BS.