Posted on 08/19/2004 7:22:32 AM PDT by missyme
A national ID card -- here in America? It could happen in the post- 9-11 world.
The idea is one of the recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, and it has now come up for debate in the Senate.
Keeping Congress busy during its summer recess, 9/11 Commissioners further expanded a recommendation from their final report: the possibility of a national identification card for U.S. citizens.
The report stopped short of endorsing national ID cards, but acknowledged they could effectively serve as a counter-terrorism tool -- making it harder for terrorists to mask their true identities.
Lee Hamilton, Vice Chairman, 9/11 Commission said, "We did recommend national standards for driver's licenses, for example, and over time that might lead to a national ID card."
According to the commission's Chair, it was a lack of national standards that contributed to terrorists gaining access to commercial airliners.
9/11 Commission Chairman Thomas Kean said, "They flew all over this country to test the airlines and get ready for Nine-Eleven. We didn't pick them up on any of those flights, even though we should have picked up some of them. And when they do that -- when they move around -- that's when either a national ID card or national standards of some sort would come into play and disrupt them."
Critics say national standards for driver's licenses would ultimately shift the job of motor vehicle employees to immigration police.
And, privacy advocates fear the idea would threaten privacy and be used to profile individuals based on race, religion or ethnicity. But the Commission believed the idea may be more welcome in a post-9/11 world.
They said they felt that "the American public is becoming more and more agreeable to intrusiveness, in order to protect themselves against terrorist attacks."
The Commission also recommended biometric screening, which would employ digital fingerprinting or photographs as used in the U.S. Visit program for foreign visitors. Biometrics involves using ID technology for things like retinal scanning and fingerprints.
Senate Commerce Chairman John McCain said he would submit legislation that would make the Commission's recommendations become law.
They said they felt that "the American public is becoming more and more agreeable to intrusiveness, in order to protect themselves against terrorist attacks." TOTALLY DIS-AGREE!
I do not have a problem with a National ID card - if it voluntary like a passport. Heck, since I have a passport, I often use that.
I doubt that it would be voluntary.....If that was forced upon us then what would be next?
There's enough Big Brotherism in this country already.
If I'm forced to have an ID card I won't accept it.
If I'm forced to accept it I wont carry it with me.
If I'm forced to carry it with me, I'll lose it.
No National ID Card in America. USSR = internal passport. PRC = no freedom to travel. Germany = traveling for more than 7 days, required to register w/local police (home and destination).
Don't wanna be like them!
I have no problem with ID card. Terrorism and fanatic Islamism are a real threat. It is going to be a threat for several decades more to come.
It is a shame not many people see this.
We are way too slow with our reaction to terrorism. We need to do more. A lot more. Islamic threat is here. It WAS already here.
I agree with you, but if they make us carry one and we don't have it then we would proably risk being fined and having to go to court to prove we have one just like we do now if we are pulled over driving and we do not have our driver's license on us....
And, let's face it. A national ID card will not stop *anyone* intent on committing an act or terrorism against the U.S.
This only practical "benefit" of such a plan is to give the illusion of safety. Whatever.
First a National ID CArd then and Implant? we leave ourselves open to many more intrusive measures, look what they are trying to do with medical implants the whole thing stinks...
It's just a way for the government to keep track of everybody's move...
We can't, or won't, do anything about illegal aliens, and some want to give them drivers' licenses and the right to vote. So what good will it do to give them national id cards if we will do nothing otherwise? It's another 'feel good' gesture that means nothing, and has the potential for abuse.
If it's voluntary, it could be the answer to illegals getting work. ($100,000 fine for hiring someone without valid ID card.)
there is no way in hell i would accept that stupid card. I even refused to wear a name tag at college orientation.
I hate that sort of stuff.
Wow, they're no longer even bothering to lie about their intentions.
If Americans accept this, they'll deserve the police state they get.
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