Posted on 10/25/2001 2:51:14 AM PDT by purereason
Don't need to...Whenever someone is stopped by a traffic cop and the cop goes back to the patrol car, he can get all the information regarding your driver's license right off the computer in the car. He probably ran your license plate through the computer, to get all info on car, before he even stopped you.
I'm not crazy about identity card either but unlike gun control, which also punishes the law abiding, at least it can be used against to take out those that aren't law abiding.
HOW?
The technology to insert chips with encrypted information exists today. Modern codes are not computer breakable. The cards would also serve as passports. Various levels of businesses and/or government entities such as customs would have access to varying levels of coded information that could be deciphered with a simple pass through a reader. New identities could not be created. Existing cards could not be modified. Lost or stolen cards could be instantly invalidated, world wide. Visas for entry into the U.S. could require much more, verifiable information.
For the past half century I have been adamantly opposed to national ID cards for all of the reasons stated above in this thread but have been forced to reconsider by the reality of today. We have long existed in George Orwell's 1984 nightmare. Computer technology does not create the problem; it only facilitates evil government. Our job is to defend liberty and control government unrelated to technology.
As other posters have noted, we effectively are forced to carry "papers" today to function in our society. They are too easily created or altered. It is time to rethink the issue. Sadly, I believe the benefits of a national ID, today, outweighs the downside.
Well, I won't bother to argue the Constitutionality (or lack thereof) of this card, since you've already stipulated that it will bring no additional benefits above and beyond those already in place. Even by your own logic an NID only replicates these other cards - are you in love with government bureaucracies?
And don't try to tell me the NID will be fraud-proof. Anything man can make, he can forge.
But, I am in favor of a Voluntary ID Card System for any American Citizen who wants to carry one. The VIDA card (from Voluntary Identification Act :>) should be based upon a retinal scan for maximum security. I would like the ability to prove without a doubt that I am who I say I am at high tech scan points(airports), banks, etc.
Those who elect not to participate can stand in the longer lines where slower means of identification are used. It is their right.
The VIDA card should only carry information necessary for near instant verification of identity plus such other limited information as the holder may permit, i.e. blood type, medical problems, etc.
Think of it as similar to a driver's license with a bar code to instantly permit a match of the retinal scan on file with that of the card holder being scanned. And, how many of those responding to your post have a driver's license now. A forge proof driver's license?
We don't need a national ID card to keep track of foreigners entering the country and prevent terrorism.
The only reason we would need a national ID card is so the government can more efficiently decide which nuisance citizens to send to the internment camps when the time comes.
As far as I am concerned it could be worn on the outside of our clothing, If you don't have one you would be noticed.
After a 6 month period the practice could be stopped.
Add to that a vigorous policing of the borders and no Illegals allowed to enter or gain employment without proper clearance. If anyone has a better idea let us know and I'll go for it.
Thanks, but I don't plan to seek permission to walk around on public land.
Driver's License Bill May Be Law By "Accident" (LA Slimes article)
How much proof do you want? The proof would be in the pudding. In other words, until they are established there is no way to prove anything. But there are a lot of things the government could do to make them near counterfeit proof, depending on how much we're willing to give up.
For example: they could be entered in a central computer before they are even assigned to anyone and then tracked all the way to issuance. They could then set up check points, similiar to ATM machines, at public buildings, airports, sporting events, and anywhere where large numbers of people congregate. They could even set up roadway check points. They could likewise include identifying marks such as finger prints and/or video identification scanners. Depends on how far you want to go..
Any cards entering the system midway would then stick out like a sore thumb. I'm not sure I would want them to go that far, but I would be willing to think about it.
The way the system is today, the terrorists can probably get information on us but we can't get any on them.
Sad but true. I don't even like police officers rooming around with the authority they now have but reality forces me accept it.
I won't, but consider all of the alternative they now have. If they find it difficult to counterfeit one type of ID, they can simply copy another.
Are you a student of history?
Arbeiten Macht Frei, Tench_Coxe.
Ever heard of concentration camps. They could be housed along with all the others who are found without ID until they are otherwise cleared.
"Just out of curiosity, what do you propose to do with American citizens that refuse to accept a National ID card?
Ever heard of concentration camps. They could be housed along with all the others who are found without ID until they are otherwise cleared.
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