[palmer]

With the new computers, you can just speak and listen to your own computer, rather than typing. Most people loved them. But these computers can also look back at you. They had to in order to read the Registration from the hand or forehead. It became so convenient and popular that all the business did all their customer transactions on the Network. With all those terrorists running around, the government said, this was the safest, cheapest and most reliable way to do business.

You can argue about the details, but you can't argue with the trend: we are headed towards mandatory ID. Not so bad in itself, but deadly when combined with expansive government. Think about mandatory vaccinations, mandatory abortions based on genetic testing, followed by mandated careers. Perhaps mandatory religion as a concession to the "right wing".

[billbears]

we are headed towards mandatory ID. Not so bad in itself,

Who says? You aren't stamping me with some kind of ID. The only two people that know where I'm located at every moment of every day are the Good Lord and myself. And I'll be keeping it that way