[all4one]

"Gee, why stop with DNA from arrestees? Why not just take a DNA sample from every newborn?"

I think that the Pandora's box on our DNA has already been opened. I would be very surprised if each newborn "did not" already have a DNA sample taken without our knowledge, stranger things have happened, and only time will tell. All newborns already have a SSN at birth. Years ago you only needed a SSN once you started working.

I find just the SSN for newborns an infringement of privacy. Any investments for our children are now tracked from birth. All of these databases are a culmination of big brother watching us and our money.

[kaylar]

Do they still take footprints and handprints of newborns? I think they used to, to prevent mixups, as all newborns look pretty much alike. Could those prints even possibly be used to confirm identity of an older child or adult? And if so, who is keeping the print records?

That's a little far fetched, I know, and of course DNA is more reliable that a print. But this reminds me of a discussion that was running on FR re:men paying CS for children conceived in adultery. It was suggested that there be mandatory DNA testing of all newborns, but the father did not HAVE to see the results unless he wanted to. Hmmmmmm.....There's an angle that just might be exploitable....