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House Approves Electronic ID Cards
chrisaj5 writes "ZDNet News reports that the Real ID Act of 2005 has been passed by the House, by a 251-161 margin. It stipulates that driver's licenses must include a digital photograph, anticounterfeiting features and undefined machine-readable technology." From the article: "Another portion of the bill says that states would be required to link their DMV databases if they wished to receive federal funds. Among the information that must be shared: All data fields printed on drivers' licenses and identification cards, and complete drivers' histories, including motor vehicle violations, suspensions and points on licenses."
Nobody has to accept highway funds from the federal government. I don't understand what the big deal is anyway as I personally would rather see state driver's licenses done away with completely and just go to a national ID system that would double as your driver's license. There's no reason every citizen shouldn't have an identification card issued by the federal government.
It could make thing so much easier and help to reduce identity theft if implemented properly. I imagine other countries have done this already without major fanfare. Besides, a strong national ID card could double as a taxpayer ID card and let you file taxes online without having to go out and buy third-party software. Go to an IRS website, use your national smart card to authenticate yourself and enter your tax information online.
I sure as hell want the police officer in California to be aware of your many speeding tickets, DUI and reckless driving tickets from Jersey when he pulls you over on I-5, I-8, I-10, or any of the other highways I frequent when I visit. You are driving on a public road, and I want officer to know all of the facts before he lets you off with a warning.
Methinks thou doest protesth too much. What are you trying to hide?? Can I look in the trunk?? On the hood, dirtbag!!!!
I rarely read replies, it's my opinion and if you thought about your opinion a little more, I'm OK with that.
I wish my state would too...but, here in LA, the oil crunch has killed that major revenue source. We were the last state to raise the drinking age from 18 to 21. They originally told the Feds. to keep their funds, they figured they'd lose more money in the state from the loss of alcohol tax revenue. Alas, the oil crunch of the 80's hit...and they had to surrender. Now, we've had to pass the ridiculously low BAC of 0.08 as drunk level. A grown man having 2 glasses of wine with a meal could now qualify for DWI....that's stupid.
Something has got to be done to check the Fed's increasing infringment on states rights. How did all the tax the states have to send to the feds to be blackmailed with start? How can we stop it?
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
Satisfying in the sense that i feel accomplished for having read the bill, written my congressment and raised a stink about the issues and taken the time to analyze it. You on the otherhand seem to get satisfaction out of debunking the issue because you can.
O Mr. High and Mighty! I bow before your extreme involvement in the law making process!
Did it occur to you that he's defending it because he actually thinks it's a good idea? Personally, I don't want some idiot driving around Utah with four DUIs in other states. Got it?
I got my Linux laptop at System76.