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Massachusetts Joins the Real ID Fight
In the battle against big government and the infamous Real ID, Massachusetts has hopped on board. In the words of State Senator Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, "Historically, Americans have resisted the idea, which totalitarian governments have tended to do, of having a national ID. That's the broad philosophical issue. I don't think it's a good move and I would be reluctant to see why we are going to that step." And State Attorney General Martha Coakley thinks "it's a bad idea." Should be interesting to see how it gets voted.
FTA:
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 and signed by President Bush, requires all U.S. residents without a passport to obtain a new state-issued type of driver's license or ID card in order to board commercial airplanes, enter federal buildings, get Social Security benefits or get into other federal government programs, starting next May.
As I read that, I can freely walk down the street without carrying an ID and not fear being detained. You may argue that it may grow into something more in the future, but at present, it is *not* a license to exist. Just thought I'd clarify that as I feel it's an important distinction.
Please also note, I'm not *for* the ID, but I'd like to try and blame the bill for what it actually does rather than what it doesn't do.
Libertarian leaning US Congressman Ron Paul who finished first in the MSNBC poll following the GOP primary debate last week absolutely opposses a national ID. 6:33 into this clip from the debate shows what he said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peBGJwE9NXo
Libertas in infinitum
"The plan will create a massive national identification system without adequate privacy and security safeguards. It will also make it more difficult for people to get driver's licenses. And it will make it too easy for identity thieves, stalkers, and corrupt government officials to get access to such personal information as a home address, age, and Social Security number."
Slashdotters should offer their perspective. REAL ID was approved without Congressional hearings, and this is the last 24 hours for the public to comment on this proposal!
Yep. When Mafia family A wants to take over some territory from Mafia family B, just call the Feds. They'll do the work for you.
If you're a little strapped for cash, just offer to sell that old weapons cache for cash!
You see, the problem is the corruption of the law enforcement agencies. No matter how clean they are to begin with, once they start swapping favours and cash with the bad guys, they become corrupt.
The final result is cops being paid as hit men. And we've seen that.
Why not just issue everyone passports? What benefit would a new card/system have?
Because people might realize how creepy and fascist the government has become, when they need an actual "internal passport" to travel within their own country, like the Soviet Union, China, or North Korea.
But you're right in thinking that there's no difference; it's effectively the same thing. It's just that this way, it sounds nicer.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my killbot features Lotus Notes and a machine gun. It is the finest available."
Clinton also signed NAFTA and all kinds of other nasts things into place. Just becuase someone dislikes Bush doesn't mean they like Clinton. I think the neo-cons realize that Bush is indefensible so they feel they can only attack Clinton who they assume is supported by anyone who disagrees with Bush.
Your point is valid though. It is likely that all presidents are going to want a national ID. Power corrupts and all of the recent presidents have wanted to expand their power.
unzip; strip; touch; finger; mount; fsck; more; yes; unmount; sleep
You're not supposed (at least according to that pesky Constitution) to be required to show ID everywhere you go within the US. But, that has largely been trampled upon since 9/11.
The right to remain anonymous died in 2004 in the Supreme Court case, Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada. All we're haggling about now is what kind of ID they can force us to show.
"We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals." --The American President (20.1.2009)
the id is useful for delivering services to citizens...
such as national health insurance...
Forget that! I don't want any national healthcare! All that leads to is rationing. I'm all for affordable health insurance for everyone but I oppose mandated nation healthcare run by the government.
at least consolidating one's health records so that you never have to fill out the same idiotic form every time you visit a new doctor
I don't want anyone to be able to see my medical records unless I authorize it. When I go see a new doc I'll bring my medical records from the last doc I saw.
It will also be important if you end up unconscious in the ER and are allergic to the drug they think they need to give you immediately.
There are alert bracelets and Medi Alerts people can get identifying allergies or other medical conditions for healthcare personel.
I believe it is more important to fight for legislation that demands that information is used properly for the right reasons and that all use of personal information be audited and available for individuals on demand.
Once collected, the info will be ABUSED!!!
FalconShould there be a Law?