While I am apprehensive about the government having more information about me, I do feel that Real ID is a security program long past due. And, while government abuse in the past has occurred, it has been rare. Further, civil liberties groups always seem to find the right avenue to correct the abuses; that's the beauty of our system.
Conversely, let's consider the effects of not having a reliable Real ID system; the ability of illegals, and terrorists, to penetrate our society, with stated goals that are to the detriment of us all.
Does the writer think that journalists, or housewives, or executives, would be singled out?
Get real!
I don't like my movements being tracked, like which nightclubs I visit, or my library book selections, or the web sites I visit, or...or....
But, I love the idea that people who may have bad purposes in mind can't get on the plane I'm on, as in Israel; or on trains, as in Spain.
Here's what really bothers me; we're spending hundreds of billions of dollars to secure ourselves against terrorism.
Terrorists are driving us broke and potentially out of existence with the leverage of threats that cost untold Billions to strategize against, plan for, develop remedial programs "in case," and much more. Osama Bin Laden and his ilk must laugh several times a day at the chaos, real and imagined, that they have, and will cause.
Unfortunately, the modern world and all it's threats, are a symptomatic reaction to the hopes of people tantalized by democracy and capitalism.
Read ID may be considered overkill in a Constitutionally-driven society which values privacy, but allowing our enemies to penetrate our society at will, and execute plans that harm thousands is not a solution.
It might help to consider that Real ID would have prevented most, if not all, of the 9/11 hijackers from taking flying lessons, boarding planes, or many other activities.
We should be able to build safeguards into the compilation of a Real ID system that will minimize the potential for misuse by the government or anyone else.
More importantly, it has to start right now. We have been lucky the last few years. How long can luck last?
Americans may be finally starting to take Citizenship seriously; attaching real value to citizenship by Americans should point the way towards making Real ID a necessity, and right away.
If everyone in this country had to provide proof of their legal status to be present, we would be even more amazed at our loss of control of our borders, and the threats we face.
We should consider Real ID the opportunity that it is; a way to establish a national ID system for US Citizens that is foolproof, biometrically attached and verifiable to the holder, with multiple ID points, including finger/hand print verifications, retinal verification, and in the future DNA verification.
We could start with DNA Real ID for children of US citizens that becomes part of their Real ID issued at birth.
Published by Barry Dennis
President/founder of retail, direct marketing, mail order, wholesale, publishing, investment banking, management and marketing consulting, distribution, manufacturing, public relations, marketing, advertisin... View profile
- REAL ID Requirements in Florida when Renewing Your Driver's LicenseAs of January 1, Florida will make the REAL ID mandatory for all residents of the state and will replace its current driver's licenses.
- A Real Stimulus: Abolish the IRSThe only means of economic relief the politicians can come up with are ones where they spend more while real relief is to stop. Tell your representatives to abolish the IRS and the income tax if they are really on the...
- New Head of Homeland Security: Jack BauerJack Bauer, the new head of Homeland Security.
- Homeland SecurityHomeland Security in the wake of Katrina
- Homeland Security Employee is Wanted FugitiveHomeland Security apparently not so secure, as fugitive wanted nationwide found on the payroll.
- Real ID is High Priority Part of National Security Solution
- Real ID is a Solution, Get Real!
- Say "No" to the REAL ID (National ID Card)
- Real ID: What is This Federal ID Program?
- "Real ID Act: Showdown Between Feds, State", as Reported by Jay Levine, CBS2 Chicago
- Real ID: Department of Homeland Security Make Final Ruling
- The Issue of National Security Cards, REAL ID Act
- Real ID, the Homeland Securoty proposal to finally verify who a person is, and whether they are wher
