Legislation sets stage for National ID

[theearthisround]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-12-15-national-id-card_x.htm

The anti-terrorism bill to be signed by President Bush on Friday opens the door for people across the nation to have similar driver's licenses, a plan that is fueling a debate over whether security concerns will lead to what amounts to a national identification card.

Although Congress' chief intent is to prevent fraud, its bill sets up a structure for a national ID card, ACLU attorney Marv Johnson says.

He worries that advances in technology would allow the U.S. government to install radio frequency chips in driver's licenses that would allow information on the licenses to be accessed by readers several feet away.

Initial legislation in the U.S. House would have linked federal databases to driver's licenses, Johnson says. "Now you've made it easier to keep track of people," he says. "It's a fairly frightening scenario. We've never been a country in which you've had to show your papers."

[Stephanie]

1. Good god that cannot be true!

I saw earlier where they talked about this with passports. Now DL!!! OUTRAGE.

[jody]

2. What about a national ID card together with a DNA sample in an FBI file?

That could be used to solve crimes where DNA evidence is present.

[reprobate]

There is already a dna fbi database of criminals

[jody]

6. I know but I meant on everyone. n/t

[Chalco]

3. How many gazillion dollars will be spent on this!?

When we already have drivers licenses and passports?

[Occulus]

4. I refuse to participate.

I *will not* hold a national ID card. Period.

[4dsc]

5. I'm with you!!!

EOM!!

[PATRICK]

7. Is a lead lined wallet

illegal? The bad guys will know how to circumvent that kind of stuff. The ordinary citizen makes an easier target.