I'm okay with this, too. No different than carrying around your 1040 or your medical records. Did you know every medical record in the United States, every visit you make to your doctor, is all stored in central bank/clearing house? *nodding* yup. Whether you like it or not. Some insurance thingy. I kid you not. And no, you cannot get any information from the people at the medical records bank (even though they're your records and you paid for the doctor's services). I don't know why. That's just the way it is.
Thing is... The government has tabs on you now anyway. Everyone that pays taxes and lists the names of their children and dependents, all those social security numbers... They're all stored away. If the government wants you, they'll find you.
What's the difference here? Nothing, pretty much. It's all on a card you have in your purse or wallet. Instant access. Quick turn around if there is a problem.
If you've got nothing to hide, you've got nothing to be paranoid about.
Since our borders are wide open, what's your solution to determining who is who on the streets of our cities and suburbs? There is a reason the the floods of people crossing our borders from other countries are called illegal. No documentation, improper documentation, you're illegal.
Do you know what's required to gain entry into Mexico?
Entry requirements for Mexico: the government of Mexico requires that all US citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. While US citizenship documents such as a certified copy of a US birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of citizenship are acceptable, the US embassy recommends traveling with a valid US passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. US citizens boarding flights to Mexico should be prepared to present one of the above documents as proof of US citizenship, along with photo identification issued by a competent authority. Driver's permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States.
US citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within "the border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the US, depending on the location. US citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico.
Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business or for stays of longer than 180 days require a visa and must carry a valid US passport. US citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa at the embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20006, telephone (202) 736-1000, or any Mexican consulate in the United States.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are indeed the parents. Mexican entry regulations require spanish translations of all legal documents, including notarized consent decrees and court agreements. Enforcement of this provision is not always consistent, however, and English-language documents are almost always sufficient.
(http://www.usembassy-Mexico.gov/eacs.html)
Pretty stiff rules and regulations, huh?
How about a driver's license in Mexico?
Driver’s licenses in Mexico are issued by the 31 states and the federal district, with laws regulating identity requirements for those applying in each state being strict. Typical are the regulations of Baja California, the contiguous state with California. In order to obtain a regular Baja California driver’s license the applicant must know how to read and write, be over the age of 18 (“student licenses” are available for those over 16), and they must show an official photo and signed ID. Those forms of identification accepted include a Mexican passport, a federal or state voter’s ID or military identification. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate proof of residency through electricity, water, telephone and property tax bills that are less than one month old. They must also have a health certificate no less than one month old. And of course they must pass the requisite written and driving tests.
(http://www.mexidata.info/id262.html)
How about into Canada?
United States citizens and alien resident card holders (known as "green card holders") do not require a visa to visit Canada. Nevertheless, they must have proof of their United States citizenship or permanent residence. The following documents are acceptable as evidence of US citizenship or permanent residence for travelers entering directly from the United States: US citizens: a valid US passport; or, an original US birth certificate plus photo identification; or, an original naturalization certificate plus photo identification. US permanent residents: original alien registration card (green card); or, a valid 1551 stamp in the traveler’s passport. Other documents such as a driver's license or voter registration card will not be accepted as proof of US citizenship.
A driver's license in Canada?
When you apply for your driver’s licence or identification card, your registry agent must verify your identity through a stricter identity confirmation process. After all, what good is the most secure card in north America, if it is issued to the wrong person? A registry agent will require information to satisfy the following three categories: 1. Who you are; photo documents that must contain your legal name and date of birth (DOB). Some examples of primary photo identification are (this is not an all inclusive list): Alberta operator's licence or identification card, photo driver's licence (from another jurisdiction), images on the motor vehicles system (moves), photo identification card issued by another motor vehicle jurisdiction or government issued photo identification, citizenship, immigration, naturalization, or permanent resident card, Canadian armed forces identification card, passport municipal, territorial, provincial or federal police force identification. 2. What you have: support documents that contain two data elements such as name, DOB, signature, address, etc. Some examples of original support documents (certified documents are acceptable) are: birth or marriage certificate, credit, debit or account card (must contain your name and signature), municipal, territorial, provincial, federal government employee card, chequing or saving account statements, cancelled cheque with imprinted name and address, utility, telephone, gas or cable tv bill in applicant's name, property tax bill or receipt, land title or mortgage documents, income tax receipts, insurance documents (life, auto, residential, etc.), some examples of unacceptable support documents are: interim/temporary driver's licence, business cards, cheque cashing cards, library card, video club membership cards, insurance liability cards (pink cards). 3. What you know: verification of personal information against the motor vehicles system; your address, postal code, previous address, vehicle registrations, telephone number, etc. All documents presented must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted. Your registry agent will record the identification number from documents presented. Please note: falsifying information when applying for a driver's license or identification card is a criminal offence.
(http://www3.gov.ab.ca/gs/driverslicence/documents.html)
Wow. Look at all the regulations and requirements just for a driver's license. Pretty good, huh? So, what's the problem with the United States enforcing similar policies and procedures?
What about voting? Don't you agree that every voter should produce valid identification prior to casting their vote? I do. Too many dead Democrats on the roles now. *chuckle* and, with this card, the homeless will have an opportunity to vote, too. Not felons, though, like Kerry and Clinton want. *smirk*
How will the government have more control over you? Remember... The 1040s at the IRS and the medical records clearing house are in existence today.
Why shouldn't we be sure that those boarding planes and entering federal buildings are actual citizens of the United States, or at least, well-documented foreign visitors? How about people taking flying lessons? Are their papers in order? Do they have the required documents? Or, maybe we should let any Tom, Dick, and Harry that wants to learn to fly onto the tarmac. Why the hell not? Who cares if the person is an illegal visitor (terrorist) with a suicide vest strapped on tightly for this holy and meaningful flight (mission) and is headed for the movie theatre of your town while you're blissfully in the dark and unaware? When that plane explodes into your town's movie theatre, you can be damn sure there will be an outcry of "Why aren't there stricter policies for entry into the United States? How could this happen? Why did this happen?"
What will change about gun purchasing? Current rules have you provide your home address when filling out the forms for a permit, or for purchase. Seven-day waiting period, and all that. All those forms are sent to the government now, so what's the problem?
None of this is going to stop the illegal gun trade. Nothing will. The criminal element, ne'er-do-wells, and social malcontents will always find a way to break the law.
What are the problems (be realistic - not hypothetical, not supposed) you foresee with the issuance of a National ID card? How will it affect you personally (not your friend or neighbor or someone down the road or in another city)? No one else. Just you. Can't think of a thing that will change for you personally, can you? *smile*
