Wednesday February 7, 2007

I've Been Thinking:

There is a heated debate going on over the issue of a national, uniform, driver's license i.e., a National ID Card. Again.

The idea of a National ID has already passed in Congress but has not yet trickled down to individual States.
Implementing a National ID means creating a national databank.
Some people just do not want to be tracked nationally.
Some States are reluctant, some are downright recalcitrant.
New Hampshire and Maine, for example, view the whole thing as an impingement of personal freedom.

The citizens of many European, Asian and South American countries have been carrying National IDs for years, it is a way of life for them.
In today's post 9-11 climate anyone wandering around those countries without valid national identification automatically arouses suspicion.
In today's post 9-11 climate a National ID is essential.

We have to balance our need for national security against our desire for personal freedoms.
And despite the outcry, the vast majority of Americans would probably trade a little bit of freedom for a little more safety and security.