I really enjoy reading the comments from, and blogs of, my non-U.S. readers. Often those folks will have a different perspective on things based on their unique history, laws and culture. It’s fun and educational to read their views.
I find that many Americans are pretty insular and lack a world perspective—often to their (our) detriment.
The issue in yesterday’s post about a national I.D. card is a good example. Three of the first four comments were from folks from other continents (Africa and Europe). They clearly have had long experience with fingerprinting and identity papers, and fail to see any reason for concern.
We Americans treasure our “free country” image. Part of that freedom is our illusory ability to move about within our country at will, with no need to produce identity documents on demand. But if you think about it, we already have to show a picture I.D. to do just about anything.
Most of us carry a “government” I.D. card in the form of a driver’s license. Yes, it’s state government rather than federal, but is that such a big deal?
One big concern raised about the new TWIC is that it will have fingerprint images in its digital memory. Several people told me they had never been fingerprinted, and associated that act with being arrested for a crime. I shrugged and told them that when I entered military service I was fingerprinted. No big deal. But they felt this was somehow “different.”
Civil libertarians deplore the slow erosion of the freedoms we have long enjoyed. Well, so do I. But today’s world is a different one from that of 30-40 years ago.
I had the thought that there might not be so much resistance to this new “Identity Credential” if carrying one also offered a perk or two. How about this: Since issuance of a card can only occur following a complete background check (hence much of the expense of the program), why not allow those who have them a much lower level of security screening at airports?
Two lines to get to the boarding area. One sign says, “Passengers with TWIC,” the other sign says, “Passengers without TWIC.” Same idea at any building (like a courthouse) or public event (concert, etc.) where security screening is done.
The TWIC could take the place of the state-issued driver’s license, as that information could be installed into one of the card’s chips. Likewise the Social Security number. Heck, it could even become an electronic passport.
Of course, as Valkyrie points out, it’ll only be a matter of time before counterfeits are available for terrorists and other crooks.
*sigh*
Maybe the tattoo isn’t a bad idea after all. It’s all a matter of your perspective.
5 comments:
Can mine be a small, yet tasteful daisy on my ankle?
Just stopping by to say hi and that I sent the MS to my agent who then forwarded it to the editor. Talk about a mix of emotions! It's a combination of liberating relief and a frightening dread that very soon hope will die.
Johnwhen I was in Holland last month it was really weird as the airport in Amsterdam actually had retinal scanners.
I thought these were just in the movies, the strange things was that this was only for some executive club as they didn;t need to go through passport control.
What I found funny though as the retinal scanner queue went twice as slowlyy, they'd paid to have their retinal details taken so it could hold them up through the queue at an airport.
Over here they have so far spent about 50 million trying to introduce the cards which I don't mind, what I do mind is the fact that they are making it madatory and I have to pay £76 for the priviledge. £76 pound for a card !?! even if it has fingerprint and data whatever thats almost 30 pints of beer.
The bastards.
Hey, at least don't have to wear it around your neck.
Um..no. Won't work. The lower screening. Not if what we hear is even partially true that some innocent children are actually raised to become Al-Qaeda and other terrorists. Because of COURSE they can be American born and raised without problems in their background, only to someday do what they've been brainwashed to do. I read a huge article in Time Magazine about children raised to be Hezbollah. I have NOTHING against these children...their adult teachers/family are the ones in the wrong.
So no. ALL should be treated equally at all times if we do this. ALL.
and that's my perspective...you know you're still one of my favs...:)
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