We get closer and closer to the mandatory tattooed identity code (or surgically embedded RFID chip, or other hi-tech/low-personal-freedom alternative) every day that terrorism makes us mistrust our neighbors. Anxious days.
What I find strange is that for years the UK & N.Ireland was under Terrorist's threat - and (at least in mainland Britain) we weren't all forced to carry ID. I know things were different in NI, it was a militarized zone. (I'll ignore where much of the IRA's funds came from! AHEM!)
Ther US does not have identity cards, per se, but try and go anywhere without some state identity card (i.e., driver's license), and you soon discover that you can't. (Some states have introduced non-driver's licenses in recognition of this.)
If federal identity cards are unconstitutional, why are we required to produce any kind of identity cards?
No, you're not required to have identification on hand. Police can ask (if you're stopped for some other reason). Some stores will too, to avoid credit card or check fraud.
Well, you have to be licensed to drive but you can't be pulled over just to see if you're carrying your license. I can walk from the Atlantic to the Pacific with no ID other than my face. I could probably do the same on a bus or train.
Lots of places won't ask to see ID for a credit card transaction. Those that do, you can just stop frequenting or use cash. Checks are a different of course and the ID is used to help stop kiting.
I like "Da Yut"'s response to all these CCTV cameras - Wear a hoodie! Also, I'll wait to hear what happens about Jacquie Smith's sister's house before deciding if dobbing-people-in really works
We get closer and closer to the mandatory tattooed identity code (or surgically embedded RFID chip, or other hi-tech/low-personal-freedom alternative) every day that terrorism makes us mistrust our neighbors. Anxious days.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find strange is that for years the UK & N.Ireland was under Terrorist's threat - and (at least in mainland Britain) we weren't all forced to carry ID. I know things were different in NI, it was a militarized zone.
ReplyDelete(I'll ignore where much of the IRA's funds came from! AHEM!)
//(I'll ignore where much of the IRA's funds came from! AHEM!)//
ReplyDelete('Twasn't from me, lad!)
Kilburn, mostly.
ReplyDeleteMy passport is due for renewal soon - I think that the sooner I do it the less shit I'll have to deal with...
ReplyDeleteIt's OK, Brits aren't perfect (wonders how that's going to play with our "special" relationship)
ReplyDeleteTher US does not have identity cards, per se, but try and go anywhere without some state identity card (i.e., driver's license), and you soon discover that you can't. (Some states have introduced non-driver's licenses in recognition of this.)
ReplyDeleteIf federal identity cards are unconstitutional, why are we required to produce any kind of identity cards?
Do you *have* to carry one? I mean, if you're just going about your business, and are stopped by the police, say?
ReplyDeleteNo, you're not required to have identification on hand. Police can ask (if you're stopped for some other reason). Some stores will too, to avoid credit card or check fraud.
ReplyDelete...but you can't drive anywhere or buy anything without one?
ReplyDeleteWell, you have to be licensed to drive but you can't be pulled over just to see if you're carrying your license. I can walk from the Atlantic to the Pacific with no ID other than my face. I could probably do the same on a bus or train.
ReplyDeleteLots of places won't ask to see ID for a credit card transaction. Those that do, you can just stop frequenting or use cash. Checks are a different of course and the ID is used to help stop kiting.
[taps fingers on desk, twiddles thumbs] Waiting ....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boingboing.net/2009/03/21/london-imposes-defac.html
ReplyDeleteWell I can. I didn't say I would.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be chips, not tattoos. I can see corporations making them mandatory for employees even before the governments step in.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=4286083
ReplyDeleteI like "Da Yut"'s response to all these CCTV cameras - Wear a hoodie! Also, I'll wait to hear what happens about Jacquie Smith's sister's house before deciding if dobbing-people-in really works