What do you think of a National ID card?

Question

I'm a strong advocate of privacy and civil liberties, but I now think we need a National ID card. We have the technology to produce one that can't be tampered or forged. Please don't mention the novel 1984 or Big Brother. That was fiction and this is reality.

Answer 1

Many other countries already have them and they work very well for some things and not so hot for others. They will help track people from one central database. Using your SS card is a big mistake since it is tied to credit reporting and social security benefits. A new and unique numbering system needs to be created. Also, the SS card does not have identification components such a as pictures of fingerprints, which a national ID card should.

Let's be honest though, there will never be a thing as a "unforgable" id card. It's supply and demand, someone will start working of fake ones the minutes someone else is willing to pay for it. But we can make them as hard as possible to fake.

Answer 2

True, but do we want fiction to become reality? We already have several forms of national ID cards; Social Security Numbers, Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Passports... Basically the only thing that really stops big brother (which is already no longer fiction, thank you NSA) is the massive beauracracy that continually gums up. What function do you believe a National ID card would serve that isn't already being covered? I don't need one that I'm aware of. Maybe some kind of a mark on our heads or the backs of our hands would suffice?

Answer 3

In a way we already have one, although its state- issued. Even though I don't drive, I had to get a non-Driver's ID. Its way more practical than using my passport for entry into certain government buildings (like courthouses,) picking up certified mail, hotels, using Amtrak, getting proofed or even when I'm asked for a photo ID when using a credit card in some stores.

Since I carry the non-Drivers ID with me almost everywhere I go, I don't see how a National ID would be any more invasive of my privacy or civil liberties.

Answer 4

A social security isn't a positive ID. I can take anyone's SS card and say that is me. You do not have the right to lie about who you are. If a cop stops you and ask for ID. and you don't have one , he can hold you with out a charge until he finds out who you are. I'm proud of who I am, and have no problem proving who I am. Any one who does is up to no good.

Answer 5

A national ID card is just another nail in the civil liberties coffin.

Whatever happened to patriots that fight for our freedoms? Are we so cowardly now that we will trade civil liberties for an easier life? For so called weapons to fight terrorism?

I won't

Answer 6

It is to laugh,

"We have the technology to produce one that can't be tampered or forged."

What planet are you from son, of course they can be forged.

BTW, this is reality all right, but boy does it ever look like the fiction.

Answer 7

I think it is a HORRIBLE IDEA! There is already too much of our information available to people. With a national ID card people will be able to get our SS# and addresses much to easily. There are already too many problems with Identity Theft.

Answer 8

Do you really want to be harassed by overzealous police asking for your ID? It's just more bulls*** that won't stop any determined criminal or terrorist.

Answer 9

we already have one...its your ss card....they need to improve upon the forging and stealing of these...

Answer 10

Boy, you are a G.O.P. Gestapo on patrol!