States will only have to overcome two obstacles to meet a federal deadline to standardize the drivers' licenses of all residents by May 2008: the lack of adequate funding and the absence of specific regulations. This situation comes as the result of federal approval of the Real ID Act. We like to credit states for being innovative and, in this case, they will have to be particularly so.
Today's podcast on standardized licenses (6 minutes, 36 seconds) continues our special series of the top 10 issues facing state legislatures in 2007. The straight story comes from NCSL's Molly Ramsdell, who represents state legislatures' budget and revenue interests -- as well as its policy on Real ID -- on Capitol Hill. She explains what's at stake for states and whether there is any movement in Washington, D.C. to meet states' concerns.
Tomorrow, our special 10-part series continues with a look at obesity issues. In case you missed them, listen to our previous podcasts on budget pressures (6:25), immigration (6:35), universal health care (7:04), energy and environment (6:59) and sex offenders (6:49).
I was hoping the states would balk at REAL ID--fight it tooth and nail.
Posted by: JRush | January 15, 2007 at 10:53 AM
I think that we can safely assume a tattoo technical model is the best answer for
National ID.
I'm not being funny here, funny hah hah,
or any funny.
Dude, enter the retina scan. For tats, the scruff of the back neck is an ideal
wireless readable location. However, the whole concept of 'body paint" would be a bit
uncomfortable for many, with good reason based on recent human history. But,
I have been thinking that individual implants or markings on each
fingerprint tab of either hand would work pretty nifty!
It could also serve as a handy device for taking the oath of any
office, taking an oath of truth in a court, or perhaps as just an
overall multi-med check device. Similar to an Organic Micro-Sensor.
No need for a jury to contemplate if a witness or politician is telling
the truth? If the subject device were programmed to detect "lying" EKG activity,
the fingers would start to buzzzzzzz or begin vibrating.
Think of the possibilities!
There are limits to these devices though. But, since the handshake is the
universal method of greeting in the west, the devices
in the hand might actually be able to exchange common information
during the exercise of hand shaking.
Right or left is irrelevant. For those with
unusual handicaps, I'm certain an alternate
can be devised. But, for the general mobility and inter modal traveler, how could
the states argue this unique inter operable
solution to immigration access, positive ID,
mobility identification, or other yet to be defined forms of social engineering in this,
the Century of Information Egress..
Example being two unfamiliar citizens meet for coffee and exchange hello's in the traditional handshake, not the high five.
The exchange immediately reveals to either
party, Friend or Foe? Compatibility, or other not....
At very least a person could enable various levels of information
access by selective programming, like online dating services do. But, the basic GOVERNMENT IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA WILL BE
PRE-HERDER LOADED DEFAULT FRAMEWORK unchangeable.
It's the New Urbanisim Way!!!!
Posted by: James kester | January 16, 2007 at 03:24 PM