May 24, 2006

Who's afraid of a national ID system?

A couple of days ago, I was at Equitable Bank paying some bills. While waiting for my turn, I overheard a teen-ager trying to open a savings account. The bank manager asked her for an ID and she produced her student ID. Mr. Manager then asked if she didn't have any other ID with her like a passport or her birth certificate. I don't know about you, but I don't go around town with my passport or birth certificate. Lucky me I have an SSS ID to show proof of my existence in this world. But going back to the teen-ager, well she was told she would have to return with either of those IDs. I understand that the bank, since its brush with the whole Jose Velarde issue, as well as goverment's own anti-money laundering laws, only wants to protect itself from unlawful use. I just think if we had a national ID system in place, this kid didn't wouldn't have a problem opening an account--a remarkable feat in itself considering how kids these days hardly have any pocket change. Leftists think the government will just use the system to clamp down on their activities. Well I say we just need a uniform proof of identification, that any entity, government or otherwise, will accept...like when you encounter a medical emergency, get a passport, enter buildings, claim government or private pension benefits, buy liquor or cigarettes, enter moviehouses with restricted patronage, applying for work, etc. It can show whether you're an organ donor, what allergies you have, people to contact in case of emergecies, etc. It's just one ID for everything, instead of us fumbling around in our bags or wallets, looking for one. Sure the system can be abused, as in any system, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. Besides, I think if you don't have anything to hide, you shouldn't be afraid of a national ID system.

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