National ID

With much happening in the world with regards to the issue of personal security and personal freedom, I chose to discuss a topic that I am very intrigued by—the idea of a mandatory National ID System. The National ID System is a way to link a multitude of records into one single source, such as a driver’s license, in order to better verify one’s identity. It is interesting to know that Congress has instructed the Department of Transportation to develop a mandated but funded National ID System, known as the REAL ID Act of 2005, with the hopes of adding extra security to its system. The plan it seems is to create a type of National ID System and require the entire nation to enforce it. The use of the word system, instead of card, seems to be implemented in order to avoid heat from pro-liberty groups who may be opposed to such ideas. The reality behind the façade, however, is that if enacted, all 50 states will be required to link their databases or cards together. Isn’t this the same theory as having a National ID Card?

There seems to be two sides to the theory of requiring U.S. citizens to carry a National ID Card. Proponents seem to think that this type of system basically already exists, so why not just enhance it. They believe that the government can and does gain access to personal information through a realm of sources anyway. The creation of a more stringent policy, they believe, will help increase security and deter terrorism. The basic argument for the National ID System is that proponents believe that it will create a more watchful government and in turn better protect its citizens. Opponents against the National ID System believe that where there is a will, there is a way and there may be loopholes to this type of system. They also feel that our government has already met the demands of the nation with regards to increased security and by enforcing this plan it will diminish citizens’ privacy. I think that there are many pros and cons to requiring citizens to adopt this type of system. I tend to ‘sit on the fence’ with this particular argument. While I agree that increasing security and deterring terrorism and crime are bonuses of this proposed system, I also understand how some may perceive this as a stepping stone to the invasion of personal privacy. If our government is successful in implementing the National ID System, what will be next? Could this fuel the fire for some larger course of action?