January 07, 2005
Paranoia to the Nth Degree
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Think of all the possible places this could be implemented!
You know, I'm generally pretty anti-ACLU, but I don't think this is all that far off the mark. I don't think it's a liberal or conservative thing either. I think it's a big government thing (and government is going to be huge no matter which of the two major parties is in charge) and something that really should cause concern.
I submitted a credit app a short time ago and questions came back to "verify" I was me that made me a little worried that stuff like that was so easily accesible to any yokel who runs a credit check on me.
I know that my distrust in government (on the state level, in this example) goes back some years when the state first made seat belt use in cars mandatory. The politicians and police swore that no one would get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt unless they were pulled over for another violation, such as speeding. I left the state and came back some years later and now everywhere I look on billboards and TV commercials are stern warnings from law enforcement to "Click it or ticket!" in regards to seat belt use.
You give the government an inch and they'll take a mile, even if they tell you they're only taking a half inch and take an oath to support it.
Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. Heh.
Posted by: dabrettman at January 7, 2005 03:40 PMWhen I applied for financing on a computer, I was asked a multiple choice question to confirm my identity, the question was: Which of the following vehicles have you owned in the last year? Ookaaaay.
I've worked at a few pizza shops - and four years at various Papa John's as a driver and manager - and having all of THAT info at our fingertips would be really scary.
On the other hand, the possibilities for blackmailing people would be endless! Yes!
Posted by: Malnurtured Snay at January 8, 2005 11:53 PMI generally trust government and I guess that's where we mainly differ. I am not for big government or a constant police state. However, we seem to believe that proving your identity or simply ensuring people that you aren't lying about who you are is an assault on privacy and civil liberties.
I think this is an example of the ACLU's panic attack because I don't believe our country is headed this direction. There is a balance that needs to be struck and fine line to walk, but I tend to give government the benefit of the doubt. As long as we can continue to play a role in the democratic republic process, we have no choice but to support our government and take our role in it seriously. This is freedom and this is one reason our country is great.