Real ID gets shot down by Maine legislature

Although it has been a tick since we've heard anything substantial on the proposed Real ID card set to take the place of individual state drivers' licenses, it seems like Maine legislature has had their wheels turning (and fists curled) for a good bit. While a majority of lawmakers have simply given a whimsical thumbs-up to the potentially voyeuristic plan, the folks in Maine seem to think the invasion of privacy (not to mention the $185 million in implementation cost for the state) is downright lame. Shenna Bellows of the Maine Civil Liberties Union derided the presumably RFID-based Real IDs as "a one-stop shop for identity thieves," and it was noted that several other states (like New Hampshire, Georgia, and Montana) just might bust out their true feelings on the matter now that Maine has broken the collective silence. Of course, Maine hasn't completely gone loopy and opted out of the process just yet, as the current protest is simply filed as a "resolution," but backers seem fairly serious in their attempts to "protect the people of Maine from just this sort of dangerous federal mandate." So, what about that iris database you guys are building, hmm?

[Via Wired]

[akijikan @ Jan 26th 2007 10:27PM]

Lol, nice sensationalism. It wasn't "shot down." They're challenging it, but they haven't accomplished anything yet. It'll go to court. Where Maine will probably get "shot down."

[John Doe @ Jan 27th 2007 1:24AM]

Yep because its all in the name of fighting terrorists. Now you will excuse me. I need to go on a killing rampage all in the name of fighting terrorists. Remember kiddies. If you want to get something passed now a days all you have to do is the following:
Scream fighting terrorists, stopping WMD's, will save our children's future, and that you aren't freedom loving if you oppose [Insert whatever here.] Mix in a handful of wackjobs who will bend over and take whatever their party gives them and BAM!
Guaranteed that you can pass even the most insane laws.

I'm still waiting for the national barcoding program where every freedom loving American needs to be barcoded. No doubt some whackjob of an idiot will tell us that that you tin foil wearing communists need to STFU and if you don't like it go back to China. Where do we draw the fracking line? Extermination....no that has the wrong tone...... Mobilized freedom camps?

[Bill @ Jan 27th 2007 1:39AM]

Here's hoping more states have the guts to join Maine!

[Gordy @ Jan 29th 2007 9:38AM]

Honestly, how is a nationalized ID system infringing on privacy? Ever hear of a birth certificate? Social Security Card, Driver's license? Tax return?

To all of my tin foil hat brethren: the government already knows who you are. If, in some strange way, you have evaded them to this point, just know that they will find you and the black helicopters will take you down. Yeah, you. Down brother.

Are you reading this? Guess what.

[Tinfoil is your RFID friend @ Mar 4th 2007 12:01PM]

Gordy,

In response to your un-intelligent comment:

Honestly, how is a nationalized ID system infringing on privacy?
Ever hear of a birth certificate? Social Security Card, Driver's license? Tax return?

The biggest reason every is fighting this is the RFID aspect. No longer would anyone need to ask to see you ID, they just need an RFID reader. There is no major problem with a "Federal ID card" the whole radio based thing transmitting your ID to anyone and everyone is the problem.

Next time think for a second before you comment.

[macona @ Jan 29th 2007 2:43PM]

Birth Cert? Nobody carried them with them.

Social Security Card? Not to be used as a form of identification. Technically even the credit card companies should not be using it. Only for tax use.

Driver Licence? Here in oregon they will give one to anyone. If your a citizen you will have to fork over all sorts of evidence proving who you are. If you are an illegal they will give it to you without any proof of identity. This is why the need for a legitimate form of ID is needed.

[quahog @ Mar 7th 2007 12:53AM]

Way more inteligent Gordo ? I think not. Seems like you need to wake up and smell the facism.

What do Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot all have in common?

They forced national ID cards on their citizens

So if you want a real ID get real and move to a Communist nation

[Gordy @ Mar 7th 2007 8:22AM]

"Arguing on the internet is like playing in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded."

Dude...pull up.

[quahog @ Apr 9th 2007 8:17PM]

Yeah I half expected some lame bullshit answer.

Thanks for proving me right