The Next Step

They’ve taken the next step toward a “national ID card” with the requirement that all users of commercial air transport get a “Real ID” driver’s license or be turned away fro flying at all. Most states have quietly “complied” and issue their driver’s licenses including the “Real ID.” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will fully implement “Real ID” in October 2020, or so it says. It has been threatening to implement it for years, but so far, it has always been postponed. We’ll see what happens this time. Frankly, I don’t know of ANYBODY who hasn’t had occasion to fly somewhere in his/her lifetime, and that includes me. I think Colorado is one of the states that are “compliant,” but I don’t know if they were when I last got my license renewed. So basically, the “compliant” driver licenses represent a “National ID” already. You don’t need to show an ID to vote a president into office, but you do need to show one to get on an airplane. Seems kinda stupid. But being stupid has never deterred a politician, before. Don’t know if yours is “compliant?” Look at the top right side of your license and if there is a star there, you are. If not, you’re not. You’d better get to the DMV if you want to fly any time soon. (Vox)