Originally Posted by
RadioGirl
Sorry, but your first two sentences cannot both be true. If someone HAS to show gov't issued ID to get into the secure area, then they HAVE to. Your first sentence does not allow for any exceptions. If there is a way to get into the secure area WITHOUT showing gov't issued photo ID, then you don't "HAVE to" show such ID.
What is really meant, and what Phil has (repeatedly and clearly) said is "You have to show a gov't issued photo ID OR go through an alternative verification process (which may or may not be sufficient to allow entrance to the sterile area)." I know TSA would like to keep saying "You MUST show an ID." as a standalone statement rather than offering the alternative in the same breath, because it makes the alternative less visible. Nevertheless, even you are admitting that there is an alternative to showing a photo ID.
And that alternative is more through and what many here would consider "intrusive" than showing ID...and of course I'm leaving other things out because I can not write about it. However, if someone were to refuse to show ID, that's about it. They will not be allowed through the checkpoint, despite the alternative verification process...in fact, I looked it up today to confirm, and if someone were to REFUSE to show ID the alternative verification process is not available to them.
The alternative is because people have their identification lost and/or stolen; crap happens. It is not for refusals to show ID.