Originally Posted by UAVirgin
Blah, Blah, Blah. Give me a break. If they'd get up off their lazy butts and implement some real systems this new requirement wouldn't be a problem. The inaccuracy in the statements indicate the survey responders don't have a clue.
Take this for example; "Some states' ancient computing systems will have to be overhauled in order to link to other networks. Minnesota runs a 1980s-era mainframe system; Rhode Island says its "circa 1979" COBOL-based network will require a $20 million upgrade." COBOL is a programming language that has absolutely nothing to do with linking/networking systems together.
I am not in favour of a national ID, but I see no problem in validating that a person is who they say they are through an official document like a drivers license. The states should already be doing this with or without a Federal mandate.
This is a far bigger beast than many want to admit. Even the Secretaries of State in the various states are barely getting their hands around the issue. A significant number of Americans do not have ready access to the documents to do that which "Real ID" provisions demand. And the costs are significant ... for storage too.
Do you really believe that the current government -- under "unitary executive" theories -- won't have the state info picked up and utilized to accomplish that which you say you are not in favor, namely a national ID?
If "Real ID" provisions demanded by the national government are not a national ID, then the national government should let the states do what they wish. If the national government wants a national ID, let the national government do it.
