Your analogy is way off, in the first case the actions at the DMV are not an *integral* *ongoing* *significant* part of the opperation of your car. Standing in 2 hour security lines (on what for non-business travelers happens to be a holiday for example) for a 2 hour flight IS.

In the second case I don't know where disney got into the picture but do you think people who do mass business mailings stand in line to send their mail? No, the have door to door pick up and billing accounts

jcrb,
The post office analogy is absolutely perfect. When my companies mail catalogues, we merely fund an account. A special post office inside our printer accepts them and they are then trucked to special post offices throughout the country for sorting and delivery (at least that's how I think it works)? Now, if I could just get them to deliver my mail at home when it snows...

I don't understand the privacy issues related to having a "national ID card." I already have a driver's license and a passport. When directed to, I produce proper identification. If you're at the airport, you need ID. If you're driving a car, you need a license. If you're entering a country, you need a passport.

If you get pulled over by the cops for a traffic violation you need to show your license. If you're at a crime scene or in a bar, the cops might as you for ID. But I have never gotten stopped and asked for ID by the cops just for the hell of it. How does the ACLU make the jump from having a national ID card to the cops stopping people, asking them for ID, then collecting this information in a central database? Whether you're using a passport, license or national ID, you're still only required to show ID in a limited number of situations.

Having a national ID card doesn't automatically set up checkpoints on every corner where you're required to submit ID. National ID or not, there's no adult that doesn't have at least one form of government issued ID, nor should anyone really be traveling outside their home with ID. The cops aren't going to conduct random ID checks for no reason, but if you get hit by a bus, you're probably better off if people at the hospital know who you are and can contact your relatives.

d

I have not been to a DMV office in about 8 years. I am properly licensed, insured, & the car properly licensed. Our DMV does renewals by mail & my last drivers license renewal was done by mail. (I lived long enough at one address & had a clean driving record). The last time (in 1994), I made a appointment & only had to wait for a short while. (lines were long for walkins!)