Real I-D Becomes a Reality

Real I-D Becomes a Reality

Topic Author: Anne Cutler

Posted: 7:00 AM Feb 12, 2008

Replies Posted: 45 comments

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Real I-D Becomes a Reality

The federal government mandated the Real ID Act in 2005, but only now are the states being asked to implement in. The program was a plan to combat terrorism, attached to a war spending bill. There was very little discussion at the time, and Real ID continues to fly below the radar. Of the 7 people we interviewed for this story, NOT ONE had even heard of the multi-billion dollar unfunded federal mandate.

Few people would argue against the surface-level intentions of Real ID: crack down on terrorism, reduce illegal immigration, and make it tougher for people who shouldn't have ID's, to get them.

But a numbers of problems arise... What are the real intentions of the "Real ID" program? Is it one step closer to the federal government tracking our every move? Inital prototypes of "Real ID" including microchips imbedded in the card. So do the newest passports. Another problem is how the act was passed. In my opinion it's just plain wrong for the federal government to pass a 4 billion dollar government mandate without letting the public know. Finally, by mandating this program, the federal government is forcing the states to not only comply, but pay. It seems to me, like it's blatant abuse of the entire idea of a democracy.

How do you feel about Real ID? Are the benefits worth the sacrifices we must make? With a multi billion dollar budget shortfall in Nevada alone, can states afford to pay tens of millions of dollars to enforce this act? Will "Real ID" lead to a national ID, worse yet, a national database? Is the federal government trying to take away state rights? Will "Real ID" help?

Let me know how you feel...

Posted by: anon GET RID OF ALL THE MEXICANS!!!!! SEND THEM ALL BACK!!! AND ANCHOR BABIES ARE NOTTTTTTT US CITIZENS!!!!

Posted by: Rosie Location: Reno
Secure the borders, deport entire families (anchor babies are not USA citizens - get over it) and arrest then deport those who bring families here illegally. Check Lemon Valley and Sun Valley. DUH!!!

Posted by: Annie Location: Reno
To the Mary who said read the Final Rule; Since when did our esteemed president and his gang ever do what is only legal and follow rules? Once our "friends in Washington who say they want to protect America from terrorists" get all of this Real ID info, just what do you think they will do with it. When they start telling you you can only drive your car once a week, and when you can fly and where, there goes more of our freedoms. And who do you think has to pay for all this protection? The states, meaning us thru more taxes, higher costs, etc. I think I have enough ID already, I certainly do not need to get any more REAL?? ID. I am totally against it!

Posted by: Anne Location: Reno
Do you really believe this information is going to "sit in a black hole" and not be used against the citizens? The Gun ACt of 1964 also said the govt was not going to save the gun registration information on each purchase.Those who give up freedom fro security deserve neither.

Posted by: Darryl Location: Sparks
You all are funny. The california DL meets all RealID reqs except one. As soon as they change it so that your PICTURE is taken at the beginning of the process you have a "RealID"! I don't know about NV but I believe its about the same. And NOBODY is forced to get a RealID. So wear your tin hats, watch your x-files, and leave the rest of us alone. We're busy.

Posted by: natalie Location: lovelock
We already had to prove who we were when we first got out ID's when we turned 16. Why do we have to do it again. This is the United States we are US citizens and it it pretty sad when the american people have to keep proving who we are. They need to make the people who come into the united states prove who they are. The government is putting the burden of the terrrorist act on the american people and I think this is a violation of our rights as americans. This country is starting to act like a communist country in some ways. I think we should still of some privacy in our lives isn't that what America's foundation was build on and someone should read the constitution again it seems like the government has forgotten all about it. This is a sad day in America. If someone wants to get an ID they will this is not going to stop anything except let the government into your personal life and dictate to you what you can do. If we dont stop it here what next? Invading our homes when it suites.

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
After the Federal Reserve bails out their banking cabal with our tax dollars and then lets the dollar collapse, there is a plan in place to create the North American Union (Comprised of the United States, Canada and Mexico) and to replace the dollar with a new currency called the AMERO. This is scheduled for the year 2010 and by that time they will have mostly scrapped our constitution. By 2012, they plan to remove all borders between these countries, just as they have done in the European Union. If we have no borders, then what other purpose is there for the REAL ID other than to track us individually in case we speak out against thier plans or heaven forbid, commit a thought crime. Canadian citizens have been up in arms for over two years already expressing their opinions against the NAU but since it is kept a secret in this country, no one discusses it. Google "North American Union" and the "AMERO" and see for yourself. No North American Union - No Borders - No need for the REAL ID.

Posted by: Dennis B Location: Reno, NV
I am truly surprised, actually I take that back I am not, considering our current state of affairs - with regards to how blind or disbelieving people can be. When global warming and green house gases were first brought up back in the 80's, it was disputed by the government. A lot of people thought it was crazy thought and no one paid attention except the scientist and people who understood what was meant. NOW look at it today, the effects are everywhere - we were warned and could have made a difference. Belief what you want. It reminds me of a story about frogs and hot water. If you throw a frog into hot water, it will jump out, but if the frog is in cool water and you turn up the temp slightly - it will endure and stay, eventually when the temp is too hot it's already cooked. Most of the general populace is like that. Incidentally, I second paul's note - thank you Anne re: the story. Another one you may want to look into is the Federal Reserve and the currency we all use.

Posted by: paul Location: Cartoon City
Anne -- Thank you for tonight's chapter on this Real ID subject. I was surprised and pleased to see the well-rounded aspects of this report. I think you have done a great service to the people in your audience because most reports are geared totally towards a government positive method of reporting. This is a big subject and may well be worth your time to go deeper into the subject on how to fight this pernicious farce. Thank you.

Posted by: Stoney Location: Reno
Ya know, blogs are vastly overrated. They’re supposed as an exchange of ideas but what they really come down to are narrowly focused deaf rants. It’s just spew. That said, I’ll take another shot at trying to bring some order to a collection of posters a dime short of a soda. 1. Define a National ID card. What is it? How do you recognize it as being so? Then tell me how a state-issued driver’s license compares to that. Please include in your argument that, when Real ID goes into effect, you can use a passport in place of the state-issued driver’s license for federal purposes. Also include in your argument that Real ID does not require state DMVs to collect any more data from an individual than they already do. 2. Once Real ID goes into effect nationwide, what is the next insidious step the federal government is going to take to force you to do what you don’t want to do and further invade your privacy? As Dennis B says, what’s the next floor above the foundation? The Jesus

Posted by: Stoney Location: Reno
3. Do please go watch “Freedom to Fascism.” Then Google the show and see what rational people have to say about Russo’s bullshit. He lies. He misquotes. He is ignorant of the law and plain wrong in what he exposes. He’s the Michael Moore of the Right. Take Matthew’s advice and watch it, then do what Matthew didn’t do. Don’t swallow the Kool-Aid. Check it out. Somebody out there without a tinfoil hat, answer my questions. Don’t rant vaguely about the New World Order and the Great Financial Jew Conspiracy and the United Nations Black Helicopters and the RIFD chips implanted in the people drugged so their kidneys could be harvested. Can you really tell me WHAT IS WRONG WITH REAL ID other than it nails the states for big bucks?

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
Today, the Republicans in Congress walked out of the chamber when the Democratic majority would not bring to a vote the "Protect America Act" which would give the TELCOMS retroactive immunity and allow the Bush administration to keep it's illegal, warrantless wiretapping going beyond this weekend, when it expires. Insteadt the house passed a bill bringing Contempt of Congress charges against Karl Rove and Harriett Meyers. This should tell you everything you need to know about the TRUE intentions of the republican party and how they intend to use the REAL ID against us. To understand the "double speak" being used by those in power, watch the movie "Orwell Rolls in His Grave" Rise up against the REAL ID.

Posted by: Tony Rains Location: Reno
If this thing is such a good thing then why hasnt anyone seen it or heard of it? Why doesnt the government put it up for a vote or open it up for discussion.They dont want anyone to see that the wool is being pulled over our eyes.Another thing that is just unbelievable is that no one knows nothing about nothing.The 7 people that didnt know what the Real ID was is no surprise.But if you asked them about Brittney Spears or Lindsey Lohan they would know all about them.Or everyone just thinks that it doesnt affect them WAKE UP PEOPLE it does affect you.Maybe not now but soon it will affect you.Its time for America to start all over.We need a new Revolution in America.Another thing for people to look into is NSPD # 51 and # 20.And for Heller to sit there and say that we spend more money on illegal imigration than the Iraq war Hes an idiot 6 to 8 billion a month.I love America with all my Heart but people its time to Wake Up.We are more worried about Roger Clemens Shootin up steriods

Posted by: Dennis B Location: Reno, NV
with regards to Stoney - The Real ID is not the end route. It's only parts of a puzzle. It's like building a sky scraper, you put the foundation in first after that you build the skeleton and then you flesh it out. Perhaps the short term outcome is your fancy? Project into the future, and you may then see very well what we all will be facing if we don't put an end to it. Again its not the issue of sharing the information nationally or internationally. The issue is the control factor involved with the information and what entails. You are welcome to believe what you like about the whole thing. But the writings are on the wall for those willing to look and do the investigation. And for those that get too close to the truth, well.. we've seen various things from "ficticious" X-Files... or is it?

Posted by: Dennis B Location: Reno, NV
I wanted to address what you mentioned, Mary, I believe you did not get what most of us are bringing forward. It's not an issue that the information will be published to the world. It's an issue that select groups will be able to control who/what/where/when and how of a persons life. Give it some thought, what do you think happens when a governing body has REAL ID's out on all of its citizens. What does it entail to have an ID, Social Security #, Drivers License, Credit Cards, Money? Perhaps another recommendation I have, outside of Zeitgeist is to read Sun Tzu's "Ancient Art of War" - and realize the power of "Divide and Conquer." As an old addage goes: "Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely." And the Real ID is only one part of the puzzle, there are others that are forthcoming. Look into the RFID Chips I mentioned earlier. 1. Eventually, People will need Real ID's to do all transactions. 2. People may misplace, forget or loose the ID's - what's next?

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
You can read the full text of the bill that was slipped into the Tsunami Relief / Iraq war funding bill WITHOUT Debate at http://www.realnightmare.org/ Judge for yourself.

Posted by: Lee Location: Reno
Stoney, I wish that i had some of whatever you are smoking so that I too could be oblivious to the realities of the world we live in. Watch the movie "Zeitgeist" and see if that doesn't give you a wake-up call. The Real ID is a fraud about to be forced upon the American People AND is unconstitutional.

Posted by: Stoney Location: Reno
Well said, Mary. What you read here is a lot of fear and anxiety about government control that has nothing to do with the Real ID Act. Is the Global War on Terrorism undercutting our personal freedoms? That's probably a "yes." Is the Real ID Act going to force you to have a National ID card that tracks your every move? Uh, no, that's a negative. If there is one point that may bust through the insane babble of people who hear only what supports their point of view is that the Real ID Act provides for the sharing of information that is so, like, nowhere compared to your credit card company that it's a joke. Yeah, but my credit card company isn't some national organization sharing my information, you say. You're right. Your credit card company is an INTERNATIONAL organization sharing your information. DMV? What a freakin' joke.

Posted by: MATTHEW Location: RENO
To ALL of the people JUST WATCH ARRON RUSSO's "FREEDOW TO FASCISM" that should clear things up a lot...

Posted by: Mary Location: Reno
For everyone that is against the Real ID and say that it is going to allow your personal information to be "published to the whole world," maybe you need to actually read the Final Rule. The primary intent behind the Real ID is to SECURE personal information, not publish it. What the DMV will require with the Real ID is no different than what I was required to provide when I moved into the state just last year. But it will require the DMV to make sure the information is valid, not fraud. Don't be ignorant, read it, and understand what the intent and requirements are before you run off at the mouth and show your true ignorance of the law. Like someone said, your neighbor knows more about you than the DMV ever will.

Posted by: Dennis B Location: Reno, NV
Very much agreed with most everyone here. A lot of things are happening that we are not privy to unless you check it out. Take a look at (zeitgeistmovie.com) as added reference. Most of the population of America is being duped into loosing all freedoms that were originally noted in the constitution and bill of rights. Also if you weren't aware of it, passports contain the RFID chip. Through Fear and covert manipulation people are being positioned to ask for something that limits them. Terrorism, Terrorism, Terrorism - said enough times, broadcasted everywhere and its something people then feel comfortable in giving up liberties for protection. Well with protection comes control. North American Union, Global World Bank, RFID Chips, - Histoy has an uncanny way of repeating itself, Third Reich etc. Welcome to the Brave New World. I do believe it can be different - but it requires Critical Mass to affect the change. If not then GAIA will insure the change happens. - Good Journey!!!

Posted by: Lynn Location: Planet Earth
People will never wake up to what is really going on. So many are all too willing to give up freedom for security, and frankly, that scares the hell out of me more than any government devised takeover - the people are opening up and saying "take us over - please" - that's it, just roll over and take it, invite it on yourself, but how dare you invite it on the rest of us? For that and many other reasons, I am leaving this country - believe it or not, the US does not even rank in the top 10 for nations with the most freedoms and libererties for its citizens. Believe the hype if you will, but there ARE much better places than this on the planet. Places where the government fears the people, as true freedom should be, not the other way around.

Posted by: cass Location: reno
NO REAL ID! I am 100% against the real id because it is an invasion of privacy. The government is slowly taking all of our Constitutional rights away. People will let it happen thinking its the only way to defend against terrorism. It's not going to help against illegals because soon all of north america (canada, usa, mexico) will be one, ruled by one government. This is only the begining. It will only help the federal reserve in thier plan to take over the world.

Posted by: Stoney Location: Reno
The stubbornly ignorant thrive on the Web, as illustrated by nearly every comment on this page. I know I'm shouting in the wilderness, but here goes: 1. What is wrong with a national standard for identification for a document accepted nationally as identification? Explain please how that constitutes a "take over." 2. Your DMV knows less about you than your neighbor probably does. You neighbor has your address, height, weight, sex, probably your age and phone number besides where you work and how many kids you have. Your DMV doesn't even have your phone number. Explain how the sharing of motorist information by state DMVs results in the federal government "tracking your every move." 3. Fret and worry about the establishment of some national database of personal information used to track law-abiding citizens while you fill out your 2007 form 1040. Can you take off your tin-foil hat with the coat-hanger antenna long enough to say "too late?"

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
Once again everyone, watch Aron Russo's "From Freedom to Fascism" on google video for FREE. Then you won't even have to read the books I have suggested below. Peace Out!

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
Well said Anne & Ginger. The New World Order is upon us.

Posted by: Anne Location: Reno
If you think this is bad, take a look at NAIS. As Americans we are all going to have to make our own "line in the sand" and decide before hand where we will take our "stand". This is all part and parcel of the NWO. Mass noncompliance is probably the only "weapon" we will have left to maintain what little freedom and anonimity that we have. Will your papers be in order?

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
Poor George (Bob) in Carson City! I am sorry to hear that you are willing to give up your Constitional rights so that George Bush can protect you from all those Terrorists in Carson City. Be afraid... be very afraid! You might try READING a few books instead of regurgitating the fear mongering you are getting from Hannity, Limbaugh, Savage and O'Reilly. A good place to start would be George Orwells "1984", followed by Naomi Wolf's "The End of America", then Naomi Klien's "The Shock Doctrine" and finally Michael Panzners "Financial Armageddon". After that, turn off FOX news and KOH radio and listen to Air America on AM1230 and watch "Democracy Now!" on cable channel 16 every day at 4:00pm. This may not help you be any less scared of terror attacks in Carson City but will certainly make you more scared of another 4 years of John McCain and his 100 year war in Iraq and elsewhere. For my part, I am not willing to surrender any more rights to this or any other administration.

Posted by: Anne Location: Sparks, NV
A concern regarding the Real ID: A few years ago I found out that my name on my birth certificate (that I had never seen until I was 33 yrs old) was different than the name I was raised by all my life. The only name on there that is the same is my first name. My mother had always used my baptism certificate as the legal document for school as well as for my social security card and my drivers license when I was old enough to get one. With the requirements for the Real ID I have no clue what I will need to do to obtain that let alone who to contact to find out - I run into the same problem with a passport. How will Americans who are in a similar situation supposed to deal with this? I was born here - legal American citizen and don't know what to do from here. Noone seems to have touched on that subject as of yet.

Posted by: ginger Location: reno
If the American people and people around the globe would wake up and smell the "TAKE OVER" they would not be suprised by anything that goverment does. As for the Real ID this is just another way for the government to know everything about you. You already have to have a birth certificate to show at the dmv. If people would get out from in front of the sports channel, and I see nothing wrong with sports, but some of these TV controlled people will only wake up to see that their liberties and rights as not only as an American but also as a human being are going to be taken away is when they are sitting in a FEMA camp and their TV watching will be controlled. Please look at what is happening and atleast try to do something. This material will be going into a national data bank. If you don't have it, no Federal Building?--Post Office, Law Libraries, IRS Building, DMV, and who knows what else. Wake up and smell the TAKE OVER!!!!!!!

Posted by: Andrea Location: Chicago
I have been following the Real ID mess for a while now, and I have nothing good to say about it. If our personal information is going to be available to the whole country, then IDENTITY THEFT is going to be a huge issue. Terrorists, if they want to do something, you better believe they're going to find a way to do it, Real ID or no. I am 100% AGAINST it, mostly because it is an invasion of privacy and I dont feel comfortable having the govt. looking over my shoulder at all times. I think it should be denied by ALL states, at least until the new president takes over Washington.

Posted by: George (Bob) Location: Carson City
Ann, I normally do not respond to these types of issues, however, in this case I will make an exception. As for those people who are upset about the "Real I-D. GET OVER IT. This is not the same country at as before 9-11. If these people want to be mad at some one, try the stupid flight instructor in Florida who taught the terrorists how to control the airplane in flight, but did not want to learn how to take off, or land. daaaa. Why did he not notify authorities? As for the well meaning lady from Lovelock who thinks welfare should be looked at first. I say, "What better way to control aid to illigal immagrints, than to make them prove that they are leagally in this country. Sometimes we have to swallow pills we do not like. This is one of them.

Posted by: Alex Location: Reno
I thought the Real Id Act was implemented because some states had paper drivers licenses that were easily copied by terrorist and criminals. The federal government tried to get them to change their licensing practices to no avail. It's not a national database, it is just security standards for states to follow. Imagine if you lived in a state with paper drivers licenses that didn't require adequate documentation. Give us more information about the justification. I'm sure this wasn't frivolusly passed by our Congress.

Posted by: Rich Location: Reno
Several years ago,commercial drivers were required to get'new'federal licenses.This was supposed to stop fraud and keep drivers from getting more than one license.Since then they have added another back ground check(at the drivers expense).Was this just another waste?Or is this new program just a new form of intrusion into everyone's life?

Posted by: Sandy Location: Reno
Mike hit the nail on the head. This is just another way of taking away more of our freedoms and getting us to fall in line like puppets. This brings to mind a couple of movies: Wag the Dog, and The Matrix. We need to get rid of big corporations, and big government and get the government back in the hands of the people. I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who said " When the people fear the government, you have tyranny, when the government fears the people, you have peace! That about says it all!

Posted by: paul Location: cartoon city
To finish up on my prior email -- Why not check with your media colleagues and find out how many verified "terrorist" acts have actually been committed in this entire country since 9-11. I am not referencing some false claim about suspected terrorist activity, but a prosecuted case. Are you aware that about 14 States have refused to accede to the National ID? Are you aware that Montana Governor Schweitzer declared last week that his State would not allow the Real ID? Under the full faith agreements between the States and the Federal Government the Feds cannot keep these States from getting on airlines or the airlines can be refused the right to overfly the State boundaries. Please do your research on this subject and make sure people are made aware of its heinous implications. Thank you.

Posted by: paul Location: cartoon city
I hope you plan some in-depth research for your second part of this Real ID. Tonights show had you allowing Dean Heller to lie about the Real ID because he is one of the federal senators that wants all humans in the country to become federal citizens (this is another story in and of itself). You had some other man who told you that the Real ID would be necessary for law enforcement. May I suggest you talk to any cop in a cop car and ask them what databases they are able to access. They access local, State and Federal databases without need of a warrant. He did say that the cost of the Real ID was a few more of your rights. To this may I suggest you read PATRIOT ACT I and PATRIOT ACT II and then read HOMELAND SECURITY ACT I and HOMELAND SECURITY ACT II. There are no rights left in this country. They have all been stolen by State and Federal governments under the guise of "protecting us from terrorism."

Posted by: Jimmy Location: Sparks
Sheeple. This is insane. Neither party is for you or I. Nope my friends they are helping the rich. It is interesting that no one except Lou Dobbs and Michael Savage have been screaming about this North American Summit that Bush casually mentions in the SOTU speech. Real ID is the next step following the "you must have a passport to go to Mexico or Canada" edict. Since when does it make sense to have a passport for Tijuana? WAKE UP! That new passport has an RFID chip in it. Look at it. While everyone is chasing the "change" promise (how absurd) or Mr. Mayday himself, we are allowing the govt to circumvent "The People" and our will. If we rise up, we are dead or jailed because of the new home grown terrorism act. Our Constitution guarantees that we can dump the govt if we don't like what we have (and begin anew). Try that will ya? Better brush up on your Spanish and French friends. Our sovereign state is finished. Carter started what Hillary/Mayday will end, freedom.

Posted by: CHris Location: Reno
Real ID is not needed at all. It is simply a step towards tracking and controlling all of us more tightly. If existing laws and common sense were used, then this (and many other laws) act would not be implemented. IT IS NOT NEEDED! Americans need to wake up and stop the govt form stealing our freedoms!

Posted by: jo Location: sparks
Well they are using chips in mexico as experimental ,why does the ids suprise anyone

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno
This is just another step toward a police state and ultimately, Fascism in the United States. Anyone who cares about the constitution should oppose this measure. The ID will contain an RFID Chip which will allow the government to track anywhere you go, whatever you purchase, your complete medical history and the ability to determine wether or not you can travel freely within or outside of the United States. To see the full effect of the assault on our individual liberties, please watch Aron Russo's "From Freedom to Fascism". It is available for free on google video. It's not just about the money we must spend. It is about saving our country from disaster. Stop the polarization of America Stop the domination of the Democratic and Republican parties over our political system Shut down the Federal Reserve system Return America's gold to Fort Knox and have it audited STOP THE BUSH FASCISTS NOW! IMPEACH NOW!

Posted by: Joe Location: Sparks
I agree that we need to combat terrorism here on American soil, but forcing every state to implement a costly identification program seems like the federal government is overstepping its bounds. I am especially weary of the Real ID Act, because of the way it was tacked on to a war spending bill.

Posted by: Kelly Location: Reno
The Real ID Act of 2005 was adopted by the U.S. Congress in violation of the principals of federalism and the enumerated powers as spell out in the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights, Tenth Amendment, states, "The powers.... are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Not by Federal edicts and unfunded mandates. The Bush administration is threatening to restrict benefits, travel and freedoms of law abiding citizens instead of enforcing current immigration laws. As Senator Max Baucus recently said, "We need to be serious about fighting terrorism and keeping this country safe, but we don't need to do it by jeopardizing Americans' privacy and creating another bureaucracy." This law will cause unwarranted expense and hardship to the vast majority of people and is inimical to the residents of Nevada. Legislators who support the Real ID will not get mine.

Posted by: Dan Location: RENO
By Eliminating Undocumented Workers , the program would pay for itself.

Posted by: NATALIE Location: LOVELOCK
I think they need to clean up the welfare system first. Look at all the money that we give to illegal aliens for support. They even get federal tax returns and are not even citizens of the United States. I think the money can be spent in better ways and in more important ways than to worry about a drivers license if they want one they will get one anyway.