Real I-D Becomes a Reality
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Real I-D Becomes a RealityKOLO Blog Listing
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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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...

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
  • by anon on Mar 14, 2008 at 04:05 PM
    GET RID OF ALL THE MEXICANS!!!!! SEND THEM ALL BACK!!! AND ANCHOR BABIES ARE NOTTTTTTT US CITIZENS!!!!
  • by Rosie Location: Reno on Mar 5, 2008 at 12:32 PM
    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!!!
  • by Annie Location: Reno on Feb 19, 2008 at 06:05 PM
    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!
  • by Anne Location: Reno on Feb 18, 2008 at 10:20 AM
    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.
  • by Darryl Location: Sparks on Feb 17, 2008 at 06:32 AM
    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.
  • by natalie Location: lovelock on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:58 AM
    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.
  • by Mike Location: Reno on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:45 AM
    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.
  • by Dennis B Location: Reno, NV on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:22 AM
    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.
  • by paul Location: Cartoon City on Feb 14, 2008 at 10:37 PM
    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.
  • by Stoney Location: Reno on Feb 14, 2008 at 07:25 PM
    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
  • by Stoney Location: Reno on Feb 14, 2008 at 07:24 PM
    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?
  • by Mike Location: Reno on Feb 14, 2008 at 06:33 PM
    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.
  • by Tony Rains Location: Reno on Feb 14, 2008 at 06:27 PM
    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
  • by Dennis B Location: Reno, NV on Feb 14, 2008 at 04:22 PM
    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?
  • by Dennis B Location: Reno, NV on Feb 14, 2008 at 03:50 PM
    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?
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