History Lesson:
On September 11, 2001 terrorists hijacked 4 commercial airliners. They crashed 2 into the World Trade Center which led to its collapse, 1 into the Pentagon, and the last crashed into a field as the passengers fought to take back control. It is a day that left America, if not the world, in shock.
In order to make Americans feel safe again, our government, in its infinite wisdom formed the 9-11 Commission. The Commission recommended that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” Four years later, in 2005, the Federal Government passed the Real ID Act.
Which leads us to the present.
Coming May 3, 2023, if one wishes to travel by air, one will have to have a “Real ID”. We’ll no longer be able to use the fake ones we were previously issued. I understand requiring a passport to travel to other countries, but requiring a domestic passport for interstate travel? Unconstitutional.
It’s a good thing it’s only taken the Feds 20+ years to implement a plan to thwart another 9-11 style threat. Never mind the fact that we haven’t had an airline hijacking in the U.S. since 9-11. It looks like the Gestapo Security Checkpoints in the airport with the removal of shoes and belts and the baggage/body scanning aren’t doing enough. A “Real ID” will make all the difference.
Papers please.
From what I can tell, a Real ID looks just like a regular driver’s license. The only difference is that a Real ID has a cute little star logo in the upper right hand corner. Just like in Kindergarten, we the people get a little government approved star so we can feel validated.
According to the DHS website, to get a Real ID one will need:
- Full Legal Name (should be on your Birth Certificate)
- Date of Birth (should be on your Birth Certificate)
- Social Security Number (should be on your Social Security Card)
- Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence (should be on your utility bills, etc.)
- Lawful Status (should be on your Birth Certificate)
Of course none of these things in the list have ever been found to be counterfeit before.
I wonder how long it will take before the lawless create the Real “Fake” I.D. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if somebody has already done it. We all know how easily thwarted the criminal mind is by new laws and complicated thingies.
(Image Source: Sidney Pearce on Unsplash)
