I don't disagree that having a standardized security format for identification is a bad idea - Its a great idea. Having measures in place to prevent people from copying and counterfeiting ID cards is an obvious thing to do. However, my huge problem with REAL ID is that it would set in place a single database that would hold god knows what information about every single citizen of this country. It would be searched in secret without citizens knowledge and I am sure it would open up entirely new agencies and bureaucracies whose sole purpose is to create ways sift "bad" people out of that info. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a dangerous thing. Make no mistake, the government is already trying to do similar projects with existing info and people need to be aware of it, but this is simply another avenue for a group of people to realize their goal. But here is the thing, some will say that the govt can do this already with existing info/SS#'s/etc. And you're right, but in order to build it out extensively and most importantly, get funding for a nationwide system and bureaucracy, they need a reason. REAL ID could be that justification.
Here is a scenario for you. Such a database and any programs or efforts to extensively datamine the info is VERY likely to be secret. (Don't want the terrorist to know our methods!) So lets say that some new algorithms developed by DARPA single out Johnny as a potential threat due to his age, place of birth, credit and travel history, political affiliations, tax records/organizations he has donated to, military service and health records, or those of his friends. He can't very well be arrested on secret information... so what happens?? He gets detained indefinitely! But don't worry, we have a firewall protecting us against such actions by the state - Habeus Corpus - oh, wait a sec.
Brave new world indeed.
