Single Data Source (Score 1)

I really find it hard to believe that the best argument against National ID cards that Slashdotters can come up with is that it will provide an easy-access single data-source for the government to search. As we already have SSN's and state Driver's License information, most of this information is already available. Certainly someone would have to write some code to integrate multiple data sources, but that is certainly something that could be accomplished with the resources of the federal government. Certainly there is a valid discussion around what information should be collected and what should not be allowed to be collected, but this is really a separate discussion from the National ID card.

Secondly, I have a seen a lot of discussion of federalism and state's rights. I truly understand and support this concept, but we have to understand the way the concept needs to change with modern times. When the founders originally developed this idea, it took several days to travel between New York and Boston. Now we can make it from New York to LA in a couple of hours. While there is still a great reason to leave much responsibility and decision-making in the hands of the local state governments, it is unreasonable to suggest that the ability to verify someone's identity from outside the state is not an important issue from a national security perspective, a commerce perspective, or even a local security perspective as people move between states an into our communities.

It surprises me that for a group so in touch with the capabilities of technology, Slashdot users have missed the boat on the ease with which the collection of data could already be accomplished; and why they have no faith in the potential of well-implemented technology to allow for a National ID card that takes into account and protects the privacy at stake.