Quote:
Originally posted by lisa
As it is now, there is no ONE place where anyone can steal ALL my information and, in fact, the easiest place to get that information from *is* the government...
For example, I have several acquaintances that I have not seen in over 10 years yet I can find out in MINUTES where they live (their exact address, in fact). They are all pilots and the FAA sells a database of all licenced pilots and all their information...
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So you say it is not a problem but then you provide more proof to make my point? The government has all that information, AND more. The same information links directly over to find more in other databases. It is all there.
Currently how does one steal your ID? They go to the government for help in getting their ID confirmed. In reality that 'request for confirmation' is how they steal your ID - from the government - because there is no system to safely confirm your ID - no national ID confirmation system. No national ID system is just another reason why identity theft is so easy.
A National ID system is not a server of information on anyone to anyone. It is a confirmation system. In a national ID system, grossly less than 5% of current government information is installed in a database - that is not openly read, but requires the correct information to only confirm your identity. Why would anyone using logic fear this? Currently everyone can claim they need proof that they are you - and get all that information from the appropriate government agency. Therefore they get all the information on you they need - because there is no system established for you to prove who you are. No confirmation system means anyone can learn all about you from the government databases.
Notice that because every FAA licensed pilot is an open database, then you have assumed a national ID system is the same open database. This is the emotional fear previously cited - a fear created by broad assumptions rather than first looking at the problem. A national ID confirmation system does not provide the government any new information. They already have it all and attaches to much more in master databases. Ever been through a secret clearance? It is performed so quickly because the government already has all that information. If you fear government possessing all that information - your only logical alternative is to shoot yourself - or hide in the woods like Kazinsky. Government already has it all ... in spades.
A national ID system does not make your critical ID information open to all. Again that is already available throughout the government, phone companies, even your college, etc. A national ID system is setup not to let others learn about you. It is different from every other database. It is only about your confirming to others who you are - not telling the world about you.
But we still fear a national ID system because other systems designed to find you and not designed to help you prove yourself already exist? They already threaten your identity, in part, because they are also used to ID you. Why? Again, because they are doing the job, with minimal security, that a secure national ID system should be performing.
Identity theft is quite widespread, growing quickly, and little reported because it does not happen quickly like a Bridgeport fire, or the murder of a wife, or money paid to a nude dancer. Identity theft is a common crime, growing in size, often never detected, and typically takes years to even learn about, as well as a threat to your bank accounts, and to national security. But since no one has died, we worry instead about a mythical government conspiracy to enslave us all? Are we are as mentally challenged as a Michigan Miltia recruit?
Yes, we so fear this mythical government that we cannot act unless enough people are killed - which is why a national ID confirmation system will not happen.