Congress finally thinks about drivers licenses.

www.hotchicken.com ^ | 5-3-05 | www.hotchicken.com

[thebiggestdog]

As if to add insult to injury, it was reported after 9/11 that some of the hijackers had obtained state issued drivers licenses. When I first heard the news, I could hardly believe it. Not only did the terrorists kill hundreds of people, but they mocked our lax security to boot.

The problem is not with the licenses themselves, but that they are considered a legal document in which to open a bank account, rent a car, and yes, get on an airplane and take it over. The same type of problem can be found with your Social Security number. Banks, car dealerships, credit card companies and even your local public utility use a SS number as a way to prove that you have a right to be here.

[thebiggestdog]

Finally, Congress has decided to take action to prevent people who are here illegally from obtaining driver's licenses. The problem is not so much with people driving, but the power that a license has as an ID card in our society.

[Cloverfarm]

That's true.

DH renewed his license on line recently, answered a few questions and the little beauty -- a reprint of his expired one -- came in the mail a few days later. Seems like the state made it so easy for fraud (or worse) to take place.

Now, to get a farm operating loan from the banker we've seen every year for 15 years -- we had to go in person with proof of ID.

God bless America -- we need all the help we can get!

Ann

[cousair]

Finally!! It is about time Congress does something that might help what is going on over the borders. I think fingerprinting on the license would be a good idea also. If anyone objects...take another look at that person!!

[Deaf Smith]

The US DOT took care of this for commercial traffic about 15 years ago; uniform testing, qualifications, proof of ID (Birth Certificate) and ONE driver's license to cover the entire USA.

Texas should be used as a model for individual licenses; Birth Certificate and thumb print.

Foreigner in country on a Visa? Should be same qualifications as above but as a Temporary License only with a expiration date same as the Visa. Not renewable.

[cousair]

Totally agree! Lets hope it happens sooner rather than later...the border situation is critical. California is only one state in the cross hairs. No matter what they say...the state income will never recover till they get a handle on it, and Arnie knows it well.