Tamper-Proof Biometric ID Card? Will I Need One? Because I Don't Have One!

RFFM.org ^ | May 9, 2008 | Daniel T. Zanoza

[Daniel T. Zanoza]

RFFM.org Commentary

I was watching Bill O'Reilly's interview (O'Reilly Factor--FOX News Channel) with the Republican Party's presumptive presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain, on Thursday and the host asked his guest about the problem of illegal immigration. Remember, McCain came under considerable fire from many Americans on both sides of the political aisle for his stance on the problem and O'Reilly was trying to clarify the position of the senior Senator from Arizona on the subject of illegal immigration.

Of course, McCain began with his usual spiel that he gets it, as far as Americans wanting our border with Mexico secured.

Typically, McCain was very vague in his definition of the word "secured" which continues to give many of us pause regarding his sincerity on the topic. But after the obligatory "I get it" statement, McCain followed with ...

[Global2010]

Does it matter who the President is anymore?

We are going Global faster then I thought.

As the Screen name implies I predict we will be Globally borderless by 2010.

Like a sci fi movie.

[GovernmentShrinker]

I’ve never understood the notion of a biometric ID card. Under a truly biometric ID system, what would a card add? The person is the biometric evidence. I do think such a system is necessary. Without it, we’ll completely lose control of our land, money, and elections. But we don’t need cards.

[Rick.Donaldson]

biometrics are simply “parts of us”.... meaning that my fingerprints ought to be completely sufficient. We use (or used to use) a biometric device here, called a “hand geometry unit” - which is sufficient for day-to-day ops in a secured facility but bodies change over time and they aren’t perfect.

On the other hand... how many of us are willing to give up DNA that can be ‘encoded into a badge’ and then have to be “tested” for “verification” by giving blood or something and waiting the hours or days it takes for such verification?

The technology isn’t yet there.

We have secure, common access cards (CACs) we use, which are smart cards similar to the things that plug into your direct tv box for instance, and to use them there is data encoded on them.

Then you have something, and item.

And you have to have something that YOU know (a PIN for instance).

Then they can be valid....

But, when it comes right down to it... there is really only one thing that is truly unique about each of us and that’s our DNA and what makes us into what we are.

So... when the technology becomes available - which it isn’t, then such devices might work.

Until then... sorry. I don’t need no stinkin’ badges (except at work)