Comments on: Single Government ID Card Closer to Reality

By: Legal XXX

Legal XXX — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 21:00:09 +0000

Single Government ID Moves Closer to Reality
While I can be sympathetic to the libertarian-esque arguments against national ID cards, I tend to find them unpersuasive. Aside from the fact that the IDs in this story are for federal employees (which is so common sense it's clear why it wasn't tri...

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 17:42:28 +0000

Charlie,

Actually, at least where I work, the CAC is used IN ADDITION TO the proximity badge and military ID/Geneva Convention card.

By: Charlie on the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Charlie on the Pennsylvania Turnpike — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 17:04:58 +0000

Your surpise (about not already being implemented) is correct. There already is a Common Access Card (CAC) that the military and Defense Contractors use, complete with biometric data.

The smart-card contains all sorts of data, including clearance information (and even as mundane as chow discounts), and are the principle form of ID. The cards are required to send e-mail (from properly secured desktops), which will then act as 'digitally signed' communications.

Leave it to the Unions to complain about them, altho at the Defense Agency position I held, even union employees had them.

By: Nominal Me

Nominal Me — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:07:45 +0000

BLOGS / NEWS OF THE DAY:
11:00 AM (EST): Outside the Beltway reports that national ID cards are probably on the way.