REAL ID = Real Trouble

This article by Greg Anrig, Jr. describes the needless cost, inconvenience, and chaos that are in the offing as the impractical, complex proof-of-identity requirements of the war-on-terror-inspired REAL ID Act of 2005 take effect next year.

People will first encounter these troubles at departments of motor vehicles as states demand REAL IDs before renewing drivers' licenses. But the problems won't end there. The immigration bill currently being debated would require job applicants to present either REAL IDs or passports.

And how much do you want to bet that soon we'll be hearing calls for requiring REAL IDs at the voting booths?--calls that will come primarily from Republican operatives eager to further reduce the number of people allowed to participate in democracy, using phony concerns about "voter fraud" as an excuse.

Tags: REAL ID, immigration reform, voter fraud