Real ID. Another UNFUNDED Man-Date from the Republicans

[maxrandb]

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=86050&ran=106209

They've made a lot of political hay by coming up with a "catchy" name for a bill, passing it, requiring states to comply, and then not funding it (see Patriot Act, Homeland Security Act, No Child Left Behind Act, and on and on).

Now may I present to you the Real ID Act. Want to see state after state go broke? Want to see 8 hour waits at the DMV? Want to see Republicans prove once again that (at least when they are in power) "government can't work"?

Take a look at what this would mean, just to the DMV in VA.

"Lines at Department of Motor Vehicles offices in Virginia are expected to increase by a half-million customers a year if a provision passed Thursday by the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law. The measure calls for strict identification requirements for driver’s licenses, including renewals

Of those who renew each year, about a half-million do so in person. The other half-million do so by mail, phone or on-line, Goheen said. If the proposed change becomes law, the latter group will have no choice but to go to a DMV office in person with the proper paperwork. “We anticipate the impact to be significant,” she said.

Goheen said the initial cost to implement the new rules has been estimated at $237 million to build additional facilities, hire more staff, buy more equipment and still maintain the current level of service. The average statewide wait at DMV is about 20 minutes, Goheen said. The state has not determined the annual cost or the added fees that customers would likely face.

The Real ID Act, which has been proposed before and defeated, slipped in under most legislators’ radars, according to Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-3rd District. “We did not give that provision adequate consideration,” Scott said.

Scott also pointed out that some U.S. citizens, particularly longtime residents, have no documentation proving citizenship or lawful residency. “A lot of people won’t be able to do it,” Scott said. “They’re going to have to start from scratch to prove who they are.”

Gee, nice of Representative Scott to let us know that they don't even "frickin" read or consider what they are voting for. It's also going to be fun to try to find my Greek Grandmother's Birth Certificate. They kept meticulous records over there in the Greek islands, especially back in the 1940's. :eyes:

This needs to be an Albatross around the necks of the repukes. We need to make sure that EVERY four hour visit voters make to the DMV is tied around the throat of the Republican Party.

Where do you think the federal government is going to come up with the money this will cost? I'll tell you where..."Mr and Mrs Middle-class Taxpayer." It sure ain't coming from Dick Cheney.

[Inland]

1. IDs are important, but not so important that Congress will pay for it.

That's what kills me. Leaving the entire mess to some overworked civil servant at the DMV at one of thousands of locations shows that the Congress doesn't really believe there's any national interest or security interest involved.

[maxrandb]

2. Yes

I don't want to get into a smack-down of the DMV employees, but that job has got to be about as rewarding as standing at a window and asking "do you want fries with that".

I think that the underlying purpose of this is to nulify, without repealing, the "Motor-Voter Act".

Moter-Voter made it easier to register and vote. If there is one thing that Republicans can't stand it's too much participation by the regular folks. If you let the huddled masses at the DMV register and vote, then too many (in Republicans minds) will be participating in government.

Their ultimate dream would be to limit political participation to as few people as possible. Screwing with the process to get a lisence is one way ensure you can get rid of Moter-Voter without actually coming out and saying you want to get rid of it. Look at the below list of things that have been supported, or opposed by Republicans, or should I say neo-cons, and you can tell what they think of the average American. They want a serfdom, that is their ultimate goal.

- Voting only allowed for owners of property (supported by neo-cons)
- Literacy Test (supported by neo-cons)
- Voting Ballots only in English (supported by neo-cons)
- Opposition to restoring voting rights to felons that have completed their sentence (neo-cons)
- Poll taxes (neo-cons)
- Opposition to the Civil Rights Act (neo-cons)
- Opposition to woman's suffrage (neo-cons)
- Opposition to Americans with Disabilities Act (neo-cons)
- Opposition to Moter-Voter Act (neo-cons)

And these are just a few. Anything that makes it easier for the elite class to vote is encouraged. Anything that makes it harder for the poor or disabled is discouraged.

Have I said lately that "I hate these people"

[realFedUp]

3. How Real ID Will Affect You

FAQ: How Real ID will affect you
By Declan McCullagh
http://news.com.com/FAQ+How+Real+ID+will+affect+you/2100-1028_3-5697111.html

I'm not crazy about RFID chips being in them,
or medical info. I guess it's better than a
number tattoed in your arm...or chip implanted in
your body...
:eyes: