REAL ID doesn’t go into effect until three years after it becomes law, but I expect things to be much worse by then. One of my fears is that this new uniform driver’s license will bring a new level of “show me your papers” checks by the government. Already you can’t fly without an ID, even though no one has ever explained how that ID check makes airplane terrorism any harder.
Please, even if you don’t normally care about politics, read this essay by Bruce Schneier on the uselessness of the Real ID, and the many reasons why it’s a bad idea.
Despite appearances to the contrary, Americans still have the power to smack their government into complying with the wishes of Americans. Please remember that government is supposed to answer to you, and not the other way around.
Real ID is a step in the wrong direction. It’s one plodding, apathetic, shambling, shuffling stumble towards a totalitarian police state. If you’re reading this, I implore you to write your representatives and senators and let them know you are against the Real ID.