Is a National Identification Card Necessary for the Security of the Nation?

This issue was mentioned in the LIS 2600 textbook. There is a Federal initiative underway that calls for a national ID card. Some groups fear that the information contained in the cards would be shared among other government agencies and that would erode civil liberties. One of the examples given would that police power would be increased in an event where a person could not produce their national ID.

Other arguments include whether biometric data should be on the card or whether the information should be tied to a national database.

Many other countries have the sort of thing we're talking about. Each state has a requirement for drivers to have a license and to carry it at all times when driving. States even offer a state ID card for those who do not drive. I generally trust the government when it comes to protecting my information. One example, I believe the census bureau when they say my data is only used for census purposes. I believe we would have the necessary safeguards that would address people's privacy concerns. (Heck, I think we trust companies like Facebook and Google more than we trust our own government. Which is surprising!)

I can appreciate a healthy concern. However, I think a national ID card would be a good idea if it can protect people.

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