Preliminary Thoughts on Rebelling
So, we're rebelling against the coming NID (national ID) ... what exactly does that mean? To me, it means a helluva lot more than saying, "Sign me up!" and posting a cool graphic on one's web site, and then going back to the daily trudge of one's life. The U.S. Congress and President Bush have, in making the Real ID Act law, thoroughly gutted liberty in this country -- to say nothing of privacy.
While the law will not come into full effect until 2008 (at present writing), look for elements of it to start being implemented much sooner. Don't count on the state governments to continue their tepid protestations -- after all, their primary concern is primarily that Real ID is an unfunded mandate. If the federal government starts tossing them money, I predict most states' politicians will be only too happy to comply.
If we want to keep this country free of national IDs that are required for any travel within the country, or to transact any sort of business, we, the people must take action against it. How do we do that?
There are many ways. I'll be exploring them in more depth in the future, but for now, it's helpful to think about the possibilities. First, there's loud, public opposition, such as this web site and its affiliated Rebels; there's also quiet, under-the-radar screen activism possibilities; others may choose to work within the system to bring it down; and last, others may choose education as their form of activism -- writing about what's coming, and why it's wrong, so that more people understand what's at stake and may become moved to become activists themselves. (For a more fully-fleshed take on three of these four ideas, see Claire Wolfe's book The Freedom Outlaw's Handbook [the link goes to my review of it], and The Claire Files Forum for an ongoing discussion of these methods and much more.)
Then, think about how important this is to you. Are you willing to die rather than carry a NID? Are you willing to radically restructure your life so that you can live outside the "official" U.S. system -- possibly foregoing the nice house, a traditional job, banking and credit as you know it, relatively free travel (although it bears mentioning that commercial airlines already require a photo ID to board a plane, claiming that some law requires that while not bringing forth a copy of the law for individuals to see)?
Think about others who might be affected by your decision -- spouse, children, elderly family members, friends. Are they willing to bear some (perhaps a lot) of unpleasant consequences of your chosen course? Are you willing to bear the loss of support from some, maybe all, of these people in your life? (You'll almost certainly meet new friends, but that can be small consolation at best if your marriage ends over your activism.)
If, after pondering these questions, all you're willing to do right now is post an anti-NID graphic on your web site, your support is still welcome. Every voice raised in opposition is important. I recommend that you choose from the graphics from the Liberty Round Table's No-NID project and link back to it.
For those of you who are willing to take further action, this is the place to be. We'll be exploring these questions, and many more related to them, as we go. We're just getting started here -- and your input is welcome.
While the law will not come into full effect until 2008 (at present writing), look for elements of it to start being implemented much sooner. Don't count on the state governments to continue their tepid protestations -- after all, their primary concern is primarily that Real ID is an unfunded mandate. If the federal government starts tossing them money, I predict most states' politicians will be only too happy to comply.
If we want to keep this country free of national IDs that are required for any travel within the country, or to transact any sort of business, we, the people must take action against it. How do we do that?
There are many ways. I'll be exploring them in more depth in the future, but for now, it's helpful to think about the possibilities. First, there's loud, public opposition, such as this web site and its affiliated Rebels; there's also quiet, under-the-radar screen activism possibilities; others may choose to work within the system to bring it down; and last, others may choose education as their form of activism -- writing about what's coming, and why it's wrong, so that more people understand what's at stake and may become moved to become activists themselves. (For a more fully-fleshed take on three of these four ideas, see Claire Wolfe's book The Freedom Outlaw's Handbook [the link goes to my review of it], and The Claire Files Forum for an ongoing discussion of these methods and much more.)
Then, think about how important this is to you. Are you willing to die rather than carry a NID? Are you willing to radically restructure your life so that you can live outside the "official" U.S. system -- possibly foregoing the nice house, a traditional job, banking and credit as you know it, relatively free travel (although it bears mentioning that commercial airlines already require a photo ID to board a plane, claiming that some law requires that while not bringing forth a copy of the law for individuals to see)?
Think about others who might be affected by your decision -- spouse, children, elderly family members, friends. Are they willing to bear some (perhaps a lot) of unpleasant consequences of your chosen course? Are you willing to bear the loss of support from some, maybe all, of these people in your life? (You'll almost certainly meet new friends, but that can be small consolation at best if your marriage ends over your activism.)
If, after pondering these questions, all you're willing to do right now is post an anti-NID graphic on your web site, your support is still welcome. Every voice raised in opposition is important. I recommend that you choose from the graphics from the Liberty Round Table's No-NID project and link back to it.
For those of you who are willing to take further action, this is the place to be. We'll be exploring these questions, and many more related to them, as we go. We're just getting started here -- and your input is welcome.
posted by Sunni at 8:13 AM
11 Comments:
I guess I spoke too soon, suggesting that this would just be a list of web sites or blogs.
Just thinking out loud here- I am sort of mentally constructing a list of activist options ranked from least risky to most. I figure that way I can start with the least risky and steadily progress upward as far as I can bring myself to go.
Somewhere down at the bottom of the list in the least risky region:
-writing to government officials
-blogging about Real ID
-flyering around my town
-billboard campaign
Excellent suggestion, Kirsten.
From browsing the ACLU website for activist ideas (I haven't found any activism stuff on Real ID there yet):
-submit an op-ed piece to the local paper
-put forth the issue on talk radio (maybe some of the libertarian hosts could be helpful on this)
-host an informational table at local events
-organize a public event
-get a resolution passed in the community (I believe several communities have done this in response to the PATRIOT Act)
None of what I read here will change anything.
Mark, inaction won't change things either.
One thing I've started doing is "Furling" anything I run across regarding Real ID. If your not familiar with Furl check it out.
It's a good way to bring websites and/or articles to the attention of people who may not necessarily be aware.
Duplicating articles and sites is recommended since posts can fall off the front page rather quickly. There is also a page Popular Headlines for the most popular Furled items.
Bob,
Trying the same old, useless courses of action is insanity.
Mr. Marchiafava, as I've said here, this effort is just getting started. And I'm sure those of us who've signed on here aren't alone in opposing the coming National ID.
You are, of course, entitled to think that anything (and everything) that we might do "won't change anything". But I can't not to try to make a difference. At the very least, my children will know I didn't willingly give them over to slavery to the state.
If you have other suggestions, or means you think might be more effective than the little you've seen thus far, you're welcome to share them. But pointless negativity isn't welcome here.
Sunni and the rest of you amateurs,
Trying to save someone the trouble and aggravation of spending your time and resources WASTED is NOT "pointless." Here, chew on this for awhile........name ONE dictator, tyrant or Police State parlimentary body that woke up one day and VOLUNTARILY loosened it's grip from around the throats of the people..............history says it ain't gonna happen......
Mark
Again, Mr. Marchiafava, you miss the point entirely: we know that tyrants don't loosen the chains of their own accord. That's why we're rebelling -- and will do so in a wide variety of ways. Others who come to this site can see what we're about, and choose whether to participate or not -- they don't need you or anybody else being a 'Net Nanny for them.
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