Hi,
Counterfeiting could be combated in some ways, but for most uses, it wouldn't matter. Look at how much effort Engraving and Printing have gone to, and yet bunches of funny money get passed every day. Anti-counterfeiting measures are no better than the person examining the document -- in general pretty damned poor.
Validation? What would you propose be used to prove the identity of a person seeking a card to prove his identity (note the circular reference?)? The validity of an ID card is no better than the validity of the documents used to validate the card. When I got my US passport, almost all the documentation that it was based on could have been picked up on the lower East side in the '50s very cheaply (and I suspect still could be). The only thing that was a bit different was my proof of citizenship. But, had I bought a US birth certificate, then it would have all been easy.
So, other than to satisfy some jack-booted thug's demand for 'your papers', just what is the value of a national ID card?
--Pete
Quote:I agree. What is so hard about having a valid ID?Wouldn't make any difference in this case, see my reply to eppie. But just what do you think a national ID card would buy you? There are two factors to consider: validation and counterfeiting.
Counterfeiting could be combated in some ways, but for most uses, it wouldn't matter. Look at how much effort Engraving and Printing have gone to, and yet bunches of funny money get passed every day. Anti-counterfeiting measures are no better than the person examining the document -- in general pretty damned poor.
Validation? What would you propose be used to prove the identity of a person seeking a card to prove his identity (note the circular reference?)? The validity of an ID card is no better than the validity of the documents used to validate the card. When I got my US passport, almost all the documentation that it was based on could have been picked up on the lower East side in the '50s very cheaply (and I suspect still could be). The only thing that was a bit different was my proof of citizenship. But, had I bought a US birth certificate, then it would have all been easy.
So, other than to satisfy some jack-booted thug's demand for 'your papers', just what is the value of a national ID card?
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?