To: Selectric II who wrote (20532 ) 11/20/2001 4:02:06 PM From: Bilow Read Replies (2) | Respond to Hi Selectric II; Ah, you're a lawyer! That's why it's fun arguing with you.And if banks are national, why can't you cash a check in the CA, ME, or FL branch of your nationwide bank? " Maybe I want to use a check to buy gas Phoenix from the 7-11 at 2AM. No banks are open. Besides, most banks are not national. What's national is our banking system and currency. Only one dollar in this country, not like it used to be. Back then, you had the freedom to carry around money with "Second Fish Bank of Maine" printed on it, though God knows who else would recognize it.Besides, it's not the out-of-state driver's license and questionable identity that's the problem with an out-of-state check; it's the cost and hassle of chasing down out-of-state check bouncers that is. " How do you know this?Nowadays, if you lose a credit card you can cancel it and get a new one, with a new number, in days. " I don't propose to change this, but you realize that this is an open invitation to fraud.if you lose, or somebody tries to assume your national I.D. card, what do you do -- melt into oblivion? " Same thing happens now if you lose, or if somebody "tries to assume" your current identity. What's different is that now, they can assume your identity without bothering to take your identity papers. With a national identity card they'll have to look like you. Right now, all they have to do is get a driver's license issued in your name with their face in Iowa.Just think about all the phone calls you'd have to make and letters you'd have to write after they issue you a new one. " I don't suppose you've ever lost your passport while overseas. It's a lot easier than you're thinking. And have you ever found out what happens when you're travelling and lose your driver's license? That's right, getting back on the plane is a hassle. In short, it would be easier to get your card back if there was a nation-wide place to get it. Just show up, they check your fingerprints (or retinal scan or whatever) and they issue you a new card. And they automatically make it so that if someone else uses your old card they end up in jail.And think about the mischief a thief can get into, using your i.d., until he's caught. You'd have no assets left, as well as no i.d. " These are all empty arguments. What you're describing is the situation we have now.P.S. Sounds to me like you're part of the crowd that believes statehood and federalism are outdated and we should abolish state government in favor of solely federal government. Are you? "
