March 25, 2008 - 11:29am
Real ID will be a Real Problem for Maine
By Wally Edge
Tags: John Baldacci, Real ID
Its sun down at the OK corral and Maine appears to have brought a knife to a gun fight.
For some really interesting reason—that I have already forgotten ---involving an uncomfortable partnership with liberals and libertarians, Maine has refused to ask for an extension to the Real ID law.
I know, you are probably thinking—when is the last time Maine turned down a new government program. The problem is this one COSTS money – hence the reluctance to sign up. Of course, the issue is a little more complicated because we don’t really have to sign up right now. Maine can ask for an extension and deal with it later. You know, how they handle most issues.
Apparently, Maine is now one of three states, along with the New Hampshire and South Carolina that have failed to ask for a waiver.
Here’s the problem, if Maine doesn’t send in a piece of paper to the government that says: Dear Big Government, “Can we have a waiver?” Then, according to the big government website, “If your state does not request a REAL ID extension by March 31, 2008, beginning May 11, 2008, you will not be able to use your state-issued driver's license or identification card for an official purpose, such as accessing a federal facility, boarding a federally-regulated commercial aircraft, or entering a nuclear power plant.”
Well, we have the nuke thing covered, but the whole airplane thing may be a problem.
I’m sure there are some really important principles at stake, and that’s super. How about sending in a piece of paper and dealing with the principles later? It’s called punting, and the folks in Augusta have made it an art form concerning almost every other issue.
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Nice Snarkiness, but Way Off Point
So, Maine's "knife" has already won. Homeland Security has no interest in a showdown - it would merely highlight the failure of their politically created program. Montana was far more stringent in their refusal to comply, so DHS is going to say they have "an implied waiver". DHS was merely gunning for a political victory, wanting to claim all states were in compliance. In fact, Maine was just the tip of the spear with over 18 states saying no to this ludicrous proposal, and DHS backing down time and again each time a deadline approached.
And about the significance of staying out of REAL ID, we have yet another recent story to look to with the Hannaford data breach. Creating a single portal to all Americans' data (and potentially biometrics) is an absolute goldmine for data thieves. When Connecticut DMV employees were caught selling data, they only had access to Connecticut citizens' info. Under REAL ID, that same bad apple in CT would have access to all Mainers' info as well. And all this is without delving into the privacy and 10th amendment issues presented.
Luckily, despite the Governor's desire to buckle, the legislature and Secretary of State have held firm, leading to an exposing of DHS' impotent threats.
I appreciate your comments.
I appreciate your comments. I don't disagree with them. My point is that - like the program--the letter means nothing - so why not just continue working to fix the problem and eliminate the needless anxiety that non-compliance for failure to send a letter --will cause. Also - Maine is hardly pure when it comes to the protection of data this report: http://mainegov-images.informe.org/legis/opega/reports/Infosystems/IT%20... provides more support to your concerns--but here in Maine.
McCain troubles
Another subject needing review is McCain campaign matching funds. I will give everyone McCain did not take any funds from the FEC. Part 2 and needing real investigation and national exposure is ballot access. McCain accepted the FEC ballot posting in about 10 states when he applied for matching funds. McCain never properly collected enough Republican registered voters in those states as required by law after withdrawing from the FEC program. Perhaps a million votes, and who knows how many national delegates illegally given to McCain. No body is covering the felony violations of McCain. I am seeking a reporter and publication not beholden to the GOP and corporate interests, who want the truth told no mater how the "chips may fall".
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