Is a National ID A Good Idea In The Age Of Terrorism?


The dispute over a voter ID card in Georgia offers an opportunity to examine the pros and cons of a national, government-issued ID.

The 9/11 disaster made this once unthinkable a discussion worth having. In the same way we have a duty to guard our borders and regulate who comes and goes, we have the right to know who is on our streets and in our cities.

But we also have an obligation - and a responsibility - not to create a society in which big brother looks over every shoulder.

In Georgia, supporters of the voter ID bill, including Rep. Gov Sonny Perdue claim the law would bring new honesty to the voting booth. No more dead people would cast ballots, he said, without offering details to show whether this is a big problem in this deep south state.

On the other hand, a statewide ID places greater burdens on the elderly, the poor and minorities, who don't have easy access to government services - or the time off from work to apply for cards.

There is no simple way to balance security and freedom.  But with unchecked wiretapping and bank account probing a tool of the Bush Administration, it is a discussion we should be having.