by Richard Serra

Created on: February 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Identity theft
An article written by Courier Times writer Melissa Milewski, about a bill that would protect victims of identity theft, has prompted me to ask why not move into the 21st century. That is, to use the latest technology available to prevent ID theft in the first place. The Federal Trade Commission states that nearly 10 million people were victimized last year. Out-of-pocket losses at $5 billion. Banks and lending institutions lost $48 billion last year as well.Since Social Security numbers were first issued, the growing fear of "Big Brother" intruding in our privacy has once again been stirred by the governments approval for using "Biometrics" as a means of keeping tabs on its citizens. Biometrics is fast becoming a reality for a large variety of highly secure identification and personal verification solutions. As a matter of fact, Biometrics will greatly improve Homeland Security, airport security, as well as strengthen our borders, and also provide the most reliable means by which to prevent ID theft. However, only those who have something to "hide" need fear Big Brother, and only if you pose a "threat" to national security. Fact is, we are just not important enough to scrutinize unless something major that we are involved in sends up a red flag.So fearing this new technology, and its use to keep a closer watch on all of us, is really unwarranted, as the government already has the means via of our social security number to know anything and everything about us.That said, think about what this will mean when they do implement this relatively new system of identity verification. It should scare most of us I would imagine.Since the events of 9/11, eight states already are involved in using this latest and most secure method of identification, requiring fingerprints on our driving license, and will move rapidly throughout the rest. Of course the thought of everyone having to provide their fingerprints, sends a negative message, unless we understand the importance of doing so. What is positive about it, is that it will almost be impossible to steal your identity. Also a means to ensure our National security as never before.Cigarette smokers can rejoice in the fact that soon they will be able to purchase their favorite tobacco product via of vending machines once again, and in all the familiar places they once did before. Reason being, underage individuals will not be able to do so with a Biometrics ID device integrated in the machine, thus leaving the

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