From the "Why Do I Bother?" Department Part II

I had almost forgotten that I wrote to my slimey Senator regarding the national ID system the Republicans want to put in place. Not one mention of my concern for the hemorraging of illegals across our southern border. I suppose it's ok for terrorists to come in as long as we identify them at the DMV. Note the Freudian misspelling of United States. Don't our senators have spell check?

Saxby's latest response:
May 9, 2005

Mr. John Xxxxx
XXX Xxxxx Drive
Xxxxxxxx, Georgia XXXXX

Dear Mr. Xxxxx:

Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on the creation of a national identification card. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

In the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, renewed debate has arisen regarding the effectiveness and the legal implications of a national identification card, a form of identification that would be more comprehensive than a driver's license, a Social Security card or a passport.

The idea of a national identification system with centralized repositories and tracking capabilities has long stirred controversy. I believe we must seek an appropriate balance between maintaining personal freedom and protecting national security. Those who oppose a national identification card cite the loss of privacy and fear of misuse, and others argue that a national identification card is unnecessary as citizens already have de facto identification cards in the form of social security cards and driver's licenses or state identification cards. They believe that these cards could be used as national identification cards with modification.

Conversely, advocates of a national identification system assert that such a system would serve as an invaluable tool to track the movement of known or potential terrorists, thus thwarting a terrorist attack. They also argue that such a system would facilitate the tracking of immigrants as they move in and out of the Untied States and would facilitate more accurate accountability of the number of immigrants in the U.S. Importantly, a national identification system would help ensure whether a person applying for a job is a legal visa holder, resident or American citizen rather than an illegal alien.

You may be interested to know that the recently passed S. 2845, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004," did indicate that States would have to follow uniform national standards for what documents they accept in issuing driver's licenses and determining who is eligible to receive a license. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should such legislation come before the United States Senate in the 109th Congress.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. In the meantime, if you would like to receive timely e-mail alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Saxby Chambliss
United States Senate