Jacqui Smith finds time for controversy once again
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8035002.stm

The cost will be £60 each for something very few people actually want.

Isn't it high time she got the boot? Or should we make her read all our email correspondence first?
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 6 May 2009, 10:02, 16 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

They wil help keeping people safe from Criminals, illeagal immegrants, and terrorists.
My arse it will, all it will do is allow the gorvernment to track the entire population all of the time.

When will they understand that we, the public, don't want this!
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Wed 6 May 2009, 10:08, Reply)

Read the "Send us your comments" link
Even the people who uncritically believe everything the government says about ID cards aren't willing to pay for one.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 6 May 2009, 10:16, Reply)

I replied, but I think my comment is going to be rejected
it went along the lines of "go shove it up your arse Jacqui and download some internet pron instead".
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 6 May 2009, 10:26, Reply)

Larf. Heartily
I have done nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide, why wouldn't I want a card?

Mike, Manchester

Because Mike, you have done nothing wrong, why would you want to spend £60 for a piece of plastic which won't actually prove it, simply re-direct enquiries to another database?

It's replies like this which proves that in general this is another stealth tax with the added value of snooping and ushering in MegaCity 1.
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Wed 6 May 2009, 10:33, Reply)

The only good news is...
...that the government who wants this so badly is faring very badly in the polls.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 6 May 2009, 10:38, Reply)

Contraversial view
But I actually want one. Before you all throw rocks, I'll explain why...
I live abroad, in a country where nationals have ID cards. Although I am resident here, being of the foreign persuasion, I don't get one. Which is a massive pain in the arse, because I have to carry around my passport 7 days a week in case I get ID'd in the street, to be able to use my credit or debit card in any shop or restaurant, etc. I've been carrying around my passport in my bag for over 8 years. Before anyone says it, I don't drive so I don't have a driving license and anyway, they don't always accept that. I've gone through 4 passports in 8 years due to this (stolen or lost, worn out, dropped in a puddle, worn out).

So, for someone like me, it'd be a godsend. I do agree with the view of "I've nothing to hide, why should I care" and I can't help but think it's all a bit over the top this paranoid "it's so they can find me" attitude. But then again, I've spent 8 years living somewhere where they are compulsory since birth and you can be requested to produce it at any time, so I'm a bit brainwashed, I guess.
(The Apeface Cherub is not a cunty-uber-cunt, Wed 6 May 2009, 10:49, Reply)

@ The Apeface Cherub
Lots of countries have ID cards - I've got no problem with that. My flatmate has an Italian one, as he's dual nationality and they have to carry them (obviously only when he's in Italy).

The issue I and a lot of other people have with it is that the proposed British scheme isn't comparable at all to any other country - the amount of data they're proposing to collect, store and make available via the card is unprecedented. When I say I'm against ID cards, it's actually the database I'm objecting to more than the card per se.

See here for more details.
(username1, Wed 6 May 2009, 10:57, Reply)

Mike from Manchester
Has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide - things change, Mike. New laws are introduced, e.g. by the MP for Warner Music Group. What a moron.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 6 May 2009, 11:06, Reply)

@username1
Thanks for the link; living somewhere else you only get to read reactionary shite about "no to cards, lol!" and the like which just presents the view of a whole lot of hysteria. Over here in Spain everyone is in complete disbelief over the circus of the ID cards in the UK, they can't understand what the problem is and, as I said, only the nuts get through to speak about it.
You are right that a lot (in fact most) countries have them already, but if what you say is true then the UK scheme is one step further. I heard from someone that the main point of such a scheme is to sell data to companies.. surely not. On the other hand, I can't help but think that all of those things can be done anyway without an ID card, so it's not the cards that people should be mentioning all the time, but more general complaints. It's a toughie, but I still want one to be able to go shopping in peace :P
x
(The Apeface Cherub is not a cunty-uber-cunt, Wed 6 May 2009, 11:24, Reply)

Her Orwellian ambitions make Thatcher look like Mary Poppins.
I wonder if it's true that you can't see her reflection in a mirror?
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 6 May 2009, 11:30, Reply)

Now I am more apathetic and apolitical than you might possibly believe
but I am actually prepared to go to prison over this issue.

The idea that I might be forced to pay money to be able to prove who I am when I am minding my own business in my own country really gets my goat.

They truly can fuck off on this one.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 6 May 2009, 12:35, Reply)

Brilliant!
You're absolutely spot on, something this government full of twats doesn't understand.

Try signing up to "No2ID". I did.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 6 May 2009, 12:39, Reply)

@ancrenne
Unbelievable! I just couldn't believe that they would actually SAY that, as if it was a good thing. As I said, I'm not in the UK so am getting bits and bobs of info mainly based around mass-hysteria. I need to start reading Uk papers again :)

x
(The Apeface Cherub is not a cunty-uber-cunt, Wed 6 May 2009, 13:58, Reply)