More Groups Working Together against the Real ID
I just got back from a meeting of 30 or so groups/organizations. I left very encouraged by the willingness of the people in attendance to work together. We at the Stop Real ID Coalition and the Constitutional Alliance often ask, if we cannot work together, how can we expect others to work with us? The question of what will or will not happen regarding the Real ID Act 2005 is still up in the air. I was in Washington D.C. very recently, meeting with the "right" people to attempt to get a handle on what is going to happen with The Real ID Act 2005. What is apparent is that the "wolf" is going to come back dressed in sheep's clothing. I am fairly sure the Real ID Act will be repealed, but I'm equally sure that it will be replaced with something that is just as egregious. I find it disturbing, to say the least, that the NGA (National Governors Association) is participating in discussions with the U.S. Senate and others about exactly what should replace Real ID. By participating in these discussions the NGA is legitimizing the idea that the federal government should be involved in the issuance of a state driver's license.
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The Battle In The States: Freedom Vs Protection
The Battle In The States: Freedom Vs Protection By Tom DeWeese and Mark Lerner Across the nation, state legislatures are struggling to take back their Constitutional rights as they also seek ways to protect us from outside threats. This has led to some near schizophrenic legislative sessions with laws swinging widely from left to right. Making it more difficult to get a handle on the situation is the fact that there has been an outgrowth of near “rabid” anti-immigration groups that have sprung up demanding near-Hitler-style tactics to “fix” the problem. While the situation is certainly serious and demands action, these groups openly admit that they are willing to surrender their liberties if that is what it takes to end illegal immigration. They may deeply regret that cavalier dismissal of liberty. Once lost, it is rarely regained. To address these issues, three very distinct, but widely variant legislative actions have appeared in the states.
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MINUTES OF YOUR TIME FOR A LIFETIME OF FREEDOM !
Washington Times The top link above strongly suggests that the soon to be Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano will push back implementation of The Real ID Act 2005 again once again or more likely ask Congress to scrap the law. Currently Real ID is scheduled to begin implementation 31 December 2009 (original planned implementation date 11 May 2008). Incredulous is the word that comes to mind when thinking of what Secretary Napolitano is seriously considering. EDL's (Enhanced Driver's Licenses) for all states. RFID and biometrics for each of us. No longer a state's driver's license but an international driver's license. AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, an international organization by their own admission) and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization-an agency of the United Nations) are celebrating today as our nation's sovereignty, state's rights and citizen's right to representation are quickly becoming words that historians will speak about but our children will have no personal knowledge of.
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IS THE CURE WORSE THAN THE DISEASE?
IS THE CURE WORSE THAN THE DISEASE? Wait to answer until you have finished this article. We have been busy continuing to go state to state to ensure our legislation opposing the Real ID Act 2005 is filed and introduced in as many states as possible. We have also included Representative Charles Key's, State of Oklahoma, Tenth Amendment legislation that stands up for states' rights. In some states we have gone much further. We have proposed legislation that would forbid the collection of biometric samples, biometric data and social security numbers. The only exception to the collection of social security numbers is when the social security number is needed for income or wage reporting purposes. The legislation applies equally to state agencies/departments and to groups/organizations. Further, legislation opposing the use of RFID technology in identification documents and participation in AAMVA's (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) DLA (Driver's License Agreement) which would create a single jurisdiction of the United States, Canada and Mexico for the sharing of citizens information contained in motor vehicle databases has been filed.
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Update 18-Nov-2008
The last two weeks have been very hectic and exciting. We sponsored an event at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on October 29, 2008. Among the participants were the ACLJ and the ACLU. State lawmakers, EPIC, additional national groups and state groups attended the conference. All spoke out against the Real ID Act and other issues that involve the collecting and sharing of American's personal information including sharing with foreign governments. Another topic of discussion was Tenth Amendment legislation protecting states from unconstitutional mandates of the federal government. Over the next ten days we will have video clips of the event edited down to 15 minutes on YouTube and Constitutional Alliance members web-sites. Some would say just bringing the ACLU and the ACLJ together to speak with one united voice is an accomplishment of historic precedent.
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Breaking News
The Stop Real ID Coalition along with the other members of the Constitutional Alliance are pleased to announce that we are spearheading a discussion and media event in Washington DC. about the Real ID Act 2005 and other issues related to the rights of American citizens.. This historic event will include discussion of the following subjects:
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Action to be taken 22 October 2008
URGENT ACTION ALERT To Do On 22 October 2008 NOTE - You can continue to call. What a great start we had on 22 October 2008 ! Help get the message against REAL ID on national television National Phone In to Lou Dobbs The Constitutional Alliance, a coalition of state lawmakers, national grassroots organizations and citizens that oppose the Real ID Act of 2005, needs your help. For more information about the Alliance (click here)
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A FEW MINUTES OF YOUR TIME FOR A LIFETIME OF FREEDOM
Yesterday another speaking engagement was arranged in Edmond, Oklahoma for today. We had a speaking engagement this evening in Edmond, Oklahoma. The people were very gracious. There are two additional engagements this week in Arkansas. The morning started with an impromptu meeting with a young man at a restaurant. Long story short-The young man belongs to a group of other young people that communicate online. He asked if he could have an interview. Two minutes later he was hooked up with a web-camera and doing the interview. As it turned out he supported Congressman Ron Paul. He was in the IHOP eating and working on his computer when the waitress sat me down at the next table. He started talking to me and the rest is history as we say.
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September 28 Update
We were in Oklahoma today and this evening. We expect to stay in Oklahoma until Tuesday and possibly Wednesday and then onto Arkansas.
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Onward into October
Today, the Stop Real ID Coalition is on the road again. This trip begins in Oklahoma City for a radio interview, meeting with other Constitutional Alliance members and a speaking engagement. We are excited that we will have twice the people attending the speaking engagement as originally anticipated. State Representative Charles Key and the V.P. of OPAC will be speaking as well.
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Thanks Michigan, Moving Forward
(Open to the Public) Mark Lerner has been invited to Oklahoma for a dinner speaking engagement on Sunday. Please contact Kaye Beach for details about the event. We, the Stop Real ID Coalition and Constitutional Alliance, have been invited to return to Michigan prior to November 2008. The Michigan legislature session adjourns this week. They will reconvene with the introduction of two Bills pertaining to EDL’s and a Memorandum of Agreement. Our team has been green lighted to return for further assistance during that time.
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Effective in Michigan; More to Do
Thank you for everyone's effort. I am in Michigan where "we" won a small battle in the war Tuesday. Real ID appropriation language was struck from a supplemental appropriations bill. The lawmakers expect the Governor and Secretary of State to agree to a Memorandum of Agreement with DHS. The agreement would allow Michigan to issue EDLS's (Enhanced Driver's Licenses). We are opposed to such "instruments". Speaking of instruments-The Secretary of State in Michigan is a Republican. She is pushing EDL's. Her name is Terri Lynn Land. I have not figured out whether she really does not "get it" or if she acts on behalf of others. The following is a link to her contact information http://www.michigan.gov/sos/1,1607,7-127-13162-25634--,00.html After my testimony yesterday she probably is not too happy with me-nothing personal. After today she will probably have me escorted out of the State. If anyone would like to contact her, especially lawmakers-perhaps she will appreciate our position. I hear she is not a bad person, just misinformed and misguided-There is talk she is seeking a higher office.
ADVANCE MEDIA ALERT
Today, September 23, 2008 the Michigan House of Representatives is considering Real ID legislation. The Stop Real ID Coalition and the Constitutional Alliance have been urgently requested to make the argument against Real ID. The battle will take place in just hours. It is not just a battle for the people of Michigan but also for all citizens of the United States.
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Early August Update
July was an extremely busy and fruitful month. Mark spoke in Oklahoma before attending the Freedom 21 Conference in Dallas, Texas. Representative Rohrer spoke at the Freedom 21 Conference on the issue of Real ID. Representative Rohrer is a strong supporter of the Stop Real ID Coalition and the Coalition strongly supports Representative Rohrer’s legislation in Pennsylvania. After that conference, Mark made a trip to speak in Arkansas.
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SB 717 Does Repeal the Real ID Act, BUT!!!
First, I would like to thank those at GovTrack.us for the valuable service they provide. It allows for citizens to track legislation and much more.
SB 717 does repeal the Real ID Act but it also restores section 7212 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
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