The Illinois driver's license also has machine readable info on the back: two strips of bar code and one long block of a QR-type code. I have no idea what data they contain. When renewing the license they ask if you're registered to vote; maybe that info is on it but they don't ask for proof of registration. The license is not used at polling places (yet).
I should probably get a state ID (they're free for senior citizens) and compare it with the driver's license to see what info they contain. Would the bar codes on the back be identical?
The driver's license may, indeed, be an initial push to a universal ID card, Uncle Ken. I believe the feds require that digital info on the back, lest they withhold funding to the states (or some other implied threat).
But tell me, fellow .BeagleBoys (sounds better than 'Sonians, no?), are we, as normal citizens, required to have proof of identification on our persons at all times? If so, why, and what kind of identification will suffice?
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The CNN town hall with the Libertarians last night was pretty good. It was streamed, so I was able to watch it despite not having cable. The complete meeting is online should you care to view it.
Some of the replies to audience questions seemed a bit incomplete to me, but overall they acquitted themselves well. No rants, no bile, and not that many digs except for saying that CarrotTop has a screw loose. It was a reasonable discussion...
One thing stood out for me. At one point, Anderson Cooper referred to one of Gary Johnson's answers in amazement. Johnson stated that he "could be wrong." Cooper said that he had never heard a politician ever say that "he could be wrong." I hope these guys make it to the debates, if for no other reason to compare and contrast the candidates.
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I sometimes follow the New York Times (online version) and today was the first time I noticed a satirical bit of fiction on the *opinion* page.
Nicholas Kristof wrote a funny piece describing a CIA briefing for CarrotTop, although he's probably preaching to the choir. But it rings true, and isn't the NYT considered a "paper of record?" I recall the traditional Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times."
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Last minute addendum:
In a few years when we reflect upon the close call we had back in '16, a new word will have been added to the lexicon. This single word will function as a noun, adjective, verb, and adverb. The precise definition may vary due to context, but it will indicate a loser, losing, and lost due to hubris, vanity, ignorance, mendacity, and small hands.
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