I Yam Who I am

Any society that has over 50,000 occupants cannot
successfully endure.-- Socrates

I think it was Socrates, anyway. It may have been Plato. (Anyone who knows, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.) After the morning I've had, I believe it. I had to get my driver's license renewed today.

For the first time in my life I decided (consciously, mind you) to wait until the last day that my old license was valid. I guess there's not enough drama in my life. Anyway, no, I didn't read all the brochures in the envelope the great state of NJ sent along with my form. I've been renewing my license for the last 20+ years... why should I start riffling through all the junk enclosures, wondering about something that hasn't changed in that long? Why should I even think it would? Sure, I was familiar with the "6-Points-of-ID" system NJ has. But only because my son got his first license last year. I had assumed that system was for those without licenses.

Needless to say, I was floored this morning when I also -- despite having a valid, current driver's license -- had to produce at least 6 points-- and more, since my name has changed (twice) since birth. Hoo-boy.

In total, it took me three tries before they believed I was who I professed to be. Three hours and three tries.

Now, I know about identity theft. Heck, I'm more aware of it and at risk for it than most-- working online (didn't you know?) makes you particularly vulnerable. That's why I wrote that article about it last month,
9 Steps To Prevent Identity Theft BEFORE It Happens.

Those tips and tricks can, at least, successfully prevent any one from giving away too much of their identity to a willing criminal. Of course, like any type of theft, if they really want to steal it, I suppose there's not much one can do. Anymore than, if a robber really wants to break into your home, they'll find a way.

And, considering how NJ has cracked down on drunken driving, I guess it is feasible to assume that someone of my age might, after losing their license to a DUI or DWI, get a fake ID. I don't drink that much (1 or 2 times a year) and I don't drive when I do drink. But I imagine the DUI laws have created a field day for fake IDs and their makers, opening up a whole new market of those poor souls who absolutely, positively must drive in order to get to work (around here, it's not a matter of choice) but because of (hick!-- sorry ossifer, but...) of one unfortunate indescretion (the one in which they got caught), had their license taken away.

But, what I really didn't understand -- as I first went home for my birth certificate, as well as both of my marriage and divorce certificates, then to the county clerk's office to certify one -- was why, in this day of computers, they couldn't simply check my current valid driver's license on their computer. I mean, it WAS a photo ID, for goodness sake. If it was invalid or had been taken away, wouldn't they have access to that kind of information? But I don't think they even checked it on their computer.

So, what's the big deal?

I guess it's because, between this and that movie, Flight 93 (the first movie about 9/11), aired last night that I just realized how much the terrorists have taken over. The identity theives as well, which is just another form of terrorism, if you think about it. No one knows anyone anymore, no one trusts anyone anymore, no one takes anyone at their word anymore...

Maybe Socrates (or Plato?) was right... maybe a society larger than 50,000 people can't survive. At least, not a civilized society.--mo