The steady march of the nanny (state)

As Britain prepares to introduce ID cards, with biometric data used to verify the identity of the individual subject (Britain doesn't have citizens, they are 'subjects' of a monarch), it may be timely to ponder on the steady erosion of our liberties. Increasingly, we are handing over more and more of our freedoms to the ruling political classes. In a post-9/11 world, we seem to be willing to do away with cherished values and liberties.

When these shabby measures are introduced, it is typically done with the 'innocent people have nothing to fear' mantra. This is false. Undoubtedly, the criminal classes will find a way around the new technology rapidly - possibly (probably, in fact) by creating an industry in ID card pirating!! And if international criminals and terrorists can fake passports, etc., I'm sure they will quickly overcome whatever obstacles are presented by ID cards.

Of course, the recent experiences of terrorism in the UK have involved British citizens who did not mind their identities being known after the fact. So, who will these cards impede?

Ordinary people, of course! They will be subject to new laws making it illegal for them to be out and about with no ID card (otherwise, how could the scheme work?). I have always thought that it is a terrible mistake to unnecessarily criminalise people. And it is a terrible slap in the face for hundreds of years of human progress, when we find our rulers taking our freedoms and converting them to criminal acts.