Titled:   This ID project is even more sinister than we first thought

As we look East to the UK's slow slip into serfdom, as expected, the ID card project continues to become more sinister by the day. The Observer, not know for wild conjecture, brings news of the latest changes, rumors and talk:

It became clear last week that the government will do anything to get this bill through parliament, including ignoring its own manifesto pledge to make the cards voluntary, a fact that we should remember as each of us entrusts the 49 separate pieces of personal information to a national database.

Remember that lesson - agree to something as long as it is voluntary, and soon it is mandatory.

Oddly enough, the compulsory provision of personal information to the government database is not the greatest threat to our freedom, though it is in itself a substantial one. The real menace comes when the ID card scheme begins to track everyone's movements and transactions, the details of which will kept on the database for as long as the Home Office desires.

Lesson two - the initial purposes of the system - preventing terrorism - is soon forgotten as new uses are discovered.

Over the past few weeks, an anonymous email has been doing a very good job of enlightening people on how invasive the ID card will be. 'Private businesses,' says the writer, 'are going to be given access to the national identity register database. If you want to apply for a job, you will have to present your card for a swipe. If you want to apply for a London underground Oystercard or supermarket loyalty card or driving licence, you will have to present your card.'

You will need the card when you receive prescription drugs, when you withdraw a relatively small amount of money from a bank, check into hospital, get your car unclamped, apply for a fishing licence, buy a round of drinks (if you need to prove you're over 18), set up an internet account, fix a residents' parking permit or take out insurance.

Lesson Three - Soon enough you will not be able to live a normal life without the "voluntary" card.

One of the most chilling passages in the bill is section 13 which deals with the 'invalidity and surrender' of ID cards, which, in effect, describes the withdrawal of a person's identity by the state. For, without this card, it will be almost impossible to function, to exist as a citizen in the UK. Despite the cost to you, this card will not be your property.

Lesson Four - Even if you have a card, they can take it away, effectively crippling your ability to function.

ID cards are coming this way too, such as those disguised as federally-approved driver's licenses in the Real ID Act of 2005. Note also that cards of this type are mandated for air travel in other bills up for consideration such as the H.R. 4439: Transportation Security Administration Reorganization Act of 2005. This bill seems to require a passport or ID Card for all air travel, domestic or international.

Remember - it's only voluntary until it isn't.