The general public in the UK oppose introduction of personal IDs, main argument being that with IDs the authorities will be able to track everyone down. And while this might be a valid argument in any other state, it definitely isn’t one in this case. The life of UK citizens is closely supervised by several agencies. And I am not talking conspiracy theory.
The suspicion and spying starts with NINo and obligatory election registration and ends with 14 CCTV cameras per person and random police searches throughout London tube. The paternalistic state is restless. Citizen! Register your oyster card and make sure that your state knows your daily routs.
The cause of opposing state control is already lost for the UK. National ID will not further the government’s invigilation of personal space, because there is no more personal space left in this country. It will however immensely simplify a regular Englishman’s life, reduce excessive bureaucracy and cut insane official procedures short.
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4 comments:
Doesn't it sound simillar to the Patriot Act? Governments are using threat of terrorism to control their society. Simple and true.
I agree completely. So the question now is, what can be done? Can we change the government? We probably can but the new government will do the same (or similar). Can we make people aware of certain manipulations so their choices are better informed? Probably not, but how about trying...
My advice? Sounds terribly stupid but... The reason of such situation is democracy itself in my opinion. My biggest authorities, the gratest minds since Aristo, through Nietzsche to Ortega y Gassent had criticised this system. Democracy causes that middle, unfair and mean people rule. Can we expect from them trustworthy, nobleness and care about society? Care about voters maybe...
You are some pessimist! I do agree with you to the point that democracy is a terrible political system. Nevertheless it is still the best one ever created.
I strongly believe in pluralism and consensus so I cannot agree with you, when you say that middle people are mean and not caring. I do think a huge portion of middle class is politically and socially unaware and this is exactly where the role of young, educated "elites" and media come into play.
Out of curiosity, which system of government would you choose?
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