This last Thursday wasn’t just Cinco De Mayo, it was also the day we as a nation moved a little closer toward a complete totalitarian state. The US House passed an “emergency spending” bill which included a rider for the Real ID Act.

Incase you’re not familiar with it, the Real ID Act is designed to force states to design their driver’s licenses to comply with federal antiterrorist standards. This could curb Americans’ access to everything from airplanes to national parks and some courthouses.

Starting three years from now, if you live or work in the United States, you’ll need a federally approved ID card to travel on an airplane, open a bank account, collect Social Security payments, or take advantage of nearly any government service.

This bill passed through the US House by a vote of 368-58, only three republicans voted against it.

This Real ID Act has been attached to an “emergency” military spending bill because it’s difficult for politicians to vote against money that will go to the troops in Iraq and tsunami relief.

This bill absolutely has my blood boiling. It tramples all over the concept of States’ Rights and it’s a major step toward the restriction of free travel by innocent Americans. Today the Real ID - tomorrow you’ll have to “show papers” to cross a state border. You can laugh all you want, that day is coming.

The thing that bothers me the most is all the goddamn “sheeple” who tremble at the mention of the word “terrorist” and believe measures like the Real ID Act are designed to keep them safe.

It will do little to stop criminals, because criminals have never cared about the rules, but decent citizens will have to jump through hoops and come to accept presenting papers to travel in-country just like the Soviets we looked down on.

I have always been a conservative, I’ve always leaned towards the Republican way of thinking. However I cannot cotton to the fact that this measure has been steamrolled through the House by the Republicans, lauded by Bush and likely to face no opposition in the Senate because of Republican control.

Why, I’m starting to feel more liberal every day. I still think John Kerry is a dingus, but I seriously doubt he could fuck things up as badly as Bush is managing.

Shame on all of us. This is happening and we’re doing nothing to stop it! We need to get out and scream at our politicians to STOP! Stop the nonsense in the name of security. It doesn’t provide any and it just insults everyone’s’ intelligence.

Canada looks more inviting every single day.