Effective May, 2008, unless your State has sought a "waiver", or you have received a new driver's license that complies with the "Act", you will be unable to board a plane (unless you have a passport).
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who was unveiling final details of the REAL ID Act's rules on Friday, said that if states want their licenses to remain valid for air travel after May 2008, those states must seek a waiver indicating they want more time to comply with the legislation
As if airport security rules aren't difficult enough, protecting terrified Americans from shampoo, nail clippers, and mother's milk, it appears that taking off your shoes might not be necessary until you have the new form of a national identification card (show me your papers!)
While Chertoff might be attempting to strongarm the states into compliance, our champions, the ACLU offers this:
The plan's chief critic, the American Civil Liberties Union, called Chertoff's deadline a bluff — and urged state governments to call him on it.
"Are they really prepared to shut those airports down? Which is what effectively would happen if the residents of those states are going to have to go through secondary scrutiny," said Barry Steinhardt, director of the ACLU's technology and liberty program. "This is a scare tactic."
Some states are also stepping up to the plate and objecting, mostly due to another unfunded mandate by the Federal Government:
So far, 17 states have passed legislation or resolutions objecting to the REAL ID Act's provisions, many due to concerns it will cost them too much to comply. The 17, according to the ACLU, are Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/...
Honestly, I would like to see a repeal of this Act, as well as the Patriot Act, together with a restoration of Habeas Corpus... We deserve a Legislative Branch and an Executive Branch who respect the basic tenants of privacy and rights as expressed by the Bill of Rights. Remember in 2008 this election is about much more than the Presidency.
Question your local candidates for national office, House or Senate, and ask them if they will repeal these Acts and others....