Friday 6 May 2005

Congress Acts On New National Driver's License

3-Point Turn Kept In 'Patriots with Wheels' Bill; Homeland Security To Issue Daily Hand Signals

Congress, yesterday, took sweeping, Orwellian steps towards creating a National Driver's License, that will, in effect, act as state identification cards. The bill will require states to verify and authenticate documents that applicants use to prove their identify and legal residency.

Known as the 'Patriots with Wheels Act', if passed by the Senate, as it is expected to, and signed by President Bush, May 2008 will be the date the states will be required to verify with issuers of birth certificates, mortgage statements, utility bills, Social Security cards, and immigration papers, the information provided by the applicants and keep the information for, at least, seven-years.

Existing licenses would remain valid until they expire, and drivers who want to renew would then have to undergo the new identity verification process.

The bills author, Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), said that "the 'Patriots with Wheels Act will prevent another 9/11-type attack by disrupting the terrorists" He also cited that it contains vital border security provisions.

Contentious debate broke out as Sensenbrenner and other House Republicans attached the 'Patriots with Wheels Act' to a supplemental appropriations bill funding US troops in Iraq. Senators from both parties, concerned that the bill did not receive a proper hearing, signed at letter of protest to Senate majority leader Bill Frist (R-TN).

State governments are concerned, and have voiced to Congress that it will cost hundreds-of-millions more that Congress is estimating and, with the cumbersome documentation, create longer lines at motor vehicle bureaus.

The most heated arguments came when Republicans voted to keep the three-point turn in the requirements to obtain a driver's license. Sensenbrenner defended the move as vital to security.

"I know that our intelligence people have heard a great deal of chatter about this. Those terrorist, particularly the Muslim one's just can't get the hang of it … They're petrified of having to make a three-point turn move … It will be a dead give-away".

Another aspect that created controversy is that Homeland Security will issue, based on the level of threats, new hand signals that will be required of all drivers to know and be able to execute. The new hand signals will be issued, along the color code of the threat.

"It's going to be awful hard for them", stated Sensenbrenner "for these extremists to, first know what the hand signal of the day is, and then, execute it while holding on to their bombs".



Sears, Nike Split Up

Retailer Tells Sneaker Company To Go USA

Sears, in very loud and clear terms, told Nike that "this is where America shops" and booted the Beaverton, Oregon sneaker maker off its shelves.

Lee Antonio, a spokeswoman at Sears Holdings in Hoffman Estates, Ill., confirmed reports that Sears will no longer stock, carry or sell any Nike products, as Sears, in part related to it being acquired by Kmart earlier this year, will focus on American-made products.

"We've listened to our customers" cited Antonio. "This is where America shops and we want to give them quality American products".

Nike has been dogged, despite its success, for running sweatshops in Asia and Mexico, often with poor working conditions and charges of exploiting overseas labor. Paying its works mere pennies, Nike products, like its popular Air Jordan sneaker, named for former NBA superstar, Michael Jordan, cost hundreds-of-dollars.

Phil Knight, the charismatic, and often brash, CEO of Nike said that "Sears was pandering to the Patriot Act … We'll do just fine without them … Jethro will now have to buy some cheap brand of shoe to go with his overalls"

Knight continued in his comments about Sears

"I hear their going to introduce a Kenmore Freedom Fries Fryer … And they're with Kmart now … Maybe, if Martha goes back to prison, someone can bake her cake with some Craftsman tools in it … I always hated doing our creative shots with them … I've seen mannequins that are better looking then the models they use …"

Ms. Antonio advised that Sears will continue to carry top brand shows, for companies like Reebok, New Balance, Adidas and Skechers. She also refused to confirm, or deny, reports that the Sears/Kmart venture are planning to open retail stores in Asia and Mexico.

"If that does occur", offered Antonio, "at least the Nike workers in those areas would be able to shop and purchase a quality shoe at a reasonable price".