[REAL ID is the human equivelant of NAIS. The government is pushing both. The goal is control of people and commerce. They want to know everything you do, who you talk with, who you spend time with, what you buy, where you are and extract their tithe each step along the way. We must fight both REAL ID and NAIS if we are to retain our traditional freedoms. The info below is from NH directly but we are all in this together. Act on it. See the bottom for what you can do. -WJ]
NHPR reported Thursday evening that Governor Lynch is drafting a letter to ask for an extension on the REAL ID deadline. This is extremely bad news for the fight against REAL ID, news which puts the whole fight against REAL ID into jeopardy. To win this round in the fight against REAL ID, he must never send that letter.
Under REAL ID, starting May 11th, 2008, federal agencies are not supposed to accept our driver’s licenses for identification purposes. This is the showdown that we have been waiting for, where the Department of Homeland Security will have to admit that they can not implement REAL ID and turn the people of non-compliant states like ours into second class citizens.
However, the REAL ID Act does allow for extensions to be granted on a state by state basis. USA Today reported this week that 44 states have already asked for an extension until December 31st, 2009. link
We should absolutely be opposed to an extension for a number of reasons. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. If DHS is offering us something free, they are doing it out of concern for their welfare, not ours.
Another reason is the questionable legality of the extension - it is directly contrary to the position of the General Court. Both the New Hampshire House and Senate voted overwhelming to opt out - period. However, NHPR reported that Governor Lynch believes that this extension does not violate the law that he signed.
Third is solidarity. Montana and some of the other opt-out states will not be getting the extension. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer sent letters to many other governors, including Lynch, asking them all to refuse to ask for extension. (You can find a copy of the letter on granitestateid.com ) This is an attempt by DHS to divide and conquer. As Ben Franklin said, we must hang together or we will hang separately.
Fourth is the timing. If REAL ID goes into effect this year, the current legislature would have to act to repeal the opt-out law if there is a major hoopla in May. This would require a 2/3rds to suspend the rules - it won’t happen. If we wait until 2009, a different legislature can introduce a repeal bill that can work its way through the process with a simple majority.
Fifth is that it’s an election year. As the presidential candidates visit New Hampshire, a battle ground state, we want the citizens to be asking - “What are you going to do about REAL ID?” We want the candidates to promise to repeal it. If we wait until 2009, we lose that national spotlight.
Sixth is even if it’s allowed. The relevant section of the ACT reads: (b) EXTENSIONS OF DEADLINES.÷The Secretary may grant to a State an extension of time to meet the requirements of section 202(a)(1) if the State provides adequate justification for noncompliance.
Having legislation on the books that has opted us out does not seem to be ‘adequate justification’ since it’s clear that we will never comply. The fact that DHS is willing to wink at this makes it clear that they are very nervous about a possible showdown on May 11th.
So take action! Contact the Governor and tell him not to ask for an extension. Ask him to stand publicly with Governor Schweitzer in defiance of this attempt at a National ID Card. Remind him that two years ago, he made international headlines when he promised to sign opt-out legislation if the Senate passed it (they didn’t.) I don’t know how many messages it will take to fill up his answering machine, but let’s give it a try! His office number is 271-2121 - call now! You can find a fax number or email information at link
This is the final round of betting in the poker game. The stakes are our freedom and our way of life. 44 states have folded, leaving only New Hampshire and five other opt out states. We cannot call DHS’s bluff if we drop out now. Please, do everything you can to convince Governor Lynch not to ask for an extension.
Rep. Joel Winters
http://www.granitestateid.com
Hat tip to Carlene.
The sad thing is we thought we had passed a law in NH, saying no to REAL ID…I’m not sure if the intent of Lynch is to buy time or if he is going to acquiesce.
If he is giving in…I’m not sure he can do that…unless he’s granted himself powers to overturn laws without legislative participation…never know these days.
I wonder if he’s afraid of the sheeple reaction
(votes?) when people try to board an airplane and won’t be able to use their driver’s license for ID? I hope I’m wrong…but I smell a cop out.
Comment Bob Constantine — February 22, 2008 @ 7:12 am
I just called Gov. Lynch
office…it only took a minute and a live person (nice lady) heard my concerns…
No answer on why Gov. Lynch is considering asking for an extension though…
ACT NOW. CALL 603-271-2121
Tell Gov. Lynch to stand up and not give in to the FEDS.
Comment Bob Constantine — February 22, 2008 @ 7:19 am
I just left two long emails, (as long as 800 words can get you) to Gov. Lynch. My question to him was, if we have passed House Bill 685, prohibiting us to participate in a National ID, then why is he asking for an extension? It makes no sense.
Comment Jo Smith — February 22, 2008 @ 10:25 am
Thank you Walter for picking this up.Here in Pa the state also has gotten the extension,BUT the committie chair very clearly told the DHS that it was NOT a step to accept Real ID,only to buy time to study the pros and cons,as well as time to work up a law stopping it,
DHS is in defensive mode,they didn’t expect the groundswell of resistence that they are encountering.(Not sure what NH gov. is thinking,keep after him!)I would also suggest those in states that have already opted out, that you call your gov and tell him to hang tough)
DHS is on a propaganda trip here,they are trying to make this look like its a done deal and let me tell you from this vantage point,IT AIN”T!!
I was on a conference call tue with the Mid atlantic state coordinators against Real ID(Set up by the good folks at Restore the Republic) and was able to talk to the group about NAIS and its interrelationship with REAL ID,
then this morning I get a copy of Walters article sent to me from one of their members,YESSSS!! word is spreading as we keep connecting to more and more groups of people that oppose this issue.
don’t let DHS/USDA scare you too much,they ain’t as tough as they let on,or they would have already imposed these solutions on us and we would be stuck,thats the tactic they are using “BLUFF”by which they intend to make us surrender and give in to their program after which they will claim the states wanted this program .(SAME TACTICS AS NAIS)
We all need to keep at this fight, old hands and newbees alike,we can beat these guys,we have to believe in ourselves,in the basic good of the American system,and recognize that our enemy needs our capitulation in order to succede,lets never let them see our backsides(Unless we’re” exerciseing free speech and “MOONING” them :)
I will again leave you a contact address for anyone who wants to get involved in this fight against Real ID or to get more info,discipleaaron@hotmail.com he is the guy who I am working with who is running the NVCCA and is now the mid atlantic coordinator for the Restore the Republic anti REAL ID group,as I have said before this group is growing leaps and bounds every day and they are on our side. More info as I get it,Thanks!
“Live free or die tryin”
Comment LEE — February 22, 2008 @ 11:31 am
For those who think we remotely have any anonymity left.
link
Comment D.Cox — February 22, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
We think this a ploy for more time to figure out how to implement the system in NH and with what money..
Here in Oklahoma we were told at the DMV when we renewed our drivers license that the state of Oklahoma does not have enough money to implement Real ID yet…but as soon as they figure out where to get the money…they will try to force it on us…
We were not aware of May 11 happenings…what is the story on that..?
Comment Jan Lytle — February 23, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Today I spoke to Represntative
Neil Kurk about Real ID in NH.
He was one of the sponsors of the bill to keep NH free from Real ID. I figured he might know about Gov. Lynch’s letter etc. He did and had spoken to Governor Lynch about it yesterday morning.
It seems Governor Lynch will be sending a letter requesting the extension and there will be language in the letter indicating NH intends to remain free of Real ID…
What do I think this means?…Lynch is covering his butt and being political. Perhaps in typical politician fashion trying to have his cake and eat it too. My question remains if NH intends to stay out of Real ID why bother asking for an extension? That COULD be answered by this explanation - By putting in an extension NH citizens will still be able to travel without
all the red tape Real ID will require, Manchester airport won’t lose business to Logan etc. that is until the extension expires…I’m going to ask a few more questions and watch this one closely.
Comment Bob Constantine — February 23, 2008 @ 7:32 pm
Lets not forget Alaska SB202 is now on the table.
link
Prohibits State Spending for Real ID
Comment Gisela — February 24, 2008 @ 12:47 am
There is a good article today, Feb. 24, 2008 by Tom Deweese at www.newswithviews.com that addresses the problems with Real Id, and government databases that integrate together…their inherent dangers…and “unintended consequences” that are not good that can be the result of them. Think of NAIS as you read it. Tom Deweese also did articles on “Freedom vs Public,Private, Partnerships” which were very educational. (I was not aware of what PPP’s were, til I read his articles)Hit on his “previous articles” to read them.
Comment The Phantom — February 24, 2008 @ 7:03 am
While looking at Alaskans against Nais, today, they highlight an article by Henry Lamb, dated Feb. 23,2008 titled:”Where are the Federal Inspectors..”. He talks about the Public/Private/Partnership(s) of USDA with organizations, like FFA, to promote Premises Registrations (for FAA, they got $633,000) He also has an article:”The Bureaucrats’ bypass…” dated Feb. 16, 2008. This article is where the state of Arizona’s state senators have introduced SB1398 to put controls on PPP’s entered into by the governor and state agencies.He mentions NAIS in it also. Go to www.worldnetdaily.com and enter Henry Lambs’ name on the left sidebar to access these two articles. We need to really know about these “Public/Private/Partnerships…so go, once again, to www.newswithviews.com and pull up Tom Deweese..and read his 3 articles dated Jan, Feb, and March 2007 on:”The Principles of Freedom vs Public/Private/Partnerships.
Comment The Phantom — February 25, 2008 @ 7:18 am
News flash - Today there was a hearing in Concord, NH re: Real ID. The State Senate in a stealth move attached a request to another bill to ask Gov. Lynch to send another letter asking for an “extension” not an “exemption.” Funny thing those words…seems like an “extension” might trigger the trap for New Hampshire…bad, bad, bad.
This was a last minute thing…the hearing had 23 activists show up to register their opposition, it was continued until Thursday at 10 am…we will monitor this…not sure if I can be there again Thursday but I’ll keep an eye on SB434 (HB 434?) and try to provide an update.
Comment Bob Constantine — March 25, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
just read on downsizegov.com montana has rejected real id. how about that.more will follow. thank you montana.
Comment nick — March 26, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
WMUR.com
N.H. Granted Extension To Comply With REAL ID
POSTED: 5:41 pm EDT March 27, 2008
CONCORD, N.H. — The state of New Hampshire has been given an extension to comply with the new federal license law REAL ID.
The law will now go into effect in New Hampshire on Dec. 31, 2009. The measure was supposed to go into effect on March 31.
Gov. John Lynch asked for the extension so lawmakers could further investigate the costs and privacy issues associated with the law.
If the state had not been granted an extension, travelers with just a New Hampshire driver’s license would have had to undergo secondary security checks at airports.
Copyright 2008 by WMUR. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
from WMUR
Comment Sue F — March 27, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
I don’t think the WMUR report is 100% accurate (wouldn’t be the first time)
I was in the hearing on Tuesday and again today. SB434 was a bill that the NH Senate tried to sneak thru to get Gov. Lynch to ask for an extension….His letter earlier in Feb was asking for an “exemption”. Big difference between requesting an extension and being granted an exemption. We spent some time discussing the different meanings of those two words in the hearing…
If we were granted an extension it would mean Homeland security granted it to save face and avoid the showdown that would have happened in May 2008….it doesn’t necesarily mean Gov. Lynch requested an “extension”. Semantics, I know, but important.
It is possible Gov. Lynch did ask for an extension, but as of 10 am this morning I was told he hadn’t. Again asking for an “extension” would be illegal on Gov. Lynch’s part since he would be violating the law NH passed indicating we would have no part of it…
Requesting an “extension” to comply on a plan we’ve already said no to…well gee a politician wouldn’t do that…would he…break the law?
I could be wrong, but I think the “extension” grant was a face saving move by HOMELAND SECURITY and not necessarily a response to any written request for an actual “extension” by the Governor…
Comment Bob Constantine — March 27, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
If you were able to wade thru my earlier post #14…I forgot to mention the Real ID part of SB434 was attached at the last minute in a “hurry up and sneak it thru” move by the NH State Senate to another piece of proposed legislation.
That other legislation was pretty bad stuff too…it started off as a bill that would facilitate a power grab by the State Atty. General’s office to circumvent the normal warrant procedure…seems the AG office thought in some instances that quaint separation of Governmental powers idea was getting a little old…who needs and checks and balances huh?
I’m not sure but I think that part of the bill will not fly either based on my observations of the testimony at the hearings. So “get a warrant” still means something…for now anyway.
I met some liberty loving people at the hearings and will try to get them on board the NONAIS bus…but I think even liberty type people that don’t own animals still glaze over when NAIS gets discussed…but I’m working on ‘em. Maybe giving them some fresh eggs will help :)
Comment Bob Constantine — March 27, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
liberty loving people along with all people that dont own livestock just dont or wont understand the effect of nais on those of us that do.they still think grocery store is where the food that they eat is made.they cant get fired up about something that does not affect them directly,and most could care less if the small farmer or rancher lives or dies. they mean nothing to them. HOW ABOUT THAT walmart ARNT THEY THE STAR OF CORP. AMERICA.
Comment nick — March 28, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
I use the sharp increase in the price of oil to get my point across.
If most of the US farmers go out of business we will have to import our food. If you think gas prices are high wait till China or third world countries supply our food.
I us this quote from former VP Al Gore:
“Upon hearing that the FFA member wanted to continue on in production agriculture, Gore reportedly replied that the young person should develop other plans because our production agriculture is being shifted out of the U.S. to the Third World.”
link
That usually gets them right in the tummy and makes them take notice.
I originally heard the quote from my extension service agent!
Comment Snazy snezy — April 1, 2008 @ 5:46 pm