by Mark Lerner (September 27, 2008) Constitutional Alliance Stop Real ID Coalition
Today, the Stop Real ID Coalition is on the road again. This trip begins in Oklahoma City for a radio interview, meeting with other Constitutional Alliance members and a speaking engagement. We are excited that we will have twice the people attending the speaking engagement as originally anticipated. State Representative Charles Key and the V.P. of OPAC will be speaking as well.
Once our business is completed in Oklahoma it is back on the road to Arkansas. There we will meet with groups and organizations to insure their lawmakers have the support they need to not just introduce legislation but insure it passes and is signed into law. We are also having a professional quality video made in Arkansas that will help to inform people faster.
Arrangements are underway to then move on to Texas and meet with lawmakers and concerned groups. The invitation for our Coalition to assist has already been made.
Once we have done what we need to do this trip to Texas we will move on back to Kentucky and onto Michigan. The Michigan stop will take at least five days and perhaps more.
We already have meetings being put together in Maryland. After Maryland we have North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Our schedule is subject to change. If there is an immediate need we will drop what we are doing and go directly to a state.
The support we have received in each state has been overwhelming. The people have all been gracious hosts.
We have kicked off our fall fund raising campaign. These trips require everyone’s help. We are not just ending Real ID but also going after EDL’s (Enhanced Driver’s License) and the use of biometrics. We certainly are expressing we do not choose to be enrolled into a global biometric identification system with Americans personal information shared internationally. We also object to the Secretary of any agency or department handed a blank check. Under Real ID the Secretary of Homeland Security has the discretion to modify restrictions at his or hers own desire. No Congressional approval is required.
One last point-Many believe Real ID is a way to address the illegal immigration issue. Real ID does no such thing. Actually it does just the opposite. Real ID does allow for people in this country illegally to obtain a state driver’s license. The requirement states that the driver’s licenses must be noticeably different in appearance.
Senator Leahy and others in the Senate including Republicans have made their views clear. It is my humble opinion Real ID will never be implemented. Does that mean our job is done? No, the fox will and already is coming back in sheep’s clothing. We will explain in future updates. Education is the key. We are working with citizens, groups and lawmakers to insure all are informed about what are the “signs” to look for so they can identify the fox. The ACLU has been very helpful working with us. In Michigan, the State ACLU Director was invaluable. Also, the ACLJ has devoted resources that show their commitment and understanding as to why Real ID must be repealed. There are Democrats and Republicans sponsoring legislation and Democrats and Republicans cosponsoring said legislation. Non-partisan is what we are about. We do not agree with any one group all the time. When it comes to protecting “our” Constitution we must all stand untied. Those that we oppose are dividers. They love more than anything to see Americans fractured into smaller groups. Think of how many special interests groups and organizations there are. If each group protects their own turf we all loose.
About The Author 
Mark Lerner is a co-founder of the Constitutional Alliance, an alliance of groups and individuals who support the Mission Statement.