If you're in the market for a new vehicle anytime after December 31, 2010, be prepared for a background check. If you don't pass it, hit the pavement, Jack, you're out of luck. Maybe you can buy a bicycle.
Although the Department of Homeland Security has had the rule on the books since 2008, it hasn't been enforced.
Until now.
Red Flags Rule
What is being called the "Red Flags Rule" mandates that auto dealers, banks, credit unions and other "creditors" and "financial institutions" must take draconian steps under penalty of fines and prison sentences to prevent "identity theft and fraud."
Any person or entity that extends credit--even your dentist and doctor--falls under the mandate. The provision is also looking for terrorist ties or activity that might appear to be terrorist related. Names will be placed on watch lists, if yours happens to be on one (even if it's not you), better start shopping for a good pair of walking shoes--you'll need them.
Government intrusion continues to expand
During the latter part of 2010, pandemonium broke out over full body scanners and intrusive physical pat-downs by TSA employees at the nation's airports. The radiation emitting scanners have also been showing up at the entrances to some federal courthouse facilities.
The latest word is that these security measures are going to be instituted at train stations, docks and subway stations across the country during the coming year.
Now the bloated ogre of government has stomped into the consumer goods marketplace and financing.
300 million suspects
Are you an American? If you are, congratulations! You're a suspect.
Since 911 the federal government has gradually shifted its focus on the war on terror away from individuals of certain age groups and cultural demographics to suspecting literally anybody and everybody.
A security apparatus driven by artificial precepts not only becomes much less effectual, but can become downright dangerous to individual civil liberties.
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