Customer ID debacle--WTF?

[Can I Help Your A$$?]

I remember reading a Heinlein book in which a character stated something to the effect of 'you know a society has jumped the shark when it starts requiring ID'. I thought about that for a bit, and there is something to it. Hasn't government gotten out of control when it grants itself power over whether or not you are a legitimate person? Don't have our ID? Then you don't exist to us. We don't owe you a damn thing. Get out. Why should you need a piece of plastic to prove you exist, that you belong, that you matter? Is not a man's worth proven with his deeds and his compassion, not his subservience to officialdom?

Except, then you remember what kind of world we live in, and are glad to pay that price to live in a civilized nation with all its benefits and protections. And you recognize that all our tiresome rules about showing ID are in fact meant to protect children from harm: harm from liquour, from nicotine, from gambling, from pornography. We may not be able to save adults hellbent on abusing these, but we can at least try to keep them out of the hands of babes, who have even less chance of using them unscathed. If only we can try to keep them innocent just a little bit longer, then MAYBE we can save a few who might have otherwise fallen. It's insufficient, it's ineffective, it's troublesome, but it's...something.

At which point, you STFU and show your damn ID.

Sorry to butt in, but the first part was good. The second part--I happen to believe we can have all those things without government intrusion. What gives you those things but people, not a monopoly of force. The guys who have all the guns aren't right because they have all the guns. And those guns don't say what's best for children.

I think it's sad to just give up and say "stfu." I mean, damn, do we feel safer because moms have to drink their breast milk at airports, and because cops in full riot gear raid a poetry slam because a couple of permits weren't signed? If people want to protect children, they can, without having to do it at gunpoint.

/end soapbox rant

http://www.simplyanarchy.com

[karma_gypsy]

I had to card someone earlier. Cigarettes? No. Mature Games? No. It was for a handgun. Yup. He almost started getting bitchy about it. I don't care how old you look, I want your ID. It's store policy anyway. I knew he was old enough, but we have to keep the IDs behind the counter while they're looking at the firearm. Why? Just in case the firearm has a tendency of walking out the door (well, more like fleeing). And yes, it has happened before (which is why customers don't get their ID back when they're lookin' at a handgun).

[Pezzle]

All I have to say is...

My boyfriend's 38, also blew people's heads off for this country, and loves getting carded because it makes him feel young and sexy. :P

[MoonChild2007]

Every time I read one of these ID stories, I just think, "Why do you care?" An ID isn't an intrusion into your personal life! There's very little that can be done against you by seeing it. Oh, crap! I know your weight and real age! OMG! Extra movement and the finding of things! >.<

(Especially men. Theirs is easy to find. It's in the ID bit of your wallet, which is in your heavier pocket. What in the world do they have to fuss about?)

I'm really happy to show my ID! It makes me glad when people do their job! And if I should discover that I don't have it? Well, now I'm aware that I should drive the speed limit on the way home.

Honestly, what is the big damn deal?

Cause they feel that EVERYBODY should know them and that they are soooo important that we should know them. I get that crap at the bank. I had two checks come back because I didn't check IDS. Now, I am being written up for it. I know I am to blame and this time, no more messing around. I don't know you, you give me your id. Its not your check, no cashing. You can huff and puff all you want to, you are not going to get me written up again nor fired. I don't freaking care anymore if they know you here. No more!

Sorry about the rant.

[Jester]

I am 37. As recently as yesterday, I have had people guess my age as 23. (Though admittedly, that guess is atypical.) I still occasionally get carded. My philosophy on this is very simple.

If they ask me for my ID, I am getting my drink.
If they don't ask me for my ID, I am getting my drink.
Either way, I am getting my damn drink!

And if I am dopey enough to have left my ID or my wallet somewhere other than my pocket, well, then, I guess I am drinking a Sprite. With a lime please. No ranting, no whining, no bitching, no moaning, no complaining, no threatening, no preaching. Just a bit of embarrassment for being enough of a dumbass to forget my ID. Luckily, that rarely ever happens.

[MoonChild2007]

If they ask me for my ID, I am getting my drink.
If they don't ask me for my ID, I am getting my drink.
Either way, I am getting my damn drink!

I like that logic. Tell a few more people and they won't complain as much.

[Pezzle]

And if I am dopey enough to have left my ID or my wallet somewhere other than my pocket, well, then, I guess I am drinking a Sprite. With a lime please. No ranting, no whining, no bitching, no moaning, no complaining, no threatening, no preaching. Just a bit of embarrassment for being enough of a dumbass to forget my ID. Luckily, that rarely ever happens.

All I have the say is I never forget my ID. EVER. Why? The only time I forgot the damn thing, I got pulled over and bitch-slapped by the cop with a 200 dollar ticket for failure to present documentation. I am now slightly OC about having my ID with me. Hell, if I'm driving across 3 states and I realize I've forgotten it, I'm turning the bloody hell around.

[SCSlave]

I got carded for buying the movie "Shaun of the Dead" for God's sake! I could care less. I thought it was funny. She scanned it, and something popped up on the register "is the customer over the age of 17?" And she said "Do you have your I.D.?" I laughed, "yep sure do"

I'm 36 just as an FYI. hahaha I get carded everywhere. People say I look like I'm early 20s. I really don't mind when they card me. I have had a few people look at me skeptically when I show them. That irritates me. Why in God's name would I proclaim to be 36 if I am not??

[Jester]

Okay, I can't help myself...it's time to revive The ID Song! Sing along with me, kids!

THE ID SONG

[to the tune of "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands]

"If you order alcohol, show ID.
If you want me to serve you booze, let me see.
If you want to get a drink
Then folks you have to think
That if you look that young you'll need your damn ID!

If you're legal and you're thirsty, show some proof.
If you left your home without it you're a goof.
If you're legal and you know it
and you want a drink, then show it.
Cause the only way you're drinking is with proof!