In 2005, the Maine Legislature voted overwhelmingly to reject Real ID. In 2007, the Legislature put that resolution into statute. But now, Governor Baldacci is pushing a bill in the legislature, LD 2309, to reverse that statute (ie overturn the law), force Maine to comply with the Real ID Act and surrender our personal data and our state’s integrity to the Department of Homeland Security.
WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN!
Why?
Though there are many reasons to oppose LD 2309, Peace Action Maine wants to highlight the following two points above all else:
A national ID card sets the stage for a checkpoint society, one in which every transaction is monitored and subject to approval. Homeland Security has no right to know our business or to monitor our comings and goings without a proper warrant-–and that’s exactly what Real ID would enable them to do. In their 2005 resolution to reject Real ID, the Maine Legislature agreed that “the REAL ID national database will invite theft of identity and invasion of privacy”.
The integrity of our state is at stake. Two years ago, the State Legislature voted nearly unanimously to refuse to implement Real ID. Recognizing that Real ID would be costly, invasive and ineffective, the State Legislature rightfully stood up to the federal government and said “No way!” To cave to the pressures of the federal government now violates the validity of that statute and the integrity and sovereignty of the state. What good are Maine’s laws if they are upheld only when it is politically convenient to do so?
Call your State Senator and Representative NOW and urge them to grow a backbone and oppose LD 2309. Then call them again. You can leave a message at the following numbers 24 hours a day. We encourage all of our members to continue calling their legislators until the current legislative session ends.
Maine Senate message line: 1.800.423.6900
Maine House message line: 1.800.423.2900
In your message, be sure to include the name of your Representative or Senator, your own name and your phone number. To find the name of your Representative or Senator, visit www.mainelegislature.org.
Unless you can find time to go to the State House, you can’t do more than leave a message. So leave a bunch of them. FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Tell everyone you know about LD 2309 and ask them to leave multiple messages with their legislators as well.
To learn more about Real ID and actions surrounding the issue, visit: www.peaceactionme.org/realid
Dare we fail to mention that the 2008 Peace Supper is eleven days away? April 26th at Woodfords Congregational Church here in Portland. Tickets can be purchased on our website or by calling our office, 772-0680.
Keep on keepin’ on until then-–and don’t forget to call your legislators!
