Boater Photo ID

This will surely discriminate against the old, poor, and minorities.

All Wisconsin boaters may be required to carry photo identification as federal officials consider tighter security of the nation’s more than 17 million small vessels.

[...]

If identification is required, it’s unclear who would enforce that and what would happen to a boater who doesn’t have an ID.

In addition, the Coast Guard wants access to all states’ boat registration databases. Wisconsin - currently sixth nationwide in its number of boats - has agreed.

1. Why not…   As a boater we already surrendered our rights to illegal searches and siezures.  As a boater, you can be boarded any time, any place, no probable cause required.
   

   In addition, the Coast Guard wants access to all states’ boat registration databases. Wisconsin - currently sixth nationwide in its number of boats - has agreed.

   And anyone thinks we aren’t heading to a police state?????

   Posted by on May 04, 2008 at 0930 hrs




2. I generally tend to think that all the hype about voter fraud is just an overblown attempt by Republicans to either a) mobilize core supporters or b) ignore other reasons why the party has failed in recent elections.  If anything, Wisconsin’s remarkably liberal policies regarding the use of mail-in absentee ballots is potentially a far larger area of concern.

   But that said, the arguments people put forward against requiring photo identification to vote are some of the silliest things I’ve ever heard.  I’m not even sure how people can make some of those arguments while keeping a straight face.

   Posted by Recess Supervisor on May 04, 2008 at 0959 hrs




3. Some of us apparently don’t understand the difference between boating and voting.

   Posted by scott on May 04, 2008 at 1032 hrs




4. I hear that if you set aside enough food stamps, you can trade them in for a bass boat.

   Posted by on May 04, 2008 at 1054 hrs




5. Boating is just like driving.  I am surprised it is not already required.

   Posted by on May 04, 2008 at 1115 hrs




6. We are headed towards a police state.
   If I can’t drive my boat 40 MPH after a twelve pack, then gosh dawg gone it we are under a police state.
   I just saw the Liberals of Doyle round up all boaters and send them to extermination camps in Dachau WI.

   Posted by on May 05, 2008 at 0110 hrs




7. I’ve been stopped countless times by the DNR and checked for registration, PFDs, fire extinguisher, ski mirrors, emergency flares, first aid kit, working horn, intact fuel lines, throw cushion/rope. To have to show him/her my photo ID is no big deal.

   I surely do not feel disenfranchised or picked-upon to present the legal requirements to operate a watercraft.

   Posted by on May 05, 2008 at 0758 hrs