When I was growing up in the 50s “Your’e Papers Please” was a phrase used to warn us about tyrannical governments.  We have decided in the United States that we now need  a “Your Papers Please” society, aka photo ID.  You can’t open a bank account, fly or take a train without a photo ID.  Many states are now requiring photo ID to vote.

Now I’m not going to question that we may now need a “Your Papers Please” society but if that’s the case they should be free or at least cheap and should be easy to get.  To get one you need a copy of your birth certificate which if you don’t have it already can cost up to $50.  In addition if your name has changed through marriage you need a copy of your marriage certificate which if you can find it can also cost you money.  Here in my state the only place you can get a photo ID is at the Department of Motor Vehicles which are located for people who drive and few and far between.  Where I live now getting to the nearest DMV office would be a 30 to 40 dollar cab ride.  We need to simplify the process of getting the papers and have more locations to do it.  There are more places I can apply for a passport than get a state photo ID.

End of rant!