Lifting Veil for Photo ID Goes Too Far, Driver Says

[caddmannq]

New York Times

No problem. Women in Arabia don't drive. Just give up the license!

[alondra]

Hmmm, wonder if she would be happier under the Taliban.
positive identification is a matter of public safty, which in my mind overshadows her petty complaint.

[Knothead]

Oh, too funny...all the driver's licenses would be interchangeable...they'd all look alike!

I can just see it now:
The interrogation room at the Police station:
Cop: (holding up photo of big oval veil) "is this the person who ran you over?"

Victim: 'Well, I can't tell from the photo, but I know it was my mother in law."

Cop: "How do you know?"

Victim: "I recognized her laugh!"

[Theophylact]

I'm not too sympathetic, but on the other hand I had drivers' licences for years that didn't have photos on them. Passports, now, there's a problem.

[caddmannq]

Modesty is one thing.
Extremeism is another.

At this point in our history, I don't think America is prepared to let Moslems (or anyone else for that matter) run around the country wearing masks.

And remember: The freedom to leave America is still available. People who cannot live within our laws may avail themselves of that freedom.

What the constitution promises is that the government will not force anyone to practice a religion. Period. It does not promise the freedom to practice anything you should choose as religion, regardless of that practice's historic or cultural significance!

[Solid Snake]

Muslims in Afghanistan were finally happy to take them off when the Taliban was destroyed, Muslims in the US can take them off but don't choose to? huh...

[dday]

Here in California they tell you up front, that it's a priviledge, not a right to be able to drive. If one of the requirements is a photo I. D. and you want the priviledge, drop the scarf lady!

[Knothead]

Originally posted by caddmannq
Modesty is one thing.
Extremeism is another.

At this point in our history, I don't think America is prepared to let Moslems (or anyone else for that matter) run around the country wearing masks.

And remember: The freedom to leave America is still available. People who cannot live within our laws may avail themselves of that freedom.

What the constitution promises is that the government will not force anyone to practice a religion. Period. It does not promise the freedom to practice anything you should choose as religion, regardless of that practice's historic or cultural significance!

Well said, Cadd.

Ditto that, man....boy, am I a bad Liberal!

[RayH]

Actually, insurance companies have some problems selling insurance to some fundamental Moslems. Such people believe things are the Will of Allah! Therefore, if you are in an accident, it was Allah's will. Insurance interfers with such!

Though a valid topic, I see an undercurrent of hostility, which to my mind is not required for an objective discussion of a news item.

While Arab/Moslem bashing in this forum has been relentless (and I have contributed also), I think all discussions will have greater credibility and punch if done in an impassionate and subtle manner.

Not a brute force method, which actually detracts from the actual content.

There is no reason to be defensive and have less confidence in one's position and be like a bull in a china shop.

Should all Italians/Irish/Europeans leave this country because the majority of people who break laws are non-Arabs simply because of sheer numbers.

America may not be prepared to allow masks, but it also does not allow murders, violent crimes, corporate embezzlement...........

So, the American dream is: All who do not conform to the law can (and indeed should) leave this country. We need this place to be a squeaky clean haven.

Wonder the number of people of various ethnic backgrounds will be forced to go under such a decree?

My guess is that the Arabs/Moslems will be way down the totem pole simply because their numbers are relatively small.

Sorry for the rant but I really feel such important issues/discussions get degraded by pompous, biased and hostile posts.

Coming back to the topic, I believe that all people need to obey the laws and if the state law says you need a picture on a licence (in NJ you need it the first time only) then you have to obey the law.

Incidentally, I see many Arabic/Middle Eastern women in and around Fort Lee driving (very expensive cars) without any masks/veils on but wearing the traditional dress.

A small percentage of people are ultra conservative, but thats true even in Hindu, Jewish, Mormon, Christian and perhaps all religions.

Bottom Line: No picture------->No Licence.