We're headed down the wrong branch arguing against high-tech records and identification. Photo recognition, DNA, satellite photo surveillance, ultra-fast computer and other communication intercepts, all that is here now, and in use now.
What is needed, and needed desperately, is a constitutional amendment providing strong, slip-proof legal guidelines and protections overseeing the use of all these methods, protections that a totalitarian government like we have now or even worse, (yes, that is possible), can not override or by-pass. This requires obtaining court orders to access and use any of this type of data, from judges charged with protecting rights, not asses. When it's claimed the immediate release of this information to the public could cause problems, there should be an iron-clad requirement to provide timely and complete release of all court findings, along with a time-line to do so, and appointing someone to see that that happens.
Any violation of these protections should by a high level felony that requires prison time for any violator - citizen, police, prosecutor, judge, congressman or administration member - no immunity. Covering up any violation should require the same level of severe punishment. Oops should never be an excuse to violating these protections. Good faith exemptions should stand the smell test, and don't let it happen again should mean just that.
It is now and becoming more so a very high tech world. These methods are not going to go away. It is obvious that not nearly enough protections exist, and those that do are not respected. That respect should be required.
Susan Kay
