Isn't is nice that we need a passport to reenter our oun country an i ask where is the passport for all of these illegal aliens who are entering our country?

Posted By R.Robert Burdick on July 5, 2007, 2:25 AM

I am against having a national identification system. That takes our country straight to an environment similiar to Nazi Germany and the USSR. With a national ID, soon we will all be responding to "papers please?". That's not "My America".

My father served in WWII. He's never had to prove he was an American. Now, if he wants to go on a cruise, he's got to prove he's an American to leave the country and then again to return.

He's 82 yrs. old. He doesn't need a 10 year passport. I want to take him on a cruise before it's too late. The government wants to charge me a tax (in the form of the cost of a passport) to take him on a cruise. That's not right.

Do not punish the citizens for what terrorists do.

America has always been proud to say our borders are open and friendly. Now, we're closing our borders to our own citizens. How long do you think it will be before the government is monitoring our every move with the information contained and recorded when the passports and national id cards are scanned?

Posted By Archie M. Windham on July 5, 2007, 3:27 AM

The rules & regulations were passed for the safety of the United States. Because people who are used to bending laws put off on sending in their passports is no reason to change things to suit their personal purposes.

Posted By Mike Rohaly on July 5, 2007, 4:01 AM

I think it necesary to carry your passport went you goig to go out of the country, because the law should be iqual for everyone including north-American.

Posted By Ingrid DLC on July 5, 2007, 4:30 AM

I think that it is a good idea, but should have given more time to institute it. Passports are so backlogged now that it is difficult to get one.

Posted By gloria kammerman on July 5, 2007, 6:53 AM

What is the rule on passports for US citizens going on cruises to the Caribbean this year. (2007)

Posted By John Sigano on July 5, 2007, 7:38 AM

What is the rule on passports for US citizens going on cruises to the Caribbean this year. (2007)
No flights involved.

Posted By John Sigano on July 5, 2007, 7:39 AM

Would this have helped protect us on 9/11? No. Would it help keep illegals from entering? No. Will this stop terrorist actions? No. Is it a hassle? Yes. Is it questionable in terms of how American it is? Yes. We're letting the terrorists win when we make our nation more like the ones they come from. This can be nothing more than an excuse for big brother to watch every law abiding citizen.

Posted By Rich on July 5, 2007, 7:41 AM

Visit another country and you will realize how lax US border rules and visas are. Why is the US so afraid of Mexico when it comes to enforcing visa rules?

Posted By Janine Bertram on July 5, 2007, 7:47 AM

I think it is about time. Yes we have open borders in this country and that means everyone can come in or leave. We need to get a handle on it. Archie, the government already watches your move. Every day I have to fill out a log book that shows where I have been and how long I have been working, even on my days off, it is said for the safty of the public, where is your outcry on that? there are over 2 million Americans that have to fill them out and we have done nothing wrong. Gloria, how much time do you need. 2 years ago when the law was passed and said that cruise passengers would need them, my wife and I got ours right then. Now it has been 2 years and people are saying "we need more time, why didn't they say anything, what do I do now". If you think you just maybe might someday possibly, might have a hankering, or the bug bites you to travel than go out and get your passport NOW. If you wait till the month before you need it, than to bad, stay home and spend your money here in the USA. When they came out with this new law it took us 5 weeks to get our passport, that was in the winter when we knew we were going to be taking a cruise in the spring. Now it is summer the high time for travel and millions are trying to get their passport on the same day, yes there is going to be large delays. I say no breaks, Pay attention to the news and the things going on and you may not get stuck the next time around. Be prepared.

Posted By Randy Noble on July 5, 2007, 8:03 AM

I applied for a passport on the last week of the time limit to recieve it for a trip to Rome. The trip was cancelled but NOT because the passport was not here in time.

Posted By D Wright on July 5, 2007, 8:04 AM

I live in a US border city and have first hand knowledge how easy it is for everyone to enter our county. I believe that is not a question of if there will be another attack on this county at home but when. I am not opposed to the new passport regulations, what does concern me is the cost that will prohibit the option for all Americans to cross the borders. We need to make our country safe and protect the land that our fore fathers fought for and if that means passposts so be it. In NYS legislators are already talking about the economic effect of the Passport requirement and to be honest it probably won't ever go into effect. They are hoping to delay in until the Bush Admin. exits the White House and then will make sure it dies. I am open to other alternatives but we need to do a better job of protecting our borders.

Posted By Nancy on July 5, 2007, 8:08 AM

I have no problem carrying my passport when traveling to other countries - even Canada and Mexico. However, I think that if our government is going to impose stricter passport rules, it should also provide enough staff to process the new requests in a timely and efficient manner. Regulations are easy to pass, but there seems to be a real disconnect in planning to implement the changes.

Posted By Sue Cimerman on July 5, 2007, 8:12 AM

I think we do need to be vigilant of our borders...both for citizens AND aliens, especially illegal ones. I think it should be an accepted matter that you travel over our border you have a passport, or the enhanced driver's license for those on border towns, just as you are expected to have a legal, valid drivers license to drive. I also support the idea of the chips imbedded to make things even more secure. I have nothing to hide. It speeds up processing and makes transitions more effective. HOWEVER, staff the agencies needed to process these regulations so there are no hideous delays in documentation.

Posted By Andrea D on July 5, 2007, 8:18 AM

I don't know if it would stop any of the terrorism but if it stopped just 1 act then everyone should have one.
Barbara Conkle

Posted By Barbara Conkle on July 5, 2007, 8:19 AM

must serve or do something to help show they really want to be a citizen. Like serve in in the service, or doing some volunteering for the us government .

Posted By eugenegross on July 5, 2007, 8:19 AM

We have several issues facing us here in the US. One (1) getting people out to vote so that we can have more of a say in our economic, two (2) jobs being sent overseas and jobs here in the US being taking by foreigners and three (3) representatives that have our best interest at heart. In addition, all the new technology that we have seems to serve us no purpose. So to combat all the issues each US citizen that is a registered voter has an assigned voter registration number. When we go to the polls to vote this information if not gathered should be gathered and when applying for passports or trying to leave or enter the US each citizen should be required to show their voters registration card an the voter registration number entered into major database that contain all valid voters. When the register voters number is found in the US database and the individual has voted that should be a valid indication that person is a US citizen. How to validate that the person is who they say they are ask the question “Who did you vote for?” since having a US birth certificate is not enough to prove that we are who we say we are.

Posted By Vergie Allen on July 5, 2007, 8:28 AM

If it will help weed out the illegals, I am all for showing passports at all times. However, the Feds need a way to identify fake passports more easily. Of course, the illegals are still going to try and get across and bypass authorities so that is where they need to focus.

Posted By Sherie Harbin on July 5, 2007, 8:28 AM

Gents:

You MUST all get on the same page when you try to legislate stuff! To set a deadline for passports needed to travel and then not consider the fact that now everyone and their "legal" brother will have to pass through your inefficient system to try to procure their passport before the deadline is so typical. You know as well as I do that when it comes to processing or doing just about anything, the government (public sector) is about as fleet of foot and swift as a hibernating sloth.

I remain in a state of constant "underwhelment" when it comes to just about all things public sector based. The whole concept would die a swift death if made to compete in the private sector free market. I swear that rejects work for government, those who can't hack it in the private sectors. Politicians are excluded, they know how to ride the gravy train and make politics their career for big pay-off to themselves and themselves only. Glboal warming is caused by hot air politi spew.

That is where we, the private sector fall down on our jobs of not changing our public servant underewear near often enough to drive out the turds and the stink that tends to collect there.
I love my country, I love my freedom, but the public sector sure can get in the way of the American Dream. Most of them are leaches and parasites or just plainly unmotivated in their own little non-profit world. Just tax the rest of us more for less and less service in return.

One day, folks like me will end up having no choice but to put you out of your misery via our poorly used VOTE by replacing you with a more user friendly Democratic Society servant of the people. You don't so much serve as you hinder and annoy us with your mediocre performances.

Have I made it clear enough?

Posted By Mike Stempo on July 5, 2007, 8:46 AM

I'm in favor of showing a passport when you enter our country from ANYWHERE outside the country. The stricter the rule, the safer I feel.

Posted By Howard Pascoe on July 5, 2007, 8:54 AM

I am sorry that it has come to this, but we have to do what we have to for safety sake. I would hope that the new technology of retinal scanning or fingerprint technology will make all this paperwork (which can be conterfeited), obsolete. If all the airports were outfitted with scanners, the criminals would not risk being caught and may stay away. Each country would be required to install the scanners if they wanted to make flights into the United States. The scan would take place before you ever took a flight and would be updated automatically by a international database independent from any governmental agency.

Posted By Levi Martfeld on July 5, 2007, 8:58 AM

Archie, this is not the same world it was when your Dad went to war! In case you haven't noticed, the govt has intruded into our lives more and more over the past 50 years! This is not new. Gloria, I agree with Randy - this has been publicized for 2 years, so why did you wait so long to apply? Get real!
I'm 75, and may not need a 10 year passport, but so what? Who knows, maybe I will, and 100.00 is quite a lot of money to us, but judging by what most people spend for recreation (i.e. dining out, shows, etc.) these days, it won't be a severe hardship on the majority of people.
I know it won't entirely stop illegals from getting into our country, but in the world we live in today, every little bit helps.

Posted By Clairee Meeks on July 5, 2007, 9:00 AM

Hi,
Our family are not international travelers but also reside near a US border and I am concerned about the financial burden the cost of 4 passports for our family would entail.
We occasionally go to Canada {Pelee Island}for our family vacation and with money being tight the extra cost will prohibit us from going...our option would be to stay at home.
I do not have any answers but I am hoping our government will consider that for some Americans this truly will prohibit the option for free travel across our neighbors boarders.
Thank you.

Posted By Andrea on July 5, 2007, 9:03 AM

i believe that all persons entering or leaving the USA must have a valid passport.That means U.S. or other official passport from their country. The U.S can facilitate the issuing of the passports by reducing the application fee for first time applicants. People that worry about the government knowing all of your personal information, should remember about the Social Security card. CIAO,

Posted By Armando Moroni on July 5, 2007, 9:06 AM

My husband and I travel frequently. We use our passport as identification whenever we leave the country, even when going to Mexico and Canada, because it simplifies entry into these countries. I certainly have no problem showing my identification when returning to the U.S. I have even used my passport as identification to prove citizenship when changing jobs recently. It is a great tool for identification.

Posted By Nancy Libecki on July 5, 2007, 9:13 AM

I think this is a waste of taxes, time, and paper! Only those entering this country for the 1st time ever should have to follow this guideline. I'm an American, born and bred here ! I'm 56 and shouldn't need a passport. Also, unless a person is convicted of a Felony involving violence, anyone else should be able to get a passport.Communistic ways and beliefs are rampant in the USA and capitalism reigns!

Posted By Linda Deal on July 5, 2007, 9:14 AM

I have no problem with requiring a passport to re-enter the U.S. from any country. I live in the U.S. near the Canadian border and I have no problem taking my passport with me when I travel into Canada. I do feel that the cost is too high and should be reduced to the level it was prior to the new regulations being announced. Prior to the E.U., people travelling from England to France (for example) were required to show a passport. So get over it.

Posted By Dave Hoffman on July 5, 2007, 9:26 AM

I welcome the rules. The government should have been prepared so that the wait to get one or renew was not 3 months or longer.

Posted By George Lauscher on July 5, 2007, 9:27 AM

I have no problem with carrying a passport with me while I travel. When we were bombed on 9/11 our world changed. We can't put our head in the sand and think it didn't. We now submit to screening at airports, security entering buildings and stadiums. We might as well get used to it. Our world will never be the same.

Posted By Hillary Jessup on July 5, 2007, 9:27 AM

I have carried a passport everywhere, even when not required, for over 20 years. As a naturalized American it is just much easier than carrying naturalization papers, birth certificates, etc. I don't see why people are so upset - it's a safety precaution that everyone should be on board with.

Posted By Margot Peter on July 5, 2007, 9:41 AM

I think its a good idea that people need to stop complaining about. The government has been telling people about this change for a while now. Why should the safety of the American public be at risk just because people are too lazy to get a passports?

Posted By Tara on July 5, 2007, 9:42 AM

I don't have an issue with using a passport. I travel internationally on a monthly basis. What concerns me is the extended period of time it is taking to get a passport. My staff is delayed in doing their assignments and I am concerned about delays when I have to renew my passport next year. If you make a rule that we must follow, you also need to staff up to handle the volume.

Posted By Daryl Skoog on July 5, 2007, 9:55 AM

A. This rule was announced two years ago! It's not new, nor should it come as a surprise to anyone! I have ZERO sympathy for travelers who have put it off until the last minute.

B. It's not the State Dept.'s fault! They have met EVERY congressionally mandated deadline since 9/11. DHS has yet to meet even one! As an example, we have no way to track entries and exits of foreign nationals into and out of this country! That's a DHS job and they have so far failed to implement a system!

C. People who have NO travel plans have created much of this back log! So now, the travelers who thought they were applying far enough ahead, are caught in the back log.

D. Travel anywhere else in the world and you will see just how lax our borders are. You can't cross from one EU country into another without showing your PASSPORT at the port of entry: land, air, or sea!

A passport is NOT a national ID! It is proof of citizenship. And if you haven't noticed.... we don't ALL look alike so it's a bit hard to tell who's a US citizen and who isn't!

RELAX and plan properly! It's REALLY not that big of a deal. There are a lot more important things we should be concerned about in this country!

Posted By Dawn on July 5, 2007, 10:00 AM

My husband and I travel to Canada and Mexico yearly. We got our passports years ago because it was faster to go through re-entry lines. We got tired of waiting for people to fumble with their driver's licenses and birth certificates. For those of you who complain about having to show a passport at the border, what is the difference what documentation you need to show? It is still documentation!

Posted By Daryl Laux on July 5, 2007, 10:04 AM

The biggest problem I see with the passport issue is our government's lack of preparation for the onslaught of applications. Second is their tendency to back off on stated requirements when they find they were ill-prepared to deal with the process. We called for more stringent entry requirements for people entering legally from other countries after 9/11, and for advanced ID methods such as biometrics on passports, and other governments responded by complying with these new rules. Our folks then said that we wouldn't have time to institute those measures here for a while. That doesn't exactly send a message to our citizens that they need to heed the new rules (called for to protect US). Canada, Mexico and much of the Caribbean are NOT just colonies of the U.S. They are sovereign states and we've just been spoiled by their willingness to let us enter without passports - something other nationalities have always had to do. We need to join the rest of the world. If you think you'll ever want to travel outside our borders, apply for a passport. You'll be ready to go whenever it suits you for the next 10 years. Applying for a passport doesn't give the government any more information about you than they've had before. And it gives you the ultimate form of identification.

Posted By Beth Meredith on July 5, 2007, 10:05 AM

When the illegals coming across the border are required to have a passport to enter the USA, maybe I'd agree. Punish the citizens and reward all others?

Posted By Nat Magann on July 5, 2007, 10:06 AM

Better control at US borders is essential to our national security and our efforts to prevent terrorism. There will be fewer illegal border crossings with better passport control. I don't really see what everyone is so agitated about- we've needed passports to re-enter from almost everywhere else in the world for a very long time. This is merely an extension of existing rules.

Posted By lbethjones on July 5, 2007, 10:09 AM

It is a program whose time has come.

Posted By Frank Parr on July 5, 2007, 10:18 AM

The people who are not getting their passports are for the most part procrastinators. They are probably the same people who file their taxes on April 14th or 15th. Most people knew this law was coming and when it went into effect if they even thought they might be traveling to Mexico or Canada or any where outside the US they should have applied at that time, not wait until 12 weeks before and try to do everything last minute. What frustration that must make for a person to start their vacation. Start early, prepare, and enjoy yourself. Yes we need to tighten the borders.

Posted By Diana Stutts on July 5, 2007, 10:19 AM

well .. lets see .. i can go to canada without a passport but to come back home i have to have one ? what about all the illegal aliens i see everyday in my work who use id from mexico to purchase beer and cigarettes ?? i was born here have a drivers license and a birth certificate yet if i don't have a passport i cant come home ???

Posted By J on July 5, 2007, 10:33 AM

In order to implement a task as huge as this, the government needs to have a plan in place on how to handle the larger load of work. I think earlier in the year, they did not realize how much backlog this would create and did not have a good strategy in place. They need to hold the folks responsible for timelines on these passports. Many folks paid extra money to expedite the process and still did not receive their passport. They also have people on the call-in number that just flat out lie to folks, telling them it's on the way when it has not even begun to be processed! I was one of these people. I did everything at the right time according to the government's publications and it did not happen as it should have. Luckily I live in a city with a regional office so I got in line at that office at 4am the day before my trip and walked out with the passport at 4 that afternoon! Yeah, great system here in the US...

Posted By Michelle on July 5, 2007, 10:39 AM

I think a passport should be required anytime you reenter the United States. Many countries require you carry a passport not only for entry into their country, but to produce a valid passport if you are stopped for any reason.

However, I do believe that the cost of GETTING the passport is much too high.

Posted By Janice Manley on July 5, 2007, 10:40 AM

It's my understanding that if you've traveled say to Mexico using only your birth certificate or voters registration and those documents were either lost or stolen the local authorities do not have to report the items. However, if your passport is lost or stolen it must be reported to authorities and all local governmental agencies. Having a passport is the best way to protect your rights as an American citizen.

Posted By S Kutter on July 5, 2007, 10:52 AM

I live in a border town. I personally have suspected that the "rules" would be changing due to the decrease in trade, business and tourism between the two countries with the additional cost of passport requirements and the time delay in obtaining one. Summertime is the heavier tourist time for my area.
To those thinking that they "suddenly" have to get a passport, they need to get their heads out of the sand. This new legislation and new border crossing "rules" for international travel has been around for about 2 years. I got my passport well in advance of the new rules. I have only one thing to say to the procrastinators - PLAN AHEAD - don't blame someone else because you waited until the 11th hour!

Posted By Barb Burwell on July 5, 2007, 10:55 AM

We have several issues facing us here in the US. One (1) getting people out to vote so that we can have more of a say in our economic, two (2) jobs being sent overseas and jobs here in the US being taking by foreigners and three (3) representatives that have our best interest at heart. In addition, all the new technology that we have seems to serve us no purpose. So to combat all the issues each US citizen that is a registered voter has an assigned voter registration number. When we go to the polls to vote this information if not gathered should be gathered and when applying for passports or trying to leave or enter the US each citizen should be required to show their voters registration card an the voter registration number entered into major database that contain all valid voters. When the register voters number is found in the US database and the individual has voted that should be a valid indication that person is a US citizen. How to validate that the person is who they say they are ask the question “Who did you vote for?” since having a US birth certificate is not enough to prove that we are who we say we are.

Posted By Vergie Allen on July 5, 2007, 11:01 AM

I have had a passport since 1975 - renewed it twice and it was due to expire at the end of April so I sent in the paperwork, including two photos and my existing, non-expired passport. It is now July 5 - four months later - and I still don't have it. This is not for a NEW one, but an existing one, so I'm surprised and disappointed. Fortunately, I'm not flying out of the country anytime soon, but I have a good friend in England, so when a great fare comes up, I'd like to be able to go on the spur of the moment. Also, next week I'm going to Glacier Lake in Montana and would like to be able to go on the Canada side.

I agree that we need to be vigilant, but we are doing stupid things - wasting time on grandmothers and infants and ignoring clear warnings on people much more likely to be terrorists.

Posted By Kate Campbell on July 5, 2007, 11:10 AM

I live in Michigan, near the Canadian Border and on the great lakes. The border includes thousands of miles of open water, with tens of thousand of boats plying it, and thousands of miles of open land where the border is not even marked, or at least not controlled. If terrorists want to come across from Canada to the US, or go the other way, they can do it with or without a passport requirement.

Requiring passports for a simple trip back and forth across the Canadian Border (which is done here just like people would travel across town elsewhere) is a waste of money and resources, and is a needless inconvenience. Since it will be totally ineffective with regard to protecting us against terrorism, I have to wonder what the real reason for the proposed rules is.

Posted By David L. Richards on July 5, 2007, 11:20 AM

Hi,
Our family are not international travelers but we do like to to cross the boarder to get medication.My concerned is the financial burden the cost of 4 passports for our family would entail.
With money being tight the extra cost will prohibit us from going.
I do not have any answers but I am hoping our government will consider that for some Americans this truly will prohibit the option for free travel across our neighbors boarders.I feel they need to come up with something for a family.
Thank you.

Posted By DAWN on July 5, 2007, 11:30 AM

I think they should give family rates for passports.

Posted By Jeann Rybinski on July 5, 2007, 11:34 AM

The passport backlog was not because all citizens "waited" to request passports. The passport processing agencies are taking their sweet time doing their work, using every excuse from the beginning of time for not getting their work done, and then trying to use the American "Teddy Roosevelt bully politics" method to tell other countries which documents to accept to allow U.S. citizens into the foreign countries. The U.S. has passed another law for which they aren't able handle the work load. Our Passport processing agency seems to have most of the same coping issues that FEMA had after Katrina, and I am ashamed that they are making excuses rather than buckling down and getting the passports out when the citizens are begging.

Posted By Lea on July 5, 2007, 11:35 AM

The passport rule is common sense. Terrorists will find loopholes and exploit them and so we need to close this one. Neither the cost, the inconvenience, nor the long wait for a passport are too great a sacrifice for any of us to make in comparison to the benefit we receive in greater national security. As Americans, it is our patriotic duty to shoulder some of the burden. It's not September 10th anymore.

Posted By Beverly Eckert on July 5, 2007, 11:50 AM

ABSURD THAT PEOPLE ARE SO UPSET about this!!!!! We carry our driver's lics with us everywhere we go! why not a passport? It is an excellent means of ID. WHY is this so difficult? I am PROUD to be able to even procure a passport! I think Americans these days are too accustomed to being taken care of and not having to THINK or be responsible for themselves---

b.a. henderson-franklin

Posted By b.a.henderson-franklin on July 5, 2007, 11:53 AM

I think at this point in history it only makes sense to prove you're a US citizen. I voted for Pat Buchanan years ago as a pres. candidate because he had enough foresight to see the problems our unprotected borders would become. He was right. This is a critical issue and one we are regretting now - too little too late. The terrorists are among us already, they are patient and the next plot will unfold when they are ready.

Posted By Carol Waters on July 5, 2007, 12:03 PM

Requiring US Citizens to have a passport into re-enter this country is a joke. What about the hundreds, if not thousands, of illegals crossing the border through the desert today? Will our Border Control agents (The ones being SHOT AT by Coyotes and by Mexican military) stop to ask THEM for their passports? This is a sick farce. I agree, this is not about protecting our nation. As the government is taxing the citizens to spend on the illegals feeding at the great trough of American welfare.

It also seems a bit Big Brotherish to me. I don't want the government requiring retinal scans, etc...tracking our every move. This is the beginning of tyranny! Wake up and look at the UK and their video cameras on every street!

Posted By Alex on July 5, 2007, 12:05 PM

Passport requirements are creating a national idenity system which I am opposed. I allows the govt., which we all should distrust, a means to find and identify us. Those that don't agree can be rounded up and put into concentration camps.
It makes our borders no more secure as anyone who really wants to come in will find a way. this is especially true of those who intend to do harm.
But the most important thing to consider is the effect that it has on our relationship with other countries. The U.S. now has one of the poorest public relations images in the world.
The money spent on issuing millions of passports that may only be used once to visit Canada or Mexico would be better spent on providing better education.
Our education system is now one of the poorest of the leading industrialized countries of the world.
Michael

Posted By Michael Pearlman on July 5, 2007, 12:12 PM

This would appear to be part of the manipulative fear-mongering presented by our God-awful leadership to try to continue to justify this so-called war on terror. People, PLEASE examine the facts, grow up and accept that life will always have risks to it, but-to quote the Mexican revolutionary-"it's better to die standing than to live on your knees". W- I ain't sceered!!!

Posted By JANINE SOTOMAYOR on July 5, 2007, 12:18 PM

I am wondering, do other developed democratic countries like Germany, England, Japan have such strict passport laws for their own citizens? It's to keep us all safe, so they say. Why don't we all just go live in bomb shelters and never come out? Then we'd be really safe! I think the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is getting carried away with this. They should spend their time and resources chasing down terrorists, not hassling the retired couple who are just trying to return home to their Florida bungalow after a cruise to Jamaica.

Posted By Victor on July 5, 2007, 12:25 PM

I do not have a problem with the passport law. We need as much security as possible. However, my complaint is with the cost and the amount of time it takes to get one.

Posted By Melanie Colvin on July 5, 2007, 12:28 PM

Hi, Folks -

I'm against the increased use of passports, "smart" passports (chips embedded), and "Real IDs" the Feds are forcing the states to start using. If we can be forced into this drastic a change in our life-style by the unfortunate events of the past few years, then they've already won. Will you feel safer still if we start using full-fledged internal passports? Worked for the Nazis and works now for Communist countries, y'know.

I don't feel physically safer due to the the recent increased travel ID requirements, and feel I've suffered a serious loss of civil liberties because of them. (BTW, this mid-60s guy currently holds a passport that's good 'til 2010 and has held one since he was 23).

I've made my point, so I'll leave with a quote you may want to think about: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin, 1759.

Posted By Roger Best on July 5, 2007, 12:40 PM

If you enter the US without identification you are the same as an alien: illegal. They wouldn't be called illegal if they had identification allowing them into this country. So, if you choose to not get a passport (and if you were stupid enough to not order it before the rules came into effect) then you should stay in the United States!! If you love this country so much maybe you just need to visit the different states that are within the borders.

Posted By Anna on July 5, 2007, 12:42 PM

It is not up to me to prove to you that I am a citizen. It is up to you to prove that I am not.

Posted By Elaine Daly on July 5, 2007, 12:56 PM

HOW IS THIS GOING TO PROTECT THE US AGAINST TERRORISM? How many terrorists entered the US on a cruise ship? or after vacationing in St. Thomas? Many of us live in border states and traveling over the border for shopping, restaurants or a weekend get away and do not pose a threat to the nations security. Not only is this new proposal not citizen friendly, it is a waste of money, time, and use of resources that have to process all the paper work.
Canada and Mexico do not require a US passport to get in to their countries and they do not seem to have a terroroist "problem". Daily people are coming into the US by illegal means, without passports, how is this going to stop them ? How many "illegals" have been terrorists? Some of the 9/11 bombers were living "legally" in San Diego, with visas to study how to fly planes". This whole idea of stopping terrorists by requiring US citizens to have a passport to re-enter the US is delusionsal and just another fear tactic thrown at the citizens.US citizen travellers are not terrorists and are getting tired of being treated as ones.
What is the REAL reason for this new regulation?

Posted By karen drake on July 5, 2007, 1:14 PM

I am sending this from Glasgow, Scotland because that is where I am right now. I travel quite a lot between Glasgow and my home in upstate New York because I have family in both places. I would never think of leaving the country for anywhere without my passport. It is even handy to have incountry as a picture ID. I don't see what all the fuss is about. Even when I have occasion to go up to Canada for a few days I always use my passport even though at present my drivers license would do. Everyone should have a passport as for the expense the last renewal I had two years ago was $96.00 for ten years which comes out to $9.60 a year or $.80 a month, surely anyone can afford that for the convenience it offers.

Posted By Shirley Hodge on July 5, 2007, 1:22 PM

I am all for it! Anyone entering the country SHOULD have a passport. It may only help a little but if it keeps more illegals from entering the country and/or recognizes those who are already here by not allowing them to returning once they leave, then it is a good thing. I live in an area of hundreds of thousands of illegals and I have no problem with them living in the US IF they go about it the proper way, following the proper procedure to come to our country. With the passport requirement it will make it harder for them to cross the border into Mexico and return with 10 other family members. It's a small thing and US citizens shouldn't have any problems with having and using a passport. Suck it up America, it's for the safety of all of us!

Posted By Shari on July 5, 2007, 1:27 PM

Those of us who heard this was necessary two years ago a) signed up, b) paid the nominal fee and c) received passports in the exact number of weeks promised.

I do feel sorry for those who are trying to renew and are experiencing a delay, but again, planning ahead is so important.

However, pointing fingers, criticizing the inevitable backlog, or citing "Big Brother" due to updated passport rules is an indication that it would be a good idea to keep you at home anyway

Posted By jjonesy on July 5, 2007, 1:35 PM

I understand the need for security put where does the infringement of the citizens rights stop . Will we have to have microchips in our goverment Id,s to prove who we are . That wont stop the terrorists they will just steal an Id from some one the government is increasing expenses . That we will have to pay for With more taxes and accomplish nothing except allowing the government new ways to spy on citizens .

Posted By Bruce Vollman on July 5, 2007, 1:40 PM

Sorry, but I don't see where all the confusion is?
The Gov't has been telling the public for quite awhile abouth all the changes, I don't understand all the problems, people had plenty of time to get a passport before the law went into effect...

Posted By Stewart S. Carlisle on July 5, 2007, 2:09 PM

It's all about security for this country, which we badly need. If you want a passport in 7 to 10 days (their normal time frame) go to www.visalady.com, which is International Visa Service....doing business for 32 years..or call (800)627-1112. We need passport controls for entering this country, and few would disagree.

Posted By Reggie Goldsmith on July 5, 2007, 2:29 PM

I got a passport the first time I traveled to Europe and Africa. I found it much easier to use my passport as ID when traveling within the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. You only have to show one piece of ID versus D/L, birth certificate, etc. Also, I like collecting the passport stamps!!!

Posted By Donna Howard on July 5, 2007, 2:49 PM

I was easily able to get a passport for my daughter so we can travel this summer because I applied within the time frame. My cousin was able to get one within one day in an emergency for a family death abroad. It just takes some planning and perhaps a little sacrifice-much less than the sacrifice my brother, a FF, made when he entered WTC 2 to save others. This is for our safety and it implements an important 911 Commission recommendation. So those who complain should recongize the reality of the world we are living in today. Passports have always existed for re-entry to our country. There have been some exceptions -really a luxury. Is it fair to expect most of our citizens to sacrifice but just not those living along the border?

Posted By Kathleen Lynch on July 5, 2007, 2:59 PM

I'm all for it....can't be to careful!!

Posted By Sue Kosciewicz on July 5, 2007, 3:25 PM

Stop illegals? Are you insane? Who would clean our homes, cook our food, etc. In any case, I regard my passport as my most precious possession. Living in a military industrial complex like the U.S. means you never know when you will have to flee. I even have a Conch Republic passport! Never forget we are a nation of immigrants. As for becoming Americans, the illegals are already Americans, since they live within the American continents. Go figure.

Posted By Harold Flagg on July 5, 2007, 4:07 PM

Welcome

International Bolshevism
has won.
You are under the total jurisdiction of the World Authority: United Nations
Your pan-continental regional governments track everything you do.
Foreigners come first. Call it affirmative ethnic action.
Nations whither away.
There is only one world Soviet.

GAH!!!>:(

Posted By jibberjabberwocky on July 5, 2007, 4:07 PM

I went to Europe in December, I applied for my passport in Sept., knowing that there would be a backlog. Plan ahead if planning a trip, it wasn't like they did this overnight. And YES, anyone entering into the US should have a passport, even US citizens, if they've been out of the country.
Europeans used to carry their passports everyday, like a drivers license. At least they did until the EU, not it's one big homogenous country, very boring...

Posted By Heidi on July 5, 2007, 4:22 PM

It's a small price to pay for added security.

Posted By Lynn King on July 5, 2007, 5:43 PM

I feel that the government is just finding another way to control us. and using our national pride to their advantage.passports are not something I think are nessasary, why dont other foreigners have to have passports to enter the USA. what about all the illegals that are entering our country. why do we have to have passports when we go to foreign countries.??? I just dont get that.

Posted By Robert Cavazos on July 5, 2007, 7:43 PM

I really think that's great. Because the Government can make sure who is coming into the USA can and will be recognized on who the are and where they are coming from. Also to make sure that they are not wanted by and other countries or nations.

Posted By Phyllis Nalick on July 5, 2007, 8:25 PM

Get over it ! A passport is not such a big inconveniance as you people make it to be! For years people have needed one to travel to Europe and other continents.A passport is a valuable item to perform any financial transaction in any country and if necessary, a tool for the State Department to locate its owner and evacuate him in an emergency.It seems that the American people can whine about every little thing but if God forbid something else should happen as far as terrorism, the same people would complain the government should tighten the borders.A little cooperation would help. As for the people who don't have their passports in time for trips, OH WELL.If you'd walk into a business 2 minutes before closing you wouldn't have much luck getting special service there either.

Posted By Donna M on July 5, 2007, 9:10 PM

You really do not want to know what I think!

Posted By Chris S on July 5, 2007, 9:25 PM

The need for a passport is not "NEW" the traveling public has been informed for more than a year. The government should NOT begin making exceptions because a few people waited to the last minute to bend the rules and protest loudly.

Travel outside the U.S. Borders as we onece knew it IS NO MORE! Remember 9/11?

Get your PASSPORT and continue to enjoy another day in PARADISE!

Wayne Nappier, U. S. ARMY Retired

Posted By Wayne Nappier on July 5, 2007, 9:30 PM

How pathetic and sad it is that, on a message board debating whether or not Americans are to be treated as nazi citizens were treated, the prevailing attitude is "If it inconveniences you, or tramples on your basic rights or dignity, then tough luck! My rights are trampled all the time, and I'm not complaining!"

Never in the history of the world have a people lost so much, in such little time! The typical American citizen will go down in the annals of history as the greatest coward the world has ever known. Too scared to take responsibility for any aspect of their lives, they've handed their children to the inferior government schools, their self defense (gun rights) to anti-property rights police, their medical rights to the inept and murderously blundering FDA, and now their right to travel unbullied, undetained, and unmolested goes to even more government bullies who desire power but can't hold down real jobs.

The general consensus: "If it makes us even one small bit safer, it's worth it! If it prevents even one more attack, it's worth it!"

The people who say this won't miss their freedom. They never understood what freedom was; never had any use for it anyway. The fact that they mindlessly repeat what they heard on some Fox news or CBS commentary is pathetic for them, and a tragedy for American freedom.

And the great irony: None of the government's authoritarian blundering has done anything to make anyone safer. Yet it makes us all vastly less safe. it gives the government the power to divide and conquer everyone, to keep tabs on everyone, and to isolate, track, and kill "its enemies" (whomever they may be).

Such enemies could be people who refused to pay automated traffic camera fines that would have bankrupted them. Such enemies could be people who are being prosecuted for not paying child support to the state (Even after having settled amicably with their ex wives). It could be anyone who is guilty of breaking a law, but not guilty of committing any crime (Since the supreme court case "Sparf V. Hansen" took away their ability to tell the truth in court, to even try to defend themselves against unjust laws, they simply become outlaws).

I won't bother trying to educate everyone about the historical curve we now seem to be following. I will just point out that the destruction of America that began with the 1895 Supreme Court decision "Sparf V. Hansen" is now almost complete. (This court decision de facto lowered the jury in power beneath the power of the judge, in American courts. see: http://www.fija.org ) Once again, a people have handed their freedom to the government officials that gave the nicest-sounding promises of relieving them of toil and personal responsibility.

Unless Ron Paul or Wayne Root prevails in the coming election, it will be too late for the common man to even attempt to regain his freedom. As I write this, the destruction of our very freedom to speak is being debated in congress with expanding campaign finance reforms, and extensions of such gag orders to the realm of the media (Feinstein's idea of mandatory "fairness" in media coverage). America is falling, and the government-"educated" masses are not smart enough to ease down on their Titanic's throttle.

An all-out battle for freedom -- the kind with guns -- would not be enough to reclaim American freedom at this point. But the people on this board aren't ready to ask for freedom, much less fight for it. They don't even know anything is wrong.

As other users have commented, we are on our way to the United Soviet Police States of America. For an idea of what the coming USPSA will look like, visit this site: http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills

The site contains professor R.J. Rummel's research into governments that have murdered millions of their own citizens during peacetime. Coincidentally, those governments are the same governments that have been given absolute power by their people.

Governments like ours.

Thanks a lot, you miserable sheep!

Posted By Jake Witmer on July 6, 2007, 3:31 AM

Passport is a goood thing but they need to lower the fees!!! Especially for the children. Their passport is only good for 5 years and it's not much cheaper than adults.

Get your passport now! It will take a while. I renewed my daughter's in May and I am still waiting for it.... Lucky I am not in a hurry.

Posted By Dianna on July 6, 2007, 4:10 AM

I have no problem with the new regulations but once again they were passed without appropriate regard for the surge of work for the agencies that support passport applications. Increased FTEs, funding and systems needed to be put in place so that citizens were not calling the day prior to a trip trying to get there passports. I would imagine that the increase in FedEx charges could have funded more people and systems to do the work.

Posted By Kathryn O'Toole on July 6, 2007, 8:16 AM

I understand "nazi style" concerns, however i also think if we are going to get a handle on who is coming into the country we have to be willing to submit to authority about where we are going and when we return (IF WE HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE) then we will have no reason to feel intimidated or worried about showing a passport. Also, there are always going to be people who at least try to sneak in illegally. So the more people who are willing to do things right, the more likely the "bad Guys" are to get caught.

Posted By linda g woods on July 6, 2007, 10:14 AM

I can't believe all the drival I'm reading about this issue! National ID program! Come on! We all carry a drivers license without question. As for the expense, you probably pay more for your car registration, and you pay that every year! Don't get them all at one time - we applied for all of ours (5) over 2 years time, spaced a few months apart as soon as the changes were announced. It's good for 10 years, so for less than $10 per year, you can travel freely across the border. We live near the Canadian border and my children use them all the time when going to Canada. They are easier to carry than a dog-eared birth certificate.

Reducing trade, creating backups at the border?! Stop whining! You have to show some documentation anyway - who cares what kind. With the new bar codes, swiping a passport will take less time than examining documentation for authenticity.

"It is not up to me to prove to you that I am a citizen. It is up to you to prove that I am not"(Elaine Daly) I just love this one! It's that kind of arrogance that causes the PR problem this country has around the world. Too many in this country have had this "entitlement" mentality for too long.

So, stop complaining, wait your turn, and get a passport! Be proud to carry an American passport. Millions of people around the world wish they had one.

Posted By Linda Braun on July 6, 2007, 11:19 AM

We live on the Canadian border and we go to Canada for dinner and other types of entertainment. Canadians come to our side to shop and go out to eat. Passports will hurt our local economy on both sides of the bridge!

Posted By Liz Sweet on July 6, 2007, 11:48 AM

Having a passport is not going to stop or deter anyone who wants to cause harm to the United States residents. Having a passport to get across the two countrys' that border the United States is ashame. I want to go to Canada and Mexico but I can not afford to get a passport. So my grip is the cost. Where I live it cost $150. Since I will only use it maybe twice I will just for go any trips outside the United States. It would be nice if it was a reasonable cost $50.

Posted By Linda Hill on July 6, 2007, 12:14 PM

It disappoints me that we are letting FEAR govern our lives. We are building a wall around ourselves and becoming Fortress Amerika. The question is whether we are excluding others, or imprisoning ourselves. I have a passport, and I don't mind using it. But in the past, I could get a new one without sending in the old one. Now Bush holds me hostage by requiring my old one in order to get the new one -- which might or might not come, depending on whether I've written a nasty political letter recently, or not.

Posted By James Wood on July 6, 2007, 1:21 PM

Every time we create laws we just create another income stream for another bureaucracy. I don't understand why people don't understand that the only people obeying the laws are those who are law-abiding people. That's why they call those who don't Outlaws. It's not a hard concept if you just think about it.

As a graphic designer with a fair grasp of PhotoShop (Not an expert) I can duplicate any piece of ID, and yes even a passport given the right paper to work with. I don?t do this kind work because why? I'm a law-abiding person. Most of my experience has been in Law Enforcement & Security and I believe only holograms make it a little harder, but not impossible. Only fingerprints with real-time verification and/or retinal scans will be foolproof to all except perhaps high-level government agencies with the best resources.
My point is we don't need new laws until we enforce the laws we have and prove through experience that the old laws no longer work.

Posted By Rick Hake on July 6, 2007, 2:47 PM

If you travel for buisness or pleasure, you should have the freedom to do so when you choose. There needs to be an more efficient system to aquire passports that aren't easily duplicated by criminals. Why hasn't someone come up with a secure system to create passports online? I mean really, it is safe to do our taxes online, but not create a passport that will allow us to travel to other countries. There are some very intelligent individuals in this country. Someone figure it out.

Posted By Laura Noah on July 6, 2007, 5:42 PM

I agree everybody should have a passport and I had one untill I went to renew it? in this day you never know whenyou might have to flee for your and all public safety? but for a bill that I dont owe child support owed in my name? now who put this bill together ? if you owe a bill you cant have a passport thats the law I went to renew my passport sent the money in they kept the money sent it back denied pay the unowed money? oh who put this law together none other than the low life of the century with such high standards? are you with me?the man of the century? the oral sex king of the white house Bill Clinton now with a guy with so high standards telling us about clean life?

Posted By Rick on July 7, 2007, 11:18 AM

Make every American now and at age of 12 be required to have one and then every 5 years to update their picture porcess by going to a center (ie post office, of Passport expediting Center) for updating accordingly. Get and have a passport beginning in 2009 as a sole requirement. How's that, that and then let's move on and join the rest of the world.
Maybe for certain nationalities and countries determine if they are worthy of stepping foot on soil due to 9/11. Discrimination - no just a closer way of allowing individuals to come in to our country for once and for all.
The Mexican and Latino groups should have absolutely no amminesty on this factor and should and must have a passport to enter or out of here. I am tired of paying for others taking our freedoms of honesty and integrity to their levels.
What to charge - How about a fee of about $15.00 for every 10 years and then they must update at a post office or a center expediting center for passport. Issue a stamp and re-take their picture for the master file as well as their passport. Cannot you just hear the post office, but they are in all nooks-n-crannies of the US and can accommodate this transition and possibly 1 person for every 50K of people and stagger the updatings or transition over a 2-year period.
Carol - Hershey

Posted By C Teufel on July 7, 2007, 2:22 PM

Quit whinning get a passport. are prepare to start ducking when shot at like other places.If congress don't get off their buts it will be that way soon.But its an election year it want happen because they are scarred not to get reelected.

Posted By b on July 7, 2007, 4:09 PM

If we comment directly to the government, we'll probably be put on a "watch list" that'll lead to more "random" checks at airports. No thanks. In Europe, despite the terror, they've eliminated the need for passports between most countries. They've made travel EASIER. In the U.S. day by day, we're making travel more difficult. Keeping tighter tabs on citizens-- and non-citizens. It's not security... it's surveillance. --Mykel Board

Posted By Mykel Board on July 8, 2007, 12:04 PM

I think everyone should have a passport. I have had to have a passport to go anywhere else in the world and see no problem. Travel agents, cruise companies for years have said to get passports, it makes it so much eaiser to travel. It will also help to control illegals, terrorists, and make me feel a lot safer. The cost is like $ 9 dollars a year per person, how bad is that. The cost of travel is so expensive that the passport costs are very minor. DO NOT EXTEND THE DATES AGAIN, let people plan for deadlines or stay home.

Posted By phil on July 10, 2007, 12:43 AM

A Critical & Big Issue:

I don't think our government's primary goal is to track the activity of law-abiding, loyal Americans VIA PASSPORTS,(they can already do that through Social Security crossed with DRL's if they choose), but is to protect the safety of citizens in every way possible in the ever increasing world of global terrorism since 9/11 and before. Passports are a very logical and reasonable way TO DO THIS - part of our traveling lives for many years! I have no distrust there.
I do wonder about the compliance monitoring, internal and external controls, and audit procedures on the passport validation process!!! Are we putting too many eggs in the "Passport Issuance" basket: how secure is that basket?! Are those charged with the "Ultimate Passport Validation" responsibility executing it more thoroughly and effectively than those charged with Imigration and Naturalization, FEMA, HLS, Social Security and Border Security execution? Why should we think that THEY are doing it better? Entrance to our Country and Freedom for those who enterd via the approved route (be they English, Italian, Spanish, Irish, German, Polish, Israeli, and more) which they first sacrificed for in paying the price to get here, and then faught and died for in WWI and WWII etc., up to our brothers and sisters who are fighting and dying today is part of our heritage of freedom. To let ANYONE who will, of their own means, for their own ends, with no regard to the values and processes of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, enter in, is to me, to dishonor our heritage and loose our identity as the USA!
If we are inconvenienced, delayed and feel constrained in our freedoms by Airport Security, Passport requirements or any id verification, it is a small price to pay for preventing a tragety like 9/11, (THOUGH THIS IS ONLY A PART) and for preserving the values of the United States of America. I think we should encourage and thank every worker who takes the extra time (DELAY!) to be thorough, exacting, and excellent in his/her search be it Passport Issuance, Airport Security, Border Patrol,Illegal Alian Action.
Its all related! All must work together! The value of excellence was one of America's!

As with filing for a passport or renewal: don't be uninformed - the information is out there!
Don't wait 'til the last minute and expect someone else to make up for your lack of planning! "A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part!"

Posted By dianne waters on July 10, 2007, 12:55 AM

Why are we whining about needing a passport to re-enter the USA??? do we not need a passport to enter most any other country in the world??? are the Brits or French or Aussies crying over this issue?? Face it kids this is not the same world as our daddies fought for in WWII or subsequent wars. there are serious nut jobs with a mind and ability to blow us to kingdom come pretty much at will. get over your big brother complex. ever since the computer came online THEY have had a line on us whenever it suited THEM. and unless you are busy building bombs in your basement why do you care? it is an expense and a bother but probably has been used successfully to catch out some of the nut jobs trying to slip by. just a thought......pat

Posted By pat sherwood on July 10, 2007, 3:28 PM

It is a horrible system that did NOT prepare for timely issue of passports. It doubles the cost if one needs expedited hadling, plus huge premium shipping.

I'm not in line, because we keep ours up to date. I'm sorry for those who expect SERVICE from the State Department. Even with calling back retired officers, and farming out some of the tasks to the highest donor, it is a nightmare.

A passport I got forty years ago cost less than a tenth of current costs. And I live in DC area where I can go by subway to their office and not pay extra to the clerk of a court.

Posted By duke on July 20, 2007, 6:59 PM

"It is not up to me to prove to you that I am a citizen. It is up to you to prove that I am not"(Elaine Daly)

Well, Elaine Daly that type of statement is exactly what got us into this mess in the first place. It takes much longer for someone to prove that you aren't something. This is part of the reason that illegal immigrants can easily pass into the United States. I have traveled to countries outside of the North American continent and having a passport was the best form of identification. I even use it when traveling within the North American continent. It proves that I am a United States citizen and is much more reliable than a basic driver's license. I am proud to carry my passport and I believe that every US citizen should carry a passport. The fees to obtaining a passport may not be the best but I do not regret my investment.

Posted By L Bray on September 17, 2007, 2:13 PM

I also live in Michigan and agree with the other Michigan resident. There are so many ways via water to get to Canada and visa versa that it is laughable to tie up all those resources at a couple of places. People who are traveling for tourism always go through a customs operated border crossing and now have to wait upwards of 5 hours to get back into Michigan. Port-a-potty companies are making a killing.

Posted By C on September 18, 2007, 7:52 AM