From http://wvgazette.com/section/News/2006041524
April 16, 2006
‘Mark of the beast’ seen in national ID
By Eric EyreStaff writer
A group of Christian conservatives is urging Gov. Joe Manchin to reject a federally mandated digitized driver’s license law, comparing the bar-coded national ID program to the “mark of the beast.”
Fourteen members of the group that opposes the federal Real ID Act of 2005 met with Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Joseph Cicchirillo, governor’s office lawyer Joe Ward and Manchin legislative aide Jim Pitrolo for more than an hour on April 5.
Pastor Ervin “Butch” Paugh, a 57-year-old Nicholas County preacher who heads the group, said last week that the new driver’s licenses are unconstitutional, invade people’s privacy and conflict with Christian beliefs. He said the federal government is trying to create a “police state” with the new ID law.
“This is a total takeover by the beast system and a plan to ID everyone on the planet,” said Paugh, who has a nationally syndicated radio show called “Call to Decision.” “This will make someone a criminal if they don’t sacrifice their Christian convictions.”
The Real ID Act, which Congress approved last year, will take effect in 2008. States must comply with the regulations, according to Cicchirillo.
“The issue at hand is the protection of our citizens,” he said in a letter to Paugh.
Department of Transportation spokeswoman Susan Watkins said DMV officials are “still reviewing and evaluating” Paugh’s criticism of the standardized ID program.
“At this point no decisions have been made,” Watkins said.
Last month, New Hampshire’s House members overwhelmingly voted to bar the state from taking part in the national ID program. The New Hampshire Senate is expected to debate a similar bill.
The liberal American Civil Liberties Union and conservative Cato Institute also oppose the federally standardized driver’s licenses. Libertarian party members across the country have spoken out against the Real ID Act.
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