Game of Tag Starts Out Innocently

We should all recognize what a major advance electronic toll collection systems represent in the technology of social engineering. The new radio transponder tags will allow far more efficient governmental monitoring of people’s activities than current paper-based systems (“Lockheed Corp. Wins Contract for Automated Toll Collection System,� Nov. 20).

Even relatively crude systems now used by biologists can track tagged animals and identify their activities any time, day or night. The standardized, centralized, computerized vehicle tag system now being developed will be considerably more sophisticated.

Soon, tiny transponder tags will be able to carry individual Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, credit ratings, bank balances and criminal records. Paper records and plastic credit cards will no longer be necessary. To maximize convenience and prevent loss or fraud, the devices could easily be implanted in all citizens at birth and updated as required. Imagine your peace of mind when your keepers know exactly where you are and what you are doing every moment of every day.

Welcome to Orwell County.

BILL WARD

Costa Mesa