Reply #1: Damn silly of the Sun...clearly none of them have applied for a new MD drivers license for a while

[Solo_in_MD]

The requirements are very similar to Real ID. I also do not have a philosopical problem with an ID system that is verified and interoperable nationally.

I find it amusing from a historical perspective that the opposition is based on costs to implement and not some form of states rights. The witholding of Federal funding over non-complaince is a standard Federal move for just about anything. This is no different than the mandate for seatbelts, 21 years old for alcohol, NCLB, and the 55 MPH national speed limit. If it goes to court and is struck down, much of the blackmail done to the states by the Federal government would go away. However, that tool is used for both good and evil.

Additional thought: If the Feds have so much money that they can fund/starve what is clearly state and local programs, why not lower the Fed tax rates and raise the state ones, losing one layer of overheads. Careful how you answer this one...