Despite passionate opposition from dozens of state governments, the Federal Department of Homeland Security has announced its intention to press ahead with implementation of the Real ID Act next year.

That measure requires states to develop federally approved driver's licenses containing computer-readable biometric information. This would be a national ID card, tied into a vast federal database of detailed personal data.

The expense and invasiveness of the Real ID Program have prompted many states to pass measures rejecting its implementation. Were our constitutional system operating properly, that would be the end of the matter, since under the Constitution the federal government is subordinate to the states.

However, Homeland Security Department spokesperson Russ Knocke insists the holdout states will have no choice but to comply: Those who don't have the federally approved licenses won't be permitted to board airliners unless they obtain a passport, which would contain the same computer-readable biometric data.

Our rulers are determined to build an all-encompassing system of human inventory control.

Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.