Is Identification Mandatory?

by cameo-d 20 Replies latest social current

• 

  cameo-d

  Guess Bob Dylan didn't think so.

  Apparently, he was "caught" strolling in the city and curious cops wanted to know why he was walking around.

  Cops then escorted him to his hotel where he had friends who vouched for him.

  http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=8332031

  So my question is....is it illegal to walk on the street without identification?

  If you are without ID what are the usual consequences?

  Is it against the law not to have identification?

  I realize it may be difficult for most people to live without ID...but is it a legal requirement to have a photo ID? Is this requirement state or federally mandated?

  I wonder, too, why was Mr. Dylan not allowed to just continue his walk?

  Was he given a choice of being escorted to jail or the hotel pending verification of his identity?
• 

  leavingwt

  Not only is it legal to not have ID, here in MS, you can vote without ID.

  (The Republicans are attempting to pass legislation that will prevent dead people from voting more than once.)
• 

  BurnTheShips

  Dylan is the shit, how dare they touch him!!!

  BTS
• 

  avishai

  Well, unless he officially changed his name, he could have been busted for giving a fake name to the cops....
• 

  OnTheWayOut

  While it is legal to walk around without an ID, safety is a huge issue. People called about this guy lurking.
  The police just wanted to know for sure that he was who he said he was.

  The real shame would be when some nobody is wandering around the same way without anyone to vouch for him.
  I have been that nobody, but never was without an ID. I have been asked for my ID. I understand, but the police need to understand also.

  While it is nothing illegal to just walk around with no ID, the police would be barbequed in the press if some wanted person were "just let go" because they weren't caught doing something illegal.

  Cooperate with police. It's a tough job. If they cross a line, you need to be alive to sue the force. Stay alive by cooperating.
• 

  leavingwt

  The terrorists have won.
• 

  jamiebowers

  No harm, no foul, but I bet those young cops are gonna be made fun of for a long time over this. I can just hear it now; "Aren't you the cop who busted Bob Dylan?"
• 

  NeonMadman

  Dylan should have told them that he was the previous Bruce Springsteen. :P
• 

  wobble

  Here in England,and later in the rest of the U.K,they are proposing to introduce I.D cards.There is great resistance to this,in the press etc,and the talk is initially of them being voluntary.

  But here we already live in a Police State, so they will be mandatory for all to have and to carry very soon.the English gripe and moan about the erosion of their freedom,but as soon as the government says " jump" ,they say " How high ?"

  George Orwell (Eric Blair) must be spinning in his grave !

  Don't you just love those Fascists who ask for I.D ? I am going to resist to the last.

  love

  Wobble
• 

  cameo-d

  I wonder if this will spur a new album of social commentary?