Some airports now use facial recognition instead of, and/or other forms of ID.

I dunno about you, but I’ve been a bit startled about the reactions.

For example, National Public Radio interviewed a frequent flyer to get her opinion. The lady seemed to wonder how the system got her picture, and was a bit concerned about it.

Frankly, I rather like the idea. I still remember with a bit of awe the time I lost my wallet in Boston. How, I wondered, will I ever get on the airline without a photo ID.

I was pleasantly surprised. TSA hooked me up on the phone with a guvmint lady who totally ignored the info I wanted to give her, then asked a few questions that surprised me. What is your address? Who lives in the house next to you on the north side? Who lives on the south side? What is your mother’s maiden name? After a few such questions she spoke to TSA and cleared me for my flight.

The entire process took just a few minutes.

I’ve known for years that the guvmint knows a lot of things about me, and imagine most of us feel the same. It’s a bit staggering, but hey, what the heck—if it helps me out, that’s a good thing.

Yes, it does remind me of the book 1984—in which the guvmint knew everything—but it did get me home.

Besides, I’m glad to know that known criminals might not be allowed to get on board.

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