The Traveler wrote:I would not consider this a joke but one step in the right direction...
It's a step in the right direction IF it's a step in the right direction. Such registrations can be used in a good way, or a bad way. If it's used in a bad way, it's a step in the wrong direction.
But it IS one more example of how reluctant governments are to give up ANY sort of control over people. IMO, THAT is the main problem which lurks over us all, and which can spring forward with extreme surprise and vengeance in the future.
When the idea of governance begins to greatly loosen from the fundamental idea of civil CONTROL (and moves, for example, toward benign expression of the practical desires of citizens), then "most" ideas of government will be "in the right direction."
...unfortunately, as populations increase (along with the technological means to better control them), it may be only a fond wish for governments to stop trying to heavily control people...