Ridge Says Biometric Debate Will Go Mainstream

Tom Ridge may not be heading up the Department of Homeland Security anymore, but he’s still weighing in on the subject of protecting the homeland from terror, according to a new report.

In an article in West Virginia’s Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Samantha Perry says Ridge made his remarks during a speech at Bluefield State College last week. Ridge told the crowd that the debate over the increased use of biometrics and national ID cards could soon enter mainstream America.

“Should we have national identification cards or not? Should we have a national standard for driver’s licenses?” Ridge asked the crowd. The issue is under debate in many countries, he said, and the idea is not just useful for fighting terrorism. The cards, which could include fingerprint and iris scans, could also be an option to curb identity theft, aid in immigration and help catch criminals.

Perry also reports that Ridge said the US must be smart but moderate when responding to terrorism threats. He advised the crowd that there was no way the government should put all resources into Homeland Security, since the country faces other challenges such as the economy, health care and the deficit.

However, Ridge was adamant that security in the country has improved since 9/11. “By every measurable standard we’re safer today,” Ridge also told the crowd. “Commercial aviation is far safer today than ever before.”

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