New Uses For RFID Chips

No. They won't be used to insert during rectal exams of our elected leaders, although that isn't a bad idea. Give us a powerful taser along with the ability to track them. When they go against our wishes, we find out where they are and give 'em a zap in the ass.

Ok. Enough fantasyland amusement. Today whilst at the store, I paid for my purchases with my debit card. Or shall I say I tried. The machine showed the "card error" message, so I handed the card to the clerk and asked her to hand enter it. That didn't work either, so I ended up writing a check. Funny, how I found this to be an inconvenience given just 5 years ago or so, writing a check was the norm. Interesting how we adapt and get used to things.

However, these RFID chips aren't anything I plan on or wish to get used to.

After my purchase, I stopped by my bank and asked them to check on my account. All was good. What was needed was a new debit card. As my order was being placed I was asked if I wanted one of the new "Tap and Go" cards.

"The what huh?" I asked, confused.

"Tap and Go," the bank clerk said, smiling.

"I have no idea what that is," I said, still looking confused.

Well turns out it's just as it sounds. Instead of scanning, you tap your card. How weird, I thought. Hmmm.... Somewhere from within, a light turned on.

"What enables the card to be read with just a tap?" I asked, already pretty confident I knew the answer.

"Oh, one of those radio chips," said the clerk.

"RFID?" I said, rather loudly. "NO WAY, no thank you. No frigging way will I be tracked with those things! I will stick with the old style!"

Need I mention almost every head in the bank turned my way as I made this announcement.

"I understand," the clerk said, smiling, before saying, rather quietly, she, too found the RFID chips disturbing.

A ha. A sheeple who is awakening, I thought.

So I went on to tell her something I heard on a radio talk show last night, something I also want to pass along to my readers, in case none of you have yet heard. Plans are underway by one of the big makers of the RFID Chips (maybe it's Tyco?) to start putting chips into shoes and clothing--that will be hidden within the fibers--and without our knowledge. Groups are currently lobbying congress. Not to stop the process, but to require manufacturers to label the clothing as carrying an RFID chip.

If that isn't disturbing enough, these new chips will be able to monitor us from, get this, a distance of only TWENTY FEET.

Well, the bank clerk was stunned. "Rather disturbing, huh?" I asked.

"Yes, it is," she said, shaking her head.

I was under the impression RFID chips are already in many of our products without our knowledge, only we can visibly see them. At least that's what I assume Mr. Nina and I tear out, destroy and throw away. However, to have them embedded. Hidden. Without our knowledge.

So there you have it. Clothing of the future will be tagged and there's a good chance we won't know it. And the new ATM cards called "TAP AND GO" are now available and being passed out to customers. At least with the card you have a choice. For now.