I've been running into some difficulties lately, getting checks cashed and things like that; even though I've lived in the same town for the past 25 years, so I decided I needed to obtain some kind of identification. I no longer drive, so I don't have a driver's license. One can get a state ID card, so I decided to do that. Of course first, I needed to get a copy of my birth certificate, which the original disappeared years ago. So I wrote to the city clerk in Niagara Falls and sent them numerous other pieces of identification proving I am me, and they sent me a copy of my certificate of birth.

I took that along with my Social Security card, my Medicare card, a copy of my marriage certificate and copies of my electric bill and got a New York State ID card, complete with a picture of me nicely fixed in one corner. It's all very official and secure with numerous layers and seals and god knows what secreted between the sheets.

As disaster has befallen us and the leaness of wallets grows ever more present, it became clear that I need to tough up and forget about the ever present health problems I have and get a freakin job. First step in that process is regaining my drivers license. So..back down to the DMV I went to take the permit test.

I approached the Information window and asked for the proper procedural quest, wallet in hand ready to whip out my new identification card. Imagine my surprize when the attendant declared that in addition to my highly secured state ID and SS card, I would be required to show my birth certificate!

With a completely straight face I asked her gently, "so what you're saying is that I need documentation to prove that the documentation I show you is real?"
Blankly she stared at me momentarily, then blinked a couple of times in succession, then formed the word "no" and tried to explain that the state requires a system of points of information...and the birth certificate represented so many points. "Uh huh" I nodded, thanked her profusely and walked away muttering.
Points? Points of information...points of indentification...points of light...points of confusion...points on their heads. There is no point, other than to keep us continually looking for pieces of paper that have no point.

I remember how we use to laugh and joke in our youth about Germany during the second world war and how they would require everyone to provide identification. "Papers? Could I see your papers, please?" in a proper storm trooper accent...it's not funny any more.