IDENTITY cards: the positive side. In 1997 I married a French citizen and we divided our time between the two countries.
In France everyone carries an ID card, it obviates the need of a passport within the EU and I found it a boon rather than a liability.
It can't prevent crime, nothing yet devised can, but it is a deterrent against the "opportunist" criminal. One can't pay by card or cheque without it, one can't deposit or withdraw money from a bank without it, one can't get any form of credit (sale or return) without it. It smooths the path through officialdom, taxes, pensions, services, police, et al and during my wife's illness prescriptions and hospitalisation were dealt with easily on its authentication.
After Pat's death all the distressing formalities were dealt with simply and as painlessly as possible, thanks to the ID card. I recommend it, the sooner the better.
Mick Snowden,
Amotherby,
Updated: 10:58 Friday, July 01, 2005
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