Identity Papers

The notion of identification, especially in the discourse of feminist theory, has come sharply and dramatically into focus with the recent interest in such topics as queer performativity, cross-dressing, and racial passing. Identification Papers is the first book to track the evolution of identification's emergence in psychoanalytic theory. Diana Fuss seeks to understand where this notion of identification has come from, and why it has emerged as one of the most difficult problems in contemporary theory and politics. Identification Papers situates the recent critical interest in identification in the intellectual tradition that first gave the idea its theoretical relevance: psychoanalysis. Fuss begins from the assumption that identification has a history, and that the term carries with it a host of theoretical problems, conceptual difficulties, and ideological complications. By tracking the evolution of identification in Freud's work over a forty year period, Fuss demonstrates how the concept of identification is neither a theoretically neutral notion nor a politically innocent one. Identification Papers closely examines the three principal figures -- gravity, ingestion, and infection -- that psychoanalysis invokes to theorize identification. Fuss then deconstructs the psychoanalytic theory of identification in order to open up the possibility of more innovative rethinkings of the political. Drawing on literature, film, and Freud's own case histories, and engaging with a wide range of disciplines -- including critical theory, philosophy, film theory, cultural studies, psychoanalysis, and feminism -- Identification Papers will be a necessary starting point in any future theoretical project that seeks to mobilize the concept of identification for a feminist politics.

National identity cards are in the news. While paper ID documents have been used in some countries for a long time, today's rapid growth features high-tech IDs with built-in biometrics and RFID chips. Both long-term trends towards e-Government and the more recent responses to 9/11 have prompted the quest for more stable identity systems. Commercial pressures mix with security rationales to catalyze ID development, aimed at accuracy, efficiency and speed. New ID systems also depend on computerized national registries. Many questions are raised about new IDs but they are often limited by focusing on the cards themselves or on "privacy." Playing the Identity Card shows not only the benefits of how the state can "see" citizens better using these instruments but also the challenges this raises for civil liberties and human rights. ID cards are part of a broader trend towards intensified surveillance and as such are understood very differently according to the history and cultures of the countries concerned.

This report focuses upon the Home Office's identity cards scheme, which uses various technologies including biometrics, information and communication technology (ICT) and smart cards. It explores the ways in which scientific advice, risk and evidence are being managed in relation to technologies that are continually developing. The Home Office has followed good practice by the establishment of advisory committees, the use of Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Gateway Reviews and the development of risk management strategies, along with a policy of gradual implementation. But the Committee has identified weaknesses in the use of scientific advice and evidence. There has been a lack of transparency surrounding the incorporation of scientific advice, the procurement process and the ICT system. Consultations have been limited in scope and their objectives have been unclear. Only some aspects of the scheme such as the biometrics have been determined. The Home Office's decisions demonstrate an inconsistent approach to scientific evidence, and the Committee is concerned that choices regarding biometric technology have preceded trials. With extensive trialling still to take place, the Committee is sceptical about the validity of projected costs. The Committee recommends that the Home Office seeks advice on ICT from senior and experienced professionals and establishes an ICT assurance committee. It is crucial that the Home Office increases clarity and transparency across the programme, not only in problem areas. The programme should also be flexible enough to change should evidence emerge that contradicts existing assumptions.

Includes lists of orders, rules, bills etc.

Swahili Tales of Crowich Forest By: Vinod Nair Swahili is a mutant toad who lives in Crowich Forest. The forest is the site of a reactor used to create mutants by a crazy scientist. The government takes it over only to enforce its harsh rules on the mutants. Swahili grows up to be a crime investigator and goes around looking for his missing friend, Achillus, who is out to investigate drug rings around the world. Swahili discovers these rings around the world and puts an end to them. He also fights a crime lord Vulpecula, who is a mutant vulture and operates from Dumbo in New York City. The county is rife with misdemeanors committed by county officials and police personnel. Swahili eventually vanquishes Vulpecula and the government leaves Crowich. A new government sets in. The story revolves around the apathy of the county government leading to widespread misdemeanors and oppression by county administrative and police officials. The book is a tale of oppression, heroism and victory.

An animated adaptation of the story of the same title by Maurice Sendak in which a small boy makes a visit to the land of the wild things. Tells how he tames the creatures and returns home. For primary grades.

Implications of ID cards for public Services : Oral and written evidence, Thursday 24 November 2005, Professor Patrick Dunleavy, Mr Tony Collins and Mr Richard Tyndall

Included are the Minutes (or Procès-verbal) of the Council from its first meeting, Paris, January 16, 1920, to the session, ; the Budget for the 3d- financial period [1921-19 ) statements of the "Present situation as regards international engagements registered with the Secretariat"; Saar basin, periodical and other reports and papers; reports on the financial reconstruction of Austria, and of Hungary; and many other reports and papers.