Topic: Data Banks

The federal government has moved to establish national medical data banks and increase surveillance of private financial transactions. Despite previous legislative attempts to block funding for these programs, they have moved forward under the guise of national security and tax enforcement. There is a noted irony in the government's intense focus on domestic financial tracking while avoiding offense to foreign entities like the Saudis.

A host describes receiving a new bank card notice requiring a digitalized photo, thumb scan, and digitized signature to meet federal standards for new smart cards. They warn that these "invisible contracts" link local banks to World Bank guidelines and the Federal Reserve. Listeners are encouraged to contact their bankers to ask about biometric requirements and data sharing policies.

Following the dissension in the original Reform Party, representatives from 23 states met in Schaumburg, Illinois, to form the American Reform Party. Jim Welch discusses the financial history of Perot Systems, claiming the company was "bailed out" by a Swiss banking merger which may have influenced Ross Perot's political shifts.

Host Jeff Davis examines a new Texas driver's license, pointing out the barcode and magnetic strip on the back. He argues that these features are designed for "information gathering" and will eventually link personal tax and court records to an FBI database. A guest, BJ, suggests the cards are for the public's "best interest," leading to a debate on government surveillance.