Sunday, October 21, 2018

I.D. CARD -- $$$ FOR VALUES -- EMOTIONAL LABILITY


I.D. CARD

Do you have your U.S. I.D. card yet?   You know, the one enabling you to board any of our airlines that will be required in 2020 – unless you want to carry your Passport.  I don’t know the situation in your State, but in So Cal I’m hearing that the closer we come to that effective year the busier our Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) expects to be – that they are anticipating a last minute rush.  I don’t want to think about having to seek the I.D. card anytime during these next two years so am getting mine now.

Meanwhile, I’ve learned our DMV encountered nightmarishly long lines and waits from applicants already.  So, when my ordinary driver’s license needed to be renewed after five years I tried to make an appointment as recommended to avoid several hours waiting time. Lo and behold the earliest date I could get was a month after my driving license expired.

Concerned about the legality of my interim driving, I phoned the DMV office and had to hold over an hour in order to speak with someone.   The response avoided that legality point with the friendly agent’s suggestion a friend’s experience in one of my area offices on a Saturday morning had been that they weren’t busy at all – speculating people thought they’d be crowded so maybe they didn’t go there. 

As my driving license expiration date has been drawing closer, I finally decided to risk any lines and plan for long waiting hours.   Having had a bit of abdominal upset I was concerned about possible recurrence while on this task.  Arriving an hour before opening I encountered a long line already around the building’s corner.  A young woman reluctantly agreed to mark my place ahead of her in line so I could sit down since standing for an hour strains my endurance, especially if I’m not feeling at peak level.  I noted an older man in line perched on a sturdy three-legged cane-stool and made a mental note that perhaps I should obtain one for the future. 

I did have a cane I’ve carried since earlier this year as have been negligent starting an exercise regimen to boost my oomph.  A half-hour before opening DMV officers circulated outside and started a line for those with appointments and the disabled where they put me. A middle-aged woman with an appointment who was heading that line readily agreed to mark my place for me so I could sit down, then signaled to me later when the office opened.   
The whole process was shortened and very efficient, especially since I had completed my application on the internet days before.   I experienced a modicum of waiting, but could sit intermittently as I was called sequentially to four different windows – checking in, making further registration and payment before I was stymied with having one unaccepted document of the three required to obtain the I.D. card.   I was processed for my more limited regular renewal of my expiring driving license, passed my eye test, had my photo taken,  provided my thumb print several times, then moved on to the computer touch screen written test.  

Someone waiting in the test line thoughtfully told me I should go directly to the desk, which I did and was immediately directed to a soft cushioned seat to await availability of one of the touch screen computers with seating.  A staff person almost immediately came to confirm I was okay, then assure me I would be next to take the computerized driving test.

While waiting I observed the rest rooms conveniently located nearby, comfortingly in case I needed them.   (I don’t mean this as more information than you might wish to know, but in keeping with discussing aging as it is -- a matter of fact acknowledgement is that sometimes, especially when we get older, use of special insurance pads can be wise accessories in some situations.  Men and women have finally been able to readily purchase these potential little leakage protectors -- just in case ready access isn’t available to needed facilities as when traveling, or access is unknown.  We don’t have to feel shamed because of leaky valve weaknesses but might want to discuss with our doctor.)

Waiting to take my computer driving test I noticed some users seem to be quite unfamiliar with computers so were quite slow operating them.  The busy supervising assistant was constantly moving these novices along from screen page to page while darting off to keep the main waiting line rotating.    Finally taking my turn I passed my driving test as was confirmed with receipt of official temporary documents at the last DMV window.    I was told if I returned within 30 days with the additional different required document that they would issue me the I.D. card at no additional cost as had been my original quest.  
 
In all my wisdom, I thought promptness would be best, so after gathering the document from last year’s income tax form (to display my Social Security number in a manner they accepted), the next morning I returned to the DMV office.   This time I intentionally didn't arrive until about two hours after they opened.  I had noticed the previous day that by the time I left there was no line outside so correctly gambled that could be true other days, too.  

Unfortunately, on this next day visit after a short line wait to check in, then another brief wait, just as I thought I was on the home stretch, I was told since the regular driving license was in process that they could not issue the I.D. card.  I would have to wait until I received the limiting renewed driver's license in a week or two and come down again.   I was not pleased and could only wish they had told me this the previous day since these activities require more effort than when I was younger, so I do try to minimize my trips plus plan ahead.   I look forward to completing the final stage of this process and hope this new I.D. card’s duration is for many years. 

* * *

Our California DMV system is simultaneously registering all people to vote as they initiate issuing these new I.D. cards.   Only a week or so ago, in addition to horrendously long lines, they discovered thousands of people had been erroneously registered to vote who were not entitled to do so.  I don’t recall the specifics of all that situation, but reportedly the error has been corrected.

That initial rush for I.D. cards, the hullabaloo, subsequent hue and cry over all the waiting lines, has resulted in the DMV being subjected to loud criticism all over the news, and by politicians.  I have decided, at least presently, the nightmare lines, bollixed-up operations must have been resolved and I’ve benefited.

However, if people around the U.S. (I don’t know about other countries, or if they have the I.D., too, in order to fly our airlines) are wise, within these next two years, not only with our critical U.S.  national election coming up in 2020, they will apply for the new I.D. card early. Check your State to determine what is happening for you to acquire your I.D. card, and any voting registration if you have questions.

In California residents will have the updated or new voter registration via DMV driver’s license registration completed long before our new earlier Presidential Primary Election date in March 2020, but it is important to be registered to vote then, and vote in November 2020.  More immediately we’re focusing on the upcoming 2018 election in a couple weeks. 

* * *
Driving always presents us with the challenge to consider whether or not we are at our best for safe driving our vehicle ... in whatever our condition ... whatever the condition of our vehicle ... whatever the weather conditions ... whatever our age ... from the time we receive our driver’s permit ... then our license ... ever after.

The latest International Road Safety Commission’s 2016 report of 31 countries reveals only one other country has more road accidents than the United States per 100,000 population on a graph in the above link.   

We would be wise to consider driving statistics – in the U.S. older adults are ranked second in number, only less than teenagers for being in the most automobile accidents.

This gives thought to thinking about when we might need to consider retiring from driving as I was reminded when reading the recent 10/19/18 conversation at "Nick Here and Now" 
in Ireland.

I think when to turn in my keys is a highly individual determination since we all age differently.  Some of us might best retire from driving earlier than others for a variety of issues that could be associated with our physical, medical, or mental condition we need to honestly and realistically consider.  Others may have to counsel with us as to what is best for our own safety and that of others, especially if we’re not always thinking clearly which can be challenging for all involved. 

Driving license renewal requirements vary from State to State though similar basics apply.

* * *
$$$ FOR VALUES

We’ve been given an official explanation for the disappearance of newsman Jamal Khashoggi by his Arab nation from their Consulate in Turkey.  He lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post newspaper.  What facts are really known about his now-admitted death? 

I am grieved ... beyond being appalled ... with the events surrounding the disappearance of this newsman ... disgusted with .....

 ... how our nation’s leaders have responded or not reacted since this story was first revealed

 ... how our humanity or lack of is portrayed

 ... how this nation’s values, morals, ethics are represented.

Then there is that all important question posed by one of our nation’s leader’s religious base supporters in light of $$$ and Arab’s arms sales:


Some might ask:   What would Jesus say?       

* * *
EMOTIONAL LABILITY

Coincidentally, Nick's comment introduced in my previous post the topic of uncontrollable laughter occurring in some people he’s encountered.  I said I would describe one of my rare experiences with someone exhibiting that behavior – Emotional Lability – a neurological issue that can occur due to numerous causes.

My only encounter with emotional lability was with a 40+ aged highly intelligent lady.  She had multiple medical problems including a shunt in her brain, necessary to drain excess accumulating fluids to lower brain pressure.  Her speech had been affected resulting in slow productions since she couldn’t move her articulators – tongue, lips, jaws, other, effectively  enough to produce quick sharp speech (a condition called dysarthria). 

Often individuals with a dysarthric speech pattern are erroneously assumed by others to be of lower level intelligence, then treated accordingly.  She was no exception, requiring constant education for everyone with whom she came in contact.  Often what she said might be ignored or she was unable to complete her message due to her slow speech, especially if staff just stuck their head in the room for a quick word or two.

I had to intervene occasionally while we were working on her speech when she made an unintentional speech error of a humorous nature.  She would see the humor in this and begin laughing, but then couldn’t readily stop.  When this laughter, or rare crying, emerged we focused on her using techniques to cue herself with a visual prompt to consciously stop her behavior.   

She spoke of fascinating life experiences, including having been in China for one such period of time, long before the country had established official diplomatic relations with the United States.  Her family, young adult children, seemed to be mostly estranged for whatever the reasons, possibly partly due to her permanent eventually worsening physical condition.

Unable to do much for herself, primarily confined to her bed, she was able to mostly maintain a positive attitude, had a sharp high level sense of humor when those getting to know her and interacting with her engaged so.  During all the time I worked with her and afterward I continued to educate frequent staff changes about her at every opportunity of which I became aware.

Eventually, I accepted a professional position elsewhere, then long afterward had occasion to return for a short time.  I learned after she had spent many years at this large facility where she was familiar she had been abruptly discharged to a new different place.  I never knew where she went or any other particulars, but she is another person whose subsequent quality of life I’ve sometimes wondered about.    

A Driver's I.D. Card, continuing issues swirling around how our nation's officials, especially our leader-in-chief, represent each of us in the world, and some complications that can occur in the human experience may offer a topic of interest to you, too.   



29 comments:

  1. Wow what an extraordinarily difficult process. And made much more stressful by an aging body in need of occasional respites. I am also baffled by all these vote registration hoops. As a Canadian citizen I have a right to vote. If I move I let the electoral system know and that's it. I can also tick an optional box on my tax return and thus the new address is registered. That's it.
    I sincerely hope this upcoming election is not compromised in any way as I keep reading about thousands not allowed to vote for some reason. Surely citizenry grants an automatic right?
    XO
    WWW

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    1. Our system was like that mostly, too, and very smooth for me here. but they decided to use this opportunity to update voter registration records. They figure in the future this will simply be another way in which voters can register and more conveniently for those getting their drivers license or the I.D. Card.

      The voter error was reportedly a whole group of people they discovered they mistakenly treated as voters, entering them into the new system when they weren’t eligible, so they reversed them out later. No reason to think hanky panky going on.

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  2. Ohio has constantly resisted the so-called "motor voter" option, unfortunately. Why is making it Easier To Vote such a Bad Thing in so many people's opinion? I don't get it.

    The Saudis are, literally, getting away with murder. This administration continues to cozy up to the worst people as he diminshes the United States' standing in the world. It is sickening. There is no way--NO WAY--anyone with any intelligence or, more importantly, humanity can defend this.

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    1. Some people, especially in select states, want to be able to manipulate voter roles, polling places, to keep certain groups of people from being able to vote I expect, along with gerrymandering.

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  3. I did not even know we would need to get an national U.S. ID card by 2020! Why are they not advertising that more?

    I'm surprised you can't renew your driver's license by mail. I think we only have to go in every 12 years for a new photo and eye test. I had to go last year and it only took me an hour and a half but they give out numbers so you don't have to actually stand in line and they 100-ish chairs. I do have to go to the DMV more often to renew my handicap tag (and myh usband's when he was alive) but I've I've found it quicker to drive to a small town 15 minutes away and get it done at their DMV, a 15 minute wait. We have a person running for office this term promising only a half wait at DMVs.

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    1. We received notice about the I.D. Card with our driving license renewal. Expect as 2020 draws closer people will hear more about it. We were in a line to receive numbers at DMV when we first register, then can sit and wait for our number and instructions for which window to go to — on tv screen and loud speaker announcement. Even then, there can be people backed up waiting at some of those windows and that’s where you could have to stand.
      Sounds like a convenient system for you in Michigan. License renewals for a number of years have required the written test, or now on computer, graded there immediately, a temporary paper receipt/license issued with card sent within a week or two and my duration has been for 5 years.

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  4. David got his driver's license in the mail the other day and saw that his weight was wrong. He is going to call the DMV and ask them if they can correct it. 275 lbs instead of 175 lbs. LOL.

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    1. A hundred pounds — wow! — some typo!

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  5. I don't think Oregon has even gotten the correct way to get the driver's licenses that will work for air flights. They appealed for an extension last I heard. It is a concern. What kind of test did you have to take? Last time I got mine renewed it was just vision and that was cursory. My current license is supposed to be good until 2021.

    On Khashoggi, I think, it's a good reason to not trust Saudi Arabia that much. I know the economic and regional concerns but they seem to be smiling to our faces but doing something different behind our backs-- not to mention the barbaric way they treat their own citizens. Any real response will be costly and maybe damage stability in the region but the alternative is uncivilized. I don't consider Christianity much of a reason as it tends to overlook a lot when it's in its own interest-- but it's a desire for a civilized and humane world, which 'even' atheists can want.

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    1. The test examples can be found at California DMV Driving Test — a series of questions with 3 answer choices. Also a sample test in back of Calif. and similar AAA Handbooks. I always review them for any new laws or changes. A few questions missed mis allowed. Can study and take test again a couple more times if not passed. I’ve never had to retake the test but could easily goof up though no trick questions.

      Yes, the Saudis are not exactly what I consider good reliable straight-forward honest friends. Leaders in several of our Administrations have been involved in the oil monies, especially when we were more oil dependent from what I’ve read.

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    2. Oops...should read....a few questions being missed on the test will still allow passing.

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  6. Phew, I am glad I didn't move to Ca in the 70's. Driver's license here is a peice of cake. Read the eye chart and you are good for 8 years and I was 78 when they issued mine. Haven't heard about the I.D. Card but since I have a fear of flying that won't be a problem.

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    1. The test isn’t that hard — I passed it! My very first drivers license as a teenager living a few years in Ark. at the time, was presented to me without my ever taking a test or appearing in any office, much less demonstrating my driving skills in a vehicle. The married father of my new younger classmate presented this legal license, unsolicited, as a gift in what a year later revealed itself to be an effort to groom my favor, win my parents trust. He got nowhere. Instead he was arrested for raping a young girl in his neighborhood.

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  7. Dear Joared...I went through all that exactly like that on 9/11. I failed the eye exam...and passed a second time, and I took the computer test and failed that too. They let me take it a second time right then and there....thank heavens I passed. I elected to keep my password and use that for the planes. Usually we travel by train tho.

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    1. Glad you got your license as I recall reading on your blog about your doing so.
      Really an experience, isn’t it. I thought maybe as this I.D. Card becomes more prevalent across the country more businesses might start requiring the card which is why I’m going to go ahead and get it. Also won’t cost me anymore DMV told me if I get it within the next 30 days of getting my license....but will have to go back down to DMV.

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  8. I sincerely wish that everyone pushing for Voter ID could read your post. Then imagine how much more difficult it would be for the poor or disabled. It's simply not that easy to breeze in and get an ID.

    As long as the Trumps are so indebted to the Saudis our government will accept all of the most incredible and changing explanations about the torture and killing of a journalist with a permanent American visa.

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    1. I’ll agree it’s not a breeze, especially if the exact documentation required isn’t readily available — just be sure to complete the application online, or a paper one in advance and have those required items, or phone first to find out what you can use. My second phone call days later, which I didn’t mention, went through with very little waiting.

      Our leaders contradictory words toward the Fourth Estate could lead some people to think violence toward their members is acceptable, even desirable, if the factual information newspersons report do not reflect the mendacity of the leader as truth.







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  9. This was a slightly Kafkaesque tale reminding me of the convoluted ways involved when changing traveller cheques (remember those?) into cash in a bank anywhere on the Indian subcontinent about 30 years ago.

    We are issued driving licences for life, there's the risk of losing it when causing an accident etc. but apart from that, I only had to renew it when my additional international licence required an updated photo.
    There have been suggestions about tests esp. for elderly drivers but in fact statistically, most serious accidents are caused by speeding and most speeding drivers are below the age of 60. Of course, speed limits would help but tell that to the German car manufactoring industry lobby.

    As for Mr Khashoggi, I don't know what Jesus would say, but I read what Eric Trump uttered: ". . . what are you going to do? You're going to take [America's history of trade and agreements with Saudi Arabia] and you're going to throw all of that away?"
    Replace "America's history" with "my family's history" and you get his point.
    https://thehill.com/policy/international/412291-eric-trump-us-shouldnt-throw-away-saudi-relationship-over-khashoggi

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    1. Oh yes, Traveller’s cheques! I see Germany is 9th on the list of 31 countries with the least accidents on the International Road Safety Commission report. With speed such an issue, speed limits of one sort or another most places, lowering the vehicle maximum limits or putting governors on vehicles could help, but likely will never happen as you say. Interesting to learn you have lifelong licenses issued with no subsequent driving skill tests at any age.

      As for Saudia Arabia and our leader’s son’s view — some might think that family has their own personal business agenda — I don’t know that what would be necessary would be to “throw all that away”. Our leader seems to have no problem throwing away a lot of other long-standing relationships. I suppose what it partly comes down to is the degree of significance a nation wants to place on its values plus view of the value of an individual life. In this case, the fact he was a newsman and what that means to our leader could also have some bearing. Our gun lobby has a strong grip on a segment of our nation so you can be sure they’re bringing pressure to bear promoting the arms market with campaign $$$ rewards some might consider possible influences.





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  10. You should be in India in the midst of our National Identity Card debate.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aadhaar

    I also have Driving Licence, Passport, Voter Identity card and my Permanent Account Number for Income Tax Card for identification too! Imagine carrying all those plus club membership cards, credit cards all in one's wallet!

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    1. You certainly have a wallet full of cards. My husband’s wallet became so thick Dr. told him to stop carrying in his hip pocket as when he sat down adversely affected his body alignment. Wonder how difficult it is replacing cards if lost or stolen. Also, wonder how readily phony cards can be dummied up.

      Read article and sounds like quite an ongoing issue. Can understand the concerns about any National I.D. with the potential for privacy abuse. Even our I.D. could be a step on a slippery slope. I certainly wouldn’t trust how such data might be used with an autocratic-behaving leader as we currently have who inclines toward vindictiveness toward any who don’t agree with him. Preserving individual privacy becomes increasingly challenging as people are lured with the conveniences such I.D. Cards offer in this digital world.

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  11. My CA driver's license is good until 07/19. LONG waits at the DMV are the new normal, it would seem. Booking my appt. well in advance of the expiry date sounds like the thing I need to do!

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    1. Unless the situation changes, waiting to make an appointment to renew my driver’s license as I always did, until I received my renewal notice, was too late this year. Certainly couldn’t hurt to make an appointment before yours and might even be wise if the DMV starts to get even busier the closer we get to 2020.

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  12. Renewing your drivers licence is very straightforward in the UK. You just send off the application and the new licence is usually back in a few days. Nobody's ever raised the possibility of simultaneous voter registration, but it sounds like a good idea to me because millions of people in the UK are unregistered.

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    1. i can understand why you wrote on your blog about the older driver/accident issues there since from what you say there is no further official skill reassessment at any age in order to renew the driving license.

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    2. That's correct. You just declare on your application that you're physically fit to drive and that's it. No doctor's note, no medical assessment, nothing!

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  13. Thanks for the info of the Driver's ID card. I checked North Carolina and learned what is required and will follow through.

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    1. Glad the information is of value. Expanding my topic beyond a blurb about my personal experience was incidental as I began writing and became curious about what other states, then nations licensing and auto accident rates were.

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  14. Anything that has to do with thw CA DMV is awful - other states are much better. I hope to be back in Texas soon so I do not have to worry about everything.

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