A National ID Card

the way to have them require id (if you're paranoid) is to write, on your signature spot

SEE ID

now, i know they don't always look. but if they see that, they're supposed to ask you for an id with a signature on it.

the $50 liability is nice. people should understand that it does not apply to check cards or debit cards. that varies from bank to bank. here's what i do:

i pay for EVERYTHING on my credit card, which i have through my bank. i keep $20 in my checking account in case i need it. i keep my check card in my wallet in case i need money out, but i never use it. i keep all my real money in my savings account, and when i need money (either to pay off my credit card, which i do every month) or to put money in my checking account (so i can get money out of the atm), i transfer it in through my bank's online banking system. that means that, at any given time, the vast majority of my money is safe, should my check card number (or the card itself) get stolen. wahoo!