Mark Of The Beast

The Mark Of The Beast

Science fiction has become our reality. We are arriving at a time in history when our government is forming an alliance with science and technology. As our generation increasingly embraces such advances, we continue to witness the ongoing neglect of our moral and ethical needs. Imagine the potential of a computer chip to help or hinder this process. As Aldous Huxley so eloquently states, "What is demonstrably good in the sphere of economics may be far from good for men and woman, as voters, or even as human beings " (56). Technology is chipping away at our personal freedoms.

This is the generation of a technological revolution. Just like our ancestors witnessed the spread of the industrial revolution, we are experiencing parallel advances in society today. Technology increases the speed of access to information, which we have at our disposal. Through the advances of technology, the venues in which we have to communicate are almost unlimited. All ranges and ages of individuals can be found using cell phones, ATMs, computers and TV's. We have grown to rely on the microwave, the Internet, E-Z Pass, just as we did the automobile. Satellite images, Global Positioning Systems, wireless networks, and i-pods are just some of the features in our society, today. By adapting to this technological revolution, we continue to embrace technology and put our private, personal lives at great risk of compromise.

More sophisticated versions of advanced devices, are currently permeating into our society. Consider Biochip technology. A Biochip is basically a tiny little computer chip that serves to retain information. Its intended use is to be carried subdermally, so that access to an individual's information is readily available (Neceratio 14). The Biochips are very small. They are implantable 12mm by 2.1 mm radio frequency devices. Radio frequency energy passes through the skin, stimulating the dormant chip. The chip emits a radio frequency signal, which contains a specific identification number. The number is detected by a scanner and transmitted to a secure data storage site. Envision a speeding car that is scanned by a police officer; the biochip is a permanent, implanted license plate. If necessary, a doctor, police officer, or whomever can pull up information by scanning the implanted Biochip.

Technology has offered the medical industry and its patients, the promise of life-enhancing products. There are several types of Biochip devices on the market. One, which compares to the size of a rice grain, is the VeriChip. There are hundreds of thousands of candidates who use medically related devices, ever year. Accordingly, individuals that are implanted with the VeriChip, will receive more efficient care. Doctors and hospitals that are equipped with radio scanners will have access to the identification number and information stored on the Biochip. The New York Times reported recently that the Food and Drug administration has granted the corporation Applied Digital Solutions consent to promote its Biochip technology. It is anticipated that implantable chips "would provide easy access to individual medical records"( Fedder et al. 4, Oct. 2004). This is specifically promising for Alzheimer's patients, and others who might not be capable of disclosing their own information. The article went on to remark, "Applied Digital Solutions, based in Delray Beach, Fla., said that its devices, which it calls VeriChips, could save lives and limit injuries due to errors in medical treatment. And it expressed hope that such medical uses would accelerate the acceptance of under-the-skin ID chips as security and access-control devices".

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the public has had an increased interest in Biochip technology. Following the attacks, a great deal of focus has been placed on societal security. Biometrics appears to be the next logical step toward a guarantee of security in our future. Business Week Magazine joked, "What do lost dogs, mad cows, and the Mexican police have in common? They may all benefit from radio frequency ID (RFID) tags made by VeriChip"(August 2004). The article explained that Mexican Attorney general Rafael Macedo de la Concha and his deputies have already received the Biochip implants. The Biochips serve to secure their new anti-crime information center, located in Mexico City. "Only people with the [Bio] chips can go past electromagnetic scanners...(2004)". This success in Mexico City has set the precedent for future security systems. The public can look forward to similar security systems to emerge in our airports. According to Bryn Nelson, a staff writer for Newsday, "If you want to make sure that only authorized people get through a particular barrier or checkpoint, this is the way to do it (2002)." Business Week Magazine added,

"Each month, says Applied Digital Solutions, such RFID chips help reunite 6,000 lost dogs and cats with their owners. The technology could also be used to keep tabs on all cattle that share feed, so their meet can be tracked if there's a renewed outbreak of mad cow disease. Chipping humans seems, is the inevitable next step (2004)".

Would you be willing to implant a chip in your body?

Yes 51% 6459 votes

No 49% 6191 votes

Total: 12650 votes

A poll on the CNN news web site (7, Dec. 00) asked: "Would you be willing to implant a chip in your body?" Of the 12,650 people who voted, 51% said that they would be willing to implant a chip in their body. Had the poll been conducted following the events of September 11th, 2001, it is likely the results would have varied greatly.

Other capable features of Applied Digital Solutions, The VeriChip, and Biochip technology include, Cashless interactions, National Identity and Global Positions Systems. In a newly published E-Book (http://www.TheVerichip.com), "The Shocking truth about the VeriChip..." Pat Necerato identifies the cashless potential uses of the VeriChip. "The [Bio] Chip has been used for club hoppers in Barcelona Spain", Nercarto writes (20). He went on, "They now use the Biochip to enter a VIP area, and through its links to different databases, speed payment much like a Smart card"(20).

Applied Digital Solutions proposes that future Biochips could carry