Where I Stand: Kids use computers for false IDs

Tuesday, July 9, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

PARENTS and public officials are concerned about the ready availability of pornography on the Internet and the effect on the minds of young surfers.

There might be some reason for concern, but that is a subject for another day.

Local parents have another worry.

It seems smart youngsters have discovered a new use for personal computers. They have become adept at turning out bogus identification cards. The IDs can be anything from a driver's license to a Social Security number.

Teenagers are using the phony IDs to gain entrance into some of the popular night spots. Although owners are putting their licenses in jeopardy allowing teenagers to drink, dance and cut capers, some of the kids can easily pass for young adults.

Concerned parents are asking club and casino owners to pay special attention to the IDs offered by young customers.

With all the hullabaloo about FBI files, Cynthia Tripp wants to know just how one goes about obtaining a file.

She claims that in 1995 she decided to request her FBI file under the Freedom of Information Act. She tried to find a book explaining the FOI Act but none were available.

She wants to know how to make a request and whether information about one's self is different than asking about another person.

I turned to our expert on such matters, SUN reporter Mary Manning, and this is what she advised:

For requesting your FBI file ask for any and all information as well as specific information about yourself under the Freedom of Information Act. Send a letter with your full name and date of birth to the FBI. Be sure the letter is notarized. Including your Social Security number is helpful. Address your letter to FBI FOIA, 700 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107.

Bit of advice: Don't hold your breath for an immediate reply.

SUN readers often have original ideas. Like this one:

"If they are going to keep barricading certain city streets at the request of persons living in those areas, they should then deed the streets to the neighbors making the request and hold them responsible for maintaining the streets. If we, as taxpayers, are not allowed to use a public street, it no longer qualifies as a public street. Make the same rules for these blocked streets as those that apply to streets in gated communities where homeowners associations are responsible for maintenance and repair."

And, why not?

Kudos to my hometown.

Lyon County has become the latest rural school district to set limits on what pupils can wear to class.

The code of garb-and-grooming bans clothing that is tight fitting, torn or exposes the torso. Mid-thigh is the upper limit for hemlines. Sunglasses are out, as are thongs or strapless sandals that can be unsafe. Good hygiene is encouraged. Clothing or accessories with references to alcohol, drugs or gang memberships, or use of profanity, vulgarity and sexual language is taboo.

It'll never happen. Someone will call in the ACLU and sue for violation of civil rights.

In another case of a community trying to bring order to a system gone awry, officials in Emmett, Idaho, are leaning on a 1921 Idaho law holding that "any unmarried person who shall have sex with an unmarried person of the opposite sex shall be found guilty of fornication."

In an effort to combat teen pregnancy, a high school junior has been charged and found guilty as a convicted fornicator. She is 15 years old and an honor student. When she was seven months pregnant she was charged under the old law after she had applied for state medical assistance.

ACLU attorney Douglas Jack Van Valkenburgh is considering a legal challenge.

Idaho officials feel the old law is a powerful new tool for combating teen pregnancy.

Wonder how many old laws like that are still on the books?

An Olympic gag comes from Gene Perret:

"Did you hear about the cross-eyed javelin thrower? He didn't win any medals, but he sure kept the crowd alert."

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