The Mark of the Beast

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:16-18 KJV

For almost two thousand years men have puzzled over these words. Today the answer is readily available. Though I have no special insight, wisdom, revelation or knowledge, the pieces, in vague form, already exist. That is, the technology already exists. There are still problems putting it all together into a system. Here are the pieces.

I drive a commercial tractor-trailer with a Prepass transponder. My transponder is similar to a transponder in an aircraft. This transponder contains a very difficult to forge identification code. This code allows various state DOT officers to almost instantaneously access data stored in various other locations concerning my truck. The only information actually stored on my truck is the unique identification code. Since the information about my truck is stored elsewhere, the actual ID can be microscopic.

Many countries are attempting a cashless society. By dollars amounts, not number of transactions, the USA is 98% cashless now, in 2012. Other countries are completely cashless within their own borders. Cash is still needed to use with foreign currency. People carry a card like a VISA debit card. All transactions, from riding a bus and paying the fare to collecting a paycheck are processed either by credit or debit in electronic accounts. The three major concerns at this time are the lack of security, errors in the system and large number of places which do not have card readers.

One method of security is the use of invisible tattoos. These are being used now by clubs as proof of membership and access to the club. The tattoo is applied to either the forehead or the back of the hand. It is invisible except under a scanner which is designed to read it.

Some type of invisible mark could easily be used on a gullible society if the mark was only for ID only. That ID would give you permission to vote, work and register your car. It would act as a passport and do anything else you need to do with an ID. It could also access an account that would allow you to buy and sell. Government is already salivating over the prospect of tracking you and your purchases. At the same time, this control could deny you access to your own money if the guardians decided that you were a criminal.