Yesterday Government Technology posted a short piece discussing Real ID and quoting Judy Brown, chief, driver license division, Texas Department of Public Safety.  The article was straightforward, honest and I felt compelled to "post a comment."  So, I did.  And shortly after 1 p.m. today,  I learned my comment was denied.    Here is the exact response I received from GovTech:

From:  Comment System [noreply@noreply.com]    Sent:  Wed  10/18/2006  1:09 pm
To:  King, Jason
Subject:  Unfortunately, your comment was not accepted

Jason King,

Unfortunately, the comment you posted, "Judy is Correct," for the story, "New Federal ID Rules Very Costly to Texas' Driver's License Bureau," was NOT approved.
Your comment was submitted here.


Huh?  Why not?

My remarks were non-controversial, to say the least.  In less than 100 words, I said that Brown had it right and that hopefully Congress, and the Department of Homeland Security would use the workable solutions suggested by the state groups when drafting rules for Real ID.  I proceeded to "attempt" to alert the readers of that particular story that if they wanted to engage in more straight talk about Real ID they should visit this blog. 

Communication is a two-way street.  But maybe GovTech doesn't know that.

If GovTech didn't want to have a meaningful conversation with its readers, why, then are they bothering to host a "comments section?"

AAMVA's Behind the Wheel is a place for drivers to engage in frank and open discussions about matters related to highway safety.  I, and AAMVA, welcome your comments. 

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
Vice President, Public Relations & Information Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org