Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Design of New U.S. Passport
Well, there it is -- a new design for U.S. passports. Let me be the first to say that it looks pretty damn ugly, and not because it's got Dick Cheney's mug on it. (OK, it's not him ... but still!) Honestly, I thought this was a joke when I first saw it. According to the U.S. Department of State's website, the design will "reflect the varied landscapes of our country and each page will include a quote reflecting the hope and success that is the United States of America."
Sample pages include images of Mount Rushmore, bald eagles, the Liberty Bell, the moon, and other things American. I forgot we own the moon.
Anyway, I think it's pretty ugly. But it does "incorporate updated security features," so I guess not all is lost.
Check it out.
Filed under: United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)
Kristi Apr 16th 2007 5:46PM
It is indeed extraordinary. In a "Hey, look what I purchased at the interstate truck stop souvenir store!" kind of way.
Seriously - not only is it poorly designed and unattractive, but do we need such an overload of flashy Americana on a document that we might be taking into countries where we Americans are not... well, let's just say not necessarily so popular?
Sigh.
Peter Apr 16th 2007 10:04PM
They should have embedded a sound chip and speaker, which loudly proclaims over and over again: "American coming through, please stand back..."
Silly Me Apr 20th 2007 8:26PM
They should have embedded a sound chip and speaker, which loudly proclaims over and over again: "American coming through, please stand back..." Which exactly is what they clandestinely did exists w/o your permission given them. All new passports contain hidden within themselves, an embedded RFID chip,so small can't be seen, yet continuous broadcast 24/7 all your personal history exists as secretly encoded data listed amongst other things. Google RFID chips for fuller story. Must see DVD; America:Freedom to Fascism!
Janet Apr 20th 2007 8:55PM
I have to agree with those posters who commented on safety abroad. I am very proud to be an American and I love our country, however, when I am somewhere outside our borders, I would prefer not to brandish an alert to all who are within eye shot, some of whom may indeed not be fans of America. It is not a pleasant thought, but we have made enemies in various places around the world. I guess it is silly, but a movie I once saw about hijackers who took up passports looking for Jewish passengers comes to mind. It wasn't for anything remotely good either. Ummm...torture, murder, etc. all because of their nationality and heritage. As melodramatic as it sounds, I can easily see something like that happening. I think I prefer the simple black with gold lettering. At least that way, it is not like holding out a poster proclaiming citizenship. I prefer to vacation without such drama.
Dyan Apr 20th 2007 8:55PM
Justin, (writer of this article),
If you're an America hater then I can see you not liking the new design. I see these all the time, working at the airport and I think they're great. They say "I'm proud to be an American." I guess you're not. You don't deserve how good you have it here.
scotty Apr 20th 2007 8:56PM
You are right about the movie FREEDOM TO FASCISM It can be seen at the web site freedomtofascism.com It is a MUST for all Americans to see.
Proud American Apr 20th 2007 8:56PM
The new design is great..we need more outward and visual signs that we are proud to be Americans...not ashamed of it as too many are today. Worried about your passport tipping others off that you are American? How ridiculous...I travel extensively to other countries and I can usually spot an American instantly by the way they dress let alone how they talk...a much bigger give away than a passport.
Justin Glow Apr 20th 2007 9:01PM
Hey now, I'm allowed to dislike a particular design -- ripe with excessive symbols of America or not -- and still be proud of my country, thank you very much.
Copper Apr 20th 2007 9:04PM
I seriously doubt that if we have an eagle, American flag or Ben Franklin on our passports, it would matter. I think that the people around the world who do not like Americans are able to tell that we are AMERICAN with or without showing our passports!
I happen to love the new look. I only wish I had renewed my a bit later, so I could have the new style!
Dean50322 Apr 20th 2007 9:09PM
Justin (editor)
you should get a new passport...travel to France...and stay there...America would not miss you
Justin Glow Apr 20th 2007 9:10PM
Will do. Thanks, Dean!
John Apr 20th 2007 9:13PM
# 6 AND # 12
HAVE you two not learned anything lately ?
just because you dont like something that america
created or has does NOT mean one does NOt love their country. why dont YOU TWO move to a Cuba
or any other communistic country whith your BLIND
LOVE of your country. every person has the right
to dissagree with their goverment, and as a matter of fact these people love America MORE, they CARE
you on the other hand follow blindly because of
ignorance.
thats where tis behavior still prevails
Justyna Apr 20th 2007 9:43PM
I think this is the best passport I have seen from the US. It represents the US history and the Us. I have to agree with Justin. It should make you proud to be American.
Dan Stempy Apr 20th 2007 9:43PM
I think that in todays world this is overbearing and an over American document to carry overseas. Having said that let me just say what a hoot it would be to carry through French Customs over and over again! Maybe we could add a page with the U.S. saving France's bacon in one or two wars!!!
Rhonda Apr 20th 2007 9:44PM
Since when did your passport become a fashion accessory? Are people now wearing them around their necks? What a great way to have it stolen! For all you who think people in other countries hate Americans, just remember that an American passport is better than gold on the black market.
Dean50322 Apr 20th 2007 9:44PM
hey #15
you might want to stand up...it seems that your shorts are a bit too tight and its cutting off the circulation to your brain. good day
jane Apr 20th 2007 9:44PM
Wow. I am amazed at the tackyness of this passport, impressed even. I LOVE my country and am therefore ALLOWED to express my opinion. I think our country deserves a better design. This one looks so incredibly cheesy. The current passport is classy, understated, a throwback to the era when americans were chic and could travel where ever they desired. I hope to God that this style change is not definite.
Amy Apr 20th 2007 9:49PM
I guess everyone has to gripe nowadays. Don't you think that it might be be a little original to have a positive point of view?
Kristi Apr 20th 2007 9:53PM
Just for the record, I'm not an "America hater" either. I do, however, have an opinion, which is that I dislike garish design work and excessive blind patriotism just as much as I dislike that certain faction of Americans that travel to foreign countries and rudely expect everyone there to speak English.
The term "ugly American" was coined for a reason - doesn't mean you have to be one.
Marco Apr 20th 2007 9:53PM
WHY NOT ADD AN LCD SCREEN AND SOME SURROUND SOUND TO IT SO WE CAN WATCH AN IN FLIGHT MOVIE WHEN WE LEAVE THE COUNTRY.