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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 5 of 10)
jonathan croissant Apr 21st 2007 10:27AM
purely from a design standpoint this passport layout is a joke. it is hard to read, visually unnerving and confusing and compared to other countries passports fairly outdated looking. i think the US department of travel should hire some new designers
Arwen Apr 21st 2007 10:27AM
Last month I got my first ever Passport. I quickly looked it over to make sure my information was correct and my picture was decent enough. Now I read this article had to look over my passport again. Humm....it's not something I would of designed for travel documentation for Americans. It's not pretty but it does the job intended.
oneilarce47 Apr 21st 2007 10:27AM
It's a good idea of redesigning the U.S. Passport. I have one but it expires in 2010. What I would like to see is a passport that has a hard cover. There should be a element within the passport that makes it authentic, so counterfitters can't make them.
Anna Apr 21st 2007 10:27AM
Why didn't they just put a big RED WHITE AND BLUE TARGET on it instead?
You know......seeing how much American's are loved and admired all over the world now thanks to all the Bushit.
ididitallok Apr 21st 2007 10:28AM
I can deal with the 1 page, the data and signiture page has to go, when i seen it i thought it was a dang snake choking on his dindin.
I love america alot, but i sure don't want that much stuff showing i am in american, there are to many chances of people who intentional look for americans to rob, kidnap, kill.
and the other thing, did anyone notice none of those imagines go no further west that south dakota?..did we sell off the country from that point to the pacific to buy the moom they show?
Mike Apr 21st 2007 8:17PM
The Department of homeland Stupidity strikes again.
TFW38 Apr 21st 2007 8:20PM
Actually the design is a bit busy.. However I do believe that no matter what being American stands out no matter where you are or what type of passport pic you have. Frankly I think some of these chuckleheads should read the preamble to the constitution that is imprinted on the passport. It may teach them something. As many don't seem to have a clue of what it is or what it means. As on Jay Leno's Jay Walking.. There are Americans that acutally think Betty Davis not Betsy Ross worked on our first flag. This is absolutely unacceptable.
And to top it off.. (A bit off topic) English Major College Seniors (cho Hui) That Can't even even write a coherrent story. So to all that bash and criticize..
Remember the next time Jay Leno walks up and ask you.. Who is the Government of the United States? And you answer anything other than "We The People" You are the very reason this country is going down the toilet~!
Jeff Apr 21st 2007 8:32PM
As someone who lived in Europe in the 1950s and hitchhiked through it in the 1960s, I have been acutely aware of the polarity of opinion concerning Americans. I met GIs who had been in Germany for two years, but had never sampled German beer, and GIs who had been in France for similar engagements (until the 1966 tiff with deGaulle when the Americans were withdrawn from France) who had never eaten in a French restaurant. Talk about depriving yourself of a magnificent experience!
Americans abroad have often been the prototypical "ugly American," and to have the American passport bruit a jingoistic message is NOT what we need.
Certainly, the presumptuous arrogance of the current administration has created enemies for the United States even faster than our armed forces can kill them. How sad! On 9/12/2001, everyone in the world was an American. How quickly the administration frittered away our moral high ground (where ARE those WMDs?) is a matter of public record.
If America is determined to carry a big stick into the 21st Century, I would prefer to walk softly. I LIKE my blue covered passport. I liked my green passport. (Yes, I'm THAT old...)
If nothing else, when I have to show my passport abroad, I would like it not to be a signal to one and all within eyesight that a North American rube is here and ready to be fleeced (if he's lucky) or vilified (for a national policy he didn't create, endorse or support) by the locals.
Linda Apr 22nd 2007 11:07AM
My husband and six year old daughter and I all had our passports renewed this year at the same time. I have to tell you that I am really jealous that my six year old received the New Micro chip passport and wonder why my husband and I got the old style.
I think the passport is great and the idea of showing pride of your country is refreshing. We may have enemies in other places, but, hey, they're beating down our doors to get in the US. Hmmmm....could they know something you all apparently dont?
UsedToTravel Apr 21st 2007 9:15PM
It should be an option when you apply for your passport - the standard blue or the new design. Let travelers decide. I have to agree though, Americans don't need a passport to make ourselves known overseas.
careol Apr 21st 2007 9:26PM
it's AMERICAN! have you seen the old ones you grippers? apparently the only people that DON'T like it..don't leave this country. It's not a big sign proclaiming "im american,stand back" idiot! you do not flip it out for every Juan,Dick and Onrie' to see! don't like it don't get one!
Michael Apr 21st 2007 8:36PM
The outside of the passport is the same as it has always been. The pictures and quotes are in the visa pages. There is no outward change. Also, the designs help in anti-fraud protection. The passport has been updated to guard against fraud. There is also a chip implanted in the passport. Those freedom-lovers out there complaining about the passport should understand that its now much more secure than ever before. Especially considering an US Passport is worth at least $100k on the fraud market.
staci Apr 21st 2007 8:36PM
I'm not sure if everyone actually went to the site. Yes, the images we see are a bit gaudy. But they're on the inside!! The outside of the cover is still black with gold lettering!!
Pat Apr 21st 2007 8:38PM
Why all the negativity, Mr. Glow? I don't see anything wrong with the new design. The eagle, the flag and the quote are lovely, among many designs. Why do you call it "ugly"? Your article doesn't explain why you feel that way. You should feel exceptionally lucky to be here in the USA. In the USA you can have such an opinion of the new design, thanks to the First Amendment, and remain free to talk about it.
jules Apr 21st 2007 8:41PM
MOST AMERICANS ARE SO SUPERFICIAL!! ITS JUST A PASSPORT. GET OVER IT
abtchoices Jul 23rd 2007 11:44AM
I love my country, I love my country because we have the freedom to make choices. I would rather have a choice of what the passport, I have to carry looks like. This is not a choice, this is dictatorial, irrevocable, and autocratic. For the people, but not by the people.
scotthoust Apr 21st 2007 8:54PM
Thank God I don't have to renew my passport for 8 years. This design is not only without class, but taunts those countries that already dislike Americans. As a person who travels a lot, this type of attention I do not need. I can only hope they decide to tone it down a bit before a final decision is made.
cris Apr 21st 2007 9:11PM
it kind of looks like one of the "lick'en and stick'em" tattoos that my kids love so much !
James Busch Apr 21st 2007 9:11PM
I’m 62 years old, born to 4th generation US citizens & now my government has required me to get a passport if I want to return from Mexico or Canada.
We’ve come to Casablanca; citizens required to carry & show their “papers”
Bogart, Bergman, lived in fear of the French Commander Peter Lorre, confiscating their “papers”.
Now we’re in the same state. Toto: were not in the USA anymore…
Michael Apr 21st 2007 9:11PM
200,000 dead in Darfur. C'mon people, get focused.