"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 [666]" (Rev. 13:16-18).
I was visiting some of my favorite news sites today when I ran across this BBC story - Eye scanners for school children. Now it's not that I'm really getting worried...yet...but isn't it starting to feel a bit 'marky' lately?
The BBC story, like so many science and technology reports recently, unveils a plan to use retinal scanners on schoolchildren. Why? To ease the method of buying school meals and checking out library books. The scanning machines will be able to scan up to 12 students per minute during lunchtime.
"The technology was cost effective, safe and backed by pupils," Ed Yates, headteacher said, but parents had not been consulted about the plans.
"When we started building our school for the future... we discovered that retinal technology was not only foolproof, safe and efficient, it was more cost effective....
"Costs are the same as a swipe card system, however unlike a swipe system where you have to buy new cards every year, there are no additional costs."
In 1973, Senior Scholastics predicted a similar system that would start in public schools. The article introduced school age children to the concept of buying and selling using numbers inserted in their foreheads. The secular high school journal's September 20, 1973 feature "Who Is Watching You?" speculated:
"All buying and selling in the program will be done by computer. No currency, no change, no checks. In the program, people would receive a number that had been assigned them tattooed in their wrist or forehead. The number is put on by laser beam and cannot be felt. The number in the body is not seen with the naked eye and is as permanent as your fingerprints. All items of consumer goods will be marked with a computer mark. The computer outlet in the store which picks up the number on the items at the checkstand will also pick up the number in the person's body and automatically total the price and deduct the amount from the person's 'Special Drawing Rights' account."
Regular readers of Raiders News Update - and the Bible - know where all this is leading. Developers of biometric implant chips have already announced compatible technologies. What's more, many Americans consider electronically marking humans or implanting a series of digital equations beneath the skin the natural progress of future purchasing technology.
Implantable chips, hand and head scanners [already designed and in limited use at several retail chains], and inventory trackers are part of the new high-tech makeover leading to a cashless society.
Retail chains currently field testing the emerging technology include the number-one chains - Kroger, The Gap, Thriftway, McDonald's, and Wal-Mart.
But be warned.
"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name" (Rev. 14:9-11).
Quote source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2638075.stm
