Here in the Land of the Free life is good so far. The sun continues to shine, I eat fine foods and wear my shorts a lot. However, I can’t do much else.

This is because before I can do pretty much anything to get me into American society proper, I need my social security number or SSN. It should be in the system and on its way. Hope so anyway.

Without this, I can’t open a bank account, start my business or even get my learner’s driving permit. Yep, it would seem that this one piece of bureaucracy finds its way into all aspects of life and without one you’re stuffed. It’s the one thing that connects all aspects of an American’s existence in this country. You use it to register for education, health, a cell phone, store card or car finance to name a few.

So are Americans free individuals or just numbers?