The end of anonymous mail and the beginning of Big Brother stamps?

Postal Service Researches 'Smarter' Mail
Security cited, but some are wary of proposed tracking system.
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,111935,00.asp

U.S. Postal Service eyeing technology for 'smarter' mail
But some fear it might end up knowing too much
http://www.computerworld.com/securit...,83804,00.html

Mail Tracking System Raises Privacy Fears
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...-2003Aug7.html

In light of the growing concern about the implications of the Patriot Act, I
think passage of anything creating a mandate for this type of system is
unlikely. In Michigan, the legislature has already amended some of its
recently-passed anti-terrorism legislation, realizing that what was
originally enacted went too far. While an optional tracking system might be
embraced by some, I tend to think chip-embedded stamps would be far more
likely to just wind up in collections, rather than moving the majority of
the mail. I see very little mail bearing either of the U.S. semi-postals.
And I figure that the extra cost is the reason. So why would people
willingly pay extra for stamps that would reduce their privacy?

Mike
(Who likes his privacy, even though he nearly always puts his return address
on his mail!)

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that to access this article

Mail Tracking System Raises Privacy Fears
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...-2003Aug7.html

that I am required to tell the Washington Post whether I am male or female,
when I was born, and what my zip code is?

And does anyone think I am truthful in my responses?

Thought not!

Mike