Do Away with Social Security Numbers

The Washington Post had its reporter try to get Social Security numbers from outfits operating on-line. He succeeded, and wrote this piece. Net Aids Access to Sensitive ID Data (washingtonpost.com):

"Although Social Security numbers are one of the most powerful pieces of personal information an identity thief can possess, they remain widely available and inexpensive despite public outcry and the threat of a congressional crackdown after breaches at large information brokers."

I've been working sporadically on a proposal to drop SSN's completely. I'm convinced it's feasible. Need to get back on it.