Is Trouble your middle name?

Well, it's about to be!

Leave it to the U.S. Government to come up with a really dumb idea.

Get a load of this opening line from the Chicago Tribune: "If your passport or driver's license includes a full middle name that you don't normally use, you will have to include that name on your ticket the next time you fly within the United States and by December if you fly overseas."

You can view the full article at www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-0524-middle-namemay24,0,7734396.story

So, dig out your driver's license and your credit card that you use to purchase tickets, along with your passport, and figure out which hair you will be pulling out of your head as you navigate the new rules. Will the airline even understand the new rules?

And how about those TSA folks so proudly guarding our nation's transportation systems?

I sure hope I don't miss my flight because my middle name is on my passport, but not on my credit card or driver's license!

This is probably a good time to remind you of the new border crossing requirements. No longer will you just be able to flash your driver's license and a big smile at the border cop. You are going to need a Passport or a U.S. Passport Card or another OFFICIAL entry card. And you are going to need it by Monday - this Monday, June 1, 2009. Don't have one? Plan to stay in the USA until you get one.

For the new requirements, go to www.GetYouHome.gov