Jim,

we also have situations in German universities where we like to make sure who a person is, like for instance in examinations. How we make sure is our business alone.

The old Germany was know for being very formal and authoritarian. We still have that as a sketch in TV. One version goes like that. In a post office, the clerk and a customer talk to each other about the wether and their wives and that they'll see each other next day at supper. They are friends or at least good acquaintances. Then the customer say, 'since I'm here can you have a look whether there is a parcel for me?' Clerk (civil servant, in the old times): 'Yes, there is one.' 'Can you give it to me?' 'Yes, if you show me your identity card.' 'I don't have it with me, but you know me very well'. 'Privately I do know you, but officially I don't know you." We can laugh about it now, for these times are gone since long.

If rules have to be followed without thinking that is a sure sign of an authoritarian regime.

Wolfgang