By Samuel Strait, Reporter at Large – January 1, 2021 Has American rugged individualism gone the way of Friedrich Hayek's prophetic 1944 classic, "Road to Serfdom"? Are Americans ready to assume the iron collar and chains of governmental slavery? I suspect we shall see. Major corporations and tech have banded together to form The Common Project. Sounds fairly innocent, but it is most definitely not. IBM, Apple, Google and other major big tech firms are getting into the act to develop a smartphone app for individuals to download the details of their personal Covid tests and vaccines. It doesn't end there; however, as the intent is somewhat more devious. Individuals will be able to create a digital credential, aka passport, with the intent to act as gatekeeper that must be shown when entering concert venues, stadiums, movie theaters, offices, or even countries. Travel on a number of major airlines Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic are all lining up behind most health systems across the country to create this new hurdle for many travelers. While problems remain as to how to deal with those that do not have access to smartphones, or hand held devices, The Common Project coupled with the Linux Foundation, a major tech player, is forging ahead to insure the project's success. If this project comes to fruition, the sky is the limit on how far major Corporations and governments will use the passport to force compliance with first of all those that do not wish to be vaccinated, then on to less palatable pursuits . I am certain that it will only get worse from there. Imagine governments controlling their borders not only with regular passports, but with additional health passports. Controlling movement with in their borders or controlling access to urban centers. Forcing compliance with health measures that individuals object to in order to travel freely. Able to deny access on a whim. Of course it will not stop there. Forms of entertainment, sporting events, concerts, and many other group gatherings can be prohibited without this new form of compulsive oppression. Businesses may be compelled to check your passport before you can enter their doors. Lodging may be refused without this new form of identification. Tracking is only a heartbeat away. The future may be here, but is it really what Americans are looking to have in their future. Granted there are issues to yet be resolved with a Health Passport, but the intent is there. Just how many restrictions on personal liberty are Americans willing to loose before there is push back against what is clearly the "Road to Serfdom".