North Dakota Opts Out of Future Dystopia

David Weigel | April 23, 2007

Two things you can say about North Dakota - it's cold and it's a haven from the coming robot apocalypse.

North Dakota made it illegal to force people to insert microchips into their bodies.

Sen. Randy Christmann, R-Hazen, said he introduced the bill for a constituent knowledgeable about the subject. Initially skeptical, Christmann found that at least one other state had taken similar action.

"Knowing how easy implantation of chips can be with livestock, it occurred to me that it is not out of the realm of possibility that someone in a position of power over someone else could coerce them into accepting a tracking device," he explained. Christmann cited domineering employers or abusive spouses as examples.

"I expected to get teased about this bill quite a bit but - to my surprise - I have received a lot of complimentary messages," he said.

The law takes effect Aug. 1.

At which time Tommy Thompson will say "Curses!" and order his henchmen to ready the hovercraft.