Rev.13 [16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. [18] Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

 

This particular passage has intrigued man since the day it was prophesied. For centuries man has tried to understand this passage, but I believe that until this latter day, we weren't able to understand it. Even today, many have tried to use different numerological methods to calculate and manipulate numbers in a way as to designate this number to particular men, whose names somehow add up to 666. I don't believe that the truth will ever be found in such a manner. We do however have the technology today that can eventually fulfill every part of this prophecy.

In this day of terror, we have many calling for national, or even world identification numbers. We also have a great number of people calling for a more sure method of identification. Certain methods being considered can fulfill these requirements and possibly have many other seeming benefits as well, such as greatly reducing black market trade such as drugs, prostitution, as well as muggings, robberies, etc. One of these methods, surprisingly or not, will also fulfill every part of the prophecy concerning the "mark of the beast".

1. it will be a man's number

2. no one will be able to buy anything without it

3. no one will be able to sell without it

4. those refusing it will be seen "enemies of mankind"

5. it can be implanted in the right hand or the forehead

 

 

Many are familiar with the concept that this is possibly a computer chip identification code. Many have heard for instance of the "digital angel". With all my heart I believe this scenario to be true, and this is intended to show how and why.

So how is it that a computer chip identification implant will fulfill these things? Is the "666" the number of a single man?... or will it be the number of "mankind"? Is it literal?... figurative? We hope to show that it is indeed very literal. We are all familiar with computer chips, but are we all aware that these chips can actually be bar-coded? We are all familiar with the UPC code. We see the bar-code on nearly every product we buy, but many are not aware that the bar-code operates on a "666" system. Yes, perhaps not surprisingly, the products we buy contain a "666" on their bar-code.

 

One good way to verify that the following is true is to go to the kitchen cupboard and pull out several items and look at the bar-codes. Pick several which have recurring numbers. The code is divided into 2 halves so look for repeating numbers in the first half, then choose a few with repeating numbers in the 2nd half. You will be able to see a very important pattern in the end. Its very simple, I just pray I don't complicate the explanation.

 

First let's look at the construction of the barcode. There are 2 types, both containing 3 sixes, but we will only concentrate on one type. We will call it the long type. Notice in the figure below that the barcode is "bracketed". The 3 sets of long double lines we will call the brackets. One set of thin double lines at the very beginning, one set in the exact center, and one set at the end. The brackets actually separate the code into 2 halves, the right half and the left half. The set of double lines in the center separate the 2 halves of the code. These brackets are also numbers and serve specific functions when scanned.

ACTUAL BAR CODE SCAN
(We have dimmed the internal numbers to emphasize the 'bracketing' system)

Notice also the numbers at the bottom of the bars. Each of these numbers will be represented by 2 bars and the spaced distance between the 2 bars. The width of the 2 bars and the distance between them determine which number they represent. Most bar-codes will have a number outside and to the left of of the first bracket. This number will be represented inside the code by the first 2 bars just to the right of the first bracket. From this point, the next 2 bars will represent the 1st number inside the code, just above the number, but not necessarily centered over it. Then the next 2 bars will represent the next number and so on until you get to the center bracket... Do not go past the center bracket though. Below is the code for the first half of the barcode, from the first to the center bracket. The reason it seems difficult to decode the barcode is that the bars and space between them, which represent the numbers below them, change for the second half of the code.

 

 

A

 

 

 

Next we have below the decoding for the 2nd half of the code. The 2nd half begins with the first 2 bars just to the right of the center bracket. The first 2 bars to the right of the center bracket represents the first number to the immediate right of the bracket in the 2nd half. Again 2 bars and the space between represent the number below them. To the right and outside of the barcode there is usually another number, which is represented by the last 2 bars just to the left of the last bracket.

 

Now... look for a product whose barcode contains at least 1 "6" in the second half. Examine the bars and the space between. Now look at the chart of the 2nd half of the code.... Wow! Bingo! What we can see from this is that the 2nd code representation for the "6" matches the bars which make up the 3 brackets. This means that each barcode contains a "6, 6, 6"!!!

 

B

The above illustration depicts the "0" outside the barcode represented by the first two lines inside the first bracket (see 'Bar Code Brackets' above). Also depicted is how the "6" outside the barcode and to the right is represented by the last two lines before the last bracket. As you can see, each number corresponds to its exampled line based equivalent, depending on if it is on the left or right side of the center bracket (see Left and Right numerical/line examples above, A and B).


Conclusions

Is the barcode the mark of the beast? Of course not... but... it is my honest belief that a bar-coded, implantable computer chip will be. The evidence is overwhelming, and technologically speaking it is the only thing that will completely fulfill everything we are told about it. Technologically it is the only thing we have that even comes close. Biblically its an exact hit. As far as current events, and the direction we as a world are heading, it is inevitable in time.


Additional Material

The following links have very interesting reading about microchip technology for ID.

Microchip Technology - SCAN FAQ
http://www.networkusa.org/fingerprint/page5a/fp-chip-faq.html


S.C.A.N.
INDIVIDUAL MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY
F.A.Q.
http://www.networkusa.org/fingerprint/page5a/fp-chip-faq.html



Further Clarifications
Is the number 666 "hidden" in the UPC barcode?

from http://www.av1611.org/666/barcode.html

 

One of the most popular and shocking accusations concerning the number "666" is that the number "666" is quietly "hidden" in every UPC barcode. Mary Stewart Relfe's book, "The New Money System 666", published in 1982, is the "pioneer" of the "666 in the UPC barcode" teaching. Relfe's book contains over 50 pages of excellant doumentation on the UPC barcodes. Relfe's discovery is repeated in many publications touching the mark of the beast, within the last fifteen years. Including tracts published by this author.

 

Here's a few samples:

 

 

Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order, 1996:

 

". . . the entire system [UPC barcode] is very deceptively designed around the infamous numerical configuration, Biblically known as 666, the mark of the Antichrist or devil (Revelation 13:16-18). . ." (Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order, 1996, p. 376)

 

Bob Fraley, The Last Days in America, 1984:

 

"The interpretation of the Universal Product Code marks is most revealing in that the three numbers '666' are the key working numbers for every designed Universal Product Code. Every group of Universal Product Code marks has in it three unidentified numbers. All three of these numbers are 6, making the use of the numbers '666' the key to using this identifying marking system. . .

 

There is no deviation. Every Universal Product Code has three unidentified marks whose number equivalent '6' encoding it with the code number '666'. " (Bob Fraley, The Last Days in America, 1984, p. 225, 228)

 

Here's how to "discover" the "hidden 666 in the UPC barcode"

 

 

Notice the three "guard bars" (colored RED) at the beginning, middle and end. Now, notice the same bar pattern ("bar-space-bar" or "101") for the number 6 (colored BLUE).

 

By "looking" at the above barcode, the number "666" clearly, appears to be there. . .

 

But is it?

 

Is the number 666 TRUTHFULLY "hidden" in the UPC barcode?

 

Technically, no it is not.

 

Here's the "technical" truth. . .

 

The number 6 and the three guard bars are NOT the same. They do "appear" to be identical, but they are different.

 

 

 

 

Notice. The beginning and ending guard bars are "bar-space-bar" or "101" (the B in the above table). The middle guard bar is "space-bar-space-bar-space" or "01010" (the M in the above table). The number six is "1010000" (the 6 in the above table). Remember, technically a barcode number consists of seven units. The beginning and ending guard bars are only three units, and middle guard bar is only five units.

 

So, technically, from a computer's perspective the number "666" is NOT in the UPC barcode.

 

But. . .

 

Look again. . . All three guard bars contain the pattern "bar-space-bar" or "101". There is only ONE number, in TWENTY numbers (remember right and left numbers have different patterns) that contains the "101" pattern and that number is the right code SIX. Not the number one, or two, or three, etc. - but ONLY the right code SIX. I do seem to remember something about a mark on the RIGHT hand (Rev. 13:16).

 

Technically, from a computer's perspective the number "666" is NOT in the UPC barcode. . . but from a human's perspective - YES, the "appearance" of 666 is there!

 

What does the inventor of the UPC barcode say about the number "666" in the UPC barcode?

 

The inventor of the UPC barcode is George J. Laurer. In 1971, while Mr. Laurer was an employee with IBM, he was assigned the task "to design the best code and symbol suitable for the grocery industry". In 1973, Mr. Laurer's UPC barcode entered the world, and the rest is history.

 

On Mr. Laurer's web site, he has a "Questions" page, where he answers various questions about the UPC barcode. On the "Questions" page, Mr. Laurer answers the "666" question, as follows:

 

Question #8 - Rumor has it that the lines (left, middle, and right) that protrude below the U.P.C. code are the numbers 6,6,6... and that this is the international money code. I typed a code with all sixes and this seems to be true. At least they all resemble sixes. What's up with that?

 

Answer- Yes, they do RESEMBLE the code for a six. An even parity 6 is:

 

1 module wide black bar 1 module wide white space 1 module wide black bar 4 module wide white space

 

There is nothing sinister about this nor does it have anything to do with the Bible's "mark of the beast" (The New Testament, The Revelation, Chapter 13, paragraph 18). It is simply a coincidence like the fact that my first, middle, and last name all have 6 letters. There is no connection with an international money code either. (From Mr. Laurer's web site)

Comment
I'm writing this concerning the article at Rense.com on 666.

I quote from George J. Laurer, founder of the UPC (as above)

 

"There is nothing sinister about this nor does it have anything to do with the Bible's "mark of the beast" (The New Testament, The Revelation, Chapter 13, paragraph 18). It is simply a coincidence like the fact that my first, middle, and last name all have 6 letters. There is no connection with an international money code either."

 

Maybe that's why he thought it would be cool to have 6 represented in the 3 primary symbols ­ it would be like a metaphor for the 6, 6, 6 in his name, leaving his legacy on every grocery product on earth. Just maybe I mean he makes that correlation himself, evidently having pondered it before. Seems I recall something about 666 also being the "number of a man."

 

Funny, isn't it?

 

- Mark Shamus

 

 

----

 

Even, Mr. Laurer, the inventor of the UPC barcode admits, "Yes, they do RESEMBLE the code for a six."

 

In fact, as we've documented - SIX is the ONLY number they could RESEMBLE.

 

You would certainly think because of the "antichrist connections" to "666" they would have picked another number besides '6' to pattern the three 'guard bars' after? Why not 1 or 3, or 5, etc. - any number but '666'. Surely they knew Christians would, sooner or later, "discover" the clear "appearance" of 666 in the UPC bar code.


More Corroboration of the 6 factor
Information from http://iraklios.ath.cx/bar.code/3tech.anal%20_EGL.htm

"For the control characters (see table:II), which have the same T-distances; No further calculation is required to differentiate them from the number 6. Obviously because they are identical with that number!

 

There are those who claim that because the number Co differs between the number 6 and that of the bar-guards; that they are therefore essentially different. But the simple fact is that the number is (Co) used only to determine a correlation between To1 and T1, and To2 and T2 and not used to recognize the characters. It is therefore evident that To1 and To2 for the left, center, and right guard-bar and the number 6 are the same. They therefore take the same value and are synonymous with the number 6. "

 

Comments

Dan Rardon
2-12-02


Hey Jeff,

Just wanted to let you know, on Sunday 2-10-02, when Andy Rooney was doing his thing on '60 Minutes' (I wasn't paying too much attention as I don't take those shows too seriously). He was rambling on about how security is too tight at airports and sporting events like the Superbowl and the Olympics. He was saying that if it doesn't get any better, people will quit going out. Then he went on to say basically, "Something must be done to fix this 'problem'". I was paying attention when I heard what he said next. He said (not an exact quote, but very close), "Maybe we could get tattoos (I'm sure he mentioned 'tattoos'), or maybe a computer chip implant under the skin. I would be willing to have a chip implant so that I could go through security and just wave my hand through a scanner to indentify me."

I know, this is no surprise to you or I, but I never figured they would be so blatant as to mention 'tattoos'. We need 'tattoos' to secure the 'homeland'. How long until we see swastikas all over again? Will a chip implant really prevent someone from entering a stadium and blowing up a bomb? Will it keep someone from spreading a biological agent around an airport? Just thought you might find this interesting, if you haven't heard it already. The old 'problem-reaction-solution' scenario, that we hear so much about on your show. Thank-you for all your good work.

A loyal fan,
Dan Rardon

P.S. As I'm sure you realize, my questions are rhetorical.

Comment

Alton Raines
RaAL@hotmail.com
2-12-02

I want to commend Eric Jewell for breaking down and explaining in very plain terms what others have touched on, but never quite gotten across without complicating it. Those "6" brackets which act as primary functions when a barcode is scanned, in three specific places, is simply too obvious to blow off as mere coincidence. Why 6? Why not 333? Why not 888? Who determined 6 to be a functionary element for the barcode? Granted, 6 is not the only functionary number in a barcode, every number has significance and purpose, all rational and all legitimate. But the 666 bracketing stands as an indentity, as a distinct super-code over the whole code. I know that the prophet Daniel was told that near the end times, knowledge would increase and that the revelation of prophecy would come to light (or be revealed). This appears to be coming to pass.

Comment
Craig Michael Uhl, MD
2-12-02

The technology of allowing a foreign substance under the skin for medical purposes is not new. We have implanted contraceptives, knee/hip joints, pacemakers, and prosthesis of all kinds; yet that doesn't mean we have sold our souls to the devil. In fact, by allowing a chip to be inserted under one's skin may soon be developed so as to allow for rapid diagnosis of a possible exposure to chemical, biological, or nuclear component upon entry into the emergency medical department at your local hospital. Digital Angel and the other chips under development at Advanced Digital (ADSX) can be of enormous benefit to the medical community in quickly assessing and treating victims of terrorism.

As a physician, I know that such a tool could have prevented the deaths of those exposed to Anthrax several months ago. By empowering our citizens with the knowledge that they have an implantable detector that could quickly be used by medical personnel of such exposure would provide for rapid detection and treatment. This is clearly not the mark of the beast; if such a unit required me to put aside my spiritual beliefs, I would be the first to remove it. This is not the time to 'throw out the baby with the bathwater.' Instead, we should work together so that proper safeguards are put in place to prevent such use that many fear, and embrace the technology that would save many lives, and prevent early death.

Craig Michael Uhl, MD, CPA
Monarch Beach, CA


Reply...

Dr Michael,

I agree that technology can be used for good. If I entered into a hospital, not knowing what was wrong, and an insertable chip could be used to save a life, but then it would be removed, then by all means let it be used for good.

If however, the law stated that I MUST receive an implantable chip to conduct e-commerce, or I would lose my "privilege" of conducting business; and if it were used for the purpose of identification, then I say at that point prophecy will be fulfilled, and I for one would certainly reject it. I would do all I could as well at that point to encourage everyone to reject it despite the consequences... at least I pray for the strength to do so.

Eric Jewell

No one is saying these things are "the antichrist." The issue is, how might these technologies be MISUSED by evil people, and how some of these have clearly been forewarned in prophecy. Can it be denied that the technology of man intended for good is always also used for evil? - ed

Comment
Dan Nichols
2-12-02

This URL was submitted by Dan suggesting there is no 666 in the UPC barcode.
http://www.virtualsalt.com/barcode.htm


In response to the site/info submitted by Mr. Nichols,

Mr. Nichols,

As far as I'm concerned, this is technical, complicated disinformation. First of all, the difference between the "6" on the left half of the code, and the "6" on the right side of the code is explained in the above article. The barcode is divided into 2 halves, each coded differently. If you notice the "1" on the left is represented by a thin bar, thin space and then the thinnest bar. (See the decoded chart in the article for the left half of the code) However on the right side of a barcode, the "1" is represented by 2 wider bars with the space between the same width of the bars. This is true throughout the code. Each number on the left side is represented by a completely different code than the numbers on the right side of the code.

Mathematically you are correct that you can make 4 lines and spaces from 1 number to the other, but this would be consistent with each number appearing as 2 lines and a space now wouldn't it?

Also we cannot forget the barcode is "digital". Each "digit" or set of bars represent a number, and these numbers have a specific function in the code. Go beyond just looking... put a micrometer to it. You will find that the 3 double lined brackets are the same width, and the same distance apart as the "6" depicted in the second half of the code. It doesn't matter that the bars in the first half is different. What matters is that in the 2nd half of the code, the bars and space representing the "6" are exactly the same as the bars and space of the 3 brackets.

Imagine a code where each number is actually represented in 2 different ways. One way in the first half on the left, another way when depicted on the right. Are we to believe that the "6s" on the right side of the code are represented by the same bars and space between, that they are the same width and distance apart as the "brackets", and yet the brackets are not sixes?

Sorry my friends, I will believe my eyes and the prophecies over a disinformation campaign designed to make me not believe what I can see and measure.

Eric Jewell


Comment
George
2-12-02

With regards to the story on the barcode. Check out the attached barcode jpeg I ran through a barcode program.
Keep up the great work.

Regards from Down Under - George

Comment
Jeff Cobb
2-13-02

Your analysis really scard the bejeebers out of me. I always thought God would make it plainer than this. I assumed taking the "Mark of the Beast" would be an obviously evil choice which I would recognize as such and act accordingly. Bar codes, in and of themselves, are not evil. If bar codes are evil, then anyone who shops at Walmart is damned!

So are you saying that if the government passed a law requiring all citizens to have a bar code implanted in or tattoed on our bodies, you wouldn't do it? Is the Anti-Christ a person or a government or a system or what?

I love the Lord and believe Jesus died for my sins. Why would God play mind games like this? I always thought I'd make the right choices when the time came, but what if it's so low key that I miss it? Should I be living among the Amish or perhaps join a militia group and live in a compound where they grow their own food and refuse to pay taxes. If I am a law-abiding citizen who plays by the rules, am I worshiping the Beast?

Jeff Cobb
Lewisburg, WV

Reply...
From Eric Jewell

Jeff,

Hello my friend, and God bless you in Jesus name!!!

My wonderful friend, its not God playing mindgames... Satan is a deceiver of masses though, and his deceptions are sometimes extremely well camouflaged. He sometimes even appears as an angel of light.

The barcode itself of course isn't the mark, but, if a bar coded chip is put into the body then it fills all the requirements... if we move to e-commerce and ID, then who can survive in this society? We will be seen as rebellious, even if otherwise law abiding... perhaps in time even peaceful people will be regarded as "terroristic" against society.

The beast is explained as a nation is Rev 17 and 18. In 17:9-13 we see the 7 heads are 6 past empires with 1 to come. For various reasons i see how our nation can fulfill all prophecies concerning the Harlot who rides and therefore guides the beast.

The beast is described as a man in Rev 13. It is likely that both the individual man and the world empire are the beast, for it is his brainchild... of course its Satans first.

As far as paramilitary activity is concerned, we must remember that he who "lives by the sword shall die by the sword." The Christians of the old Roman empire who were slaughtered by the thousands all went willingly and God had great grace.

In Daniel 7, 11, and Rev 13, we are told Antichrist receives power to overcome us, but we are the overcomers in the end.

"I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom" Dan 7:21-22 -- "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." Rev. 13:6-7

Rev 6:9-11 shows the martyrs under the altar of God in the heavenly temple. Rev 20:1-4 shows these same martyrs receiving great recognition and reward from God Himself.

As far as stocking up, I see nothing wrong with making some material preparation, but in that day we are better off just living by faith, and God will provide. Even if called to die in that day, God will give all who are faithful, the grace and courage to not just endure, but also be an example of endurance.

God bless you richly Jeff
your brother and sister
eric and lee

Comment
rghthand@yahoo.com
2-15-02

Perhaps the following will help to shed a little light on this subject.

Anyone studying the Book of Revelation the Bible must realize that there was no way a first century citizen could accurately describe the technology he was being shown in his present day vernacular.

The apostle John spoke of a "mark". The Greek rendering for this word  in the King James Bible translates to our word for "etching". I'm sure we can all agree that the production of computer chips involves this process for the circuitry.

The apostle goes on to say that if any man has wisdom, let him count the number. He tells us what the number is, but also challenges us to 'count' it. If you take the English alphabet and assign each letter an increasing value of '6', with A = '6', B = '12', C = '18', and add up all the values of each letter found in the word "COMPUTER", it all adds up to ! 666. I don't think this is a coincidence.

This is not to say that we should run in abject fear from computers, purchase no products from retailers using product codes and scanners, or disdain medical technology that can save lives and enable people to be productive rather than crippled and incapacitated. But we should keep a heads up for any government mandated imposition of such embedded technology, for eventually that can only lead to the prophesied restrictions on the transactions which make up a large portion of our existence in this society, far beyond the purchase of food and basic shelter, to the ability to hold down a job and operate a motor vehicle, etc. I believe this is the most balanced approach to take. The 'wisdom', I feel, is to realize that it will be the incorporation of this technology into man, much more refined and developed than is at present, to the po! int where the operation of such a chip will be able not only to track the individual, but to influence the thought processes and decisions.

Feel free to write back.

In His service...
Trenet Worlds

Reply...

Actually there is much evidence that the technology indeed exists to accomplish all the things you speak of concerning the implantable chips. Certain electronic impulses can indeed influence mood.

We can be assured that the technology actually released into the public, is far behind the technology already perfected and covertly used, especially since our knowledge database doubles frequently.

We can also be assured that we will never be told of such capabilities. To the average citizen, all that will most likely be known is that we are able to interact personally with computers, which in itself is amazing, and that it will "cure" many of the worlds present woes. It is also probable that many of these woes are artificially created in order for the average citizen to desire this technology be used.

Thank you for your response

Eric Jewell

Comment
Bob McNamara
2-17-02

The black and white spaces of a UPC symbol of nominal size are made up of a combination of elements that are 0.013" wide to represent each digit. The left set of numbers of a bar code represent the manufacturer and the set of numbers on the right side represent the product. Look at Green Giant for example in a store you will see that each Green Giant product has the same left side number whereas the numbers on the right side will vary with the product. Note there are five numbers on each side, therefore, there can be almost 100,000 manufacturers. Also each manufacturer can have almost 100,000 different products. In other stores such as clothing stores there are many more digits for for labeling both the manufacturer and also the item, size, color, etc. These codes are very useful for many determinations in inventory control and many other uses. The UPC system was never set up for any other purpose other than to keep tract of items in a store and facilitate throughput at the checkstand. Can you imagine how difficult it would be in any store if the cashier had to punch in all the numbers for each item as it was done years ago espicially with the literacy rate much lower than that of 1900. I had worked on quality control of UPC film masters for a large printer in 1974 who had a library of 8,000 customer/product symbols. Each film master had to be made to a tolerance of about 1 or 2/10,000 of an inch and the printed nominal symbol had to be about +&- 1.5 thsoundanths of an inch. This was the first time any numerical value was ever established for the resolution of printing of anything. The UPC system will never be used for marking people. There is a newer radio system for marking products that will probably replace the UPC system. The radio system is muchmore versitle and I think it can read items in boxes in a warehouse. Already people have the Federal Governments social security number that is used for identification for many purposes. Now that is a real police state identification number that we all now have to have. Even newborns are required to get a social security number as of at least 10 years ago. That number appears on every government form such as prescriptions, etc. Wake up, the police state ID number is here already.True it is also useful for our own use, but, criminals have been able to steal once a number is found out.

Bob McNamara

Reply from Eric Jewell -- Research returns:
Mr. McNamara....

United States Patent Application 20010048027 Kind Code A1 Walsh, Christopher S. December 6, 2001

 

Record and verification method, apparatus and system

 

Abstract

 

A method and apparatus are provided for verification of the identity of a patient undergoing treatment administered by a medical treatment practitioner in a treatment room.

 

24. A method according to claim 1 wherein said scanning is carried out using a scanning device selected from the group consisting of a coded marking scanner, a retinal scanner, a fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner and a scanner for a subcutaneous microchip.

 

25. A method according to claim 24 wherein said patient identifier comprises a barcode and scanning of said barcode is carried out using a coded marking scanner comprising a barcode reader.

 

Politician Wants to 'Get Chipped'
By Julia Scheeres

 

2:00 a.m. Feb. 15, 2002 PST A Brazilian legislator wants to become the first politician to be implanted with a controversial microchip that would contain his personal information.

 

"I want to demonstrate to the citizens of Brazil and the world that this technology is safe," Antonio de Cunha Lima, a federal minister from the state of São Paulo, said Thursday. "I believe in supporting the advance of science and technology. I want to be the first Brazilian to be chipped. I want to be the first politician to be chipped."

 

 

Cunha Lima said he plans be implanted with the VeriChip as soon as it is approved for use in Brazil. He added that he is interested in pursuing a joint venture between the chip's manufacturer, Applied Digital Solutions, and the company he presides over, Central Brasileira de Negocios.

 

The microchip, which is slightly larger than a grain of rice, stores six lines of text and 128 characters and emits a 125-kHz radio frequency signal that is detected by a special scanner up to four feet away. It is similar to the biochips that are used to identify pets and livestock.

 

Last week, a Florida family announced its desire to become the first family in the world to be implanted with the VeriChip once it is greenlighted by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

The chip maker, based in Palm Beach, Florida, is marketing the VeriChip as a medical and a security device.

 

People with chronic diseases, for example, could have chips encoded with their health histories and the name of their primary physician so hospital workers could simply scan their bodies in an emergency and access their medical records.

 

In South America, the chip is being commercialized as a way to identify kidnapping victims who are drugged, unconscious or dead. In that market, the chip is being bundled with the company's personal GPS device, Digital Angel, so police are able to track the abduction victim's location as well.

 

Cunha Lima, a veteran politician who has served in public office for more than 22 years, said he is interested in the VeriChip for its potential as a kidnapping deterrent.

 

"I believe this technology will contribute to the public safety and security of Brazilians," he said. "I believe this technology will act to deter the shocking rise of kidnapping in our cities and particularly the abhorrent kidnapping of the children of businessmen."

 

Abductions in Brazil have soared in recent years, according to the Brazilian media, and bands of young men roam the streets of major cities targeting drivers of luxury cars and business owners.

 

The city of São Paulo, the capital of the state of São Paulo and home to 17 million, is the kidnapping capital of Brazil. Last year, 251 people were kidnapped compared to 39 in 2000 and 13 in 1999, according to the secretary of public security.

 

Since its announcement last December, the VeriChip has stirred the public's imagination. While company officials have been bombarded with e-mails from teenagers who think the device is cool and want to get chipped, others worry that the device will someday be required identification.

 

Additionally, some Christians believe the technology could be the feared "mark of the beast" warned of in the Bible.

 

Applied Digital Solutions has lobbied to assuage the concerns of privacy advocates and Christians by appearing on the Christian talk show The 700 Club and by emphasizing the benefits of the device.

 

"People are crying for security and safety. This chip could help save lives," said Keith Bolton, the company's chief of technology. He added that privacy concerns are a moot point: "You turn the (GPS) device off; you elect to have it."

 

Cunha Lima coincided: "While I am concerned with a potential invasion of privacy, the use of this new technology is voluntary and not mandatory. If one chooses to 'be chipped,' then one has considered the consequences of that action."

 

Last week, Applied Digital Solutions applied for a trademark for the terms "get chipped" and "The Chipsons" -- the latter in reference to the Florida family.