The cost of Real ID...and the value?

ALBANY -- Starting Tuesday, New Yorkers will be able to purchase enhanced drivers' licenses that may also be used for land or sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. (PressConnects)

So, it is not, "New Yorkers will be required to acquire" but instead will be available for purchase, despite the fact that you will still need a passport to travel internationally. So unless you only fly across the country, this form if ID will be virtually useless, oh, except as a driver's license. And for this, you will have to shell out almost $100. For the privilege of driving. Someone commented that this is all about money and not about homeland security. I am afraid I have to agree. Especially since this ID is ONLY available for US citizens that are New York residents. What about those that are in the country legally but not citizens? I guess they still have to rely on their passports. Just like citizens of the United States should be doing anyway.