Malcolm Wallop was an American politician who represented Wyoming as a Republican in the US Senate. He was well-known for his conservative opinions and frequently opposed what he saw as needless regulations or government overreach.

Wallop made a statement regarding national identity cards that stands out because it demonstrated his support for individual liberty and privacy. His larger position on restricting the power of the state over the lives of its citizens is reflected in this quotation. Wallop viewed national identity cards as a government-imposed lock that limited people's freedom, much like a key that locks the door to one's personal life and choices.

Wallop maintained that rather than promoting effective governance, such identification systems might end up serving as instruments for bureaucratic oversight. He thought it was critical to protect individual freedoms and uphold the confidence that citizens had in their elected officials. His stance against ID requirements was a component of his broader philosophy, which emphasized individual liberty and responsibility and called for less government involvement in daily affairs.

Essentially, Wallop's assertion highlights a political philosophy that prioritizes individual liberties and privacy over the practicality or apparent need for centralized identification systems.