It's not a "cop out"...
I know, exactly, what Dennis is referring to and it HAS been discussed quite often, here. Just go over to the REL sig and run a search for "Mark of the Beast".
The mark does have an economic factor to it:
"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 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: 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."
But it, also, is a sign of worship and allegiance to the AntiChrist.
So, while this type of thing may be laying the groundwork for the real mark, this is not, yet, it.
I was just trying to stir the pot a bit because I enjoy irritating Dennis as much as possible...
Call it a hobby...
Problem is, he is onto me and usually just bitch-slaps me down to the ground.
I'M NOT A GNAT, DENNIS!!!
I HAVE FEELINGS, TOO, YOU KNOW!!!