Re: [ARSCLIST] **SPAM** [78-l] ARSC Conference report: Day 1

[Jerry Hartke <jhartke@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David Lennick
> Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:56 AM
> To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] **SPAM** [78-l] ARSC Conference report: Day 1
> 
> D P Ingram wrote:
> > On 5 maj 2007, at 05.33, Steven C. Barr(x) wrote:
> >> is effectively part of Milwaukee...), leaving only the problem of
> >> the new anti-terrorist policies of the US, and a change in the
> >>
> >
> > I know the list isn't the place for this, and maybe the A part of the
> > ARSC justifies it being in America, but I am aware of quite a few
> > Europeans who have resolutely refused to go to the U.S. for business or
> > pleasure due to the knee jerk security reactions that have developed in
> > the land in the past few years.   Mind you, I understand that it can
> > often be quite horrible for Americans "returning home" as well when they
> > experience the kind, generous welcome of the Border Guards.  Even before
> > September 11, the idiocy that was greeting visitors was quite unwelcome.
> >
> > I can recommend a visit to Finland :) Come and visit the real home of
> > Father Christmas and hold the next ARSC away day.
> >
> >
> 
> I cross the border every two or three weeks (Canada/US, usually in the
> Niagara
> area but sometimes at Thousand Islands) with nary a problem. I carry a
> valid
> passport, I leave my attitude at home, I carry documentation or receipts
> for
> anything I'm bringing over, I take off my sunglasses when being questioned
> by
> the Customs officials. Granted, I haven't flown into the States in a few
> years.
> The only odd interrogation I'll receive in fact comes from Canadian
> officials,
> usually at the Thousand Islands entrance, where they'll ask if I'm
> importing
> liquor, tobacco, firearms, ammo or pepper spray (I kid you not). Records?
> What
> are those? (One time I had over a thousand 78s in the car and proof that
> they'd
> cost me next to nothing, and the guard insisted on knowing "What is the
> most
> expensive record you bought?" I got sent over for inspection and the
> supervisor
> looked and said "Oh, yeah..him. Have a nice day.")
> 
> dl

The U.S. is not alone. I continually have difficulties entering Canada from
the U.S. (I am a U.S. citizen). While serving gratis as a member of the
Technical Advisory Committee of the Canadian General Standards Board, I had
my passport confiscated for two hours in Ottawa, and was interrogated,
including "Why cannot a Canadian citizen do your job?" I followed up with a
letter of protest to the appropriate Canadian minister. Instead of an
apology, I was put on a list of troublemakers and am always shunted to a
long line of immigrants who are awaiting questioning, delaying my trip by an
hour or two.

Jerry Hartke
President
Media Sciences, Inc.