BajaNomad - Border Patrol Officers

Border Patrol Officers

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Cypress - 11-2-2008 at 01:59 PM

woody in ob, Thanks! That's what I'm talking about. :biggrin:

Took you this long to figure that out ??

beercan - 11-2-2008 at 02:11 PM

Quote:

Well.. it may be the internet, BUT when I joined i thought it was a community.. NOW i know it is NOT.. it is just a site where people can be mean to other and hide behind the internet...

BajaGringo - 11-2-2008 at 03:02 PM

The real truth is probably somewhere in between (as is most in life). I have no particular chip on my shoulder, always try to be very pleasant when crossing the border and answer all their questions with no attitude. Since I have been crossing in the SENTRI for the last 3 or 4 years I have had no real issues in that regard. In the regular lines I have met some very nice agents and some real a$$holes. Was sent to secondary once when I responded to an agent who made what I considered to be a very racist remark. My wife is Latina and hates to cross on her own because of some of the remarks agents have made to her at times. If you know her you would also know that she is as sweet as can be and has zero attitude with no chip on her shoulder or ax to grind. The border just is what it is and none of us here are going to change the people working those posts, no matter how much we wish we could.

That having been said, I do find it curious now that I am making weekly trips back and forth from San Quintin that the young men working the check point south of Santo Tomas have always been very polite and friendly, in spite of working in conditions not nearly as nice as the US agents have and for a lot less pay. Attitude is a choice and some of the agents at the US border could learn to do their job with a little better disposition. No matter what job you choose to work in life, (public/private) bringing an attitude to work and taking it out on the folks you encounter 9-5 should never be excused. Unfortunately that rule doesn't seem to apply to government workers in general it seems.

Your best bet is to just smile, answer the questions and keep your cool when you encounter a jerk. That works for me whether it be the border, post office, DMV or any other government office. To be fair I always thank the nice ones I come across as well...

Barry A. - 11-2-2008 at 03:11 PM

MGG---------even "communities" don't get along very well with folks that refuse to see anybodies point of view other than their own-------go back and read the entire thread and I believe you will see what I am talking about-------

We pretty much behave outselves on this board outside the "OFF TOPIC" section-------maybe that is where you will be more comfortable, but you better learn to "listen" there too.

Barry

Ken Cooke - 11-2-2008 at 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringoYour best bet is to just smile, answer the questions and keep your cool when you encounter a jerk. That works for me whether it be the border, post office, DMV or any other government office. To be fair I always thank the nice ones I come across as well...

I agree. I have been on the receiving end of some serious scrutiny when it comes to the stamps in my passport, and not looking like I make enough $$ to drive the vehicle that I drive. There's not much I can do except realize this is part of my trip into Baja.

dao45 - 11-2-2008 at 08:13 PM

well said baja gringo

2-tie-dye-4 - 11-2-2008 at 09:34 PM

you guys are nuts, I agree and disagree with all of y'all, but where was the need for the word that started with f and ended in uck and wasn't firetruck??? Ya, this forum is cruel at times, and that's entertainment and I have never felt a gun upside my head making me read it. Ya, it's the net, and remember how you feel when something in this forum upsets you....remember.....as you teach your child how to work the mouse. And, as you are preaching America, please remember this is a Mexican oriented forum and Mexicans are Americans. And they were before the United States. I still don't get it why so many "Nomads" are doing politics here. But I can take my own advice and just not read it. That's all I got to say about that. :biggrin:

David K - 11-2-2008 at 09:49 PM

"Mexicans are Americans. And they were before the United States."

The country of Mexico came AFTER the United States... or is that a trick statement you just made? :lol:

"please remember this is a Mexican oriented forum"

No, this is a 'BAJA' oriented forum... a small part of Mexico, the original California... first a part of Spain, then Mexico... with an occaisional gringo occupation... :light:

Bajafun777 - 11-3-2008 at 12:38 AM

The Customs/Immigration officers at the international border are not Border Patrol agents but they are all Federal Agents and should act in a professional manner. Now, standing on your feet dealing with car fumes, weather, people smuggling drugs, monies, people under the influence or with warrants for their arrest meaning harm to agents and anyone else can make one a little testy at times.
I had agents tell me that people should know they are going to asked a series of questions, as the agent does so to see if the person gets nervous or testy themselves. If they do or don't pass what that agent see as their "attitude test" it off to secondary you go. I have a sentri card and have been placed in secondary 3 times already. I do get frustrated being sent there but if that is the worse thing that happens to me in life I will accept it. Shoot, I have had doctors make me sit in their office 3 hours after my appointed time. It is what it is and no use letting it get you freaked out. I am sure we have all had days we have been less than professional towards others on our jobs or just in public not even thinking about it two seconds after we do it. Maybe we are having a crappy day and without thinking we do an such ugly actions towards others. Not saying it is right but as human beings we all make mistakes or act ugly at times because none of us walk on water.
By the way MexicoGringoGuy all of us at times get to going to fast on the keyboard and spelling mistakes can happen. It is not school time here and no blue books to fill out to get the grade. Thus, people should lighten up on that with others but like some say the grammar inspectors will do what they do. To be insulted or cursed at is not right when people are exchanging thoughts, I can agree to disagree with your thoughts but do so in a common respectfully manner. Now, if someone is blasting at you in such a manner I have been less than professional and fired right back See, I definately do not walk on water and have been known to get a little testy at times. If you were slighted I am sorry it happened but like it has been said by a few here it is an open forum jump to another topic or skip that writer's response to you. Later----- bajafun777 "No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun"

mtgoat666 - 11-3-2008 at 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MexicoGringoGuy
"Subject: Advice
From: The Gull
To: MexicoGringoGuy
Folder: Inbox
Sent: 11-2-2008 at 06:32 AM
Message: I have a life. It seems of the two of us, yours is much worse off.

When using the term, "everyones spelling" you need to remember to put in the apostrophe on "everyone's". You really should sue that school that mailed you that fake diploma. Who filled out the application for you to get it?

What a stupid person you are to think that anyone actually would believe a person who says they carry their college degree in their pocket. You are even more a stupid person if you actually do carry it around and show it off.

You asked for a debate and now it is not worth your time? Loser is the only term that truly fits you for that move.

I wish you more bad border crossings in the future. I know you will have them without my wish, as you are so steeped in self pity, anger, feeling of inadequacy and smallness, you bristle at all images of authority. A bad childhood would have that affect.

Don't bother to respond as I don't have the time to read more bad English."

I never asked for a debate... thats whats funny, is you go looking and think just because someone has other views than you that they want a Heated, mean debate.. well please quote me asking for a debate...

You are a mean old fool, and I hope you find happiness in this world!!

[Edited on 11-2-2008 by MexicoGringoGuy]

yep, that sounds like something the gull would write. mgg: ignore the scavenger bird, or throw it bread cumbs or old french fries - just be careful when it flies overhead, as it leaves a filthy mess in it's path.

TMW - 11-3-2008 at 08:09 AM

About 20 years ago a friend of mine crossed the border into TJ with his English girlfriend for a weekend. Coming back she realized she had left her passport in San Diego. He told her to just say she was from New York when asked and she did. The agent looked at her and said no your from England at which time she admitted it. They were sent to secondary where they were questioned in detail especially her but were sent on their way.

David K - 11-3-2008 at 09:24 AM

Yesterday, crossing back north at Tecate both gates had two inspectors... One at the booth in blue and one who walked around the vehicles in green, well armed... Stepped up security because of Tuesday's election?

The primary gaurd (in blue) checked our passports, asked the purpose of our trip, how long were we in Mexico, and if we were bringing anything back... Then he asked about my HID lights! Cool!! He asked if those were the ones Kragen was advertising, the price, and if they were bright... double cool!!

The other gaurd (in green) commented that we sure had a lot of 'stuff' for only two days in Mexico!? Now, I could have said those boxes and ice chests were full of ****** ! But, that would have been dumb and asking for trouble, right?

I said that we have standard camping boxes with all we need because we go to Baja, camping a lot... (In fact, the same amount of 'gear' is needed rather you camp for two days or two weeks... tent, stove, cooking gear, lanterns, etc.)

That was all, and we were on our way, no secondary...

bajalera - 11-3-2008 at 09:55 AM

OK, DK, let's get picky:

Citizens of the Estados Unidos de Mexico are Mexicans.
Citizens of the United States of America are Americans.
Both share a continent and are North Americans.

Pompano - 11-3-2008 at 10:02 AM

hmmm...my passport says:

Earthling.

It's been stamped twice.

vandenberg - 11-3-2008 at 04:43 PM

Quote:

I have a life. It seems of the two of us, yours is much worse off.

Gull,
Won't exactly win an english literature award. :no:

Oso - 11-3-2008 at 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Ken,
Can't help your suspicious appearance, but to avoid hassles with the obvious smuggling trips to Colombia (Why the hell else would anybody go to Colombia?), why don't you get one of the new passport cards. It only costs $20. I got mine in a couple weeks and there are no stamps on it.

David K - 11-3-2008 at 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalera
OK, DK, let's get picky:

Citizens of the Estados Unidos de Mexico are Mexicans.
Citizens of the United States of America are Americans.
Both share a continent and are North Americans.

Amen to that!!! Glad to see another Nomad knows their geography! :yes:

pascuale - 11-3-2008 at 06:35 PM

The guys at the Border are Customs, Not Border Patrol.

Debra - 11-4-2008 at 03:09 PM

Wow, this thread sure ended up in the toilet

CaboRon - 11-4-2008 at 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Amen to that!!! Glad to see another Nomad knows their geography! :yes:

ELINVESTIG8R - 11-4-2008 at 04:01 PM

This place is dripping with

The Gull - 11-4-2008 at 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

Quote:

I have a life. It seems of the two of us, yours is much worse off.

Gull,
Won't exactly win an english literature award. :no:

You really went a long way for that really significant response, V. Can you think of another term that ends in "off"?

vandenberg - 11-4-2008 at 08:24 PM

Quote:

You really went a long way for that really significant response, V. Can you think of another term that ends in "off"?

Two of hand.

toneart - 11-5-2008 at 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTI8
This place is dripping with

Yeah,
We just finish wiping off the sarcasm that is dripping down our faces and........WHAM! Ya get hit with another one from the steaming, fetid pile. Keep your heads down. I predict another missile is headed our way.

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