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DavidT
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Papers, Please
Papers, Please
by John Brennan
I am a 58-year-old American male and former military officer who has had the opportunity to travel throughout the world. No, I never participated in
any war and am happy I haven’t. I was a PAO or Public Affairs Officer, gallantly writing my way through enemy lines. I lived for a while in Panama and
Japan, but experienced brief visits to many other countries. Some of these visits were on official business and others were for pleasure. After
leaving the military, I began to take longer journeys on my own,; a month in Europe, three months in Central America, a month in Australia.
As I child, I always dreamed of traveling the world and seeing new and exciting
things; having the chance to befriend and learn from people of other cultures. I’ve been lucky enough to do that.
I consider myself a vigilant traveler, when on the road I keep my eyes open and really study what I see around me. When I walk, my head moves slowly
to either side, my eyes like a camera lens, filming the people and places I see. My brain files away the images, recording and cataloging everything
for possible later use. I pay particular attention to certain things. Things like how friendly or rude I’m treated at immigration and how overtly
tough the visible police presence pretends to be. These things are a good indication of the collective personality of a country. A friendly face and a
pleasant greeting at immigration always goes a long way with me. A stern, sour disposition does nothing but make an already anxious procedure even
more unpleasant. And these days, unpleasant and uneasy is what I feel when re-entering my own country.
I live on the beach in northern Baja, Mexico, about two hours south of Ensenada. I have been here for three years and enjoy the peace and quiet I have
found. Not only that, I also feel more free down here. A lot less rules and regulations, and a lot less stress. I know what you are going to say,
"Mexico! drugs kidnappings and murders!," and you would be right. However, there is none of that where I reside. It is a tranquil, ocean setting where
life is easy and the locals friendly. I know it may not work for everyone, but it works for me. Good quality food is available at prices far less than
in the US. Truth be told, I no longer can afford to live on the beach in my native California. So, I live down here, but am close enough to the border
to make frequent trips back to my homeland, which is something I have come to dread.
On a trip to Europe a few years back, I crossed from Germany into the Czech Republic in a rented car, heading for the capital city of Prague. I will
never forget how friendly the guard was at the border. He was all smiles and happy to see me as I handed him my American passport. I remember looking
at his eyes as he told me he was glad to see Americans coming to his formerly Communist country. I could tell he was sincere. He actually was honored
to allow me the privilege to enter his homeland. As he handed my passport back, he told me to enjoy myself and wished me well. I drove off with a good
feeling, glad I had made the decision to visit this fascinating country. A feeling I wish I felt coming into America, but I don’t.
I don’t need to be told that 9/11 changed everything, I’ve heard it a million times. I realize the world is a dangerous place and there are plenty of
misguided zealots out there perfectly willing to blow themselves up in the name of some uncompromising religion or some far-out political cause. Holy
war martyrs? Cultural heroes? Hardly. I would call them mentally ill dupes in desperate need of some self-analysis. But dangerous nuts have been
around forever. And because of a few dangerous nuts, America has transformed itself into a rude, authoritarian police state, always eager to let you
know, "We are in charge, and don‘t you forget it."
This attitude will only lead us down the road to perdition. And this attitude seems to be pervasive everywhere in America. It is not my
imagination, I see it wherever I go. Men and women with something to prove to somebody. A surliness that borders on contempt. The weak misfits are now
in charge, and they are quick to let you know it. Simple-minded tools of a system with a questionable agenda. From the lowly mall cop, and the
muscle-bound street cop with the shaved head and tattoos, to the nasty Border Patrol agents in San Diego, scrutinizing me like I’m Osama Gonzalez with
nothing but nefarious intentions, obviously guilty of something for wanting to enter into my own country. As an American citizen, I resent this. It is
insulting and belittling, something I’m beginning to believe may have been planned all along. Many people tell me of similar treatment, so it is not
just me. Foreign friends who have so eagerly visited me in the past, are now reluctant to do so because of the treatment they now are subjected to
when entering the land of the free. I know all people in uniform aren’t like this, but if I said 95% of them are, I don’t think I would be far off.
Since 9/11, those in uniform apparently now see themselves as heroes, different than the rest of we, "civilians." A rigid, military mentally has swept
over this country like some ugly new fad. Between the intimidating, black N-zi-looking uniforms, the drug sniffing dogs at my feet and luggage, and
the poker-faced thugs with machine guns, I’d swear I was in wartime Germany being asked for my papers by some mindless automaton.
Maybe 9/11 didn’t change things at all? Maybe this is what America has been all along, and I just never saw it? It has always projected a, "tough on
crime" image, but it seems to be getting out of hand. Every day I read about incidents across the US where some cheap, wanna-be hero figure in uniform
has overstepped the boundaries of his authority; tasering some 86-year-old grandmother, firing 38 rounds into some unarmed guy reaching for his
wallet, or killing a drunk holding a garden hose water nozzle as he sits on the balcony of a friends apartment. Something has gone wrong. Treating
people – American citizens – like we are the new enemy, and they – those in uniform – are the occupying army, here to keep us in line. Pay close
attention to whenever some Podunk, one-horse town police force unveils a new addition to its anti-terrorist arsenal. That new tank or that military
surplus, laser guided, 50 caliber machine gun, and all their other new high-tech toys, will most likely be used against you, the new perceived enemy,
rather than some dark-skinned, turbaned terrorist.
America has elevated common policing to a well-managed, military operation. When the line between small town police and military becomes blurry, you
had better beware. N-zi Germany was very thorough in creating such an environment. Everybody was in uniform. Fear and intimidation were the preferred
tools of those in power. America may not be a true police state yet, but it certainly has become an over-policed country. Oh yeah, this is still a
free place all right, as long as you do what your told. The thing I find most frightening about this new "persona" my country has adopted, is how
quickly and easily it has been embraced by all those in positions of authority. I don’t care for it one bit, and am sad about what my homeland has
become. I don’t pretend to be some enlightened creature able to see the future in some crystal ball, but we are headed down a dangerous path.
I am old enough to have seen the transformation first hand. I was in the military and served my country proudly and respected our leaders and those in
uniform, like I was brainwashed to do. But what happened to the human touch? The friendly cop on the beat who knew everyone in town.? In high school,
I recall having my beer poured out by some understanding, regular-guy cop who knew that young high school males liked to drink beer on Friday nights
after a football game. It didn’t make me a criminal, nor did he treat me like one. He told me get home and stay out of trouble. Today I would probably
be arrested and taken to jail. This country loves to arrest its own citizens. It loves to pepper spray them, shoot them with plastic bullets and tase
them for the most minor infraction. "Quit resisting," has become the new mantra for every cheap nobody with a badge and uniform bent on beating the
chit out of someone. It happens everyday in every small town across America. And that prevailing attitude begins from the very moment you enter the
country.
All the rude, surly men and tough looking women who wish they were men dressed in black at the border, are only the tip of a giant lance that is aimed
right at the heart of this country; a country I’m not sure I recognize any longer. I know there are bad guys trying to slip through the border, but
the rest of us, with valid American passports, shouldn’t be treated with such contempt. A smile or friendly greeting would be much appreciated,
instead of, "Where are you coming from, and what were you doing there?" The more I encounter this rudeness and intimidation, the more I want to never
return.
John Wayne is not dead my friend, his tough guy persona lives on in every lowlife nobody in uniform dying to be a hero in the war on terrorism. The
problem is the war on terrorism has transmuted into a war on us; the American people. Why are we now subjected to warrantless checkpoints and groping
by low-class, TSA agents when traveling? What did I do? It is merely conditioning us for further subjugation. Remember this: it’s only the beginning.
It’s a war that pretends to be ever vigilant for those bent on destroying the US, but instead it has been used to strip us of our liberties and
dignity. And it is happening very quickly. New restrictions seem to be enacted every day, all for our own good. When the government tells you "It’s
for our own safety," believe just the opposite. It is a slippery slope we are on; a slope fraught with danger. Be suspicious and very wary of all that
they say. Just beware, once the 800-pound gorilla is out of the cage, it‘s tough putting him back in.
November 29, 2011
John Brennan [send him mail] is a freelance writer living in Mexico and will respond to any comments.
Copyright © 2011 by LewRockwell.com. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit is given.
http://lewrockwell.com/orig12/brennan-j1.1.1.html
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Pescador
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Posts: 3587
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Location: Baja California Sur
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That is the best written piece of a perception I have had for a long time and also led to my retiring to Mexico. I really hate going back to the US
for the same reasons you have so aptly described. This should be required reading for all of the government "flunkies" who have flocked to those
jobs and it is just not at the border where we find it. How much fun was it last time you went to city hall to get a building permit, or renewed your
drivers license, or even went to get a marriage license. Unlike the private sector where people usually go out of their way to treat the clients
like customers and important people, we are surrounded by people who became surly, un-cooperative, and probably very happy with their inability to be
fired.
I for one will be sending this to all of my friends.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Yea, seems like the face of authority has lost it's smile.
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baronvonbob
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Pescador
That is the best written piece of a perception I have had for a long time and also led to my retiring to Mexico. I really hate going back to the US
for the same reasons you have so aptly described. This should be required reading for all of the government "flunkies" who have flocked to those
jobs and it is just not at the border where we find it. How much fun was it last time you went to city hall to get a building permit, or renewed your
drivers license, or even went to get a marriage license. Unlike the private sector where people usually go out of their way to treat the clients
like customers and important people, we are surrounded by people who became surly, un-cooperative, and probably very happy with their inability to be
fired.
I for one will be sending this to all of my friends. |
I find your observations interesting in the area where you discuss City Hall. There is much truth in what you state. The times have changed and many
of these surly "Employees" have been released, with the resulting law suits etc. I have noticed in the last few years that the employees at a lot of
the smaller Cities reflect the attitudes of the Elected Officials. If they do not, they are fired. Many examples can be noted in the State of
Oregon.
The more astute politicians vote for changes in the ordinances that will reflect well on their "Agenda". An example would be how development and
permit fees with assurances of completion were changed where the high flying developers would not have to put up so much front money for their
developments. When the development bubble burst and the non binding assurances collapsed many development went uncompleted and did not finish the
public infrastructure that was a requirement off the project. This again put the burden on the Public to complete the infrastucture portions.
I state no answer, but just a point of what our society is becoming!
The point being, it is dificult to question authority now days with out some sort of uncomfotable recourse. So many take the easy road and do not
question. Which leads to the question, how did we empower these people and let it get this far? ... and is it too late?
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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I remember the good old days at the border. "Citizenship?". "US". "Welcome back.". That was it.
I'm tired of the treatment from the officers these days. I feel like I have to kiss their ass to get back into my country. Next time I'll treat them
the way they treat me. I'll let you know how that goes....
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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All good reading ..and a point of view.
Me too, ateo...this will be a good time for a 'test or report' .... let you know in about 4 hours what my experience is like crossing at Tecate.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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David K
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Posts: 64852
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Pompano
All good reading ..and a point of view.
Me too, ateo...this will be a good time for a 'test or report' .... let you know in about 4 hours what my experience is like crossing at Tecate.
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Do you have mobile Internet Roger?
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Yes....I do at the present...don't know how much longer it will last, though. Tower, etc.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Want to fish!!!
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DHS, CBP, IRS, EPA, BAR, CALOSHA, CFTB, SBOE, EDD, CARB, AQMD, DMV, USMC, USPO, the list goes on, every government agency, be it city, county, state,
or fed, have been a pain in my burro, wallet, or both, forever. 
As the piece states, it has worsened exponentially since 9/11. Boy, Mexico's problems and all, sure is nice and peaceful down here in La Paz! I had
enjoyed my weekends in La Mision for years because of the peace, quiet, and nobody trying to control my life.
The decision to sell out and leave California for good was actually very easy to make, mainly thanks to the above listed government entities. I
should thank them, but can't seem to find the words. 
Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands upon the wheel!
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LancairDriver
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Registered: 2-22-2008
Location: On the Road
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Excellent post! I couldn't agree more. This same attitude described here has crept into every small berg Police Department in the US. 911 has
certainly accelerated this transformation. Way to many Reality shows have glorified this attitude. Every underachiever who wants to exert control over
people they normally couldn't compare to, now find it all to easy to find a job in law enforcement. The traditional definition of "hero" was
re-written after 911.The small berg of 1,000 people near where I live now has eight cops, five of which are volunteers, with more waiting to get their
black attire and boots and join the ranks of the heroes. Unfortunately I'm afraid this is typical of the entire country. Maybe this is the reason so
many of us appreciate the Baja life style.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DavidT
......will most likely be used against you, the new perceived enemy, rather than some dark-skinned, turbaned terrorist......
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He has an interesting perspective with which I agree in part. I am sorry he chose the above description---- it was difficult to get past this slur.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| Quote: | Originally posted by DavidT
......you, |
---- it was difficult to get past this slur. |
Ohhh, Diane....."You" isn't really a slur....yet, anyway. 
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| Quote: | Originally posted by DavidT
......you, |
---- it was difficult to get past this slur. |
Ohhh, Diane....."You" isn't really a slur....yet, anyway.
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Well, in context it could be, maybe. 
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Mengano
Banned
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Registered: 9-26-2011
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabass
I had enjoyed my weekends in La Mision for years because of the peace, quiet, and nobody trying to control my life.
The decision to sell out and leave California for good was actually very easy to make, mainly thanks to the above listed government entities. I
should thank them, but can't seem to find the words.
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I fail to understand what your penchant is for lying so much. You seem to forget that all your posts are still floating around in the internet. Some
people who read have almost a 100% retention, so your lies and contradictions just pop right out.
You have made it very clear in the past that you left California because (1) Your business failed, and (2) you married a Mexican doctor. You have also
made it crystal clear that you were getting your clock cleaned out in La Mision and were fed up with the crime there. You moved further south because
your Mexican doctor wife got a job down south. It is not even likely you had too much to do with the decision process.
Your sour grapes about the US are more are result of your personal failures than the reality. That is a very common theme for expats to rationalize
their behavior. Do you really think the US has more government agencies and intervention than Mexico? Mexico has a bloated government with endless
tramites and alphabet-lettered ministries that are always stepping on each other's toes. Even the Mexicans admit their judicial system is a
total failure.
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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Mengano, not failed, SOLD. Get a life, not mine! Envy is ugly!
Soulpatch, I hope you notice I did not mention firefighters and local law enforcement agencies in my list. You guys are the best!!
Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands upon the wheel!
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by baronvonbob
| Quote: | Originally posted by Pescador
That is the best written piece of a perception I have had for a long time and also led to my retiring to Mexico. I really hate going back to the US
for the same reasons you have so aptly described. This should be required reading for all of the government "flunkies" who have flocked to those
jobs and it is just not at the border where we find it. How much fun was it last time you went to city hall to get a building permit, or renewed your
drivers license, or even went to get a marriage license. Unlike the private sector where people usually go out of their way to treat the clients
like customers and important people, we are surrounded by people who became surly, un-cooperative, and probably very happy with their inability to be
fired.
I for one will be sending this to all of my friends. |
I find your observations interesting in the area where you discuss City Hall. There is much truth in what you state. The times have changed and many
of these surly "Employees" have been released, with the resulting law suits etc. I have noticed in the last few years that the employees at a lot of
the smaller Cities reflect the attitudes of the Elected Officials. If they do not, they are fired. Many examples can be noted in the State of
Oregon.
The more astute politicians vote for changes in the ordinances that will reflect well on their "Agenda". An example would be how development and
permit fees with assurances of completion were changed where the high flying developers would not have to put up so much front money for their
developments. When the development bubble burst and the non binding assurances collapsed many development went uncompleted and did not finish the
public infrastructure that was a requirement off the project. This again put the burden on the Public to complete the infrastucture portions.
I state no answer, but just a point of what our society is becoming!
The point being, it is dificult to question authority now days with out some sort of uncomfotable recourse. So many take the easy road and do not
question. Which leads to the question, how did we empower these people and let it get this far? ... and is it too late? |
Well written and expressive of my experiences crossing back and living within 100 miles of the border.
There is an article written two years ago that I will post on OT under the heading "Why OWS" which seemed to be a topic there. I would prefer to post
here but it uses some pretty provocative expletives.
Goes right along with this excellent article. If you check it out remember, it was written two years ago.
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TacoFeliz
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Location: Here
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Excellent post, DavidT.
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Woooosh
Banned
Posts: 5240
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Member Is Offline
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I always roll my eyes when rolling through the border gate headed north after reading (paraphrasing) "We will give you a cordial welcome when
returning the the USA". I have never gotten that, from them anyways.
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Want to fish!!!
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I am sorry to hear this Soulpatch. Once I passed my wild years, I've always respected cops and firefighters. Doing the jobs nobody else wants to.
Running INTO burning buildings, CHASING the bad guys with guns, ect. Not being on the inside, it seemed all the cops and firemen I dealt with were
good people. Maybe it is the new blood. I did see what was happening to people trying to run honest small businesses in California, so, I opted for
early "retirement".
Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands upon the wheel!
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by soulpatch
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabass
Mengano, not failed, SOLD. Get a life, not mine! Envy is ugly!
Soulpatch, I hope you notice I did not mention firefighters and local law enforcement agencies in my list. You guys are the best!!
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I did and I and the other career professionals see the degradation from the inside.
We are not ecstatic about what we see and many of us want to get out before it truly becomes a clown show.
Some (non-thinkers) think when you pin a badge on them they are the chiite.... unfortunately, this is a case of where you get what you pay for.
Also, when you paint with a universal brush you fail to see the bright spots within what can be a frustrating and dark picture.... they are there....
unfortunately, they are remarkable rather than commonplace. |
Right on! Since 2005 I have had many friends and neighbors bail from the "old" Border Patrol that they knew due to the changes based on the
personality types and procedures that are being installed by Homeland Security today.
SDPD is having the same problem and two friends who "defected' are now happily employed in Silicon Valley PD's.
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