16 years
They are obviously very bored. Sometimes, government is indeed the problem, not the solution.
When I visit America, I will tell the f*cking Department of Homeland Security that I´m a European Socialist who wants to spread his wealth around.
US Government to Require Tourists to Ask Permission in Advance to Enter the USA
Travel Talk
Seen via Arthur Frommer's Blog:
As astonishing as it may seem, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that starting January 12, 2009, people traveling to America -- even from countries whose citizens need not possess visas to visit us -- must apply for permission to come here three days in advance of arrival!
As reported by a British travel publication, TravelMole, the U.S. regulations will require "travelers to provide personal information including their name, date of birth and passport details, as well as travel information such as the flight number and destination address in the U.S. This is in addition to Advanced Passenger Information (API), which requires personal and travel details from the time of booking."
All this will need to be e-mailed to the Department of Homeland Security three days in advance of travel. The reason? "The purpose . . . is to allow the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether an individual is eligible to enter the U.S. before they start their journey."
Additional information and commentary on Edward Hasbrouck's blog:
The USA Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed that airlines cruise lines, and operators of all other ships and planes -- including charter flights, air taxis, fishing vessels, etc. -- be required to get individual permission ("clearance") from the DHS for each passenger on all flights or ocean voyages to, from, or via the USA. Unless the answer is "Yes" -- if the answer is "no" or "maybe", or if the DHS doesn’t answer at all -- the airline wouldn't be allowed to give you a boarding pass, or let you or your luggage on the plane.
Many links to documents and comments in the blog post.
- Comments
16 years
The republicans used 911 to tighten the grip of the police and other agencies on all of us. I wonder if Obama will be able to eliminate this nonsense, First of all lets start with 'Homeland Security' was not that the name the Nazi's used during their tenure..striking similarities abound. Bush is so discredited now it doesnt matter what we say, but lets hope leaders come to their senses and change these laws that keep folks from traveling free...
16 years
That is indeed right.
There are so many stories about "Homeland Security" doing the most nonsensical stuff, apparently because they are vastly overstaffed and just don´t know what to do every day.
It´s similar everywhere in Europe - for example in Italy, where Internet Cafes were forced by government to note passport numbers from everyone who used one of their computers at any time. Imagine what sort of extra hassle that brought to hostels which have public internet terminals.
It´s about time for a serious rollback. The fearmongering doesn´t work any more. I loved it when Jon Stewart gave Bill O a stuffed animal he can hug when he´s scared of terrorists. :D
16 years
Jon Stewart is my hero as is Mike Malloy (nova m network) and Tom Hartman of airamerica, all of them are working hard to stem the tide of the rising fascism, and in their own way I see the backpackers and the hostel owners that provide them a bed as part of the solution to greater freedom and international peace and understanding..ok getting of my soap box..
Mike
currently in woodstock New York but heading to Panama in January 09..
16 years
I think the importance of these "comedians" is totally under-rated. In politics, there is no weapon like humor, because most people don´t care for the truth or good arguments, but everybody enjoys a good laugh. I have it seen more than once in Germany how a politician´s career was ended because he became laughing stock.
You´re right about travelling. When I first went to South America for a few months, it totally changed my perspective - on Germany. You learn that a good education system or the rest of the so-called "nanny state" is actually something really worth fighting for. There are so many things we take for granted - they are not.
16 years
This is just what I didnt want to hear. I hope it is just a left-over of the present regime.
When Obama was elected I thought that, for the first time in 7 years, it would be worth visiting the US again, and they would welcome me.
But if they continue to make it difficult, well that's alright, there's lots of more welcoming countries in the World. I certainly don't intend to make any effort to abide by their paranoid regulations.
16 years
This is just what I didnt want to hear. I hope it is just a left-over of the present regime.
When Obama was elected I thought that, for the first time in 7 years, it would be worth visiting the US again, and they would welcome me.
When great minds meet... I had the same thought! ;) And I guess there are many others with the same feelings!
But if they continue to make it difficult, well that's alright, there's lots of more welcoming countries in the World. I certainly don't intend to make any effort to abide by their paranoid regulations.
GW is still the president and able to mess up until the last minute, in this case until 20th January. The big sweep out can only start from then.
16 years
When Obama was elected I thought that, for the first time in 7 years, it would be worth visiting the US again, and they would welcome me.
We'll welcome you (the people). Tourists might have to jump a few hurdles to enter the country though.
Apparently Obama was a backpacker at one point. I don't think the new administration will keep these bizarre anti-tourism policies.
There are so many stories about "Homeland Security" doing the most nonsensical stuff, apparently because they are vastly overstaffed and just don´t know what to do every day.
Here's a good example of that :D
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/16/AR2006021602066.html
Two uniformed men strolled into the main room of the Little Falls library in Bethesda one day last week and demanded the attention of all patrons using the computers. Then they made their announcement: The viewing of Internet pornography was forbidden.
The men looked stern and wore baseball caps emblazoned with the words "Homeland Security." The bizarre scene unfolded Feb. 9, leaving some residents confused and forcing county officials to explain how employees assigned to protect county buildings against terrorists came to see it as their job to police the viewing of pornography.
After the two men made their announcement, one of them challenged an Internet user's choice of viewing material and asked him to step outside, according to a witness...
16 years
Well I am here in the USA, I refuse to live in fear, there is no fear but fear itself, a proper quote for a fragile era. Glad to hear that other progressive folk are out there in the hostel ether, if anyone makes it to woodstock NY or David Panama, please stop by there is always room at the inn..
peace
Mike
16 years
Article from January 10, 2009:
Brits must register online for travel to US
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article5487551.ece
Britons travelling to the US could be detained and sent home by immigration officials if they do not register online before their trip, the Foreign Office has warned.
From Monday, UK nationals will need to complete an electronic authorisation form 72-hours before they fly, which has to be approved by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Travellers do not have to specify exactly when they are travelling and the electronic authorisation lasts for two years.
It applies to all travellers using the Visa Waiver Program, which allows British passport holders who intend to stay in America for less than 90 days to enter the country without a visa.
The scheme, known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), had been voluntary since it was first introduced in August last year. Previously, travellers would fill out a paper form during their flight an option which is being dispensed with on Monday.
What about people who don't know how to use the Internet? I wonder how they are going to apply to visit the US online. This is a really bad idea.
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