REFLECTOR: Crossing Borders, Big Brother

[Fred W. Anderka]

Dear All:

Commenting on Big Brother, TSA, etc.  What most people don't realize is that
every time you cross a border, on foot, car, commercial flight, private
aircraft or boat, if you have been identified, there is another data point
added to your file.  You though that you do not have a file??  Ha Ha.

I had foolishly thought that only private flights added to your file with
TSA or whatever agency keeps these humongous records.  This was brought home
while carrying a friend to Alabama who had been turned back at the U.S.
border in his CAR while on his way to Sun-n-Fun.  Clearing at Sandusky the
agent asked if anyone had been turned back at the border.  When John said
YES and explained the circumstance, the agent replied that his version did
not agree with what the computer file said. Scary, even though you may never
fly yourself out of the country, they know everything about you through the
aviation licensing process and of course now that you have a passport
nothing is secret anymore, they probably know your underwear size and type.

Even scarier on the Canadian side; do not try to hide any large purchases
from our Customs people.  One of our local aircraft returning from Oshkosh
cleared at Sault Saint Marie with the customary question regarding
purchases.  One of the pilots mentioned that he had purchased approximately
$500.00 of items.  The officer replied with an amount to the penny what he
had charged to his Credit Card, scared the hell out of everyone.  In today's
electronic transactions there are no secrets from the agencies that have a
vested interest in knowing everything about you, particularly post 9/11.

Fly free,

Fred A
C-GHOL