Apparently the States couldn't think of an easier way to lower world opinion of their country so they have officially branded people from all countries (with some Anglo-Saxon "exemptions") as criminals. Visitors to the US will now be fingerprinted upon entry - way to be a melting pot, guys!
I can't believe they are going through with this nonsense, the repercussions are huge. First, America's world rep has taken a MAJOR hit the last few years. World opinion of the States is at an all time low and this isn't going to improve matters. Second, the potential for racial profiling abuse is going to make American civil rights take a big step backwards. Third, the tourism industry is going to be killed - why go to the Grand Canyon when you can go to Niagra in Canada and not be treated like a criminal. The list goes on.....
Obviously major steps in the fight against terrorism are required and I'm not so liberal that I begrudge the US gov't taking reasonable steps. But it seems that all the recent major efforts by the States have had the effect of curtailing civil liberties. America is rapidly becoming the home of the used-to-be free and home of the brave.
I can't believe they are going through with this nonsense, the repercussions are huge. First, America's world rep has taken a MAJOR hit the last few years. World opinion of the States is at an all time low and this isn't going to improve matters. Second, the potential for racial profiling abuse is going to make American civil rights take a big step backwards. Third, the tourism industry is going to be killed - why go to the Grand Canyon when you can go to Niagra in Canada and not be treated like a criminal. The list goes on.....
Obviously major steps in the fight against terrorism are required and I'm not so liberal that I begrudge the US gov't taking reasonable steps. But it seems that all the recent major efforts by the States have had the effect of curtailing civil liberties. America is rapidly becoming the home of the used-to-be free and home of the brave.