Anything to Declare?
- ktweeddale
- Jan 31, 2017
- 2 min read
On Saturday, Donald Trump acting in the role of "President of the United States" signed an executive order restricting entry into the United States from seven Muslim countries. The order used religious discrimination and racial profiling as rationale for its truly un-American and autocratic dictate. Invisible Girl (IG) was heading south toward the Canada/US border. Armed with her trusty NEXUS pass which was secured by trading privacy for pre-screened convenience, IG was relieved to see the "fast lane" clear. Yet, just one lane over the chaos of the executive order was in full display. Drivers had left their cars to stretch their legs or catch a bit of cold January air, a clear sign that forward movement was nowhere in sight. Border officers were trying to determine who to keep out, who to let in, and how they became the high wire act in an administration that governs like a by-gone era three-ring circus.
IG crosses the Canada - US border regularly. The questions asked at the NEXUS lane coming into the US are fairly routine. The questions are simple: Where are you going? Why were you in Canada? Are you bringing anything in? IG usually tries to be witty, yet truthful, in an attempt to get a smile from what must be an incredibly boring tour of duty, screening the pre-ordained "safe" entrants. For example:
"What is the purpose of your visit?"
"To see if my family still recognizes me."
"Why were you in Canada?"
"To remind me what democracy still looks like."
"Are you bringing anything in?"
"Just my winning personality."
This time, IG could tell that things were different. IG was only asked one question:
"Anything to declare?" the officer mumbled without making eye contact. Did IG detect a hint of embarassment in his tone?
In a split second, IG thought of all the declarations that might be appropriate for the moment. Such as:
This is not my America.
This is not what we stand for.
This is not who we are.
This is not normal.
IG decided that perhaps this wasn't the time and shook her head and was waved through. In front of her was a blockade of border patrol vehicles bracketing the entrance ramp to the freeway and the exit to a secondary vehicle inspection lot. In the small piece of asphalt between the two stood a border guard dressed in full security regalia, striking a formidable pose. What was he there for? To catch all those streaming across the border to welcome the new president? It was a chilling sight. A day later, IG reversed her path and crossed the border once again, this time entering Canada from the US. The Canadian border guard asked her the same one question as the US guard, "Anything to declare?" Again, IG shook her head and was waved through. Just one lane over, Canada border agents were offering asylum to anyone not welcome in the Divided States of America. IG could see what used to be an invisible border now was clearly defined by hate, fear, and hubris. Yes, as an invisible American, IG definitely has something to declare and so should all the other invisible citizens that feel their country's values are under attack.