Americans Single Males Returning To The Us From Thailand

[kat]

I think a lot of airport security could be much nicer, but they have been elevated to this new level of importance and you will see power tripping by minimum wage employees. There is no doubt that this is occurring more frequently, and that it is unpleasant, but I do not think rudeness is the same as abuse, and all that it can entail in airport security nightmares. Abuse is a serious word, and should be used responsibly.

[Theyreallrubbish]

Maybe the same people who think it is OK for America to use torture and waterboarding?

Torture of suspects that are definately helping terrorists, is a lot more honorable than letting large numbers of innocent people be badly hurt and die.

It is not a black and white world!

According to Senator John McCain who has experience of being tortured, torture is NOT necessary, does NOT improve intelligence, and he has categorically stated that if he becomes President the United States will NOT perform torture under any circumstances.

I think I'll accept his opinion on the matter as he's the only one with first hand experience.

[TommyGun]

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

[Huey]

In 6 years never. And I was kinda suspecting I would be, I have multiple stamps from Thailand, Jordan, Iraq, UAE, Cambodia...ect. never so much as a single word of question ever.

[TommyGun]

I forgot to mention. I read on the news today that in most US airports they have people watchers. They decide wether you are stressed, look angry, or may be a threat. They can detain you and question you under the terrorism act. Isn't that nice.

[bulmercke]

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

The US is fast becoming - has become - a police state - the intimidation and harrassment of travellers applies to US citizens as much as it does to citizens of others countries.

It's all about the desensitization - acclimatization - and conditioning of American citizens for the fascist police state that has already arrived. And this appalling treatment of ordianry citizens isn't just restricted to airports - it happens all the time at train stations - sea ports - and on the streets of every town and city in the US now.

[toptuan]

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

The US is fast becoming - has become - a police state - the intimidation and harrassment of travellers applies to US citizens as much as it does to citizens of others countries.

It's all about the desensitization - acclimatization - and conditioning of American citizens for the fascist police state that has already arrived. And this appalling treatment of ordianry citizens isn't just restricted to airports - it happens all the time at train stations - sea ports - and on the streets of every town and city in the US now.

Sir, unless you've traveled to China, Laos, Burma, most Arab countries and Israel, you don't know what a police state is. Your hyperbole is a little hyper. Until then, try some broader travel or get a thicker skin.

[yorkman]

I think a lot of airport security could be much nicer, but they have been elevated to this new level of importance and you will see power tripping by minimum wage employees. There is no doubt that this is occurring more frequently, and that it is unpleasant, but I do not think rudeness is the same as abuse, and all that it can entail in airport security nightmares. Abuse is a serious word, and should be used responsibly.

A voice of reason Kat

Of course its a real pain at the end of perhaps a long flight, but if you get really stressed out by this then I would suggest you may have other issues. It's not the end of the world, just minimum wage employees doing their best, or in some cases, worst.

Cooperate, dont be a smartass, smile and they will quickly move on to somebody else. I have been stopped because they wanted to check what was on my laptop. I just grinned and said "ahh you are looking for porno pictures yes?" A smile back and an immediate relaxation of the tension, a look at a couple of pictures of my wife and the kids, and "No problems, move on Sir, get some sleep, you look tired!"

Hopefully they can catch a real sex fiend, drug smuggler or terrorist. Do you really want them in your home country?

[Jingthing]

Maybe the same people who think it is OK for America to use torture and waterboarding?

Torture of suspects that are definately helping terrorists, is a lot more honorable than letting large numbers of innocent people be badly hurt and die.

It is not a black and white world!

So say totalitarians all over the world (Burmese generals).

[yorkman]

Sir, unless you've traveled to China, Laos, Burma, most Arab countries and Israel, you don't know what a police state is. Your hyperbole is a little hyper. Until then, try some broader travel or get a thicker skin.

as I was posting the above, yet another voice of reason

[Jingthing]

I think a lot of airport security could be much nicer, but they have been elevated to this new level of importance and you will see power tripping by minimum wage employees. There is no doubt that this is occurring more frequently, and that it is unpleasant, but I do not think rudeness is the same as abuse, and all that it can entail in airport security nightmares. Abuse is a serious word, and should be used responsibly.

The people who "greet" you when you arrive from abroad are most certainly NOT anything close to minimum wage workers. There seems to be confusion here. We are not talking about the boarding the plane security, we are talking about re-entry points into the US at airports. I don't think the former is even worth discussing. Alot of it is what I call "security theater" to make people FEEL they are not going to be blown up, but some screening is definitely needed for air safety. Again, totally different subject from how we are treated when entering OUR OWN COUNTRY.

Edited December 19, 2007 by Jingthing

[JonnyF]

Maybe the same people who think it is OK for America to use torture and waterboarding?

Torture of suspects that are definately helping terrorists, is a lot more honorable than letting large numbers of innocent people be badly hurt and die.

It is not a black and white world!

Firstly, it takes a trial with solid evidence to determine whether they are definitely helping terrorists - without a trial you and me are equally "guilty" of terrorism. The only difference is that they were arrested and we were not.

Secondly, before you start talking about "letting large numbers of innocent people be badly hurt and die", you should probably look at the statistics regarding the "war on terror" in Iraq. Just a hint in case you're stuggling here - I'm not talking about U.S casualties.

[Jingthing]

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

The US is fast becoming - has become - a police state - the intimidation and harrassment of travellers applies to US citizens as much as it does to citizens of others countries.

It's all about the desensitization - acclimatization - and conditioning of American citizens for the fascist police state that has already arrived. And this appalling treatment of ordianry citizens isn't just restricted to airports - it happens all the time at train stations - sea ports - and on the streets of every town and city in the US now.

Its a matter of degree. The US has strong symptoms of fascism. (Just watch Fox News, the top American "news" right wing propoganda channel.) It is not Nazi Germany.

Edited December 19, 2007 by Jingthing

[JonnyF]

Sir, unless you've traveled to China, Laos, Burma, most Arab countries and Israel, you don't know what a police state is. Your hyperbole is a little hyper. Until then, try some broader travel or get a thicker skin.

as I was posting the above, yet another voice of reason

So unless a country's civil rights record is the worst in the world, we have no right to complain about it???

"Hey man - China's worse than the U.S so just leave it, man..."

Ever heard of shutting the stable door before the horse has bolted?

[bulmercke]

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

The US is fast becoming - has become - a police state - the intimidation and harrassment of travellers applies to US citizens as much as it does to citizens of others countries.

It's all about the desensitization - acclimatization - and conditioning of American citizens for the fascist police state that has already arrived. And this appalling treatment of ordianry citizens isn't just restricted to airports - it happens all the time at train stations - sea ports - and on the streets of every town and city in the US now.

Sir, unless you've traveled to China, Laos, Burma, most Arab countries and Israel, you don't know what a police state is. Your hyperbole is a little hyper. Until then, try some broader travel or get a thicker skin.

toptuan - interesting how you've picked out five of the most authoritarian, dictatorial and reppressed places in the world as a point of comparison to the US!

Edited December 19, 2007 by bulmercke

[Jingthing]

The USA is in the same class as the world's most repressive large nations on certain key issues, such as the DEATH PENALTY and HIGH RATES OF INCARCERATION. This isn't surprising to anyone who has been paying attention.

Edited December 19, 2007 by Jingthing

[yorkman]

Sir, unless you've traveled to China, Laos, Burma, most Arab countries and Israel, you don't know what a police state is. Your hyperbole is a little hyper. Until then, try some broader travel or get a thicker skin.

as I was posting the above, yet another voice of reason

So unless a country's civil rights record is the worst in the world, we have no right to complain about it???

Of course you have a right to complain about it, although to your senator might be more productive rather than here. I doubt it but hey

As said by toptuan, get a worldwide perspective, and then maybe, just maybe, you may be more relaxed about this.

Relax, it will not kill you, its the c**p in the West. Thats why I spend every living minute I can in Thailand

[Jingthing]

Americans know full well that if they complained to their respresentave about rude treatment they would be well on their way to the NO FLY LIST. Try taking a bus, boat, or train back to America. Good luck on that. We put up with anything, what choice do we have?

Edited December 19, 2007 by Jingthing

[yorkman]

The USA is in the same class as the world's most repressive large nations on certain key issues, such as the DEATH PENALTY and HIGH RATES OF INCARCERATION. This isn't surprising to anyone who has been paying attention.

Well then, just don't go back if you hate the place. Don't SHOUT btw. Most people can read a sentence and pay attention.

[Jingthing]

The USA is in the same class as the world's most repressive large nations on certain key issues, such as the DEATH PENALTY and HIGH RATES OF INCARCERATION. This isn't surprising to anyone who has been paying attention.

Well then, just don't go back if you hate the place. Don't SHOUT btw. Most people can read a sentence and pay attention.

No way. I have to go back sometimes. It is my home country. HOW OFFENSIVE to even suggest that. I never said I hated my country. I hate fascism, don't you?

I use ALL CAPS for emphasis. That is not shouting. It is shouting if your ENTIRE POST is all caps, got it now, editor?

Edited December 19, 2007 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Inquiring minds want to know. Over the years, we have had many reports of American single males being harassed reentering the US at airport entry points. Some people saying "it's never happened to me!" think their anecdotal report proves anything. It definitely happens. Thailand travelers are definitely bothered more than the curve. This poll is to ferret this out (or not).

Rude, arrogant, overly inquisitive, but I have the last laugh -- I escaped from America and only revisit to encourage other prisoners to do likewise.

Well said, Sir!

[bulmercke]

Americans know full well that if they complained to their respresentave about rude treatment they would be well on their way to the NO FLY LIST. Try taking a bus, boat, or train back to America. Good luck on that. We put up with anything, what choice do we have?

If you turn up at any US airport now and purchase a one way internal ticket - that is enough to arouse the suspicion of the authorities. Terrorist. Red-flagged. Perhaps even the express lane to the dreaded NO FLY LIST!

[kat]

I think a lot of airport security could be much nicer, but they have been elevated to this new level of importance and you will see power tripping by minimum wage employees. There is no doubt that this is occurring more frequently, and that it is unpleasant, but I do not think rudeness is the same as abuse, and all that it can entail in airport security nightmares. Abuse is a serious word, and should be used responsibly.

The people who "greet" you when you arrive from abroad are most certainly NOT anything close to minimum wage workers. There seems to be confusion here. We are not talking about the boarding the plane security, we are talking about re-entry points into the US at airports. I don't think the former is even worth discussing. Alot of it is what I call "security theater" to make people FEEL they are not going to be blown up, but some screening is definitely needed for air safety. Again, totally different subject from how we are treated when entering OUR OWN COUNTRY.

oh, ok, well thanks for clarifying. In that case, I have not been rudely treated by any of the immigration officers. I have only encountered rude, facist-like behavior from the security-boarding personnel. I was once questioned by immigration on my return from Cuba, and she went through my stuff, but there was not a thing she could do because I went there legally. After about 10 minutes, she bid me a good day with a smile and I did the same.

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

The US is fast becoming - has become - a police state - the intimidation and harrassment of travellers applies to US citizens as much as it does to citizens of others countries.

It's all about the desensitization - acclimatization - and conditioning of American citizens for the fascist police state that has already arrived. And this appalling treatment of ordianry citizens isn't just restricted to airports - it happens all the time at train stations - sea ports - and on the streets of every town and city in the US now.

Its a matter of degree. The US has strong symptoms of fascism. (Just watch Fox News, the top American "news" right wing propoganda channel.) It is not Nazi Germany.

I have to correct conservatives on this issue: Fox News is not the number 1 "news" station, it is number one on cable television. Please don't give them anymore credit then they already postulate for themselves.

The USA is in the same class as the world's most repressive large nations on certain key issues, such as the DEATH PENALTY and HIGH RATES OF INCARCERATION. This isn't surprising to anyone who has been paying attention.

That is a sweeping statement. Yes, the U.S. absolutely has problems with the death penalty and incarceration - no doubt - but you would then compare to the world's most repressive regimes: Darfur, North Korea, Burma, and in the case of women and minorities Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Libya?

Even contemporaries like Japan, Turkey and China have their problems.

Americans know full well that if they complained to their respresentave about rude treatment they would be well on their way to the NO FLY LIST. Try taking a bus, boat, or train back to America. Good luck on that. We put up with anything, what choice do we have?

That is really a bit much. If we complain we will be put on a "no fly" list? I think at a very top level that is a possibility with the current government, but at a consumer level? That is over the top.

[NanLaew]

Until the Republicans lose an election, they will defend their right to have ICE staff spot and harass Democrats at airports. It's policy!

To be realistic, it all went really pear-shaped after a certain dysfunctional young American in Bangkok laid claim to having murdered some rising 'star' of the US child beauty pageant circuit. Of course, government agencies tasked with responding more to the ensuing media frenzy than the real problem of pedophilia, took to labeling and stereotyping all single, middle-aged men arriving from Thailand as probable teachers from Bangkok in a predictable knee-jerk reaction.

I am not a US citizen but was a legal US resident alien for over 10 years. However, I sold up recently and moved out. One major factor behind this was getting finger-printed and photographed every time I re-entered the country; up to 8 times every year. Just wait till they start doing that with their own citizens. Then you can really start whining.

[yorkman]

The USA is in the same class as the world's most repressive large nations on certain key issues, such as the DEATH PENALTY and HIGH RATES OF INCARCERATION. This isn't surprising to anyone who has been paying attention.

Well then, just don't go back if you hate the place. Don't SHOUT btw. Most people can read a sentence and pay attention.

No way. I have to go back sometimes. It is my home country. HOW OFFENSIVE to even suggest that. I never said I hated my country. I hate fascism, don't you?

I use ALL CAPS for emphasis. That is not shouting. It is shouting if your ENTIRE POST is all caps, got it now, editor?

Ahh.. I detect a bit over of oversensitivity. Are you angry with everybody who does not agree with your point of view? How is your day to day life in Thailand? Everything OK?

Oy Vey. Just get hooked up with the Thai person of your choice, and perhaps, just perhaps, you might learn from them something. Just relax... it does wonders

[TommyGun]

The questions are become so intense because the US as become a policed state. You don't need to look to hard on the internet to find that out. The UK is just the same in other areas. Another subject i know.

The US is fast becoming - has become - a police state - the intimidation and harrassment of travellers applies to US citizens as much as it does to citizens of others countries.

It's all about the desensitization - acclimatization - and conditioning of American citizens for the fascist police state that has already arrived. And this appalling treatment of ordianry citizens isn't just restricted to airports - it happens all the time at train stations - sea ports - and on the streets of every town and city in the US now.

Sir, unless you've traveled to China, Laos, Burma, most Arab countries and Israel, you don't know what a police state is. Your hyperbole is a little hyper. Until then, try some broader travel or get a thicker skin.

Boy do you have your head burried in the sand. No offense intended. This is the difference. The countries you mention the people know they live in a policed state. US and UK citizens are conditioned to believe they live in a civilized country, when infact it's much worse than they could possible imagine.

Switch your telly off and read the real news.

[yorkman]

Ohhh I won't even do the "quote" thing... its amazing how many angry and disaffected people post their half thought out opinions on here, particularly this thread... see the OP as an example.

Relax.....

[TommyGun]

Thought is was a debate of some sort. Didn't see the angry bits. Maybe others are a little to sensitive.

[farang prince]

A more or less even (between positive and negative experiences) poll result on this subject is indeed a VERY VERY DAMNING result. If they weren't indeed excessively rude and disresptful to us, and sometimes ABUSIVE, you would expect less than say 5 percent negative responses.

If nothing else, I hope this result silences those who have never had a problem who think this means this abuse does not happen. It happens ALL THE TIME. And it is disgusting.

Another thing I do not understand: why do some people MAKE EXCUSES for this totally unprofessional behavior? Maybe the same people who think it is OK for America to use torture and waterboarding?

Jingthing, your anti-American tirades get very tiring. I for one am delighted that America was able to extract critical information from Al Qaeda prisoners...USING WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY. To have these people in custody and not get information from them that could prevent further attacks on innocent people would be far more outrageous and criminally negligent that using a waterboarding interrogation technique. Call it torture if you want. I call it effective.

Let me ask you, Jingthing, if you were captured by Al Qaeda, what do you think they would do to you?

Edited December 19, 2007 by farang prince

[jfchandler]

Just checking... how did a poll on the screening practices of U.S. airport security folks for males returning from Thailand get into a debate over the merits of torturing prisoners??? Sounds like it's time for some folks to take this to a new post, if they want to carry on in that direction.

I have to go back home to the U.S. for Christmas next week, and have been thinking what I might say if asked why I've been saying so long in Thailand, instead of working in the U.S. (which I did for many years before).

I think my simple answer will be, "Gee, if you had a choice between relaxing in Thailand vs. doing the 9-5 office grind in the U.S. every day, which would you choose???"