A decade ago, as a child, I remember being able to cross the border with just a state-issued ID, which later progressed to birth certificates, and now, passports.
I have no problem with carrying a passport or other federally-issued ID. I am not suggesting that we should have fully open borders, in spite of our close, friendly ties with Canada. However, as many forumers have explained [[based upon their experiences), declaring citizenship and providing one's passport is apparently not sufficient for BPA and custom agents. If the traveler does not exhibit signs of justifiably suspicious behavior, does not have an arrest warrant, is not in the act of committing a crime, and has proper documentation, why is there a need to harass, violate, and detain U.S. citizens re-entering their own country?
I have always been waved over into Canada with a smile, but upon returning, I am guilty until I can prove myself innocent [[or worthy to re-enter). Returning to the U.S. is like going on trial--cross examinations, and even full-blown interrogations, if detained. Moreover, if the agents behaved in a courtroom the way they do with citizens, they would surely face contempt of court.
LodgeDodger, The Dude, and others that find this treatment reasonable for the sake of security, you have accepted a nicely crafted illusion. It is not about security at all. Instead it is about regulating the flow of trade and people, invading privacy/learning more about the travelers [[the info that you share is illegally stored), restricting freedoms, and allowing the federal government to gain more power all in the name of "security." We submit to these police state-like practices from fear of a terrorist attack. The real attack is against our minds.
As a matter of fact, while riding on a bus into Texas from Mexico [[with mostly Mexican passengers), there was no questioning among the bus riders. We simply flashed our passports or respective IDs. If either U.S. border warrants the aforementioned tactics and practices, it is the southern border that is at greatest risk. Yet it appears that there are open borders for large swaths of the U.S.-Mexican border. Evidence abounds that officials have not cracked down on cartels, a form of terrorists, that cross our borders daily and live and operate within the U.S.
I refuse to allow the treatment by U.S. American agents to deter me from visiting my neighboring country. Unfortunately, too many people assume a passive role, and refuse to travel to Canada. However, it is not Canada's fault. If anything, it makes me want to support Canada more as I see that I am treated with more respect and dignity there.
One of the biggest illusions is the idea that a nation-state can grant us with freedoms. We universally have inalienable rights and freedoms. We need to stop surrendering our divine-given rights in the name of "security" and "freedom." It may not be bad yet, but more people in Detroit and nationwide are awakening and seeing a trend.