Border (in?)security

[Aaron Adler <cadlerun@>]

Border security is a hot topic these days.

How should we secure our border? Fences? Renegade bands of citizens?
Helicopters with infrared cameras?

The few times I've been to Canada, I've always been struck by the
difference between the border guards on the way into Canada and the
border guards on the way back into the US. Getting into Canada is always
pretty easy -- they practically throw a little party that you're coming
to Canada (and bringing your money with you). Getting back into the US
is a little bit harder -- our border agents seem pretty serious. And
they have big guns. Doesn't seem like you really want to try to pull a
fast one on them.

Turns out, it's not that hard to sneak into the US even if they know
you're coming, you're on a "no-fly" list, and your passport is flagged.
More surprisingly, it doesn't even involve digging under a fence,
wearing a heat suit to hide from those cameras, producing a fake airline
ticket or id, or doing anything illegal at all.

Here's what you do:
1) Fly to Canada.
2) Drive to the US.

The only tricky part is convincing the border guard that he shouldn't
really stop you from entering the US. Even if his computer tells him to
put on a protective mask, detain you, and call the health authorities.

This is pretty much what a man with drug-resistant TB did. He wanted to
get back to the US from overseas, but he got stuck on the "no-fly" list
and had his passport flagged. So, he flew to Canada, drove to the
border, the guard scanned his passport, and then the guard let him in
since the guard didn't think he looked sick.

Maybe we need to work on following directions more and carrying big guns
around less.

We direct you to attend tonight's...

           +-                                                  -+
             girl scout benefit -+-  5:30 pm  -+- 32-G9 lounge
           +-                                                  -+

              For those coming from elsewhere: Building 32 is
               <http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg?selection=32>
          Once you are in 32, just take the G-elevator to the 9th
      floor and we will be in the lounge that you will be looking at
                    <http://projects.csail.mit.edu/gsb>


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