RE: US Travel for the DBA

Dave,

I can see how frustrating the new regulations must be for you, and many others who are accustomed to very lax US regulations regarding foreign visitors.

I'll be traveling to Italy soon, and I learned that I will have to leave my passport with any hotel receptionist for a couple of hours while my information is given to the local police. To my knowledge, this is standard protocol there- not a recent policy based on terrorism.

A few years ago, I traveled to Holland and was very surprised to see military police looking guys in the Schipoll airport (Amsterdam) carrying machine guns. Before entering our departure gate seating area, everyone on my plane was thoroughly questioned about itinerary, personal belongings, where did we stay, what did we do, who did we visit, etc.

My point is that the US is just now catching up to the rest of the world with respect to security, in many respects. Is it fair to be singled out because someone has Middle-Eastern heritage? Of course not, but until the US regains some sense of security there will no doubt be some growing pains in the development of new security practices.

Best regards,

David B. Wagoner
Database Administrator
Arsenal Digital Solutions Worldwide, Inc. 8000 Regency Parkway, Suite 100
Cary, NC 27511-8582
Office (919) 466-6723
Mobile (919) 412-8462
Pager 8666864767_at_archwireless.net
Fax (919) 466-6783
AIM adswDWagoner
http://www.arsenaldigital.com/  

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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 1:14 PM To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L

Hi All,

        The only reason I am posting this is because I have defended America on this list and elsewhere before. I wish this to be taken as one best friend speaking to another.

Background

        I was born in Bahrain (Persian Gulf) and
        left there when I was six months old.
        I have two passports, Canadian and UK.
        30-40% of my work is in the USA.

Due to the new INS regulations
        I am photographed and fingerprinted when I cross
        the border
        I have to check in at an INS office when I arrive
        at my destination
        I have to check in at an INS office  when I leave
        my destination
        Use of my other passport to enter the US will define
        me as "suspicious"

Please note, this in no way prevents me from working in America, however, I can no longer go skiing in Whitefish.
(The nearest INS office is 2 hours south in Missoula, I believe)

Walt, Steve, whats the snow like in Bozeman this year? I'm allowed to go skiing there. :-)

Sigh ......

Dave

--
Dave Morgan
Operations Manager, Rigskills Canada
Canada's Geographical Oilfield Services Locator
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403 399 2442
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