January 15, 2004

Attaboy, Brazil

So, the US is requiring people arriving in that country by plane to be photographed and fingerprinted as a 'security measure'. I'm not sure why, but that kind of massive data gathering effort makes me a little nervous, and even as a law-abiding citizen, makes me a little reluctant to visit the States. The photography is one thing, but the fingerprinting seems a little invasive. You normally have to commit a crime to get your fingerprints taken, so it seems that now everyone entering the US is considered to be a potential criminal. I guess I'm showing my age, but I remember when we were considered potential customers.

Anway, the nation of Brazil is taking what I think is a completely fair approach to this situation: Reciprocity. They're requiring Americans entering their country to be photographed and fingerprinted. And guess what? The Americans don't like it. Can you imagine being a US citizen arriving in Brazil on a flight with other foreign nationals, flashing your passport at immigration and being taken aside to be photographed and fingerprinted like a felon while other passengers breeze through immigration? I think every other country whose citizens are subjected to this process should institute the same procedure. Not because it's a good idea, just because it's their right as a sovereign nation, and because it's fair. The US so seldom gets a taste of their own medicine. Posted by Brent Marykuca at January 15, 2004 10:00 AM