American Fined in Brazil for Gesture

[pascal]

The idea that being photographed or fingerprinted is inhumane is absurd. First of all, if this is the case, then PASSPORTS ARE INHUMANE, since they require photos. So are drivers licenses and other forms of identification.

Moreover, many nations and states already fingerprint their citizens for IDs. Anyone getting a license in California has to give a thumb print. That judge that compared getting photographed to Jews getting tatooed and required to wear a star is an idiot.

I agree the judge exposition of motivations was too dramatic, but he is right about the principal of reciprocity.

The US has the right to control it's airspace and borders, period. This is a well recognized right. The US is under significant terrorist threat from abroad, Brazil is not. The Brazilian reciprocal response is just childish. It's their right to do it, but the reason given for the imposition is illogical. The US has good and legitimate reasons for imposing new security controls on tourists. Does Brazil face any significant security threat from US tourists? No.

No it is not childish. It is realistic. Two countries agree to have the same treatment to each other. Eventually the relation can improve between countries with better diplomacy.

Are Brazilians tourists a significant threat to US?

Probably this terrorist excuse is going too far. It is possible to falsify any of the passports of the 28 nations that dont have any fingerprint or photo requirement. Brazilians consider this US atitude an snap in the face.

I frankly don't care if I am questioned, searched, fingerprinted, or photographed at the airport. Air travel is not a right. Entry into a foreign country is not a right. They are privileges. At best, I would simply hope the process is "random" or "fair" in that everyone has the possibility (not neccessarily same probability) of being "caught" by the security process.

I hope the treatment is fair, with cordiality and without excessive or discriminatory bureacracy.

 

[pascal]

If you feel that you're now safer as a direct result of these policies, then wouldn't the sacrifies of personal freedom and pride be worth it? Alternatively it's only worthwhile if international travellers pay the sacrifices to ensure the saftey of Americans.

Put it another way, if the two Americans were not offended with what is basically a reflection of American policy why do they feel the need to flip the finger? To jest? :?

IIRC many Americans feel insulted by the procedure, but they calm down after explanation that US-Visit do the same to Brazilians. Hope US Tourists will think about US diplomacy after they go home.

In fact the city of Rio de Janeiro is receiving tourists with flowers and T-shirts saying "Rio loves you" I dont remenber any treatment like that in any US airport.