February 11, 2020
Recently, I read an article by a writer for NBC News. The link for that article is attached. I read many things and comment on few things. This article seems to strike a common cord that I believe should be considered & discussed.
As a “conditionally approved” applicant of Global Entry (GE) I cannot fathom the New York Attorney General’s (NY AG) attestation that suspension of the program makes anything or anyone less secure.
GE is a courtesy to those of us who travel “frequently” abroad. IMHO, the United States (US) is MORE secure by NOT HAVING Global Entry programs. And this is from a guy who has been waiting more than 7ish months to be approved/rejected. This guy also paid in advance to the tune of 170ish bucks.
The program (IMHO) is an attempt to provide more speed and convenience in vetting people departing from and arriving to the US. I am no expert, but I don’t think SPEED and/or CONVENIENCE are beneficial to prevention minded security measures. I think they are human weaknesses waiting to be exploited.
I am having trouble wrapping my brain around the allusion that we are worse off, from a security standpoint, by suspending GE and further, BETTER off, from a security standpoint, by allowing/promoting the free range, no fences policies of some Governments/Municipalities.
Let’s be real and reasonable. I am more than little bit angry that I must continually demonstrate my status as an “ok guy” although I am a non-fugitive nor suspected nor do I “make threats.” I have to frequently present identification, go through metal detectors & so on at many buildings, ballgames, on the highway, and each time I go to one of my jobs. HECK, I have to show an ID to get a bottle of wine!
Further, NY (et al) seem to be upset by the afore argued SECURITY INCREASING suspension of GE while at the same time encouraging, promoting, harboring, allowing, protecting & so on those who have not been vetted. They (the unvetted) work, drive, go into our schools and otherwise roam without interruption. In that allusion, Suspension of GE is making us less safe, but allowing free range “unknowns” is ok. Perhaps I missed the logic.
Before anyone starts calling me “-phobic” or racist or whatever, let me be VERY CLEAR. There are many people who are in, come to and want to come to this Country that are good people, just trying to escape bad situations or take a shot at the dream. I alluded that I travel a bit. There are some amazing people from all parts of the world that don’t want to do anything but provide for themselves and their families and play and live life to the fullest. As long as they want to be better and to make our Country better, then I say come on. Heck, as long as you just aren’t trying to take way from…, then I am ok.
I will be very clear. I cannot and do not support the idea of allowing in those with bad intentions or who just plan on being “takers.” It’s not fair to me or my family. Charity is not enabling. I am not the defender or protector of the world either. It sort of ruffles my feathers when we (the US) are expected to pay for everything (most) and protect everyone but be derided as monsters and overbearing bullies of the world at the same time.
A little aside — The US is not pure in all of its efforts, I know.
One of the big things my government(s) is/are supposed to do is to provide for a common defense and protect our borders. I won’t go down this tangential rabbit trail very far, but just ONE of the reasons I am armed is that I am losing faith that either are willing or allowed to protect me. This article is yet another exhibit in my defense. This relates to the topic at hand regarding security or lack thereof.
Back to free range and fences — AND yes, you have to screen to find out if people are bad or takers. AND you have to mop up any messes that are made in the kitchen whilst trying to find that perfect recipe of protection and willingness to accept various huddled masses. Where is the dividing line between speed of entry for those who are ok and purposeful, intentional taking of time to do a proper job to make sure we screen out those who are not ok? That’s a process that will need to be forever refined and evaluated.
If you are still reading, thank you for your time.
Sadly, I don’t think any of this has anything to do with being reasonable or wanting to help the huddled masses or provide public service. No, (IMHO) this is an example of how we operate in the New America. Agendas, veiled as ideals without a hope of fulfilment are being suckled to the silent and ignorant & manipulated masses who ultimately bear the burden and consequences of implementation. Small, less than single digit percentage, groups are being subjugated and used. These groups are dictating to the majority by using social hostage-taking and character assassination AND even more manipulation of the ignorant and silent majority. (I HOPE THAT) You have to ask yourself, “How am I being heard, seeing as though I am only a small singularity of the population?” Well, maybe not in those words, but some one/thing is giving real support and power to your voice/messaging. Heck, not saying that every small voice is wrong by the simple fact that they are small. BUT reason/logic demands that you have to be objective and critical in your thinking, right?? Well, NO, you don’t have to. POWER ensures that anything happens anytime. If that is your goal, then do a gut-check on your purpose and drive on according to your values. I don’t know anyone that is so blinded by self, that is willing to hurt others in order to gain what they want. America was conceived, designed and earned through blood sweat and tears… of by and for the People. Those are historical words and antiquated beliefs. Many of us hold them dear.
Regardless of historical or antiquated, I and those like me will fight you when push comes to shove. Yes, I reiterate. We will fight you. Strong words, but don’t stop reading.
Here’s a clue about power allowance in the New America (yeah, this concept is not “New”, and I admit that.) As long as we aren’t rioting, those with real power and wealth are amassing more of each all along the way while, “We the People” are feverishly and continually dipping our lines trying to catch their red herring. All I ask is that you think about that a little while before you decide about that with a vote.
Back to the article — No, I suppose article is a mere dust-up from a “wanna-be player.” Stir up the ignorant so that you can gain power in an attempt to get closer to the top. The posturing is akin to middle schoolers fighting it out by making outlandish statements, huffing and puffing and being lost in emotional acting. The real power players laugh while people get busy defending or chastising either “side.” Think about that.
At least I hope that’s it. Otherwise, the folks in NY and many at the Federal level are using personal power and the resources and safety of their citizens as playing pieces in an unwinnable and extremely dangerous game.
Y’all do what you want. If I am allowed to make a suggestion: at least question your leadership and the path they have you plowing. Maybe one day, you will get bold and try to figure out why you are wearing that yoke. And, let’s not be a part of the problem by fanning the flames or spreading propaganda. That just isn’t nice.
— R. A. Grier