I live in Detroit. I took a friend from Colorado to visit Windsor, Ontario.

Question

upon returning, we were searched and questioned like common criminals while trying to return to our own country. How can they treat American citizens so badly? What are our rights as far as being searched? Don't they have to ask rather than bark orders? We were not asked we were told what to do. I am ashamed of my fellow Americans after this.

Answer 1

Welcome to Travel in the 21st Century!

The days of crossing the border with a friendly "Hi, How long are you staying? Have a nice trip" are gone for everyone.

This was not a personal attack on you and your friend. We all get subjected to similar treatment. In my opinion it appears to be all part of the manipulations of that power monger you have living in the White House. Technology has long ago come up with alternatives to Oil but Mr. Bush's personal investments are not there; they are in gas and oil and he has no qualms about turning your countrymen into cannon fodder and our once friendly border into something akin to running the gauntlet in order to keep his financial assets safe. Too bad for all of us that you didn't change "Hail to the Chief" to "To h**l with this Chief" 4 years ago.

It is doubtful, now that the pot has been stirred up this way, if things will ever go back to where they were. Those days are now 'The Good Old Days'.

Answer 2

that's the way most government workers are - rude! I swear, I think they're told to be cold with the people.

Answer 3

You know this is pretty typical of returning across the border. Especially if ya'll had identification from two different states. Dont take it so personal.  

Answer 4

This the new face of things in 2008.

I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but at ANY border entry point, you, and your  car can be searched, and NO they don't ask, they do bark orders. Dealing with thousands of people each day requires that they  act fast  and with effective methods.

If you didn't like it, be sure to tell all your friends. But remember that this is a direct result of the paranoia that  followed the NYC 911 bombings. Border security is the result, and you just got a first hand look at it.

If it is any consolation, every one is subject to the same treatment.

Jim B. Toronto.