I don't think so. We need a better term - because "North America" normally means US and Canada - which is substantially different than Mexico. But of course, Mexico is certainly within North America geographically - just not quite culturally.

Mexico has far more in common with S.America than N.America on cultural levels.

I agree.

Usually my posts are in response to B.C Baileys beligerence.

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Jn 4:14
I have my own Kingdom. You may live in it.

Zedrow it is true the issues with the Mexican border are completely different from the issues on the Canadian border. Let me ask you a question? What percentage of Canadians have passports? When you cross through one of the land checkpoints are Canadians required to be fingerprinted? I pass through the Windsor checkpoint regularly, both the Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel and I have never seen anyone being asked to exit their car while doing so. Now I am not claiming this never happens, but I do not think it is the Canadians that are being asked for fingerprints, although I will admit I may be wrong on this one. As for the passport thing, we should probably all have them anyway. It is either going to be that or some other form of national ID that will soon be required, and once it is there will be no more issue about having the proper ID for crossing the border. Perhaps I have bailey all wrong, all though I don't think so, but to me all he does is find some point, any point really, on which to complain about the US. Well frankly Zedrow while he is certainly free to provide his opinion it isn't his country, it's mine. THe longest undefended border was fine while it lasted. THat time is over now and it is time to face new a new reality.

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The universe grows smaller every day and the threat of aggression by any group anywhere can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all or no one is secure... - Klaatu

Also, I would like to point out, not only are foreigners affected by this new requirment, as I'm currently living in Mexico (about 30 min south of the border in the Rosarito beach community) and commute everyday to the otherside for work.

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Jn 4:14
I have my own Kingdom. You may live in it.

MM I have no problem with Canadians or anyone from any other country having opinions about America and American policy. What I do have a problem with is those people expecting Americans to act on thier opinions. We do what we feel is in the best interest of our country, just as you do the same for yours, Germans do what they feel is best for Germany etc. I can tell them and you what I think, but when I expect you to act on that I have gone a little to far.

As for business we both know they will work out some kind of arrangement for goods crossing between the two nations. Neither of us wants to destroy that relationship. However I see no problem with requiring anyone who wants to enter the US from a foreign country, Americans as well as non Americans, to have to provide proof of citizenship.

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The universe grows smaller every day and the threat of aggression by any group anywhere can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all or no one is secure... - Klaatu

As a European I agree in all this. Good writing bailey!

Correct. I would also point out that a border, by its very nature of being something that divides two jurisdictions, requires each jurisdiction to have an equal say in how that border gets organized. Common sense. What Gort posted - stating that only Americans should determine border policy, completely ignoring the needs, concerns and requirements of the other countries SHARING that border, is the height of arrogance - really quite unbelievable. I would also point out to Gort as I did earlier to Dago, that Canada DID tighten its refugee and immigration policies in 2002 in response to US pressure so his comments were erroneous. Another US myth bites the dust. The purpose of this thread.

http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/media/s...004/ccat_e.htm

http://www.diycanadaimmigration.com/...ugee-laws.html

Likewise Dago as it takes two to tango.

Thanks Wallaroo! I LOVE EUROPE! Although I've spent years living and travelling in your part of the world, I have't been to Denmark yet. My wife says it's her favourite country.

Correct. Is it a hassle for you to cross the border everyday? Is it getting worse? I'd like your perspective. Do you support these policies or do you think they are problematic?

Now a majority of Americans (56%) say that the proposed new border crossing rules requiring them to have a passport as well as Canadians won't do anything to deter terrorism. So what exactly are the rules for? Paranoia will destroy ya!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl.../National/home
U.S. ID card scheme fatal for tourism: survey
BETH GORHAM

Canadian Press

Washington — A bilateral business coalition opposed to U.S. plans for new ID cards at the border says the scheme will erect a wall with grave implications for commerce because most Americans and Canadians won't buy them.

A survey released Tuesday by Zogby International suggests 68 per cent of people in the United States and 54 per cent in Canada would be unlikely to purchase a card to avoid showing a passport at land crossings by the end of next year.

About a third of people surveyed in each country who don't have passports said they'd be less likely to cross the border, a sign of an impending blow to tourism that's been estimated at nearly a billion dollars in the U.S. and twice that in Canada.

"Our borders are going to come to a screaming halt because people don't have what they need," said Lisa Katz, who's with the Detroit Regional Chamber.

"This is a sea change for the Canada-U.S. border. This is a big deal."

The coalition supports using an enhanced driver's licence that includes proof of citizenship as a less costly, more practical alternative and hopes the Canadian government will support the idea.

It should take less time to cross the border than navigating the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, said Representative Jeff Morris, a Washington state Democrat who's among dozens of U.S. legislators worried about the security policy.

"I want to ask President Bush: Please tear down this wall," said Mr. Morris. "No one has proven that this will enhance security in any way."

U.S. officials announced in January that Americans returning home from Canada would have to produce new ID cards costing about $55 (U.S.).

If the policy isn't changed, Ottawa may be forced to produce its own version to avoid a passport requirement by Jan. 1, 2008, under an American law tightening security after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Canada has said little about what it will do. U.S. opponents are helping officials north of the border to craft their response, said Ms. Katz.

Michael Wilson, who started as ambassador to the U.S. this week, said less-expensive options need to be considered.

Some American legislators and business groups are also demanding a major analysis of potential economic losses from the new identity card but so far the U.S. administration hasn't complied.

Mr. Morris, who predicted the measure could affect the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, said small towns near the border will be hardest hit.

But while some, like Mr. Morris, would like to see the American security law repealed, others don't think that's realistic.

"We have a security focus (in the U.S.)," said Ms. Katz. "A repeal, to us, isn't a feasible option."

The Zogby survey, commissioned by the coalition of chambers of commerce from both countries, suggested 56 per cent of Americans don't think a special card is necessary to keep the U.S. safe from terrorists.

Why would you think that? Your paranoia about why we are doing it hasn't destroyed you.

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The universe grows smaller every day and the threat of aggression by any group anywhere can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all or no one is secure... - Klaatu

and she's the mother of an ex gf

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Canada = Mad Cow Disease
USA = Mad Cowboy Disease

it takes 2 weeks to get a canadian passport, and $80 to get a canadian passport. With more money you can get it faster... This is hardly some terrible burden, and guess what, after you get your canadian passport you can travel to the rest of the visa waived countries too! Its a good idea to have a passport, regardless, now it might mean a bit of hassle for people who live right on the border as they'll have to carry around a passport, but they can fit in a pocket rather easily, and they'll adjust.

A family of four will shell out $320. They won't do this just to cross the border for a day. Therefore, the millions of yearly trips like this that occur now, will be sharply curtailed at a cost of billions to both countries. This will hurt border communities immensely. It's NOT a small burden.