The line in L.A. was long enough in December. It will be just as long later this year. But starting from next year, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries will probably have to go through as many hoops as people requesting a Visa if ABC News is correct.

For foreigners who already endure the long, arduous process of security checks and baggage screenings to travel to the United States, the Visa Waiver Program offered relief to some by allowing them to bypass the tedious process of applying for a U.S. visa.

Soon, however, even people in the program will have to submit personal information for a background check before they can board a flight or ship headed for American soil.

Starting early next year, citizens from countries in the VWP, which allows travelers from certain countries to enter the United States without a visa, will be required to submit their travel plans and personal information before their day of travel, U.S. officials told ABC News, on the condition of anonymity, because the program has not yet been announced.

Foreign Travelers Face Closer Scrutiny – ABC News

I don’t deny anyone the right to security of their own nation. But things are getting just a little too out of hand. Last night Brooke and I were discussing an article on BBC where a guy wearing a Transformers T-Shirt that showed Optimus Prime holding a gun was refused to pass through the airport security because his shirt had a cartoon picture of a character holding a gun.

Honestly… A t-shirt is a threat? The excuse the security folk gave the guy was just lame. They wanted it taken off because his “T-shirt has got a gun on it.” Seriously??? Brooke said it was fair enough, but personally I am of the mind that the pendulum has swung too far.

In Germany, they came first for the Communists,

And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;

And then they came for the trade unionists,

And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;

And then they came for the Jews,

And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;

And then . . . they came for me . . .

And by that time there was no one left to speak up.

First they came… – Pastor Martin Niemöller

I know that saying something like this will probably get me in trouble… But when will America wake up and realise what is happening? Seriously! Civil Liberties guaranteed under the constitution have been given away in the name of “protecting the nation.” Privacy does not exist.

The old argument that if you’re doing nothing wrong you have nothing to fear just doesn’t add up any more.

I love America and Americans. I am in love with an amazing American woman who is the centre of my universe (even though I don’t show it well enough.) But at some point people have to stand up and say “STOP!” The whole point of terrorism is to instill fear into people and to force them to change their way of life. That is exactly what has happened as a result of 9/11. As much as it pains me to say it, the US is letting them win simply by reacting and behaving the way they have over the past 6 1/2 years. It is exactly what they wanted.