Comment by jacquesm

> You should. It's not meant for your vanity and it represents and extreme overreach by the government.

That's your opinion, I don't necessarily share it.

> It doesn't make you "cool."

What made you think that I thought it looked cool. I just realize that at some point play time is over.

> Of course we could.

No, you can't. And the fact that you think you can is interesting. 'No' means 'No'. You can not pay me to go to the United States, period. I have lived on the border for years and have friends there, already missed a funeral. It isn't going to happen until sanity returns and frankly I don't see that happening in the next decade or two so most likely I will never go back there.

> Aside from that this mentality always shocks me.

What shocks you? That people abroad look at the USA and evaluate their options? What's so shocking about that?

> There are more civilians in the US than government agents.

Indeed, and a good chunk voted for this and I can't easily tell them apart.

> What were you expecting when you got here?

Well, the last time I went it cost me a couple of really good boots. Who knows what it will cost me next time?

> It's madness..

Yes, but it is not my madness and I don't have to factor in ICE into my daily affairs. As a visitor into the United States that would be a major factor, as many people have already found out, which you seem to conveniently skip over. I don't visit places where the rule of law is that shaky.

> Is another mans freedom fighter. Sure, fine, if you want a civil war.

No, I don't want a civil war. But I can't stand by idly while people are oppressed by their government and that makes it much better for me not to be exposed to such situations. Countries I will not visit: Russia, China, United States, Iran, North Korea, most of Africa, quite a few more countries in Asia. Countries that I would reluctantly visit: Most of Latin America, probably some others. Countries that I'm happy to visit: all of the EU, some countries bordering the EU, Japan, Australia, New Zealand.

> Perhaps a more civilized approach is called for?

Have you watched the news recently? I think it is pretty clear what the civilized side is in these conflicts.

> Unless you particularly enjoy digging graves for your friends.

No, I don't enjoy that. But my friends that have died in one particular struggle did so in the firm belief that what they were doing was just and right and I share their belief. I'm old enough to realize that if you don't stand up when it matters then you're just as bad as the rest.

Germany had a good chance to stand up to fascism and blew it. If fascists take over where I live or nearby you can count me in to be on the other side. I've read my grandmothers' diaries and I have written about that before, it is a stark reminder of what happens as soon as the gestapo starts doing the rounds.