be in the know

there's more and more talk, and probably just as much confusion, about what documents you need if you're going from and to the united states. this is a neat look at what's out there for your needs.

the enhanced driver's license is offered by washington state and new york -- vermont, arizona, and michigan will be following soon.

there's been a lot of talk about the dangers of an enhanced driver's license (scientific american had an article a couple of months ago), but since it's already been thought of, it's going to happen so why not go ahead and use the technology. at this point it's still innocuous and might make your life easier. you can't use it to fly in and out of the country, but if you drive across the border, it's cheaper than the passport.

but then, if you're driving across the border, you will want to get a NEXUS card for travel to and from canada or a SENTRI card for mexico. with one of those cards you get access to a special lane (only for those cardholders) which moves more quickly.

so many things to know. some people call me at work and ask what they need to cross the border. they must either be very lazy or computer illiterate. just get yourself online and surf cbp.gov to find out what you need to know about documents, crossing with food, pets, medicine, and other info.

the state department also has a ton of information for you to arm yourself with, including warnings, alerts, and information about embassies.

just remember this: if an officer asks you to step aside and proceeds to ask questions, cooperate with him/her and be pleasant. don't ask why he wants to know things, don't give her a ration of shit. no matter how outrageous things get, stay calm and if it gets really bad you can say you'd like to talk with a supervisor.

the officers aren't allowed to and don't have to explain everything they do, and their job is to keep control of bad guys. there have been times when someone either looked like a known bad guy, or their name was the same. just stay cool and it will eventually get sorted out. getting mad is just going to make you look guilty and the whole thing will take longer.

remember: these guys really are policemen/women. be dignified, gracious, and polite.