THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES...

[Keith Smith]

Hi Party People. I just had a coversation with my father regarding the nonsense I had to deal with from those U.S. Customs Inspectors at MIA. You see, back in January, I sent a letter to U.S. Customs Headquarters in Washington, D.C., pertaining to the poor treatment I had received from those Inspectors at MIA (in Dec. 2000, Aug. 2001, and Dec. 2001). NOTE: I sent copies of that letter to a U.S. Senator ,a Congresswoman, and the Port Director of U.S. Customs at MIA. I received a response from U.S. Customs last month. According to the letter, it wasn't their intention to subject me to "unwarranted scrunity" and in the future, I can expect to receive "routine Customs processing." Prior to me receiving this letter, I was in a serious funk. I was considering NOT returning to Cali until December. This letter helped me change my mind. Now, I have decided to return to Cali in June (for nine days). Anyway, regarding the conversation I had with my father, he hoped that I wouldn't return to Colombia this year. I told him that I'm going back. I know I have to be careful. Not because of safety reason in Colombia (for obvious reasons), but some of these Customs Inspectors. Unfortunately, SOME of these cats are vindictive and downright evil (like corrupt cops). I didn't break the law, but I'm not going to have someone "FLASH ME WRONG" (show me disrespect). I've never had a problem while vacationing in Colombia. Yes, Colombia is the biggest producer of that "stuff." But is it my fault that the United States is biggest CONSUMER of it? I don't think so! I'm not trying to sound arrogant or self-righteous. I just don't like being mistreated, especially when NO crime was committed. Later.

[Hoda]

... in response to THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES..., posted by Keith Smith on Apr 20, 2002

Keith,

Even though I've only experienced routine delays with the Miami crew & one robbery from the Colombian crew. I always go with the mindset, that they (INS or DAS) are going to mess with me simply because of my complexion and/or destination. I ain't crying & whining about it. I just deal with it, because that's the world, I have to live in....

You know, you're righteous Keith, so you go right ahead with your travel plans...

Peace...

[Keith Smith]

... in response to Keep ya head up....., posted by Hoda on Apr 22, 2002

Thanks, Dun. But nevertheless, I've made a few enemies at MIA. What can I say? They started it. Later.

[Michael B]

... in response to THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES..., posted by Keith Smith on Apr 20, 2002

"flash me wrong?" well, that's a new one on me. But hey, of course he's going to disrespect you, he's the MAN! And YOU just plain LOOK like a dope dealer (smiley face goes here).  

Now if you want a struggle, I've been trying to call Cali for over an hour (using a usualy reliable card AND two different 10-10's, so the trouble has got to be on that end) and only got about 2 minutes of "What? Can't hear you" for my trouble (and money). I finally told her "Just go to bed and I'll call in the morning"...hope she understood that part.

[Keith Smith]

... in response to Re: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES..., posted by Michael B on Apr 20, 2002

I called Cali yesterday (spoke with Luz Amparo from Latin Best). I had no problem with the phone (then again, I dial direct. Eww...). Nevertheless, those Customs Inspectors at MIA have "profiled" me (THEY WILL NEVER ADMIT IT). Plus the fact that one of their boys (a Miami based Cuban. I wouldn't be suprised if his parents were former Batista supporters)who "flashed me wrong," was probably punished (re-assignment or possible termination from employment?). I haven't seen that joker the last two times I been through MIA. Later.

[Cali vet]

... in response to Well..., posted by Keith Smith on Apr 21, 2002

Kieth DON'T let the customs bad apples but a damper on your travel plans. You've been to Colombia plenty of times and I know you enjoy it here!

[Keith Smith]

... in response to Re: Well..., posted by Cali vet on Apr 21, 2002

Hey Vet, thanks for the vote of confidence! You're right; I've been to Colombia several times and I enjoy it very much. I still have to be careful, though. Later.

[Keith Smith]

... in response to THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES..., posted by Keith Smith on Apr 20, 2002

I spelled "scrutiny" wrong...sorry about that, Party People. Later.