I’ll begin this letter that explains the absurdity of what happened at the Canadian Border (Pleasant Camp), with some of the pertinent background facts. I once held a Secret Clearance in the U.S. Army (1974-1977) for EOD training, I’ve had numerous background checks for: Class B Pyrotechnics License, TWIC Card, USCG 100-ton Captains License, International adoption, purchasing lock and safe tools, and 1 of 3 finalists for Lead Hydraulic Technician for the Space Shuttle’s satellite retrieval arms. I’ve traveled to numerous countries (Cuba, Madagascar, New Zealand, Vietnam, Spain, Japan, Tunisia, etc.) and breezed through customs for all. I’ve lived in Haines for 38 years and on Sept. 6, on my way through the Canada border (for probably the 100th time with absolutely no issues) to a neurosurgeon appointment in Anchorage, they denied me entry because of a misdemeanor that happened in 1973, 50 years ago! I’ve needed this appointment for months, and the next available one is not until December. I had my Passport,proof of vaccination, legal vehicle, and a filled-out ArriveCan. This incident was insane, illogical, and completely unnecessary. The border agents were professional, but the entire, senseless episode lacked common sense, or logic. It’s always so sad to see the amount of common sense that’s lost in our world because of bureaucracy, blind obedience, and the “one size fits all” attitude. Now I cannot go through the border (after 40+ years in Alaska) until I find copies of these 50-year-old records, if they exist. Fix your system Canada!
Tod Sebens