New rules kick in today but the big question is: do you have your passport? Thankfully I renewed mine last month but I’m guessing many more may potentially be turned away. Not that I’m planning on making a trip south anyways. Shopping in the U.S. is just way too pricey. However they do have a lot of outlet shopping malls. The policy, while in the name of national security, seems to be leaning towards economic protectionist policy instead of security. Perhaps the Obama administration wants to unconsciously persuade Americans from crossing the border to buy cheap Canadian goods (drugs). I’m guessing most border patrol will show flexibility however there’s always that chance you’ll get stuck with that one hard-ass and you’ll end up turning around. Just get your passport to be safe.

In other news a small protest has forced the border crossing near Cornwall to close. It seems the local Mohawks aren’t happy about the new rules either. The guards have left their posts citing safety issues and the remaining few have armed themselves. Probably cooler heads will prevail. GoGo Mohawk power! Demand some new land while you’re at it.