Tourism Is Down. Wonder Why?

Tourisn is down to the USA Even though with the slide of the dollar against almost every other currency, so that a European can stay at a top American hotel for the Euro equivalent of chump change, they're staying away.

The reason: The Department of Homeland Security. As the Times of London put it:

"“Travelling to the US offers experiences like nowhere else on earth.” That’s what it says at discoveramerica.com, the official travel and tourism website of the United States, and it’s absolutely right. Nowhere else can a visitor expect such a spirit-crushingly frosty reception.

"A preflight e-interrogation, epic queues at immigration, thin-lipped questioning from aggressive border guards, and an outside chance of a rubber-gloved rectal rummage are all part of the fun. So, if Chertoff and co want to tighten Fortress America further, it’s time we considered other more welcoming holiday options. Such as Iran or North Korea."

Nice to see that is now what we are being compared to, with Customs and Immigration officers who have all of the warmth and friendliness of East German border guards. We are being closed off to foreigners. At this rate, it won't be long until foreigners have to be shepherded around by guides from InTourist and there will be vast swathes of the USA closed to foreigners. Just like the USSR.

At this rate, the day will come to pass that we will have very few friends in the world. And the fault will be ours.