Some Things I Didn't Know About Homeland Security & the Patriot Act

[NJCher]

What a scam! I was just at dinner with my spouse, who told me that every time he flies to Europe they tack on a $59 charge. What for? It says "Homeland Security."

On top of that, when he books at hotels or conference centers, there's another charge: "homeland security." If you refuse to pay it, they won't give you a reservation. He said it's a fairly sizable sum, too.

He said he went to a car park once and saw a $2 charge: "Homeland Security."

I don't travel much so I didn't know about this. What a rip.

Furthermore, I was reading a paper submitted by one of my students who first worked for the airlines, then a savings and loan. In the former, he said the "Patriot Act" was the all-purpose panacea. Whatever gripe or complaint the customer had, the Patriot Act was the cause.

He said that customers just shut up and walked away whenever the Patriot Act was mentioned. It was the perfect way to get rid of insistent or demanding customers.

Then the student moved on to a job at a savings and loan. He said the same practice was in effect. They would cite the Patriot Act for whatever ridiculous request they had. Once again, no customer ever said they had read the Patriot Act and that it didn't cover what the S&L said. My student says that he thinks we're a nation of sheeple and made of Jello.

I would like to hear from other travelers about these charges. Also, is there anyone out there who has been cited the Patriot Act for something that doesn't seem quite right?



Cher

oh and p.s. he just bought Euros for a trip--I think he said he paid $500 for 350 Euros.

[eleny]

1. This is interesting

I'm going to be mindful of this and request to see the section of the PA that might comvers this or that as it arises in my own life. There should never be harm in asking for verification.

[walldude]

2. Here's another one:

I just got a bill for my business liability insurance(I'm self employed). It now carries a mandatory $5 charge for "Terrorism Risk Insurance". Now I realize 5 bucks isn't much but I bet it adds up quick. I hate paying insurance as it is and this really pissed me off...

[wakeme2008]

3. And it is going up Feb 1 for Britain

from a cruise forum I go to :)

>"Starting February 1, 2007 economy passengers on all short-haul domestic and flights European Union flights leaving Britain will pay a departure tax of 10 BP and those in business or first class will pay 20 BPs."

>"Economy travelers leaving for locations outside Europe (to the US from the UK, for example) will pay 40 BP and those in business and first class will pay 80 BPs. This also applies to tickets bought for travel after Feb 1, but before the tax was anounced." NYTimes and other sources, 12/30/06

>However, BA will apparently absorb the cost for tickets bought before December 13.

At today's rate 10BP = $19.4157 so the econ class to the US will be $77.6698

edited to add

This is a Luxury Tax not a security tax. The charging extra for First Class is the dead give away...

[shance]

4. Another: Homeland Security can confiscate citizens safety deposit boxes

in the event of whatever excuse dujour they have on file.

I think its in the event of their attempt to take over through Martial Law