[Z-man]

Just got back from my business trip to Berlin yesterday (will post the obligatory pics later). Trip was long, but uneventful, until I got to passport control.

So I am on a "line for US Citizens," and a lady with a 15 year old minor bypasses the queue and requests to be let into the line I am on. Apparently, the guy who was behind me objected to that. She stated that she works here, and she is accompanying a minor through security, and that minors being accompanied, and people in wheel chairs have permission to go to the front of the line.

Mr. Stuck on himself retorts, "Is this a minor line? If so, then why was I place on this line? I refused to be put on a line where my departure from here is delayed. The minor your are accompanying is NOT a US citizen, and it appears that are others on THIS line who are not US citizens (There were some other non-US folk in front of me waiting to be processed as well). Why was I put on this line? I should not have to wait on this line if there are non-US citizens, and minors always getting in front of me..."

The lady explained that minors and wheelchair bound people have a right to cut to the front of the line. He wouldn't have it. She finally said, "Is it ok if I get in line behind you?" He said ok, but he continued his ranting and raving.

Now normally, I mind my own business, but here's a young kid coming to America, and it pissed me off that this a-hole was giving this kid such a bad first impression of the USA. So, I looked at the lady, and motioned for her to come in front of me on the line. Partially because I felt bad for the kid, and partially because I wanted to spite that guy.

So, it was no surprise that he was miffed. I heard him say behind me, "Just try and do that in New York." (I think he assumed that I was also not a US citizen and didn't understand him.) So I turned around and said, "Are you talking to me?" He said, "Yes I am." I suspect he was a bit surprised that I addressed him in English, and without an accent!

At that point, the lady got the attention of the border police, because she did not want that man to cause any harm to the minor or me. The police interviewed everyone involved. At some point the guy said that I had no right to delay anyone who was behind me by letting that lady ahead of me. (Um - technically, that lady had every right to be in front of me!) They asked me what's going on, and after hearing the story of the guy and the lady, and I said, "That gentleman spoke to me in a threatening and intimidating manner." They asked me if I wish to press charges. I said no.

At that point, I turned to the young minor and asked if he speaks English. He said yes, and then I told him, "Welcome to the USA - I hope that you have a good experience here, and I am sorry for that man giving you so much trouble." It seemed that young fellow appreciated my words, as did the lady who was just trying to do her job.

They moved the guy to another line, but afterwards, and supervisor of border patrol police also to me, asking again if I wish to press charged, and then spoke with him, and escorted him out. I saw him at the baggage carousel from a distance, and figured if he'd confront me again, I would get the police involved again, and press charges at that point. I suspect he was told to keep his distance from the minor, the lady and me.

I later found out from the lady who was assisting the minor that she had spoken with a person who sat near that fellow during his flight. Allegedly, he had a lot to drink on the flight, was upset about not having the best seat in first class, and threatened to write up one of the stewardesses. So he was quite a cranky fellow.

Now don't get me wrong -- traveling, especially internationally, is a tiring and often frustrating experience. But you can either go with the punches and get through it without any problems, or get cranked up about minor things.

Border patrol is NOT a place to take out your anger on whatever may be troubling you - be it a bad flight, a rough trip, marital problems, work issues, the fact that you have a small wee-wee, whatever. Just shut up, do what you are told, and everything will be easy-cheesy. I suspect that Mr. Full of himself is a very angry and bitter man, and enjoys bullying other people. I can't imaging living like that, and have a hard time understanding why someone would want to do that. I really do feel sorry for those types of people. I suspect they will never enjoy life enough to "stop and smell the roses."

It was an interesting experience, and I do appreciate the fact that the border patrol police do take such events seriously, but do not go overboard at the same time.

What would you have done in my situation?

-Z-man.