Out of Canada

hullo all!

I'm back in Springfield, and i've had quite a trip. Driving through an international border was an experience i've never had before, and like other experiences in life, such as your first kiss, marriage, kids etc. it was as bland as a Shepard's pie. nothing more cursory than a wave of a hand, and that was it. At that point, i felt like a Gladiator who'd just fought off a motley bunch of hardy cuthroats imported from Gaul and Africa, waiting for the amused emperor to give me the thumbs-up or down. A gesture for one man, a question of life and death for the other.

Actually, it wasn't that bad for me at all. I guess those immigration officials are so used to the process, they might be secretly rolling dice under the table to decide who goes through or not. It's also funny how Canada lets greencard holders through, but the ol' U.S.A deems that immigrants are trying to take over the country via the Canadian border. My cousin was denied permission to go into the U.S a while back, even though he's a bonafide immigrant in canada, in line for his permanent citizenship.

The idea of citizenship also strikes me as quite funny. How does one shed his natural citizenship(if there is truly such a thing...) and voluntarily accept another?? I've been asked if i'll stay on in America, and in 5 years or so, give up my Indian passport and pick up an American one...the truth is, i have no feelings of loyalty towards both these nations. Sure, i'll live among their people, engage with their economies and pay their taxes, but why must i bind myself to a particular nationality? Perhaps the answer lies in these two words-

Democratic responsibility.

then again, is it absolutely neccesary for a person to become involved in all aspects of national life?