How worried should we be?

[loulou57]

First I don't want this to get into a political issue!!

We don't camp south of the border. The last time we considered it was quite a few years ago. We were lost and got into an area in Syracuse NY where we got scared enough we turned around and headed home. We only stopped for gas and the border. We didn't make it to our campground in Pennsylvania.

We do travel into the US a lot, Michigan and Indiana. We have been told on various trips to assume everyone is carrying a gun and to be careful not to look at someone the wrong way.

Our friends daughter works for border security and said that a lot of people try to cross into Canada with loaded weapons either on them or in the vehicle. One family went into the wrong lane. They were not wanting to come across the border but had no where to turn around. They sent them back to the US. This family with small children had 6 loaded weapons. Each parent with 2 on their person and one on the floor of the vehicle and one in the stroller basket. This family were just out for the day to take their kids for a picnic.

Now, I ask because I am ignorant to all of this, just how worried should we be. I know there was a topic about protecting yourself while boondocking but I am petrified to even think of camping. I am anxious as soon as I cross the border.

I hate this feeling. I know that everyone is not out to shoot you but I can't shake it. On our last trip we saw people actually having a gun on them.

I understand we have more guns up here but unless you are hunting it is unlikely you own a gun. I know we have had issues with people here that have caused death and injury but I am not concerned that we may get shot on the street or camping.

Just how concerned should I be. What are the do's and don'ts to stay safe. I am sure I am asking a question that many would like to.

I want to be able to enjoy all of North America. There are so many great places and people to visit.

[John_Joey]

loulou57 wrote:

John&Joey wrote:
LouLou57,

Just wondering, are you also concern about traveling to places like Mexico, Europe, Asia or only in the USA?

Mexico, South America, Jamaica, Middle East no! I went to the Bahamas and local Islands but can't convince myself to go back or to Cuba or the Dominican.
It is not only the USA. It is just we seem to hear a lot more of guns in the US.

I can travel to England, Scotland, France no issues. I would like to go to Switzerland and Denmark.

Hopefully the more people I meet in person it will get better.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a fear of traveling more then a fear of the US. As we age it gets harder and harder to leave our comfort zone. If traveling wasn't part of your life prior, it's to be expected it would be hard to enter into it now.

Canada and the US has had a long standing history of cooperation. I have always lived within 150 miles of the boarder in various states. The two cultures to me are really just one. Now that I snowbird and bump into many Canadians I am amazed at how they isolate themselves from the rest. They group together and when they sit around the campfire it is full of how bad the US customs are, the need for guns, or how bad the US is vs Canada.

I'm sorry to say, but I think your country is becoming very isolated from the rest of the world. Separatism is even something that is a reality for your country.

When you travel you must embrace that location, both the good and the bad. If you want to expand your horizons, then you must leave your boarders. As I tell the grandkids, the hardest part of any voyage is untying the dock lines.

Good luck.

[nomad297]

This topic is the result of liberal indoctrination. It begins in the classroom. It contaminates the mind.

Bruce

[Ron3rd]

Loulou,
You've been watching too much TV. Take your trip and enjoy it. Avoid the high crime areas like you would in any country. Guns are the least of your worries.

[Dave_H_M]

I will personally apologize for some of the insensitive RVers who are criticizing you for valid fears; the ones who are doing anything but supporting you by fabricating horror stories; for the ones who don't have a clue abut how the US is viewed as a gun crazy culture; and for the defensive ones who are all about comparing crime stats of the US compared to Canada. I think too many have just dulled themselves into denial due to the frequency of gun violence in this country (the U.S.).

Half of the RVers on this site carry guns when RVing, so there must be something to what you're saying, otherwise, why would they?

Take the best advice and just ignore the rest.

I guess I missed the poll on how many folks on this site pack heat while RVing. Well I am one that does but I am one that also has loaded guns in my stick home. What is the difference, I am living in the RV.

Loulou, I personally think you are just stirring up trouble or grinding an axe or you need help. If the latter is the case, I also think you came to the wrong place for it.

If your comments reflected reality, then i dare say the the advent of spring break here in good ole US of A would not mark the advent of the migration of Canadians back to the north land.

[riven1950]

This person is either a Troll or is so paranoid that the RV site therapy is not going to help. Plenty of info out there to contradict her fears. Sorry, but time for a professional.

[loulou57]

John&Joey wrote:
LouLou57,

Just wondering, are you also concern about traveling to places like Mexico, Europe, Asia or only in the USA?

Mexico, South America, Jamaica, Middle East no! I went to the Bahamas and local Islands but can't convince myself to go back or to Cuba or the Dominican.
It is not only the USA. It is just we seem to hear a lot more of guns in the US.

I can travel to England, Scotland, France no issues. I would like to go to Switzerland and Denmark.

Hopefully the more people I meet in person it will get better.

[Airstreamer67]

Quote: "You talk about the wild wild west. When I came to Canada my teacher told my class we were moving to a place that had cowboys and indians that fought and Canadians lived in igloos. Can you imagine how I believed her when we came by ship across the top of Newfoundland and passed all the icebergs. We were not talking 50 years ago either when that happened."


What you heard in that classroom is equivalent to what is often heard in the agenda-driven press.

Unfortunately, objectivity and knowledge are too often lacking in both.

[John_Joey]

LouLou57,

Just wondering, are you also concern about traveling to places like Mexico, Europe, Asia or only in the USA?

[jdb7566]

wbrown62 wrote:
Your fears are completely unfounded. I am afraid the mainstream liberal media has painted a picture of gun toting, wild west style antics in the US and especially Texas that most people, even many in the US have bought hook, line and sinker. I have lived all of my 50 years in the great state of Texas that the media would leave you to believe every citizen has enough weaponry to arm a personal militia. Most people that own guns use them for sport shooting and hunting. I can tell you without a doubt, if you were to come to Texas, you would likely never see a gun except on a policeman. You would also be welcomed with open arms and find some of the friendliest people in the nation. You will also be safe. You have to use caution just as you would in any major city. I sincerely hope you don't let unfounded fears ruin a trip to the US. Happy trails!

X2

[opnspaces]

I've lived in southern California my entire life and I've only seen a gun on a policeman and it the movies. Sure I don't go into the areas of town that I shouldn't. If I'm driving and I start to see chain link fences across the front yards and wrought iron security bars on the house windows I know I've ventured too far off the beaten path.

Come to the USA and enjoy yourself. Remember crime and violence are not stopped by some imaginary line on a map. The same types bad people live on both sides of that line. But there are far more good people here that are just out to live life one day at a time.

[MitchF150]

???????? explain please

I think it's meant to be "stereotype"

1ste·reo·type transitive verb \?ster-?-?-?t?p, ?stir-\
: to believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same

Mitch

[MitchF150]

I'd be more scared of that Bieber character if I met him face to face.... 😉

Mitch

[loulou57]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
So I guess this isn't what I would see if I crossed the border into Canada..........

???????? explain please

[Old-Biscuit]

So I guess this isn't what I would see if I crossed the border into Canada..........

[fla-gypsy]

Escargot wrote:

loulou57 wrote:
I hope you don't feel I think all Canadians have my insecurities. It is obvious by the people that cross the border that they don't. I am sorry if I left that impression.

You didn't create that impression and, please, do not apologize for your post nor your very valid concerns about visiting the U.S., most especially since your negative experience in Syracuse, NY.

I will personally apologize for some of the insensitive RVers who are criticizing you for valid fears; the ones who are doing anything but supporting you by fabricating horror stories; for the ones who don't have a clue abut how the US is viewed as a gun crazy culture; and for the defensive ones who are all about comparing crime stats of the US compared to Canada. I think too many have just dulled themselves into denial due to the frequency of gun violence in this country (the U.S.).

Half of the RVers on this site carry guns when RVing, so there must be something to what you're saying, otherwise, why would they?

Take the best advice and just ignore the rest.

Please note that people in California are not authorized to speak for the rest of the nation particularly for those of us who live in the SE US and their views do not reflect those of most Americans.