Hello from Mexico City airport!
By the time I am done writing this, however, I'll likely have arrived in Santiago, Chile on my way to Galt's Gulch Chile, which is only about 30 minutes from Santiago International airport which makes things very easy.
I started my latest trip a few hours ago in Acapulco which I was very sad to leave. It was, as every day, a tropical paradise, 86F/30C and sunny. As I lingered by the pool my daughter called me over to show me another birds nest that had been made in one of the trees at our house. It was a tiny bird and only about 7 feet off the ground and on a very small tree which is right near the middle of the patio… so, our new neighbors are very close.
My driver drove me to the airport… I love Acapulco airport so much. From the time I walk in, check in, check my bags, walk up the stairs, through security and to the gate is never more than two minutes.
Mexico City airport has been getting worse over the years. Terminal 1 isn't great, but the new Terminal 2, which luckily for me I usually fly through, is very nice. It still is nothing like going through a US airport! In fact, I gave a little bit of thanks under my breath that I will be going south and not north from here.
Just before I boarded in Acapulco, TDV subscriber Phil C. sent along this video and website for a new game called "Papers, Please!". The website is here and the promo video is below.
I'm really not totally sure what to make of it. It is apparently a new game coming out this month… and I guess they made it look like it was made in 1983 with early 80s style 8-bit graphics. And it is supposed to be about some fictional but obviously Soviet/Communist state in the 80s and their checkpoints.
Here is where I get confused. What about this game is at all different from travelling in the US today? Very long lines of huddled masses asking for permission to enter with the customs person shouting "Next!" from time to time and then interogating people. US today? Check.
If they have the proper "official" documents they can enter. If not they are turned away. It's even worse than that in the US today where all foreigners now are photographed and fingerprinted upon entry.
In the video for the game they then searched a "Holechian" woman… for as the game states, all Holechian's must be searched. They basically do a strip search. But, today in the US, they have all manner of nude scanners, xray machines and machines that microwave you… again, worse in the US.
The makers of the game call it a "Dystopian Document Thriller"… the dictionary definition of "dystopian" is "an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives". But, that's the thing! They try to make the old Soviet Union look terrible… and it was. No arguments about that here!
But what part of this game is worse than the USSA today? I submit that the US today is much worse. The promo for the game says, "No contraband! No criminals!"… how is that any different than the US today where they justify their use of violent means because they are protecting us from "drugs" and "criminals/terrorists".
The promo for the game goes on to state:
"Congratulations.
The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the The Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Glory to Arstotzka. "
How is this different than the US today where more than 100 million people are on food stamps and welfare and line up for government subsidized goodies like low-income housing or Obamaphones?
Unfortunately the US today is fully dystopian. It isn't imaginary. It's just a place where people lead dehumanized and fearful lives.
