We have been justly proud of our Canadian-U.S. border. We cross often and freely.

This summer, in spite of the long, useless, random searches we had to endure as we returned, we tolerated them as we hoped for some revision that would make sense. We do not want the White House to turn it into an armed border.

We have crossed the border to buy cheaper prescriptions. We cross and occasionally benefit from the favorable, for U.S. citizens, money exchange, always happily given. We were not detained, even though Canada is likewise alert to terrorist threats. The detention of a Canadian hunter because he came over the border to purchase gas at a gas station already given special consideration by the border guards is an aggravation and upsets the long friendship of our two countries.

That Canadian citizen was no threat to our security. But he’s an easy target for the new homeland security so they can be seen to flex their muscles. We should protest his detention and try to regain our friendly border. Write, call or e-mail your elected officials and prevent this unjust arrest that threatens our friendly relations.

Barbara Larson

Brooksville