The immigration/customs people and procedures are the first sight that a foreigner gets of a country and invariably invite conclusions however well or ill founded.

Perhaps Russia puts on a bad face and if so that unfortunate. America, and all the moreso on my last routing through the place, puts on a such a face that is regretable.

Two hours standing in line is an insult. The forced cancellation of my sidetrip to see the (cracked) Liberty Bell was a metaphor of the time and place.

If paranoia with respect to everyone else is to be your rule, then it is with parnoia that everyone else will receive you.

Everyone is coming to exploit and/or harm you, well you are going to exploit and/or harm them, whether with dollars or guns. A fine world that . . . . Respect as much as contempt is a two way street.