Longing for the simpler times

Ken Johnston

The good old days are now getting to be more and more of a memory when it comes to our border.
As of last week you could no longer count on the bus getting freight to and from Winnipeg in a matter of only a few hours. And then Canada customs started checking our i.d. every time we crossed.
All in the name of better security.
It was not so many decades ago when crossing the border was nothing to worry about. In fact if it had been there likely would not have been much of a town here or in Baudette.
Before the early 1960s there was only two ways in and out of this community; rail and water. We were isolated and our relationship with our American neighbours was very necessary. Being isolated ment we had to do a lot together; such was evident when building the international car bridge.

Today our relationships are still intertwined, but the restrictions in the name of security are now going to make things a little less easier.
If we want to ship things to Winnipeg or want to order something for quick delivery we will have to plan for a longer wait.
We still share our arenas, curling rink, bowling alley and businesses with one another. And while the customs officers often know who we are they are now going to have to check our i.d. every time we cross.
It is an adjustment that we will all have to get used to.
As time passes the world becomes a more and more complex place to exist in. It is too bad the simpler more innocent times are over.
–Until then,
Ken