US Border Patrol

[Parides1 at aol.com]

Hola Listers!

I have been collecting and studying butterflies on the Texas/Mexican border 
for 15 years and have had numerous encounters with Border Patrol agents.  I 
must say that all encounters have been cordial and friendly, and on many 
occaisons they have been quite interested in my work.  I have a very good 
relationship with these guys and have NEVER had any problems or incidents of 
harassment.  On one occaison during night operations (blacklighting) on the 
Rio Grande we had a couple of heavily armed agents (both sporting M-16A2 
Gov't. Carbines) approach our lights
my first words to them were "Nice weapons" and they responded by saying "are 
you guys doing something entomological"?  One of the guys turned out to be a 
biology major in college and we spent awhile talking about Entomology.  They 
were mostly concerned for our safety and gave us a number to call if we had 
any problems.  These guys are law enforcement agents and perception is 
something that they key in on heavily.  If you look "suspicious" (long-hair, 
earings, tattoos, etc....) theres a distinct possibility you may have some 
unpleasant encounters.

Charlie Sassine
Corpus Christi, Tx.