Posted on 05/23/2008 5:15:30 AM PDT by Glenn
you purchase a new leather case for your Mac.
I received a call from FedEx yesterday explaining that I would have to apply for an "Importer Number" from Homeland Security because the MacBook Pro case I ordered from Argentina was more than Homeland Security would allow without one.
I tried to explain to FedEx that I am a consumer, not an "importer" and I bloody well didn't want to be entered into some Homeland Security database over a silly case which would protect my new computer. I've purchased products from this company for more than 5 years and never had to fill out such a request.
FedEx didn't care. The government told them I was an importer, so I am an importer. That meant receiving the form, filling it out, signing it, sending it back, waiting for approval, and, if approved, finally having it leave Argentina on an overnight trek to Western Pennsylvania.
I called Homeland Security to find out what they would do with the data. How it would be used. How long it would be retained. What other sections of Homeland Security would be privy to it.
No joy. Secret. Secret. Secret. Submit a request in writing under the FOIA if I wanted an official rejection.
Oy. I yearn for the days when a man could do business without having to prove he didn't intend to blow up the White House with a q-tip and a pickle or a laptop case.
I'm not sure Johnny McCain will make things better, by the way. He sees a spider in every shadow as well.
You should have ordered it from a company in Mexico.
Having said that, do they seriously believe a terrorist is going to order ONE case from Argentina to use to hold a bomb? Insanity...
Do you have a URL with a description & photo? I would even face your "importer hassle" to get something more sleek -- but I sure as heck wouldn't like it!
ping
You are not entitled to purchase a computer case in Argentina and bring it in at no charge. That's just the way it is.
The company is Vaja Cases (http://www.vajacases.com). They custom create each case and their craftsmanship is amazing. As I stated, I have been ordering their products for about 5 years.
I may wind up purchasing a different case, but I wanted THAT case.
'-)
- Many countries will require additional taxes and/or duties based on the customs value of your shipment. These costs are your responsibility. Contact your country's customs office for specific details.- US Residents: if you have a “signature on file” agreement with Fedex, neither Vaja nor Fedex will be responsible for the lost of any package left at your front door. Please contact your local Fedex station for more details.
- Once the package has been shipped, any change in shipping address will have an additional cost of usd 5.
TAXES ( only for Florida State, USA )
Since our Main Office is located at Miami, Fl., and your credit card will be charged by Vaja Corp., all in compliance with USA government tax laws, Vaja charges sales tax for orders placed and/or shipped within the Florida State in a 6%, according to the zip code.
"Noles" screw everything up!!!!!!!!
Just think of it as a “Special Program for Florida Residents.” ;)
"YOU MAY BE A TALIBAN IF..."
1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer.
2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can't afford shoes or a toothbrush.
3. You have more wives than teeth.
4. You wipe your butt with your bare left hand, but consider bacon "unclean."
5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.
6. You can't think of anyone you HAVEN'T declared Jihad against.
7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your pocket.
8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs .
9. You've often uttered the phrase, " I love what you've done with your cave."
10. You have nothing against women and think every man should own five or six.
11. You bathe monthly, whether you need it or not.
12. You've had a crush on your neighbor's goat.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.