Is anyone here old enough to remember when the Soviet Union did this, too?

Sure. I had friends who went on vacation in Poland. Five hours to go through customs, they looked through the whole car and the caravan. And anytime they drove near a place considered sensitive they would find themselves trailed by one or two men who would approach if anyone pulled out a camera. That was a sign to put the camera back in the bag and drive away or see all your films confiscated.

Now you fly to the US only if you give all your private information, including your credit card details, and once you arrive there you might find your computer confiscated for safety reason (with a small chance of getting it back months later)

http://www.tripso.com/today/warning-us-customs-and...

or kicked out for not reason, with handcuffs.

http://feetin2worlds.wordpress.com/2008/12/24/poli...

LOL sure. Was on the "Duty Train" entering East Germany when it was stopped and searched -- although we were told it wasn't supposed to happen. This was back in the late 70's.

gotta love it, and they said big brother would never happen