airport customs officials

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Cycledefrance's anecdote on air travel brought to mind an experience of mine that soured me on US Customs forever.
I was on my way to Germany to visit a friend. My itiniery was: Indianapollis- Chicago- Schiphol- Munchen.
On the _jetway_ at Chicago- you know, while I'm trying to get on the fucking airplane?- I notice four very disreputable looking men accosting my fellow travellers. One of them accosted me. He pulled from his dirty sweatshirt a US Customs Service Badge and identified himself, saying," If you have less than 10,000 dollars, you need not declare it. So how much are you carrying?" I paused for a moment in disbelief; If I don't have to declare, why are you asking me to declare? I answered him, feeling testy, " less than 10,000 dollars." The redoubtable agent of the United States expression slowly changed, I could see in his eyes a growing pleasure at having a citizen he could jerk around with his unconstitutional search and seizure. Realizing that I did not want to delay my flight and I lacked the finances to fight this battle in court, I folded like the playing card that I am.
Contrast this experience with my departure form Europe two weeks later at Schiphol.
The Dutch Customs Service put twelve uniformed agents at portable podia, all of whom spoke More than one language, Three hours before departure time, ensuring that everyone was treated in a very civilized fashion. NOw the questions where identicle. The experience was worlds apart.
Europe good, US bad.
And their beer's better too.