ongoing by Tim Bray · Declining America

Declining America

Recently I got an invitation from an organization I respect, to a gathering of senior people, unconference format. Yes, it’s<br>mostly about AI. No, it doesn’t reek of boosterism. My guess is that the discussions would be relatively intelligent and<br>unbeliever contributions would be welcome.<br>I declined, because it’s in the USA.

Here’s the text; maybe someone in a similar situation might find it useful.

Thanks to whoever thought of me for the kind invitation, which I must regretfully decline.

I’m Canadian and as a matter of principle feeling negative about visiting a neighboring country whose leader has repeatedly<br>threatened our sovereignty and shown massive disrespect for our nationhood. Particularly when that leader has followed up<br>similar statements about other nations with military action.

I could probably work around that. But there’s also the issue of entering the US; if I roll up at the border and am asked to<br>disclose my social media output, there’s a significant risk of an extremely negative outcome. I have a family to support and<br>really can’t afford that risk.

I still consider myself a friend of your organization, and one with strong opinions about the subjects scheduled for<br>discussion; my regrets about having to decline are entirely sincere.

—Regards, Tim

Updated: 2026/05/20

ongoing

What this is ·

Truth ·<br>Biz ·<br>Tech

author ·<br>Dad

colophon ·<br>rights

May 19, 2026<br>· Technology (90 fragments)

· · AI (15 more)

· The World (161 fragments)

· · Politics (181 more)

By Tim Bray.

The opinions expressed here

are my own, and no other party

necessarily agrees with them.

A full disclosure of my

professional interests is

on the author page.

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