I came accross a blog regarding the issue of resistance and how it relates to geographical borders. According to Steve Pile, in the book 'Introduction to Geographies of Resistance,'
"Since resistance opposes power, it hardly seems worth mentioning that acts of resistance take place through specific geographies: in the spaces under the noses of the oppressor, on the streets, outside military bases, and so on"
Stories of smuggling rings out of Dearbourn are examples of how geograohy and borders play out in acts of resistance. Refusing to pay taxes is a very common form of resistance that many of us that choose to cross the border try and take advantage of.
Organized crime in Canada and the US purchase large amounts of products such as cigarette in the States where taxes do not exist (North Carolina, Kentucky, Indian reservations etc.) and sell them for profit.
Read more on this discussion on the blog: http://www.borderculture.org/blogger/2006/03/tax-resistance-and-resistance-tax.html
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Interesting information on smuggling. Smuggling can cover many different venues. I was researching the illegal crossing of the Detroit and Windsor boarder. Sometimes individuals try to cross through the tunnel or even boating. Illegal immigration is another factor in why people cross the boarder. Historically, the underground railroad was important in the local area. For example, the Sandwich First Baptist Church has a hideaway area in the floor for fugitive slaves. I think that there is a historical and present day connection to why individuals cross the boarder. I found a book that discusses how the Detroit river has shaped the lives of different people. There is a huge impact that this boarder has had not only locally, but internationally as well.
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