As I attempted to board the plane for a ten-day trip back to the United States to visit my family last Tuesday, the flight attendant handed my passport and boarding pass to a superior. “Follow me, please,” she instructed, leading me to a section of the gate where I was to undergo a random security check. Nearer the catwalk to the plane, my friend accompanying me blanched and looked on in horror. The night before, in the airport hotel bar, we’d joked about the prospect of me being barred entry for my political leanings. Now it appeared to be coming true. In my bags, which were now being searche…