My point above was that even if the police's side of the story is true - what consequences do we face as a nation due to this death over a mere 48.99? Don't the police understand that their actions have Internet consequences, and that stories like this go viral across the world in mere minutes? How much tourism revenue for example is the US going to lose now due to this incident and international perceptions of the police? Seriously, for 48.99? Not even the cost of a hotel room? Losing all that tourism revenue over the death of someone with no prior record? Much much much wiser in this case - if the police story is true - to arrest, have court dates, and then sentence probation with whatever fines and/or community service the court deems appropriate.

It amazes me that many Americans look down at Mexico as corrupt - and it is, I'll admit it - but after this incident, might we want to pick up the broom and sweep our side of the street a tad? Had people above the local police - people who understand such concepts as this story going viral affecting spending and international reputation - not gotten involved, how long would it have taken for the police side of the story to be released, along with the officer's name? It sure seems to me pressure had to be applied to get even their side of the story summarized, let alone the officer's name. As if the police are automatically innocent and above the law - this is how this has come across to me and people I have talked to in my neighborhood. And what of the officer involved? What kind of life is he going to have going forward? Can he expect to keep his pension and his job, now that people far above the local police have gotten involved - people who understand the concept of perceptions and how they can work against you?

I'm hoping that some good comes of this - people standing up more to the police and demanding accountability. And less police militarization. I love the quote Ron Johnson made recently - the head of Missouri's Highway Patrol that has taken over security in Ferguson - We are here to serve and protect, not instill fear. I LOVE this quote. I just wish it were true in more cases. I definitely have fear of the police - I didn't used to - but I do now. I can't see it going away given current conditions, either. Rob