>Tom,
>
>While what you write may be true in your area in a number of cases, is it true across the board? What percentage of the time police called in or act on their own does this occur? It can be very misleading to anyone outside the U.S. and could suggest that it is the norm. Do you really believe that or is there a greater number of incidents of problems this year than other years?

Statistically? Yes!

>
>
>>>>>>My wife is from Peru and her family is from Zaragoza, Spain. They are very expressive with words, affection and will often touch you on the shoulder while talking. It is strange how different customs can be from one country to another.
>>>
>>>same way in Brazil. In that sense, we're way friendlier than other people.
>>>
>>>
>>>>By the way I would not consider touching a policeman for any reason. You might get arrested or shot.
>>>
>>>Gee... aren't they suppose to protect people?
>>
>>
>>We have had several policemen shoot people during the last year that has caused a stir in the San Francisco Bay Area. The good thing about being a policeman is that you can act as judge, jury and executioner, in the name of society.
>>
>>Recently it seems that:
>>
>>1. Judges find reasons to let criminals go on technicalities.
>>2. District Attorney’s do not want to prosecute.
>>3. The policeman shoots someone who did nothing, and does not have a weapon, for running away.
>>
>>Did you ever see the first movie made by George Lucas – THX 1138? The policemen say as they apply cattle prods to the suspect to shock and incapacitate him, “We are here to help you”!