That when people like CC speak about events, attitudes...etc in the DR, they know from both personal experience and daily observation that their perceptions of those attitudes....etc are more likely to be accurate that those of us that visit periodically. I don't agree with some of his observations, but they are HIS Observations not mine. His colourful descriptions can be crude but they do get his points across, kind of in your face, but I don't feel insulted by his comments. Perhaps it's his long navy career that brings out the colour. As for Mike Fishers remark about lack of education, often highly educated people are quite rude. I come from a family full of educated people married to other educated people. Many of these people has refined rudeness to an art form.