You are missing the point. Americans that go to a foreign country need to be careful and not engage in questionable or unsafe behaviour. THAT is what most Freepers are saying and this line from the article bears out that point.
For the first few days after the attack, St. Maarten police did little to investigate, according to the victims. But after CBS and ABC News ran TV reports, the case moved ahead.
You also need to read post 103.
point well taken , there's just this 'shattered skull' point in my mind that leads me to feel this was barbaric. when in muslim lands do you practice wife beating ? child molestation? when in rome was used multiple times on this thread