I'm a middle aged white man. One of the reasons that this case stirs emotions in me is that just possibly,There but for the grace of God go I. I used to travel a great deal for work,and would spend fairly long intervals-anywhere from 3 to 6 months-living in hotels. One of my private nightmares was that I'd be working somewhere and something very ugly(like the VanDam nurder)would occur,and occur just before the elections. I don't know about you,but I don't have any problems imagining a local district attorney-who happens to be up for re-election-ordering the local police chief to,"ARREST SOMEONE,AND I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHO YOU ARREST!"