And that last statement of yours is quite to the point, isn't it? I would say that your delineation of what is right and decent and the proper thing to do in such a case would tend to preclude treating this fellow as a proper gentlemen, which no one could objectively accuse him of being now.

Courtesy I believe is a two way endeavor. Common decency would be warranted if such a person could demonstrate they are disposed towards their fellow traveller in like fashion. It was obvious from the start that this man neither had such a compassionate concern for anyone he encountered, let alone his own family, and so none was afforded him, as it should be.

Honor and respect are not things deserved or demanded, but earned. This person did nothing that would indicate he is worthy of receiving any such benefit, and persists in the same. Were the matter not so serious, then none of this would be an issue, and he would be home now enjoying the company of his new spouse, instead of facing imminent litigation.

Being a US Citizen doesn't mean much when you put the general public in danger for purely selfish reasons. Our jails are filling with citizens that we would gladly disown, and would be all to happy to send elsewhere if they are not happy with the way things are going for them here. I'd say the first reaction of the US Government was to tell this guy not to go anywhere in case things worsened so that maybe they could keep this thing under control and prevent or minimize the risk to himself and others, which he happily ignored. Not surprising how subsequent recommendations/actions would go.

I've seen Italian justice with foreigners before. I don't give them the same sort of credit you would. Then again, this guy does have a lot of cash, so they may have been kinder to him than they were to the kids in the hostels a few years back.

I agree that detention is an often abused process, which is all the more reason why travellers need to exercise better judgement lest they give cause for those in power to justify such abuses.

In reviewing the record, it appears that our TB infected traveller had no intention of caring what happened to anyone around him long before those who could sought to start controlling his actions. In fact, it was his wanton disregard that instigated such an attitude amongst the authorities and the public in general. One shouldn't expect any measure of sympathy after having already trampled on the welfare of others.

I found none of your comments obnoxious in the least, but quite stimulating for debate. Carry on mate.