I am really sorry to hear this happened to you. You're absolutley correct when you said "But as I learned then, the truth was the last thing that mattered here."
One of the many reasons we left the states over 4 years ago (yes, we've returned in recent months) was because of the rising police state. I share a lot of my Dad's personality and he's a very independent free willed thinker and cannot stand being told what to do by people in uniform. Fortunately, what happened to you has never happened to me directly,... yet. I don't know how I will react when that day comes. At least you kept your 'cool,' of course you're full of cool.
Great post, I am sure it will spark some interesting comments
Hey @gringalicious! I always appreciate your thoughts, thanks for stopping by :-)
I can only imagine how things must be in the US. As I just told @paulie2coins (comment above): that's another level. On our islands corruption is very widespread, however what you call a police state doesn't exist. After the today's encounter I've well prepared myself. I studied the law and now I perfectly know what my rights and duties are in that context. It's pretty clear that the officer wanted to take advantage of the situation. These 200 euros appear in the Spanish law, but in a completely different context. He was obviously trying to let me pay for something I didn't commit.
Anyways, I like your point of view and free mind (which you obviously share with your father :-)) and I like that we share all these ideas here on steemit. You were right: the comments left here are very interesting!!