Yeah, the new USA.
We're about the same age. We grew up in easier times when lawyers, banks and the media didn't control us like they do today.
Our whole society has become more militaristic, less compassionate, and with a lot less patience.

Remember being over drawn at the bank 25 years ago?
The bank would CALL you.
Now they wait several days to mail you the problem and slap you with NSF fees to the tune of $35 a piece.
Remember when cops would stop you for going five miles over the speed limit and you'd get a nod and a warning? Now you get a ticket for $125.

There is LESS TOLERANCE, especially for the younger kids and minorities.
I still don't think a KID should get a $125 ticket for kicking a hacky sack outside a mall. A warning would have been sufficient.
I'd like to see a picture of the kid. If his hair and his jeans were below the crack of his rear and he had some bad ass tattoos on his arms and a ring in his nose...MAYBE then I could see why the officer had a problem with him.

The good ole days are gone.