When you have the Prime Minister of a country 'tweeting' his support for a rider that shows that it is not just the media which is nationalistic.
The problem is that some countries are more backwards than others in dealing with the problem at every level. Hence the inconsistency - Basso, Ullrich, Scarponi lose two years of their careers (their career in Ullrich's case), while the likes of Dertie, Valverde, Schleck are allowed to roam free.
The top names are of course the Golden Geese - they are the ones who bring in the titles, the ones whose names sell papers, merchandise etc etc it takes a lot for a national fed to throw the book at the chosen one.
This doesn't just go for cycling - look at the way in which the British looked after Christine Ohuruogu because she was basically the only British athlete likely to win a gold track and field medal at the Olympics.
Lots of fans and media tend to believe that only foreigners dope - not brave British or honest Aussies.
Once again though, the big problem is that the likes of Vroomen, Schenk etc are being constantly run out of town, while the likes of Riis, Hog, Vaughters and McQuaid are welcomed and protected.
JA.Tri - I agree entirely the problem is that there is no way the Spanish, US, etc would agree to it. Too many vested interests in not reforming doping discipline mean it will never happen. But it is the most obvious and necessary step in cleaning up the sport.
One other point I found interesting is about media representation - ie Basso (who only thought about doping etc etc) vs DDL, vs Ricco, vs Dertie. The media tends to be much more sympathetic to accused dopers than to the whistleblowers. Likewise, 'exciting' riders (excepting Vino) get an easier time than 'boring' riders. So we end up with the bizarre situation of Dave Harmon cheering on Piti Valv to beat Vino.