Editorial
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Our front page story this week is about the March Against Corruption, and although it was in the local Brazilian press last week following Independence Day, we wanted to keep the story alive because it feels so important. If President Dilma is really going to be able to root out some of the institutionalized kick-back and skimming in this country, she is going to need unwavering support from the citizenship, so I hope the protests can continue with earnest.
It was also touched on in our Rio’s World Cup and Olympic Legacy article this week, how the economic progress that comes with organizing mega events can be helped by the required transparency and interaction with international bodies (hopefully) less willing to engage in corrupt business dealings.
We’re also putting in a word for the good fight in the Complexo do Alemão favelas. The critics have long since picked at the superficial nature of the UPPs, and the lack of infrastructure, social and educational programs accompanying the solders. Everyone agrees I hope, but hopefully everyone also agrees that things are better with the police presence then without… as long as ALL the police aren’t corrupt…
So the good fight of the UPP programs deserves our support, and Complexo do Alemão deserves law and order and protection from extortion and gunfights in the streets. At least force it behind closed doors like every other developed country does.
On a more personal note, as an American, I flew from Rio to the U.S. on September 10th – 11th. I would have avoided being on an airplane on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks if I could, but I had to hope for the best. The trip went smooth, and for all the U.S. security forces and armed services at home and abroad – thank you, keep up the good fight for us.
On a very personal note, my father goes into surgery in four hours and most of the family is here to be supportive, let the medical team know we expect their A game, and do whatever we can to help with the recovery.
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