Brazzil

"we have seen the cost of political corruption to Brazil's rep**ation abroad "

I'd restate that. Brazil has always had political corruption. I know people like the author want to place it at the feet of the PT and at Lula's feet in particular, but sorry, that's not going to work. In reality, it's only now that it's been investigated so thoroughly. Isn't the decline really a result of the investigations? So, I would further ask, If there's a decline in "competitiveness" of Brazil as a result of the political corruption investigations, what does that mean? Does it mean that business people feel like they can't carry on corrupt business as usual as a result of the "crisis"?

Maybe this "decline" in "competitiveness" (whatever it means) is the short term cost of rooting out thieves in government, but in the long-term, it may very well be a benefit to Brazil's attractiveness to investors and more importantly to the people and the democracy of Brazil.

That is very true that Brazil always had a corrupted political system since the beginning of the republic or even before.

However, the PT promised to put an end to old prevailing situation and therefore combat corruption and impunity. They not only failed in deliver what they promised, they actually joined the forces of evil.

I have to admit that unfortunately our country is ruled by many traitors and many anti-social politicians.

Some international organizations develop strange processes to judge attributes of world nations. The "competitiveness" above mentioned is so subjective and exoteric that I wonder why people should worry about those craps.

Foreigners, writers or posters, at this site love to bring to us some dumb statistics trying to “humble” us the Brazilians. I would not say all but many of them have no idea what the statistical data mean. However, they love to pretend they do.

I disagree with the premise of most of these stories. The issue of corruption is not a matter of a "scandal." It's clear that corruption is pervasive. It's only a scandal if it's out of the ordinary. There was no "scandal," there have been investigations.

"the PT promised to put an end to old prevailing situation and therefore combat corruption and impunity. They not only failed in deliver what they promised, they actually joined the forces of evil."

Yes. On the other hand, it is probably now the most scrutinized of the political parties in Brasil, isn't it? And, not all PT members knew of or participated in what was going on. No evidence shows that Lula was involved. Has any politician in Brasil other than Lula undergone such scrutiny and come out clean? I don't think so.

Don't forget that many other parties were shown to have been involved in political corruption as a result of these investigations.

So, who do you trust now? Those left standing?

Honest people must continue in the fight against corruption, irrespective of the party they're associated with. I'll support anyone who fights corruption. In the end, Lula's administration has fought more corruption than any previous administration. He doesn't get a free pass becuase of it. He has to show he's honest and serious about it. He's promised he'd cut into his own flesh if necessary to expose corruption. He needs to be held to that promise.

I do not trust any political party in Brazil at the moment and, moreover, I have to confess that I have no idea who I would trust individually. It seems that our politicians have developed the art of deceiving us all pretty well.

I would support any politician that promises and execute the following:

1) Better education for all at all levels

2) Sponsor a thorough judiciary reform

3) Combat, efficiently, crime and impunity

4) Reform our penitentiary system and our police

5) Invest, foment and support High Tech research and development in private enterprises

6) Execute a short and long term plan to end the favelas in Brazil by providing better housing and job opportunity for those people in need.

You may add your own ideas to mine.

Whoever wrote the above, gets my vote for president! well said and well though out.

Well, I didn't mean to imply that's all they have to do to get my support (fight corruption). I agree with what you suggest. Sorry to have overstated the case.

The last three decades plus, all I've read about the politicians of my country is how great they are about corruption. The ones that may have been hosnest are dead (like most great lawyers should be). The ones that may have survived retire in Miami, Fl. or teaching in a N.Y. Univ. to future corrupt politicians in the U.S.A. with a large bank account overseas. These corrupt politicians should do long terms in jail not in public office. Get the ball rolling and get these a*****es out of office and find young honest blood to run the country. I've seen other corrupt countries clean house, what is taking Brasil so long. Terra dos Campeao dos Corrupitos!

Hmmm... you write better in English than in Portuguse. How come?

A poll last month by Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, a think tank based in Chile, found that a majority of South Americans in the capitals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay had a negative opinion of Bush.

He doesn't write very well in either language, actually. His ideas are very common and erroneous, typical of those who proudly procalim their "common knowledge," believing that it trumps actual knowledge.

News Flash: South Americans don't think highly of Bush! Is that some surprise? The low opinion of Bush is world-wide! The guy's a moron and a menace.

I thought we were talking about the PT party....lets bring up bush to take some heat off...keep pointing the finger, that way you dont have to look at yourself....

The point is on the top of your head.

If Aldo Rabelo has no "ideological conviction" why are YOU criticizing him ?Wouldn't that suit your agenda ? Dont be hipocritical !
Your readers deserve more respect. They are not stupid. The dogs on the streets know that corruption has been part and parcel of Brazilian political life since God knows when and this is the first time ever it is being checked in any effective way. Is it a coincidence that this is the very first Administration led by a working class party and president who you say have no "ideological conviction". What hipocracy !

If Aldo Rabelo has no "ideological conviction" why are YOU criticizing him ?Wouldn't that suit your agenda ? Dont be hipocritical !
Your readers deserve more respect. They are not stupid. The dogs on the streets know that corruption has been part and parcel of Brazilian political life since God knows when and this is the first time ever it is being checked in any effective way. Is it a coincidence that this is the very first Administration led by a working class party and president who you say have no "ideological conviction". What hipocracy !