Brazzil

President Lula is a carismatic and popular leader in the region, but he comes up short on the leadership skills necessary to move Brasil forward. But even he would realize the insanity of a nuclear armed Brasil, this is crazy. First, Brasil understands that there is absolutley no way the regional powers would allow it, and Brasil would be powerless to stop an effort to put an end to a weapons program, why bite the hands that feed you? Second, Brazilians does not possess an extreme left of right who might be interested in these types of programs, and certainly no religious extremism. The economy has been experiencing some sustained growth, which in turn, helps with the President's popularity, if he is to be relected, he has to balance in the middle, and certainly an admitted weapons program would cause him political trouble. The author states that Lula wants to return to the "dark days of the past", what crap, why them would President Lula support opening the archives from the Dictatorship of the 70's. Brasil posseses oil this is true, they are also leading the world in development of alternative "bio" energy sources. But the increase in production has put a strain on its outdated energy delivery system, nuclear power offers a cheap and effective power source, and Brazil has a right to develop it without disclosing propritery technology that it can perhaps one day sell. Still today, the majority of Brasilian energy is hydro-electric. Two years ago a drought caused brown outs and required rationing. Yes, the government is using the "nuclear chip" as a bargining tool, but anyone who really knows Brasil, nows that the article makes no sense at all.

I've sporadically visited this website just to see to what depths the opposition has sunk to, but wow, nothing could have prepared me for this load of junk. Brazil flirted with nuclear weapons during the dictatorship but this is an open and shut case. The priorities of the post 85 civil government have been widely divergent than that of the dictatorship and this is especially true with Lula. Don't forget that this is a president of a pacifistic country whose first official act was to cancel the purchase of new fighter jets. The reason why theres been this spat with the IAEA is that Brazilian centrifuges are remarkably efficient, some 80% more so than American or European ones because they function off of magnetism. Since this is patented technology Brazil has an interest in keeping this under raps from inspectors (especially considering that some IAEA agents in the past have actualy been implanted by the CIA amongst others) so as to not let the hard work of our scientists go to be stolen. Furthermore the theory that Brazil needs this for Security Council support is preposterous. Brazil is being supported by the US, France, Britain, India, Germany, Japan, China amongst many others and is only being oppossed by Italy and Pakistan. The one thing that could keep us from obtaining permanent membership would be a secret nuclear weapons program, which would make it a double folly. Don't forget that Brasil has been the country most often voted to the Security Council and is a fervent supporter of the NPT and CTBT. So please, go get a journalism degree. Better yet, go get a life, because yellow dog journalism that only serves to scare potential tourists is not only despicable, its pathetic.

Gabriel Soares

Who is Claudia Patterson, and what is the COHA?! This is utter garbage, and whoever posted this on the site should be fired. What a complete lackof understanding of the subject, and of Brasil.

I’d like to draw a parallel with the current issue surrounding the United States and Canada on the Balistic Missile Defence (BMD) program and “weaponization” of space.
The January 15, 2004 letter from Defence Minister Pratt to US Defence Secretary Rumsfeld, which formally purports to set out the parameters of the Canada-US negotiations on BMD, is explicit about a number of things that are to be included, but not about anything that is to be excluded. It says, for example, that missile defence cooperation should be through NORAD, that the NORAD agreement should be amended, that a Memorandum of Understanding should facilitate industry-to-industry cooperation, and that such an MOU would “include Canada as a participant in the current US missile defence program.”
In the context of all that detail, the letter's omission of any reference to space weaponization has been widely remarked upon, and is especially relevant because it commits Canada to the “current” US BMD program, which includes research on placing weapons in space. So, the more interesting omission is the failure to confirm the Government's earlier insistence that Canadian participation is to be limited to the ground-based, mid-course interception element. The letter adopts the Pentagon's vague language of an overall system that is to “evolve” over time, including into space if that is where the technology takes it. And Minister Pratt's letter explicitly says that Canada’s cooperation “should also evolve.”
Similarly, an “evolution” of the Brazilian nuclear program, and, consequently, Brazil’s capability to develop weapon’s grade nuclear material, can be expected. It is not surprising that speculation on such sensitive topic then arises, and is a natural consequence of the growth of a Nation; speculation is part of the game, we like it or not. These two stories – that is, the US-Canada conflict on the direction of BMD and the Brazil-World conflict on the direction of Brazil’s nuclear program – start to diverge at the point that Canada has actually very little pull when influencing U.S. decisions, even those that affect the whole North American continent. On the parallel, the role of “Canada” is being played by the U.S. and other major world players, whose opinions certainly have weight. The simple fact that the world is paying attention, though, should actually be seen as a good indication that Brazil is coming of age in the current world scene.

While the above poster does not directly address, the speculation, and lack of understanding of the facts of the posted article. The anlogy of the US-Canadian relationship in regards to BMD, and the worlds' interest in the evolution of Brasil's nuclear program is interesting and worth considering. By holding the "program" close to it's vest, Brasil can realize some benefit by raising her global visability.

...about COHA. Here it is:

Founded in 1975, the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), a nonprofit, tax-exempt independent research and information organization, was established to promote the common interests of the hemisphere, raise the visibility of regional affairs and increase the importance of the inter-American relationship, as well as encourage the formulation of rational and constructive U.S. policies towards Latin America. In 1982, COHA's board of trustees voted to expand its mandate to include monitoring Canadian/Latin American relations. Since its inception, COHA has been one of the most active and broadest-based U.S. private bodies dealing with the entire spectrum of political, economic and diplomatic issues, as well as responding to the economic and political challenges confronting the nations of this hemisphere. From its beginnings, COHA's board consisted of the leadership of some of this country's most important trade unions, professional organizations and religious groups, as well as distinguished civic and academic figures, who joined together to advance their common belief in support of representative government and pluralistic institutions throughout the hemisphere.

A biased article, twistng facts to fit a thesis.

I think everybody agrees that brasil cant produce nuclear weapons. The reason for this is a different topic. The real question is, would they sell the raw material to someone who would like to do harm? Time will tell.

Brazil can't produce nuclear weapons? Are you joking me? If Brazil really wanted nuclear weapons we'd have them in a matter of months. Brazil has two nuclear power plants and is well on its way to producing a third one, I believe it will be called Angra III. Brazilian centrifuges are remarkably efficient and advanced. It has more than enough tecnical and scientific backbone to produce a nuclear a weapon (Pakistan, with a much smaller GDP, population and scientific community produced one very quickly, lest we forget). If everyone agreed that Brazil couldn't have nuclear weapons then all this foolishness would have never originated in the first place. Brazil doesn't have nuclear weapons because we don't need them. The best way to become a target for nuclear weapons is to have them. For Brazil it's not a question it's not a question of capability but desire, and only fools desire nuclear weapons.
Some of the people on this site, as matter of fact this site itself, desperately needs an education on Brazil. And the worst part is that everyone writes with such a sense of authority, like they've got it all figured out... It'd be hilarious if it wasn't so depresingly true...

Gabriel Soares

The article has several incorrections which mislead the reader unfamiliar with the subject of nuclear energy in Brazil.Follow two most important ones:

1) The singnature of a Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA was a precondition of validity of the Brazilian-German Cooperation Agreemnet of 1975 (see its Article 3(2)) and not "as a result of US pressure"as the article wrongly states.
.
2)The Cooperation Agreement explicitly states that both Parties adhered to the "priciple of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons"and precluded use of nuclear weapons as a result of material, eqipment or technology resulting from the Agreement.
For those interested in the full tesxt of both Agreements, see
Muntzig, M., "International Instruments for Nuclear Technology Transfer",ANS, 1978, pg411 and 419.
The Cooperation Agreemnt is still in force.
The Safeguards Agreemnt was substituted by a new, full-scope Safeguards Agreemnt after Brazil joined the NPT.It means that all nuclear installations in Brazil are subject to IAEA safeguards.

3) So, in view of a formal, solmn agreement between the Goverments of Brazil and Germany, any "episodic remarks" made by unnamed people are pure phantasy.
(I refer to the phrase:
"During Brazil's 1964-1985 era of military rule, episodic remarks, usually made off the record by both military and civilian figures, indicated that Brazil was attempting to develop nuclear technology for military purposes").

Dr.Witold Lepecki
Fellow, ANS
Ex-Chairman, Latin American Section of ANS
[ANS=American Nuclear Society]

No one disputes the fact that Brasil could have nuclear weapons, we posses the technology and science to do so. But there is no logical reason what so ever as to why they would want to. Just think about for 10 seconds, the article is based on nonsense and speculation of a "non-Brasilero" who has not a clue to our nuclear history, or current development purposes. And the poster who "worries" about selling weapons grade material to those who would do harm is moronic as well, for the very same reasons.

The above post is an Interesting piece on American paranoia. Although unrelated to Nuclear Power, there was an interesting article in the Boston Globe, a couple of years ago, which hits that note. The link is:
http://www.commondreams.org/views02/0521-01.htm

Was it not Colin Powel representing the US govenrment who told the world that Brazil's nuclear program was for peaceful purposes, and the US was in no way worried???? Brazil and the US in their own disfunctional way have pretty good relationships...this is in both countries best economic and security interests.

Would Brazil sell raw material to anybody who has enough money? I know the Brazilian citizens are good people. However, they dont make any of the decisions. Lula and his friends will decide.Oh, by the way, did Lula get his new 40 million dollar airplane that he wanted? Just curious.

You're arrogance at suggesting that a pacifist such as Lula would sell nuclear materials to terrorrist displays your ignorance and naivety. Lula is a man who has devoted his life to pacifism. He resisted the (US backed) military dictatorship not with guns or guerilla fighting but with a set of crippling worker strikes. Slander him all you want, but around the globe today Lula has been a leader to his people and to the world not unlike Mr. Mandela. From Russia to China newspapers have called him a great hope for the world and the New York Times, for all its silly criticism, called him the Last Leftist hero. If you want to worry about the president of a large country selling weapons to terrorrists, worry about the Reagan admnistration. Last I checked he sold weapons to Iraq, Iran and Osama bin Laden. History, apparently, does have a sense of humor.

Gabriel Soares

Did Bush get his $7 billion dollar defense increase to kill innocent men, women and children? And to fight an illegal war. Oh, and how many country's did the US arm, that are now killing American's and there allies, does Osama Bin Laden ring a bell?...And the Saudi's, they own Bush, did Bush get his big deposit in this saving account. At least we know our President is not a murder, with the common sense to look out for Brasil. Who has been a pacifist and peacemaker his entire life. Go back for your GED, maybe read a paper, and then post on the site.

I am an American who travels frequently to Brasil and the region on business. I have also made the effort to study Portuguese to make my trips more enjoyable, my mom was Mexican so I have some undertsanding of the Latin culture. The person who posted the nonsense about Brasil selling nuclear material makes me cringe. It is important to understand that this poster probably lives in a "Red State" and has never traveled 80km from his home town. Yet he feels obligated, because of his own lack of knowledge of geo-politics, and micro-economics, to weigh in with an ignorance that has crept over my country, of wich I was once very proud. I am sure he gets all his information from Fox News, and is incapeable of having an independent thought...it saddens me greatly. As for Brasil and it's nuclear technology, if you consider for a second, the article makes no sense. This is a Brasilian issue, but could you imagine the IAEA trying to inspect at Los Alamos or White Sands. The Brasilian government, is elected by the people, this was proven in your last election, and they have a right to determine which, if any industrial secrets they maintain, Brasil has complied with all international laws and requests. What really bothers people like our high school diploma friend, is that a country like Brasil has the technology to develop an advanced nuclear program, they would prefer to keep thinking of Brasil, as a Spanish speaking Banana Republic, not the dominating, and agricultural powerhouse it is becoming.

Why bring up Reagan in the presence tense? He´s dead. His administration ousted years ago. Ya´ll know that south of the equator I hope? God knows you are all poor, but I would hope you´ve at least updated some of your poly Sci books over the last couple of decades.

Lula, a leftist Hero? To whom? What has he done in Brasil? He´s spend his entire term in office jet setting around the world talking about hunger, while crime, illiteracy, and poverty rates SORE in his own country. (Brasil: 3% of the global population 11% of all Homocides around the world!) Can anyone say LAME DUCK! As to whether Lula would sell nuclear materials to rouge nations, maybe not, but anyone from the long line of corrupt nationalistic bastards in Brasil would in a heartbeat.

Dollar is falling, the Brasilian economy is booming. We just kicked the American's ass in chicken exports, and our exports to the east are growing in triple digits. American companies are buying our jets as fast as we can make them. Corrupt politicans are being arrested and sent to prison. Tourists who come here to have sex with our children are being thrown in jail (mostly American perverts). Lula's poularity is at record highs, and there is no one who can possibly challenge him. He has become a "hero" in the Southern Hemisphere, even Mr. Bush and his gang of thugs is showing proper respect. Brasil is on the world stage in Haiti (big mistake though), and they will be elected to the UN Security Counsel as a permenent member, with US support. I suggest you look at your soliders who rape and pillage under the pretense of war, yes you are a powerful country, we see you having your will everyday, but bombing, raping, humiliating and abusing people will catch up to you. We have crime...you have arrogance, we can solve our problems, yours is impossible to solve. Why worry about a "third world country" like Brasil by reading this site constantly, gives us all an idea of what a small life you lead in the US, a common problem among most American's, a lack of undersanding of how the world works, your fate will be the same as the Roman and British Empires, your lack of heart, and imorality will be the death of you all. We admit our problems, American's are too proud to admit theirs. Are problems are huge, but American's bombs and bullets have killed tens of thousands...do your murder statistics with these numbers. God is no longer shinning on America...you will pay a big price in he end.

What written in the previous post suggests the poster is American? He could be from any country around the world.

This is your typical Brasilian Idiot knee jerk mentality - the world is divided into two countries, glorious Brasil (nao pode falar mal do Brasil) and the evil capitalistic American Empire (oh but how we love to pirate their software). You can go on and on with your Anti-american diatribe all you like, but I´ll let you in on a little secret, there are people from other countries who see Brasil for the country it truly is - a typically violent third world corrupt banana field. Only a miracle will change that, or a mental revolution on the part of O povo Brasileiro - I don´t see either of the two occuring in the near to distant future.

Brasilian economy booming - that´s a laugh. How many are unemployed in SP? 20%??? What´s 20% of 24 MILLION? And those who have jobs? How many earn minimum wage? Would you care to remind us again what that wage is?

Corrupt politicians in jail? Maluf seems to be able to come and go as he pleases. Didn´t he just run for Mayor of SP? "Robo mais fez" ring any bells with you? Face it, only your low level politician sees time, your heavy weights continue to steal from Brasil with impunity.

Tourists being sent to jail for paying for sex with minors, GOOD and ABOUT TIME- now let´s start locking up the BRASILIANS who engage in this same horrific act, too.

If you actually started looking around you, instead of taking everything Lula and his cronies have to say for granted (while comfortably isolated away in your middle class bullet proof condo), you may just realize that you´re being dooped. What the hell does Brasil having a seat on the security council mean to the MILLIONS in Brasil who can´t read or write and have NO access to clean water mean - hmmm? Back to the original topic, what the f**k does having Nuke capability mean to your average Joâo who lives off of 300Rs a month and has 6 kids to support?

Who cares if God is no longer shinning on the US, She´s completely ignored Brasil for over 500 years.That´s what you should be concerned with.

I rest my case. A typical, uneducated American who needs to berate developing countries to help him feel important. So many dumb things and a complete lack of understanding of our situation and our culture. My only question is why does he care? Let's take a look at his message. "Third world countries sell pirated products because the manufacturers of these products demand huge profits that hinder developing countries. Brasil will soon break patents on the aids drugs that the large pharma holds countries in our region hostage for...if we can do it...great, so much the better, I'll pay $1.00 for a DVD any day. It's easy to tell an American poster, because it is always the "we know Brasil, better than Brasilero's bulls**t". The economy HAS set new records this year for exports as well as new businesses, un-emploment IS the lowest in history. What the gringo does not understand is that big changes will not happen over night, or on one Presidents watch, we need to sustain the growth, re-build eductaion, health care, and infustructure, but it will be gradual and over decades. "The average Joe" does not live on R$300 a month, about 22% of our countrymen do, this is too many. But it was our President that the gringo who shows so much disdain for that signed a law increasing the minimum salary next year. Is it enough? No...but it is a step in the right direction. And no, Maluf did not run for mayor of Sao Paulo, it was Marta and Serra, in case he does not know, Serra won.Taking about heavy weights stealing, shall we forget Tyco, Enron, World Com, or Haliburton? The US Vice President is corrupt beyond any Brasilian...why is he not in jail. The American tourists who come here to have sex with our children are dispicable, so are the Brasilians who engage in the trade. This is one crime I would support seeing a death penalty in Brasil. Re-electing a President who took America to war based on lies and deception, one who is killing the American economy, and would be a laughing stock if he was not so dangerous...now who is being "dooped"? Brasil currently depends on hydroelectric power, and the system is being strained, as more businesses are opened, we must find better sources of energy, so yes, nuclear technology will help the "average Joe". Still I wonder why so many American's visit this site with such bitterness and anger towards Brasil and our people, we have been good, if sometimes reluctent friends over the years to America, I don't see where we have done harm to America, yet the venom that is spit out on this site by our American "friends" who pretend to know Brasil is pure hate...why?

Maluf didn´t run? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - he sure as s**t did, but didn´t make it to the second round! And you have the gawl to respond that gingos don´t know anything. ROFL

"It's easy to tell an American poster"

ha ha ha - I´m not American. And how do you know I don´t live in Brasil or have family there? Maybe that´s why I look into this message board once and a while. Your assumptions here are stagering.

" President that the gringo who shows so much disdain for that signed a law increasing the minimum salary next year"

Care to remind us HOW MUCH that salary will raise? Wait for the answer people, it´s a good one.

Rail on about the Yanks as much as you want, but it doesn´t take away from the corruption, scandal, misery, injustice in Brasil. Get it yet? Nice dodge a weave tactic by the way -a nice tell tale Brasillian trait. Next time save it for an American.

I wish I lived in a red state! I am 34 and live in NY and Rio. My wife is Brazilian and Brazil has been my second home my whole life. The reason some Americans look at this site is because we like to get information from many different sources. If you just get your information from OGLOBO then surely you will believe that the US is a selfish country. They show more of Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson and Madona than they do of Lula!! Any Idea why? So you dont see him flying around the world holding his hand out, thats why!If the US is such a bad place then why do so many people come here to live?

Is it no wonder there’s so much war and hatred in the world? These are post written by the “educated” of our society? Not all of us Americans feel the same as some of these posters do, nor are all Brazilians in lock-step with such anti-American thoughts. I live in both countries part time. Both have their share of problems, as does the rest of the worlds countries. And equaly all countries have great things to say about them too.

Please people, civil discussions with point-counter point arguments would be so much healthier. The article is only one persons’ opinion out of a world of six billion others.

As interesting as it may be to insult each another, hate filled post makes for poor reading for those of us who are here for the exchange of ideas.
We all are to blame, each and every one of us for the problems the world faces.

Peace is not an ugly word.

Though I wholeheartedly agree with the above poster I must point out that this is definetly not the forum for civilized discourse. When you have a magazine that only exists so it can publish inflamatory articles that spread deceit about a country, what do you expect? Look at the forums, it's just people screaming and pontificating in a ridiculous manner. Add all this to the lack of acountability inherent with the internet and you have a perfect mixture for this utter waste of text.C'est la vie.

As a rule, people with nothing to say talk the loudest.

Gabriel Soares

Gabriel Soares

Your abs right Gabinho - the site exists soley to degrade, tarnish and deface the USA. Heaven forbid a president actually take proactive measures to ensure his country´s survival. Nice of you to point that out - the forum here is little more than anti-Americansim and pro leftist/islamic fundementalism.

I was actually referring to Brazil, but there is alot of silly America bashing here. Not that Im a pro-America hack (I'm against the Iraq war, pro-Kyoto etc) but this kind of mindless ranting doesn't help anybody. All it does is alienate people from taking an interest in things that have an impact on their lives and characterizes logical, rational ideas and movements as mindless rants. Discourse dies at the point at which one of the parties stops listening. Sadly this has become the norm and not the exception.

"Wisest is he who knows he knows nothing" -Socrates

Gabriel Soares

pro leftist/islamic fundementalism?...geez. I am one who has always leaned toward the American democracy. I actually admired the way America looked out for itself, I see nothing wrong with that. American geo-economic and political polices have benefited Latin and South American countries in past more than they have hurt. But like 75% of the globe, I feel that Mr. Bush invaded a country illegaly, killing tens of thousands of people, using false information. I pray that the outcome benefits the world and teh Iraquis have peace, but I have serious doubts, especially the way the great American military has conducted itself so unmorally during the occupation. While I don't count America as an enemy. Just because I am against the war, as 50% of American's are, should I be called "anti-American"?

The Brazilian mindset restricts Brazil as a whole from ever succeeding in anything but futebol. Why? In Brazil for example if a thief breaks into your house, and you injure the thief you go to jail and the thief goes free. Brazil has never had to lift a finger to defend itself against anything but heavy rains and flooding. I've seen the posters on Brazilian streets of half-Bush half-Osama with the slogan "who is the real terrorist?" Go ahead and hurl accusations that you simply repeat from "world-leading" news organizations such as Globo or CNN international. It's a shame Brasil didn't donate troops to help in Iraq. When a nation was waiting to be freed Brasil stood idly by and watched with their arms folded. This a familiar scene in Brazil...hence you have the political and economic situation. The people of Brazil will never stand up on their own two feet against the corrupt if they are constantly looking past their own problems to the imperfections of the USA. It's easy to be aware of your problems, but it takes fortitude and a desire for the right to prevail, (gifts given by God to all people), to actually do something about it. I challenge todos os brasileiros, stand up, speak... but first... LOSE THE NATIONALISTIC, SOCIALISTIC MINDSET!

Vivo Brasil!

I am new to the site...this site is domineted by a single Imperilistic, racist, and uneducated anti-Brazil American, it is sad'. It is diificult to understand the hate. To compare a coutry that has 200 years of democracy, to one that has just over 30, and expect it to be the same is nonsense. It's not only "todos Brasilarios" that posses an anti-American slant...but the entire world, look araound at all America's "great allies", I am sure Poland can replace Germany, France, and England, the great alliance that once won a cold war together. If they won't send troops, do you really think we shoudl, they are much better friends now. Iraq free?...thats a joke, Iraq won't be free for 100 years if ever, American's should read historyl. Succeding in anything other than futebol, that's a joke too. The poster should read about our progress, bond ratings are up, risk assesments is down, exports at a record, we are making small but steady progress. There is however a long way to go. What this single, individual American, who keeps spewing hate and nonsense does not seem to consider is that we get to Love our country as much as he loves us. America, a powerful country, but is having less and less of an impact on our way of lives, this is a great thing for Brasil. I won't stop reading the articles, although they are written by the oposition. But I will stop responsing to this bitter Gringo has such an ax to grind against our wonderful country, and urge everyone else to do the same. Perhaps he will get boerd, put on his white sheet and start attending his Klan meetings again.

Once again, the great Brasilian mentality comes to the fore. Always quick to talk about the US - a country he/she probably hasn´t ever visited - because he/she gets news either from the Arab Owned Band News, or from the omnipotent Brasilian mind-numbing (dumbing?) O Globo.

These Brasilians don´t even know their own history - look as the above poster tries to excuse his country´s behaviour because Brasil only has 20 years of democracy. WHAT A LOAD OF s**t. Brasil has had hundreds of years of democracy, with a hick-up 40 years ago. (And this hick-up every one is quick to point the finger of blame at the US, when in actual fact the US did NOTHING. The US could have helped, but the tanks rolled into Rio on Mar 31 64, and everyone cheered them on - THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ANY FOREIGN INVOLVEMENT, BRASILIANS WANTED THIS). Still with these hundreds of years, they´ve not been able to create a CIVIL society. One where laws actually mean something.

I will admit, that Brasil has made some decent progress over the last few years - it´s surprising with such an inarticulate bafoon as Lula at the helm, but he seems to be doing something right. The problem however, is with the millions upon millions of Brasilians that possess the same mentality as Mr. "Good by" above, they are the ones who´ll trap the country forever in the third world. Having your bond rating go up means nothing, if still 30 % of your population can´t read the very flag that serves them.

I've been reading the comments and have seen the amount of writing on national pride, either Brazilian or American. I think being proud about our country is fine. It is from saying that MY country is such and such that one helps in the making of a national identity. Moreover, it is also healthy, to certain degree, until the talking pride speech takes the place of talking rational reasoning one, what should be the main goal here. However, when one starts to read, on and on, another writing the 'my country is good and your is not’ regurgitation, one can begin to doubt if rational reasoning would be ever applicable here.

Once more, I think that taking pride in our countries is ok, until we get lost in pride itself.

(Ran)

Interesting take on a subject the author knows very little about, not jornalism, or even good commetery, just a bunch of speculation. Let's consider the actions of he current US administration, agrred with or not. Would anyone really believe that General Powell would give Brasil a pass on nuclear weapons program, just because Brasil took over the Haiti mess? Give me a break. If the US really thought there was any chance of Brasil developing or selling nuclear technology, the US would rightfully be 10 km up our asses. The last thing we need is a nuclear weapon, or the problems that come with it. Two other things sthe author mentioned that I take issue with. That "Brasil was causing the US trade headaches". Again, BS, it's the US who has imposed high tarrifs against Brasil on steel, cotton, fruit and most recently shrimp. In the case of steel and cotton, the WTO has found these sanctions illegal. And finally "Brasil was selling weapons to Iraq in the 80's? How can the author say this with a straight face, the US armed Iraq to the teeth in the war with Iran, weapons which are now being used against them. President Lula has had the common sense to attempt to strengthen ties with our friends to the North. The AFTA is a priority for both administrations by 2006, and the signing and implementing of this agreement is in our best interest. I am tired of the dance with our disengenious Argentine neighbors.

Is it just I, or is it in most peoples nature to look for only the worst items and then use those as their example of why the ‘other’ country is the worst-off ? There is a lot of knowledge in here, how about some constructive discussions, Please?
...Rudeness Is The Weak Man’s Imitation Of Strength
Peace is not an ugly word.

There is no better or worse off here, countries are different...But the site is about Brasil, not any other country. I think most people are just pointing out a very poorly written piece on Brasil's nuclear program. I was one of the few Brasilians who discarded the Moore F-11 film, as based on speculation for the same reason. There has been a few postings over the top, but that is to be expected on a forum with no regulation. If posters refrained from calling us a Banana Field, or Third World Armpit, perhaps some of my companherios would lighten up as well.

This website has reached a new low. Who's screening the articles here? The author has obviously a very biased opinion, and twists the facts to fit her theory. People like her are the ones who classify Brazil as part of the "axis of evil"... Plus, she lacks understanding of Brazil. Just doing pasting together a list of carefully distorted facts doesn't mean that the conclusions she draws are reasonable or credible.

Read into the future and trust the USA at your own peril. Brazil must develop a nuke, otherwise it is juast a cog in the american wheel. Can one sit there and affirm that the USA will be a friend forever? Think of the Amazon and the encircling going on there and tell me to trust the USA 50 years from now..aqui o. According to this stupid site Lula is a degenerate left wing atrasado, but he did speak the truth in simple terms..we do have a slingshot and a cannon WILL be pointed at us in the future..

First nukes do no good to nobody.. The only country to have ever used a nuke was the USA. And they wouldn't dare use it again I can assure you. I dont buy that prolifiration crap either. If they dare nuke us we will nuke em. so? My country doesnt have any nukes and I feel safer knowing this. If you dont have any of these bombs there is no possibility of sabotage or accident.
Anyways, Brasilians shall decide for themselves . It would make no difference to me whether the USA or france or China or Brazil or anyone else posseses these weapons. Get rid of them all ..

And??? What is the problem if Brasil or anyother countries have nuclear power??? USA wants to be the only one having it but also it's the only one that has used it against humans. The only one REALLY dangerous to the world is USA with its sick arrogance and authoritarism. Who the hell gave rights to USA to be the police of the world??? NOBODY and NOBODY wants that just because USA is a true menace to the world as much as the terrorists. WHAT AN ARROGANT COUNTRY!!! Didn't you learn yet your lesson about respecting other cultures and countries after 09.11??? And they are starting the s**t about Irã now just the same way they did about Irak while the whole world knows they just want to control the oil to control the world. will Amazônia be the next when they want to control the water in the world??? They already started softly convincing the world about the internalization of Amazônia, one day this will be a very normal, natural thought and they will be ready to invade Brasil arrogantly saying it's to SAVE the world... The tsunami in Asian was so much convenient to make the world not to pay so much atention to Irak anymore that I almost believe USA provocated that tragedy by some of their secret departments... who knows??? They have prove that they can make whatever for getting whatever they want...

amricans are so stupid,sucker,assoles and everything else you can imagine

HEHEHE.. if you don't want the US to be the World Police man, then the world should stop calling on the US to solve their problems. (Kosovo, Liberia, Sudan, South Africa, Tsunami, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Tongo, Brits(falkland war), Israel & Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Burma, Japan & Korea, Mongolia, Georgia, Phillipines, all of europe......etc)

Well done Gents