Brazzil

For all practical purposes the international monetary system based on the US dollar is dying a very quick death. That international monetary system has died at the same time that the US economic system had a quick demise, and the United States that most people remember belongs only to the history books. Right now nobody knows what kind of economic system will rise from the ashes of the old US capitalist and economic system.

During the current financial crisis it became clear that the US economic and financial system is in deep trouble and close to a total collapse, and only heavy US government intervention in the financial system is the reason why the system still afloat. The US government is also nationalizing a large portion of the US economy and in this new system access to money to operate the US economy and financial system it will be decided by the politicians in Washington D.C. The American politicians and the army of lobbyists in Washington are going to decide how the new US economy works.

It is clear to me that the end of the current international monetary system based on the US dollar is finally here, and the final collapse of the US dollar is around the corner, and you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the world needs very urgently a new international monetary system designed for the 21st Century.

And right now even the Chinese have started figuring out that is something wrong with the current international monetary system, and now that the Chinese started waking up it’s just a matter of time for them to create a New Asian Currency and the new international monetary system to start to gel and finally become a reality.

If you want to learn why the US economic system is at the edge of the abyss and very close to a total collapse then read the following information posted on the Elite Trader Economics Forum. My screen name on that forum is SouthAmerica.

Stock Market Crash in 2008
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=106795


Over 75 years ago Wall Street Crashed; but today the New Crash is already underway...
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=117003


Hedge Funds and the U.S. Financial Markets
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...adid=61875


Financial Derivatives Market Meltdown
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...adid=57218


The Next Meltdown: Credit-Card Blowup Ahead
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=141038


FDIC insurance and the US economy
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=139061


It’s 2008. The U.S. Has Dragged the World into a Depression
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=124509


The end of the line for an international monetary system based on the “US dollar”
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=137804


The US dollar and the biggest default in history
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=121313


Central Banks and the US Dollar
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...adid=81958


******


“U.S. has plundered world wealth with dollar hegemony: China government newspaper”
Reuters - Fri Oct 24, 2008
By: Simon Rabinovitch

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States has plundered global wealth by exploiting the dollar's dominance, and the world urgently needs other currencies to take its place, a leading Chinese state newspaper said on Friday.

The front-page commentary in the overseas edition of the People's Daily said that Asian and European countries should banish the U.S. dollar from their direct trade relations for a start, relying only on their own currencies.

A meeting between Asian and European leaders, starting on Friday in Beijing, presented the perfect opportunity to begin building a new international financial order, the newspaper said.

The People's Daily is the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.

Its pronouncements do not necessarily directly voice leadership views. But the commentary, as well as recent comments, amount to a growing chorus of Chinese disdain for Washington's economic policies and global financial dominance in the wake of the credit crisis.

"The grim reality has led people, amidst the panic, to realize that the United States has used the U.S. dollar's hegemony to plunder the world's wealth," said the commentator, Shi Jianxun, a professor at Shanghai's Tongji University.

Shi, who has before been strident in his criticism of the U.S., said other countries had lost vast amounts of wealth because of the financial crisis, while Washington's sole concern had been protecting its own interests.

"The U.S. dollar is losing people's confidence…

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article...XX20081024

.

for the real solution to america's problems , a person only needs to go back to the last real american prosperity ,the era of the computor innovations , that brought the computor to the mass markets, which is why we are communicating here now..

that was real prosperity , new money , new jobs,balanced budget etc.of course, followed by the greed of the dot com bubble, the very same greed that brought down the economy now(will people ever learn?....i guess not).

innovation of ideas , and, inventions is what could make the differance, not paper for paper casino gambling, wars for nothing that cost trillions of dollars and indifferance to what people really need.

the truth is, a major invention or innovation would turn the usa right around.....but, is it capable of doing that , now ? that is the question. if it can let innovation and inventiveness rule instead of greed and paper casino games

ok, there is a serious crisis now , everyone is getting up ended, and, what is happening ?
the dollar, that was strangly and unusualy weak in the last seven years, finily got stronger against an uncharactoristic strong real

oil that was sky rocketing out of control , got shot down

house prices that were way too high, are coming down

crises? or were things before the crises , pushed in unatural directions by forces that wanted to capitilise on greed ?

will the american economy be destoyed ? will it recouperate ? only time will tell....

there are a lot of people ,on here , so sure obama cant win,on nov 5, we need to talk.....based on those kind of predictions about obama, on here, i hardly pay attention to anybodies predictions , on here, of where the world is going....

Why doesnt this idiot re-read or re-print LULA WHININGS ?????

Concerning Ricardo :
You were so right....with your analysis as to why China should invest Us$ 200 billion in Brazil. Short memory about your prowess in analysis ???

You were so right....with your in depth analysis as to why Brazil should nationalize Petrobras and Cia Vale...right at the top !
Short memory about your prowess in analysis ?????

You were so right...with your in depth analysis as to why Brazil should have created their SWF....RIGHT AT THE TOP...AS USUAL !


Keep analysing ! They are very entertaining and give me a clue of...WHAT..... NOT TO DO !

You have no idea how useful you are, if one does the exact opposite of everything you have written....SO FAR !!!!

You are part of the crowd !
Arent you with much pride a member of Elite Trader ?????

I have been right about most of my predictions.

As a matter of fact I don't know anybody that comes close to my record in the last 8 years.

Instead of making silly comments just read what I have been writing in the last 8 years and please start with the following article that was published in February 2005:

It’s 2008. The U.S. Has Dragged the World into a Depression
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=124509

By the way, today my 4-part article about China investing $200 billion dollars in Brazil makes more sense than ever.

.

It’s 2008. The U.S. Has Dragged the World into a Depression
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...did=124509

Good article, but everyone who is still stuck in this linear thinking mode and still in the Left/Right paradigm really need to do their homework and study history. Especially financial history, look into the documentary 'Money Masters' for some of this.

The North American Union is only 2 signings away and MERCOSUR is rolling ahead without anyone even questioning its real funtion. The American union, in the same fashion as the European Union will have a new common currency. Why the hell do you think all these politicians like Gordan Brown, Sarcozy and the rest are declaring a "New World Order"? Not to mention Magaret Thatchers speaking tour of the globe in the early 90s where she delivereda speech calle "The New World Order". Look into the Toronto Star for that one.

Once the Middle East is standardized, the funtion of the US will be finished and they will be brought down. Then, according to the United Nations(which is un-elected and un-democratic if you bothered to study the history of the families that are behind it) will bring in China as the police of the world. Remember that according to the UN, China is the "model state" for the world and has more human rights awards from the UN than any other nation.

You are living through a business plan and money, fiat currency is printed at will by the Private Central Banks, that's really how simple it it folks. You have some adjusting to do so here are some coincidences to think about.

9/11, 1941 - Cornerstone ceremony for the Pentagon
9/11, 1990 - Bush Sr' fist "New World Order" speech
9/11, 1991 - Bush Sr' second "New World Order" speech
AND to top it off, this was on CBC Canada, Bush Sr was in a meeting with the brother of Osama Bin Laden at a hotel in New York on the morning of 9/11 2001.

Get with the program, and check your histories before you regurgitate slogans that are fed to you in order to parrot.

www.cuttingthroughthematrix.com

The key to the US economy is innovation, revolution of ideas. This is an opportunity to transform the US economy, and the economy of the world for that matter, into a green economy. Green technologies can creat new jobs, free Americans from dependency on foreign oil, and help avert climate change. Just think if Obama's plan of having alternative cars built in the US and how many jobs it can create.

The US isn´t bankrupt yet if one looks at the some sixty trillion in debt and obligations compared to GDP, and the percentage, something over 70%.

But it is on the verge of the percentage line going vertical, (or up maybe 45 degrees, not 0,) therefore unsustainable, in a few years.

Unless the executive and the legislative both go left in the coming election, including 60 in the senate, in which case the unsustainable happens much quicker.

Think of the government as a hedge fund involved in credit arbitrage with few checks and balances.

It's considered bad form to say that the fundamentals are strong, in this election cycle.

But the author has what seems to me to be a bad attitude. Okay, you repatriated, fine, but it's bad form to use intemerate language in describing the country of your birth which gave you your opportunity. Get over it. Americans don´t care any more for what you think than they do any foreigner.

Gloom and doom is good, because when that prevails the markets tend to turn positive.

So you are annoyed? At the whining? That's precious.

Will you end up like Ronnie Biggs, when you're old, unable to work and needing a feeding tube, going back to the states? Are you willing to promise right now that your dislike for America will keep you here at the mercy of SUS and the Santa Casa de Miséria?

Pathetic.

WHAT A JOKE !!!!!

Certainly not since you are writing here !

I have been a forum member since 2004....and saw yioz writing here since about a year or so ago !!!!

Were you not also for the US$ 200.- oil theory, grains prices prices UP UP UP UP UP and more UP due to the China and India theory ??????

OF COURSE YOU WERE !!!!!!!


But stay bullish, no doubt you have a better chance since you are writing your comments here !!!!!

Petrobras and Cia Vale being down around 70 % when measured in US$,
you only need to more than TRIPLE to go back only to the previous top, and then even more to continue the growth from where you left it !!!!


Ohhhhh Ricardo, the same 70 % down when measured in US$ from the top of the BOVESPA !
Thus the BOVESPA too needs to TRIPLE !!!!!!!

Not an easy task for the next 5 years !!!!!!

And about your predictions mostly right : when did you forecasted
grains going down by 50 %, oil by 60 % and the Brazilian currency to
2,30 or so ??????


Yesssssssss....please reprint these ones ?????????


Ohhh dear junkie, hopefully you paid attention to China stock Index, down 70 % from its top, same for Russia, and not too much differernce for India !!!!!!
By the way India has such a strong currency that it is already at a
HISTORICAL RECORD.....LOW.....AGAINST THE "wothless" US$ !!!!!!

Bye bye, bye bye BRIC !

Dont worry, you are going to survive. We need CHEAP foods, commodities.

And finished products from CHINA, NOT FROM the other BRI.!!!!!

They are soooo much better quality than from BRI and so much cheaper !

About China food, there is somewhat a total misconception.
True they need more grains but did you know they have a 10 % market share of frozen vegetables (cut and ready to cook) in......FRANCE ?????
AND...BOOMING EXPORTS GROWTH ???????

A market that Brazil is totally MISSING !

The difference between China and Brazil is that China delivers us what
WE WANT, Brazil wants to deliver us what THEY WANT !!!!!!

THINK AGAIN about the approach !!!!!!!

Sirry junkie YOU get it all wrong...as usual !

Biggs has been a train robber... not me !
Biggs was hidden in Brazil for decades....not me !
Biggs was British not from USA !

Ch.c is neither a Brit or from USA, but from Switzerland. And about feeding tube you have to wonder why Biggs went back home, and did not stayed in Brazil !It was due to your LACK of healthcare.
Even your Vice President goes outside the country when in need of heart surgery !!!!!!
You even have to import headaches drugs !
Nooooooo drugmakers..... in the BOVESPA !!!!!!

And concerning your export growth prowess....stay proud.....for the first time ever you will surpass the US$ 1000.- per capita...with a lot of noise and medias attention !
Easily beaten by Thailand with twice as much and without the regular Brazilian fanfare !!!!

And also without fanfare, my country will continue with their US$ 25'000.- exports...per capita !!!!!

Last but not least, your current account DEFICIT is at a Historical Record....DEFICIT !!!!!
My country very quietly continue to have a current account SURPLUS of around 15 % of GDP !
A fact and reality, BRAZIL will NOT come even close...in the next Millenium !!!!!!
You were already caressing your navel, when for a VERY SHORT period of time your current account surplus was ONE percent !!!!

Now you better scratch...YOUR HEAD !!!!!

Ohhh dear junkie, why dont you write down the last time you were bullish on the "worthless" US$ ???????
Funny the us$ goes up while paying around 1,5 % and your currency goes down while paying over 15 % for one year !!!!!

Slow down and read the material. I was talking to the author of the article, not you.

We all know that Biggs went back to England.

His family says it wasn't about healthcare. Right.

Wasted typing, Ch.c.

Mixed Reaction to Mr. Blanchette's views...

Mr. Blanchette editorial represents a fair description of the current malaise affecting the American population. As a dual citizen of Brazil and the United States, I can understand and relate to his criticism of the “over-reaction” to the crises in progress. As a Brazilian who grew up in Rio during the years of Military dictatorship, I agree with the author when he minimizes the American negative response to the current (serious) economic turmoil vis-à-vis much worse financial havoc which Brazilian citizens have suffered throughout the past century. As an American citizen, long time resident in Manhattan, I empathize with my adopted compatriots’ feelings of dismay, confusion and hopelessness, for in a country where hardship used to imply taking vacation in California instead of London, the scope of the down fall is so enormous – with dispossession, bankruptcy and insecurity everywhere in America - that it seems almost unconceivable that the American Dream has turned into a Nightmare…

Nevertheless, I wonder if the comparison made between the American and Brazilian realities (as perceived by the citizens of each country) is truly valid for one can hardly blame the populace of a powerful and wealthy nation which has been at the “Leader of the Western World” at the vanguard of the global economy for over a century, to comprehend and/or relate with the hardship suffered by the less fortunate citizens of poorer countries. Because my fellow Americans are thoroughly ignorant (and were never exposed to such adversities) they should not be blamed for exaggerating, lamenting and feeling hopeless when compelled to suddenly face relatively lower levels of distressful economic conditions. Likewise, one should scarcely expect relatively well-off Brazilians (even the poorer members of its lower classes) to relate to the extreme adversity and mass famine suffered by millions of oppressed, wretched, and destitute inhabitants of North Korea, Burma, or Burundi…

As for the Mr. Blanchette’s economic analysis of the Bush Administration, while I fully agree with his criticism of the Republican Administration’s irresponsible mismanagement, which permitted the near-collapse of the U.S. economy due to a careless, nearly non-existent oversight of the US Finance industry during the post 9/11 “housing boom”, which triggered a cascade of unsound and/or illegal decisions. In my opinion “blame” should be placed upon the excessive, negligent deregulation of the economy which simply reflect the hands-off Republican approach, and represents a typical theme of this (repugnant) party. In fact, anyone keeping track of the on-going American electoral campaign may have noticed Republican officials (prior to the beginning of this crisis) praising de-regulation and warning against “Democratic” big government. Because the pre-existing healthy economy which the Republicans inherited from the previous Democratic administration, along with the unwavering, blind support of the obnoxious Religious fanatical branch of the Republican Party, whose sole concern were the so-called “moral” and evangelical credentials of that party’s candidate during the 2000 and 2004 electoral campaigns, the incompetence of George Bush was clouded and now the entire nation (if not the world) is paying for it.

Yet, my agreement with the author ends (as well as my strong objection to the Republican Administration) in connection with the American intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, not only I agree with the unquestionable necessity to address the implacable Islamic enemy with maximum strength, but I dare say that one should have gone much further, and therefore, criticize Washington for lacking the necessary brutality when addressing the Islamic threat. In my (radical) opinion, the United States should have perpetrated a much stronger blow upon the above-mentioned centers (along with additional sites) of barbaric, primitive, and brutal anti-Western threat! In international political terms, I confess being an advocate of Machiavelli’s position when facing an implacable enemy. Unless a Prince does not thoroughly eliminate a given powerful foe, he would be risking eventual retribution, for such enemy is likely to rise again for the sole purpose of revenge…

Finally, in connection with Mr. Blanchette’s conclusion, my position in simply neutral, for while I may agree that for most issues the may not consist of “a black and white affair”, in matters regarding the security of citizens of the Western World (as implied in the previous paragraph), I must confess my agreement with the infamous tenet “us versus them” (West vs. Islam – which incidentally is also Osama Bin Ladin’s position). Unfortunately my extreme liberal views stops completely at the well marked “border” of social and economic issues, for I strongly object to the Western naïveté by self-imposing restrictions to abide by the lofty “high-morals” inherent in its superior civilization when dealing with implacable animalistic foes which would NEVER recognize ANY boundary to strike not only New York, London, and Madrid, but also Moscow, Tokyo and Buenos Aires…

You are living through a business plan and money, fiat currency is printed at will by the Private Central Banks, that's really how simple it it folks. You have some adjusting to do so here are some coincidences to think about.

BrinoRios comment is the most accurate on this thread. People need to forget about DEMOCRATS and the GOP. That's all ILLUSION. What is going on has been in the making for quite some time now and it is simple.

If people continue to look at politics on a superficial level they will stay LOST. It is not as simple as 4 and 8 year terms. ????
It's not Bush.. It's not Lula.
Most people are blown like the "waves of the sea".. They don't think. They just react!
Just look at them!

for I strongly object to the Western naïveté by self-imposing restrictions to abide by the lofty “high-morals” inherent in its superior civilization when dealing with implacable animalistic foes which would NEVER recognize ANY boundary to strike not only New York, London, and Madrid, but also Moscow, Tokyo and Buenos Aires

Just where do the supposed "high morals" inherent in the supposedly "superior western civilization" come from?
I know you don't want to get started on this. BUT!!!????

Bash false religion. Bash hypocritical christian based kingdoms. But Bible bashing is pointless.

Mixed Reaction - Part 1: American "Over-Reaction" / Analogy with Brazil
written by Augustus, October 28, 2008

Thanks for balancing things out for the readers.
EVERYTHING is perspective. The pain Americans feel even in their affluence in comparison to other countries is very real.
The U.S ,, despite all its access to trinkets, toys and conveniences, it still very expensive to live in. Debt is almost unavoidable. And millions are one sickness , disease or accident away from bankruptcy.
Brazil is about as happily "middle of the road" as you can get when you compare it to the U.S in contrast with , like you say Burundi or Burma.
Americans are the willing victims of a propaganda machine of arrogance. Buying into that is what "hurts". The "self-centeredness" on the behalf of most of its citizens "hurts" them themselves.
Adjustments in the psyche are difficult. It is "work". And Americans are most to be pitied. Because in the end their percieved sense of "suffering" will be the hardest to deal with.
Americans aren't cry babies. They are more so "victims" of illusion as Blanchette did touch on. Victims of a machine of propaganda that promotes arrogance and self-centeredness that in the end comes back to bite you in so many ways. They have ignored principles they have claimed for centuries to aspire to.
Like yourself I have dual citizenship. And I have traveled to Brazil since childhood and lived there for 3 years as an adult. I have sincerely tried to live a simpler Brazilian lifestyle in the U.S but it goes so against the grain here. You appear eccentric and it is almost next to impossible. You can't compare the two starkly different realities. So yes, comparing how and why one complains doesn't make any sense.
The average Brazilian longs to be out of the prison of ignorance. The average American just wants to "relax". Get off the freaking treadmill that keeps them "owing somebody something" perpetually.
The best advice for anyone that doesn't like where they live is use birth control so that you don't have someone else going through the same misery.
It is really that simple.

After more than 8 years in Brazil, I came back to the US in 2001 and was shocked. The poverty was so much worse. So many people living on the streets, no health care, hospitals closing, the Prison Industry with over one million in cages. I knew then that the US was no 'first world' country. I hate those kind of classifications but here it is fitting to describe my own experience.
I think Americans are just beginnig to wake up and see that there are no roses.
It's imnportant to remember that this is an isolationst country on the inside: news is censored, languages and world history are not mandatory in public schools. We do US history from age 6 or 7 until age 18. Most children in Brazil know more about World History than I do, at least in general terms.
Brazil has lived through 20 years of dictatorship. The poverty (miseria) is much deeper and widespread. Upper and middle class Americans have not known this kind of suffering. So right now, they are mad. But not mad enough to do what they could: shut down the couontry. I do not think I will see this in my lifetime.
My experience of Brazil is that you have to live in the moment, because tomorrow everything may have changed: currency worth nothing, bank accounts frozen, huge job cuts, flying bullets.
Americans, those who live in some kind of comfort, are used to security. And they still bellieve a big lie, one that not one Brazilian I've ever met did - they STILL trust the government.

Maybe for now. But if the dems win, that will change. In some mideastern countries it is considered normal, prudent, and even patriotic to try to screw the government in any way possible, and that mindset may become prevalent in the USA.

In connection with you question

Just where do the supposed "high morals" inherent in the supposedly "superior western civilization" come from?

I was simply referring to complying with the Geneva Convention (which originally the US correctly refused to enforce for Guantanamo Bay prisoners.

As far as dealing the Islamic terrorists, particularly those where NO QUESTION lingers about their actual engagement, NOTHING should be considered illegal, cruel or inhuman... YES, I AM SAYING THAT ANY TYPE OF TORTURE - ANY!!!! - SHOULD BE EMPLOYED... NO RESTRICTIONS WHATSEOVER - I'm also referring to the necessary use of BRUTAL METHODS when attacking certain areas e.g. Afghanistan-Pakistan Border.
Indeed, in my (drastic) view, such elements have gaven up their Humanity, the moment they signed up to ANY such Radical group....

Wasted typing, Ch.c.

Sometimes he does it. Must be stressed out because of lack of sleep.

As far as dealing the Islamic terrorists, particularly those where NO QUESTION lingers about their actual engagement, NOTHING should be considered illegal, cruel or inhuman... YES, I AM SAYING THAT ANY TYPE OF TORTURE - ANY!!!! - SHOULD BE EMPLOYED... NO RESTRICTIONS WHATSEOVER - I'm also referring to the necessary use of BRUTAL METHODS when attacking certain areas e.g. Afghanistan-Pakistan Border.
Indeed, in my (drastic) view, such elements have gaven up their Humanity, the moment they signed up to ANY such Radical group....

Lord Augustus. I did not want to participate in this thread (a boring one, I must admit) until I read your outrageous statements. I am still under shock and unable to digest fully, what exactly your aim is. There are several inconsistencies in the statements you have been making ever since you barged into this blog. Please allow me to point out, if you please:

1) You claimed (and keep on claiming) that you are an atheist. I certainly do not have any problem with the "infidels" like your good and honorable self as long as you are a respectable and law abiding citizen, which you seem to be.

2) You always expressed your anti Islamic views, without reading a word in our "Book" nor their "Book", in spite of the constant warnings from our distinguished fellow blogger DnB, who in my opinion , is a studious scholar of several religions. This was acceptable to me, since I am a very tolerant human being.

3)You talked about the "Western Civilization" and Geneva conventions. Here I started doubting about your concept of "Civilization". In spite of your being born Carioca, you forgot that Brazil "imported" around 3 Million African slaves who were in their own way "civilized" until our forefathers (especially yours) brought them here under chains. Let me ask you sir, where were the Geneva conventions when this atrocity was being committed? You might of course escape answering this important question put forth by good self, saying that the forefathers of our distinguished and eminent fellow blogger Ch.C were responsible for that mess.

4) To insult more and thereby question the intelligence of "secular" bloggers like my (excellent) self, you are proposing that "YES, I AM SAYING THAT ANY TYPE OF TORTURE - ANY!!!! - SHOULD BE EMPLOYED... NO RESTRICTIONS WHATSEOVER -"

This attitude of yours is unacceptable to me, my dear sir. Though you were baptized as a Christian ( I bet your dad and mom ensured it after you were born in RJ), you turned into an atheist at a later stage in your life. Probably you never traveled to the Middle East to enjoy the hospitality of the Mohammedans and now you propose this atrocity. Shame on you.

Very truly yours

J.Silva
C.I: (will not be released)
C.P.FNot applicable)
Titulo Eleitoral: (Over my dead body)

P.S: I am getting off this thread as a protest.

Duly Noted.

While it may considered distressing that my radical views may have been the source of discomfort and dismay to you (as well as to many others), I have recently realized that any prior effort I may had made in being relatively diplomatic and discrete in expressing my views is entirely pointless. Rather, full fledge honesty should reign supreme, particularly when merely expressing views and opinions, as opposed to being responsible to any sort of decision making, when such extreme proclivities might have to be limited, mollified and/or concealed (not unlike any senior public official you may have known).

Yet, before going any further, it’s rather crucial that I clarify my previous reference to "my book”… Rest assured that such “book” would not have even a speck, a glimmer of connection with Dnb’s “bible” or any infamous so-called religious publication. When such reference was made, I meant to convey one of the following: “according to Augustus’ list of acceptable deeds”, or “in accordance with my sincere opinion”, or, in more practical terms “according to my views”. Hopefully I have now fully clarified any doubt you may have had in this respect, as I might prefer submitting to torture myself in lieu of accidently conveying any vague liaison with pathetic mythological orders…

As to the connection between my extreme anti-religious views with the far more drastic anti-Islamic stance, I would have expected anyone would have seen the obvious relation.
Whereas anti-religious attitude mere expresses strong opposition to those who elect worshiping mythological orders which have already fallen under control of the civilized (or nearly evolved) polities which run their societies (with Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist inclinations), the same does not apply to extremely repugnant creeds which considers all others enemy and demands either the conversion or elimination of the unfaithful, which is the case of the Animals of Islam. In this connection, I must further admit that I do not refrain from borrowing some ancient expressions such as “an eye for eye”, when dealing with the enemies of Western Societies. Against those would not refrain ANY effort to secure our destruction, should be submitted themselves to the same set of rules, which would be solely applicable to them.

While you might easily claim that using such methods dismisses the very principles one might attempt to protect, by compromising the principles of Western though and thereby irrevocably modifying them… Oh well, I would support any action to prevent the spread of any INTOLERABLE faith – such as Islam, which considers my kind – atheists – criminals who should be executed for Blasphemy. NO compromises, NO principles, NO SURRENDER…

Several commentators have written recently on the reasons for the atheist movement going evangelistic. Some of the reasons are sociological, some historical.

It amounts to getting worked up and enthusiastic over a negative. No God. Like No Caffeine. Or No Trans Fats. Or No Fructose.

No Impurities (99.4% Pure). No Payments Until February. 0% Interest on a New SUV.

No Unpleasant Aftertaste. No Carbon Footprint. No Fat, No Cream, No Credit Card, No Side Effects, Hangover, Risk, Obligation, Salesman Will Call.

You're on to something here. May we call you Dr. No?

Is there a book for new converts, Now That You're an Atheist?

I have always been an atheist
When I was 6 years old I realized on my own there was no Papai Noel (Santa)....
Never permitted a role for mythology in my existence! Just RAW science

2005 top ten countries by number of Christians (of all denominations): USA, Brazil, China, Mexico, Russia, Philippines, India, Germany, Nigeria, Congo-Zaire.

I highly doubt it
Western Europe is WAY too advance, and its citizens way to enlightened to fall pray to absurd mythological creeds...

Augustus Might Think About Relocating

An ideal place for him would be Geneva, as Switzerland is not in the top 10.

Americans, those who live in some kind of comfort, are used to security. And they still bellieve a big lie, one that not one Brazilian I've ever met did - they STILL trust the government.

You are so right on target! Loved the comment!
Do not put YOUR trust in nobles,
Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.
Psalm 146:3
It is going to get scary. As it already is. This is historical election hype. And it is going to leave many very confused.

Did I just read what I read???!!!!
You really stepped out!

Thanks for standing up for some civility! Not taking anything away from our friend Augustus. I'm sure you meant no harm. But it was great that you "checked" him.

At all????

In their eyes,, what does the future look like?.....

With that perspective how does it affect their emotional and physical well-being?

What has "SCIENCE" discovered about NEGATIVE emotions and their effect the body?

Hmmmmmm......Think about it

Not taking anything away from our friend Augustus. I'm sure you meant no harm. But it was great that you "checked" him.

I certainly did not mean any harm nor try to take anything away from our good friend Augustus. It is great to debate with him in a very civilized manner. I am ready for another round.

On a day to day basis, who knows. Probably depends on their temperament. Doesn't matter.

But the bottom line is that they are comforted by the idea that no Judge will ever call them into question for anything that they have ever done, thought, said, or been.

But the bottom line is that they are comforted by the idea that no Judge will ever call them into question for anything that they have ever done, thought, said, or been.

"Everything that doesn't serve its' purpose is eventually eliminated"
"Survival of the fittest"

If there were a "creator" ,, then there is a purpose for the creation.

Now what if "surviving" depended on being "spiritually fit" ?????
Then there IS a standard. And SOMETHING created the "standard" to be able to judge.

People are happy when they are guided by structure and principles that actually HELP them maintain a certain amount of freedom to be all that they can be. The principles are written in many places and can be traced to ancient texts. Some people make it an aim to follow , stduy and on expand on the principles. The vast majority pick and choose which ones they want to follow and disregard some altogether.
But, almost everyone takes advantage of them at some point or another throughout the day,, We are "wired" for that.
Ever wondered why?... Because these principles WORK.. By DESIGN
Fortunately there is a "manual" we can refer to. To get happier and happier as we strive to fullfill our purpose and maintain the freedom that comes from not "wrecking" our lives making bad decisions.

Does it matter whether others are "happy" or not? YES. Because energy flows. And the reason why the world is such a MESS is because most AREN"T happy.


“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need,
Matthew 5:3

A serious question: Have you read Al-Koran?

Yes, I have read the Koran..Studied it's history also.
In short, it is just a Bible take-off.(put together long after the Bible No prophecies that didn't already have some sort of biblical orgin. Actually nothing new. Conceived as a back lash to hypocritical post apostolic christianity. (which anyone in their right mind would be opposed to on a real inspection).
If you really do research , you will find that the story of islam and the koran pretty amazing. Amazing as in how anyone could believe it if you knew the history.
Many would say the same about the Bible. But all the Old Testament prophecies about when's , where's and how's of Jesus came true to the letter. This among other things gives a solid reason to believe in it. The same cannot be said for the Koran. Which again for the most part says not much more than what the Bible alludes to one way or another. Basic things like "fallen man" and" eternal life" , be it in the spirtit realm or on earth.
Buddhism is pretty much "metaphysics" which Jesus was the master at (see the Sermon on the Moutnt, Matthew chapters 5-7).
Hinduism is what I call pagan so I am about as familiar with that as much as I am about Greek and Roman mythology. I don't go there much. Just enough to see where its adherents are coming from.
Judiasm???? Well they are still looking for their Messiah. At the more visible ones on the global seen , "say" or "pretend" they are. Those transplants in the state of Isreal just regional custodians for oil . Religion was USED as a front to have a strategic presence in the Middle East.
All this religious corruption is the reason why GOD is going to put it into the hearts of the governments to destroy religion. You can observe the news closely and objectively and see that being set up now. The Islamic community is being isolated and it won't be without reprecussions for the global community at large.
Not to mention the fact that the "Bilderberger group" does not like christians.
The Catholic church is infiltrated all kinds of ways. So more than likely their demise will be a mixture of implosine and explosine. (if those are words, but you know what I mean.)
I want to done with my project before national id cards come out. I just really want to be settled in Brazil by then. Travel is already a hassle. And who knows what type of allegiance I will have to make to the State. Which I will refuse to do. So I better get going in a hurry.
There will not be a dull moment after this election.......

Please excuse all my type o's.. I'm working. Hope you can make out HALF of what I wrote.

seen=scene
implosion,, explosion
It's time for my nap

Yes, I have read the Koran..Studied it's history also.

I suspected so. Not only the Koran, but also history of other religions. It is quite an essay you wrote,lad. My compliments.

Have you read the book "God was an Astronaut" ?

BTW, your essay reinforced my view that the silliest thing for the human beings to do is to fight over the religion.

You have a nice nap. (the whole world is catching fire and all you think is to have an afternoon nap)

Will you end up like Ronnie Biggs, when you're old, unable to work and needing a feeding tube, going back to the states? Are you willing to promise right now that your dislike for America will keep you here at the mercy of SUS and the Santa Casa de Miséria?

A couple of things here, Ric.

First of all, have you stopped beating your wife yet?

You say that's a prejudiced, leading question? Well, so's your question regarding my supposed dislike for America. If I disliked America, I'd hardly be wasting my electronic spit on it, now would I?

Secondly, I'm sure you know that Ronnie's problems were a bit more complicated than simple poverty. His main barrier was the fact that, as an internationally wanted criminal, he had no papers with which to do anything in Brazil, including get a legal job.

I don't believe that Ronnie's staying in England or Brazil, however, had anything to do with his main problem which was age and degenerative disease. You do realize that all of us humans are mortal, correct and that none of us gets out of here alive? Wherever you are, you're going to die eventually. As far as I know, England has no cure for mortality, which is unfortunately Ron's problem - and yours, I might add.

Or do you think God has given you a special dispensation?

Finally, what's so horrible about SUS? Two good friends of mine a being treated for cancer in it right now and doing about as well as can be expected. One of these people is a grad student and an American and if she had been in the U.S. now, with her income profile, she'd be getting exactly one big nothing in terms of health care. SUS may have problems, but it's a hell of a lot better than nothing. When I'm too old to work and need a feeding tube, I'm certainly not going to be getting any decent public health care in the U.S., am I?

Finally, what's so horrible about SUS?

Nothing wrong, at least in the city where I live.

SUS may have problems, but it's a hell of a lot better than nothing.

SUS and SAMU in our city are well integrated. SAMU for emergency and SUS for general health care. Then we have private health insurance company that has its own hospital. Also we have an HU that is extremely well equipped and staffed by highly trained professionals, providing all sorts of health care, including emergency attendance. As you know, HU is a teaching hospital.

Our family has private health insurance . But our experience shows that the waiting time to be attended by the private insurance run hospital is far higher than that of SUS and HU! Of course, the private hospitals have nicer waiting rooms (to wait eternally), "cafezinhos", TVs (for the patients to watch the "novelas" to alleviate their sufferings),etc; to be finally attended by the doctors. On the contrary, in SUS and HU, no such luxuries exist, but you get to be attended by Medical students, residents, nurses,doctors and other professionals faster.

So your friends in Rio must be getting a better treatment in SUS and honest to God, I am glad about it.IMHO, the government should strive to bring the SUS to the level of NHS in U.K or MSI in Canada. You would be surprised to know that I know a couple of doctors who worked for NHS and think that with a little bit of political will, our health care system can be upgraded to the standards of NHS.

All the best to your friends under the care of SUS.

I've written elsewhere on this site, years ago, about my experiences with the Brazilian public healthcare system which - in rio and são Paulo, at least - have universally been positive.

I'm glad to see that someone else shares that view.

I am chagrined to read the following link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27488710/

Enlighten me as why you Americans are doing such foolish things.

I do not like thee, Dr. Fell, The reason why I cannot tell; But this I know and I know full well, I do not like thee, Dr. Fell.

Forget about why.

Forget about the democrats feeling sore about losing Florida to Bush.

The feelings held by half of all Americans right now go way beyond that. In short, fear, loathing, dread, and lack of trust.

These are some of the feelings that 150 million Americans have toward Barack Obama. No leader has ever taken power with such powerful fellings against him. Justified, unjustified, right, wrong, it doesn´t matter. It's a fact.

They don´t like him. If he wins, they will be circling the wagons in defense. Those who can will be purposely taking steps to lower the amount on line 35. form 1040. Maybe working three days instead of six.

It may come as a surprise to Brazilians that anyone can walk into a Walmart in most western states and buy unlimited quantities of ammo for cash with no paperwork. If Obama wins, so do gun dealers, at least in the next few months. I was in L.A. during the Rodney King deal and there was a gun show at the fairgrounds in Pomona at the time, they sold everything. Don't blame the messenger, I am merely reporting. Or would you rather not know?

Never will a player have been dealt a worse hand. The recession is just starting. Hosana turns to Crucify him real quick in some contexts.

If some people who believe in God wish to pray about the election, and obviously there's nothing you can do to stop them, they will do so.

For most of you, virtually everything you know about the current canpaign and what's going on in the states is from the media.

What is never reported on is that in thousands of locations where there is no ACLU, no permanent democrat party office, no Acorn, no Cair, nothing, there are locations where people who feel strongly about abortion and other issues gather together several times every week. Nobody is reporting on what they think. Not that they care.

And they are stirred up as never in history.

Maybe while some are praying against Obama, you should pray for him. He will need it if he should be so unfortunate as to win the election. Not the first time that blind ambition has ruined a man.

http://www.time.com/time/natio...24,00.html

I believe, we are at some extent the product of our parents.

SO, IF OBAMA, is half of what his mother was, then, the world will be safe...

I forgot to say half of his father too!

well, all i can say ,ric, to these people is "bring it, bitches..." because these motherf**kers have tanked the usa..

the past seven years have been a pathetic , nauseous,shameful bad joke because of mother f**kers who think like that, they can kiss my ass. i hope they choke on the bile rising from their stomach when obama wins

you talk about hate, me and a lot of other people hate these mother f**kers to death, f**k it lets get another civil war going , because im sick of these people.they deserve to wallow in their pea brain word vomit

Just a brief visit to endorse ASP latest entry...
Although the selection of "endearments" and "verbiage" might have been a dash more polite, and would have been avoided during Tea Garden Parties in London or Vienna,()I daresay that disagreeable vernacular is not only appropriate, understandable, and acceptable, but also utterly required, in order to fully express the point (not to mention the complete outrage) one is trying to express...
Consequently Milords, despite the selected crudeness of expression, I could NOT possibly find myself in greater agreement with ASP's latest entry, particularly when taking into account Ric's noteworthy proclivity for everlasting abuse of "Devil's advocacy" and "Right-wing Christian Excesses” which would might suffice to “resuscitate" any Zombie for the exclusive purpose to enter a strong reply with disagreeable insults!

Hell, I'm with Asp on this one. I think the States should've let the south go its own merry way back in 1861.

Can you imagine that world? They'd have eneded up an economic and cultural colony of the U.S. in any case. We'd own all their beachfront property and petroleum and young southern belles would be lining up to service Yank tourists on spring break vacation in Florida. Meanwhile, the dumb crackers would have exactly ZERO say in the U.S.' political process and certainly no call on its tax base.

It's amazing to me that those "rugged, individualist" red states are the largest consumers and least producers of federal taxes. Maybe the U.S. should just give them what they want? Cut them off from the Federal money pot?

Then we'd see who'd be whining for their welfare checks.

Regarding Joao’s link – “Praying for Election Day miracles / Religious Americans turn to a higher power on the candidates' behalf” – I daresay that I remain uncertain as to the main source of my current outrage; whether the abysmal subject matter or the fact that Joao even asked my opinion on the matter…

In the event I had not already fully expressed – using thoroughly explicit conditions & terminology – I might have begun to understand the reasons underlying your latest query…
Suffice to say that in addition to my thorough repulsion and objection to the above-mentioned editorial, upon looking at the picture of maniacal worshipers, in the midst of exceedingly disturbing seizure – invoking mythological entities – made my stomach turn with bile and had to refrain from vomiting in my office…

yeah, excuse my french (augustus , you live in new york so i know you know where im coming from , since i got it from there) ,people

just any implied threat from these morans , of course not from you , ric, you are just the messener, only makes my blood boil, since these are the mentalities who have brought the united states to its knees.

this period has been the most shameful , nauseous,hurting years i have ever felt as an american. there is a deep dark , ugly green balled up knot in the pit of my stomach i have had to hold in for 7 years that is like a cancer that begs to be cut out

they think they are angry ?

I daresay that I remain uncertain as to the main source of my current outrage; whether the abysmal subject matter or the fact that Joao even asked my opinion on the matter…

Excuse me, Milord. I posted the link for your perusal with the sole purpose of waking you up from your deep slumber and to force you to make some comments in your impeccable Queen´s English. Thanks for obliging me.

Dear Sir
Needless to say, I fully concur with you (also in agreement with ASP - naturally!)
Yet, I would like to share a reflection upon part of your historical hypothetical alternative (and resulting consequences), namely

I think the States should've let the south go its own merry way back in 1861

Firstly I would like to point out that such possibility DID happen in some alternate universe, which is no longer in the realm of Science Fiction; whereby according to the recent M-Theory in Physics (which is an elaboration upon the original String Theory), whereby there are 11 dimensions containing an infinite number of “Membranes”, virtually anything that might have happened – DID happen – in on such universes, which are nowadays, not only a theory, but also a required factor for the intricate equations utilized by physicists – it’s simply fascinating!

Secondly, there has been a serious International event, not very often discussed by Historians, in 1861 whereby a vessel transporting cotton from Savannah to Liverpool was protected by one of Her Majesty’s Warship as the Southern ship was about to be attacked by the Union navy. This event nearly triggered another War between the United Kingdom and the United States. Such potential confrontation was surely not desired by Whitehall, since Her Majesty, and particularly her Prince Consort, HRH Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, as the Crown sympathized with the underlying anti-slavery “moral issues” behind Washington’s position during the Civil War, but depended on significant Trade between the Confederacy (particularly Louisiana & Georgia) and Great Britain. In fact, because the His Royal Highness was very ill and had caught heavy rain while dealing with a scandal involving the Prince of Wales and a Dancer in London, after working overnight searching for a resolution of this issue (strangely I ignore the details thereof), the Prince’s health deteriorated and led to his tragic departure from this World – an insurmountable tragedy to Queen Victoria, and a major loss to the UK, Europe and 19th Century Earth (which would have been a far better place in the event Prince Albert had lived as long as his wife, the Queen).

Finally, I’m convinced that, in case England had sided with the Confederacy, Prussia (and perhaps also France) would have sided with the Union (and possibly leading Spain to join England in an alliance with the “Southern States”)… Therefore, we would have had and event which Historians would have labeled “World War I” in 1861… Most likely the Confederacy would have won; thus virtually becoming a British Protectorate; while the Union would have been devastated and brought to its knees and/or at best, in case of a victory, the Union would have become a Prussian dependent state…

http://bringseanhome.org

In the stomach of the Asp.

See a doctor.

In the meantime it's interesting to comtemplate, which group is the most pissed off? The democrats in general; Bush haters of both parties; the disenfranchised Great Unwashed; the unions and special interests; middle America which shares many of the same values that made Palin such a target; illegal immigrants; the boyz in the hood; GM retirees; people who put most of their assets in the stock market.

Keep that line straight, now; no crowding; wait your turn. Hey, buddy, no cuts!

who is the most pissed off ? easy, bush haters....

middle america ? "real america " ? well "real america " has tanked the real america."real americans " ought to be despised by real americans

"real americans" put into office the worst administration ever asembled in real american history .they voted in the adminstration that invaded iraq on false hype . even after the bulls**t of their lies and hype became aperant, "real americans" voted in him again , only to sit back and watch him abandon real americans caught in huricaine katrina. and, for a grand finale , "real americans" got to watch this administration enable the fincacial structure , with its hyper capatlism and unregulated casino gambling (hallmarks of republican philosophy) with real americans money, just self destruct in an orgy of greed . a trend which , based on the deterioration of the dollar , started about 7 years ago, and, anyone who knows the reality of deteriorating currancy could have told you that it was a sign of a weakoning economy."real americans" are leaving that for our real american children

and, these "real americans" still dont get it, calling obama socialist (they have absolulty no idea what they are talking about),muslim, anti american etc.....i hope they wallow in their own excrement on november 5th

Unfortunately some “Real Americans” are blinded by injudicious faith and/or convictions; after all, even the intolerant, biased, misguided members of the group are also liable and entitled to the same type of afflictions, deficiencies, and limitations which constitute the “Human Condition”…

As such, nobody is in a position to truly blame their lot for endorsing and advocating apparently unbelievable views, such as…
The persistence to support a deceitful, dishonest, and incompetent administration…
The inability to grasp the extent of the mismanagement of their elected officials…
The perseverance to justify the re-election of corrupt and/or inept representatives whose acts endanger the future of ALL Americans, for the sheer sake of so-called “moral values” their group upholds…
The gullibility which prevents them from glimpsing beyond shallow promises and unsound policies as the solution for issues cause by similar pledges and identical strategies…

Because some “Real Americans” are only human beings, they are unable accept the failure, ineptitude, and deceitful subterfuge provided by the Republican candidates they support… Mostly for the sheer sake of views and values which may be unacceptable to other Americans and/or were dishonestly pledged to them by hypocritical, insincere candidates from their preferred political party.

yeah, augustus, i think you are talking directly about w's "base"

so true !

- Even that Brazil took 4 times 3 zeroes off its currency in around 70 years or so !!!!
- That Brazil inflation rate IS 400 % annually from 1960 to 2005 !!!!!

Incredible but true ! Simply a World Record.....so far !!!!

Have a Guiness....now !

Must be Brazil, home of the Real.

Before diverting - SO TRUE ABOUT THE SHAMEFUL PERFORMANCE OF THE BRAZILIAN CURRENCY (or should I say currencIES) throught the 20th century

Regarding alternate scenarios, there is a Universe OUT THERE, where the Portuguese Kind DID not RETURN to Portugal in 1821....
AS WELL AS YET ANOTHER UNIVERSE where the Brazilian Empire did not fall in 1889...

I only wonder what the world would be (in EITHER UNIVERSES) today... '


I just love this subject and the infinite possibilities implied...

Although wisdom might dictate caution over presumption, and despite the recognition that sensible gentlemen should consider discretion; I can scarcely squelch the irresistible temptation from rejoicing prematurely…

Despite valiant efforts refraining to estimate favorable conclusions regarding significant, fundamental issues; I find myself unable to comply with “Lady Wisdom’s” council and dare presuming that “Lady Fortune” is contemplating a favorable outcome for Senator Obama tonight…

As if in harmony with the upcoming winter months, nightfall appears to be rapidly approaching Alaskan horizons (threatening even the generally bright Arizona deserts); and surprisingly for Arizona; while hundred of thousands of Chicago residents seem to be in the brink of bashing themselves in extravagant festivities tonight…

Yet, the impact of the latest developments is so extraordinary that It will shake North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific…

Most importantly, while the traditionally overbearing delegates of intolerance are basking in dismay, the remaining portion of (civilized) mankind seem destined for a temporary lull from the intrusive shadow of cast by a Republican White House…

(One must now only conjecture whether gentleman such as RIC – our dear fellow blogger – would consider honoring previous commitments, risked while engaging into premeditated projections… If so, when might we expect RIC to (quoting his words) “eat worms”??? A curious mind dares speculating…)

RIC, my dear fellow...
How may I put it... BUT bluntly...
WOULD YOU LIKE THE "WORMS" COLD OR LUKEWARM?
Any sauce perhaps????

Wise Ladies and Gentlemen, along with members of any race and social class accross this Planet should rejoice for the return of Reason to Washington DC!!!

Speechless with Joy, I felt compelled to sparkle a brief moment of Celebration within Brazzil.com...

Congratulations to Mr. Obama (and for America)!!!

oh yeah, my stomach just got better!!!

now gee whiz, i seem to remember on this board more than a few really strange comments about what was going to happen in this election

some peoples credibility is going down

congradulations to obama

...it's been a long time a'coming, but payback is certainly a bitch, ain't it?

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, you can fool some people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time.

Guess Miss Alaska taught you folks that, huh?

Speechless with Joy, I felt compelled to sparkle a brief moment of Celebration within Brazzil.com...

You must be doubly pleased with the result, since a fellow Carioca of yours was one of Obama´s Professors at Harvard.

Whatcha got goin' to keep you active, now that the rage, anger, green gooies in the pit of your stomach, should be ending?

When the tumor is removed, the frontal lobe excised, the court case settled, the ex on the Greyhound leaving town, the angst normally would cease.

Will it? If not, get professional help. If you are still conflicted three months from now, see a shrink. For your own good.

For me, I can hardly wait to see how things pan out.

I'm not going to suffer financially from the election results, probably the opposite.

Unlike most, don't know how to say this in English, eu gosto de confusão. Looking forward to the future with happy anticipation.

Lose some weight. For your own good. Don't celebrate your victory by spending your evenings at the rodizio. Really.

As for your translation, you "enjoy TURMOIL / HAVOC"

BUT... I've seen no comments about your fulfulling your promise to EAT WORMS if Obama won the election...
Don't even try to dismiss it or claim that you forgot about it!

I was not aware of any Brazilian (let alone Carioca) on Obama's team...
Thanks for the info

LET ME LAUGH....against you !
1) When were the Brazilian slaves ?
2) When was the Geneva Convention ?

You fully.....GOOFED !

This said, "THE" Brazilian Constitution abolished slavery over 100 years ago ! Where does Brazil stands i9n 2008 ?
Are brazilians applying the Brazilian Constitution AND the Geneva Convention you are reffering to.....in 2008 ?????????

You apply NONE ! Brazil remains the Wild West !!!!! Brazil has written its constitution on cheap toilet paper.

And when I say so often...Never Ever Trust A Brazilian.....it is proven that I am right ! You even cheat your own Constitution and the Geneva Convention and many many many others too !!!!!!
Such as Human Rights Abuse, children abuses and prostitution, Your Deaths Squads etc etc etc etc !!!!!

Anytime you want to take comparative waist-line measurements, Ric, just call me.

you are asuming one hell of a lot about me when you know dick s**t about me...

see i know people like you are going to be trying to dog obama everystep of the way...

and, its amazing there are americans like you who didnt flinch as punk bitches sent america to hell

do your self a favor and get the f**k out of the way , its time to rebuild the country

You fully.....GOOFED !

No, I did not. It is just that your sense of humor is deteriorating lately.

You are upset that a Kenyan got elected as the next POTUS and not a Swiss?

I was not aware of any Brazilian (let alone Carioca) on Obama's team..

This Carioca is not in Obama´s team. He is currently serving as a Minister in Lula´s government and was one of Obama´s professors while Mr.Obama was a law student in Harvard.

very long 76 days for obama .

and is going to fail as the powers at be mis P and mis BB
will have his guts for bra straps in 90 days.

and if he fails the blacks can claim he was half white .
and the whites can say he is half black

Father Michael Flagel, that is. Funny at is was, big faux pas making fun of Hillary at Wright's church. Shouldn't of dissed Hillary.

Where is that laser coming from? he wonders. Oops......

Interesting....
I suppose I must try to find those old entries....

Interesting comments of yours, Ric. You must have already been living in Brazil in 1985. If so, you must remember the "Hope" and euphoria created by the "Selection" of Tancredo Neves as the "President" and the subsequent events!

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to see how our ruling "Caudilhos" and "Coronéis" will receive a "criolo" POTUS. Especially of interest is to watch the expression of Cristina Kichner when she meets him and asks for aid to bail out the Argentine economy. The next few months will be fun to observe.

Thaddeus,

I believe our election has disproved much of your stereotyping of Americans. While much of what you said is true for a certain segment of American society it is not true for all Americans. The U S is a very diversified nation as is Brazil and there is no one trend of thought. Most Americans are as glad to see Bush on the way out as you are. Hopefully, beginning in January, there can now be closer relations between our two countries. Peace..............aloha

Our doctor, a well-known cardiologist, took a look at Tancredo Neves bio and picture and told me, "this guy is due for a heart attack. He doesn't have much time"......sadly he was right.

Yesterday you told me about the INFANOUS Swiss Neutrality and today just the opposite ! Smile

This said put a Swiss Team with decision powers in the USA Government and the US$ dollar will be strong for ever !!!!!

Same if in Brazil !!!!! Your Government interests rates will be cut by a factor of 5, your inflation rate by 2.

And your interests rates for citizens will go down from 35 to 5-6 % for cars, from 60 to 10 % on your consumers goods and from 230 to below 20 % on your overdrafts.

Then effectively...you could continue SHOPPING !
2 cars for the price of 1 ! That should create some jobs !
And in 20-30 years you would also have 100 % of TOP QUALITY PAVED ROADS ! That would also create more productivity gains and millions and millions of jobs !!!!!!

But Brazilians like it the other way around !
So be it !
As long as you are happy to be taken for a ride....it is up to the people you elected anyway !!!!!

As I said a few times...more masochists than Brazilians on earth...there is not !

I'm confused. What stereotyping of Americans have I engaged in, exactly? Please look up "stereotyping" in your Websters before responding to make sure we are on the same page here.

We are all well and truly f**ked now. Most people just haven't realized it yet.

Looks like the markets don't approve of Obama.

About fooling some of the people is always a good one. But the quote often attributed to P.T. Barnum is more to the point of this election: There's a sucker born every minute.

You can´t fool the market, tho. The system will sort it all out.

Find that eat worms quote yet? No? That's because it's apocryphal. If you are ESL living in SP, that means it's either not there or not authentic.

Just wondering...

like i said, there will be people like ric dogging obama every step of the way,even before he takes office...

just take a hike. you think we are stupid ? nobody is looking for miracles. every bump the economy is taking now is the result of an out of control republican administration, as well as just plain greed on all sides. but the republicans love deregulation and greed can thrive much better on that. this was under bush's watch

see, most of us just want releif from the 8 years of a horror story we have had to watch go down . you wont see a katrina human disastor under obama,people waiting 6 days in dire conditions for some simple helocopter food and water aid...you wont see an iraq invasion , an actual agenda by some republican insiders like wolfowitz and cheney and others well before 9/11...your not going to see econimic policies that favor the uber rich to get richer , while the rest suffer

just the reaction in the world (its well reported on brazilian tv) , the warming up to the united states that has been in a deep freeze since bush and company, revealed their "we dont need a pink slip for permision to do things from the world..." disastorous foreign policies , is a breath of fresh air. of course people like ric dont get that

i mean , these are the people who dogged clinton , the last time we had real properity in the usa ,for sex scandals,oh god if only the thing to worry about was sex scandals , que saudades.

man, you all need to go back under the rock you came out of and just get the hell out of the way.

That winning the election hasn't done much for your disposition. Try to wind it down. Think positive thoughts. Try Prozac.

As for your take on the future, we will see, won't we? Hang in there and when I get back from my hike I'll check the news.

I will let you off the hook - for now – as valiant gestures are currently in vogue - in sync with the monumental changes at hand...

(from my entry under brazzil.mag thread)
The ideal approach for the inhabitants of our small blue planet at this point in our History, might be the adoption of minor steps towards “hope”… if only we could take advantage of the potential for monumental changes suddenly lying ahead, since last night, mankind might even surprise itself as well as the rest of the Universe...

Provided Mr. Obama "does the walk" as magnificently well as he articulates so noble ideals (as I suspect he might), provided all Americans and their fellow earthlings made a collective effort and endeavor to contribute, by joining this ethereal wave of hope hovering around us, Martin Luther King’s and John Lennon’s dreams might even materialize…

If we could only give Mr. Obama a chance, or at least (positively) the benefit of a doubt, mankind might miraculously move another small step forward and planet Earth’s become a slightly better place...

If we could only give Mr. Obama a chance, or at least (positively) the benefit of a doubt, mankind might miraculously move another small step forward and planet Earth’s become a slightly better place...

In the immortal words of Theodoric of York, Medieval Judge...

"Nah."

Since there was absolutely nothing positive or constructive added towards humanity's advancement in terms of Reason, Culture & Science during the Middle Ages (which lasted from about 450 AD through 1455 AD - give or take several decades), I am not surprised with the negative contribution from your quote.

Considering the contents of your brief entry, one must almost necessarily presume that you are a Republican supporter, further justifying your sympathies lying on medieval themes... Well, if one takes into account that such cruel, dreadful, dark era brought us nothing but Religious obsession, ideological inflexibility, extreme hardship, widespread famine, the Black Death (which hit Europe in ghastly waves throughout the 14th century), not to mention that such Era marks the very beginning of the Holy Inquisition - an unspeakable institution responsible for the unjustified torture and death of an uncountable number of innocent victims, one can hardly be surprised with your objection…

I suppose a republican would always squelch hope and joy for the sake of Religion, Fanaticism, Ignorance, Dogma, and Intolerance...

As such, I suppose I do understand your quote loud & clear Mr. Strickland…

It would be very interesting to hear the comments of our buddy Ricardo Amaral on the outcome of the results of the election.

As you may recall, he predicted correctly about the American economy. However, his prediction about Obama not winning the election proved to be incorrect. Regardless, would love to hear his opinion, especially considering that he was the first one to comment under this thread about the American Financial system.

Augustus obviously never watched the classic Saturday Night Live. Either that or he has no sense of humor.

(For those of you who are likewise confused, T of Y was a character created by American comedian Steve Martin. Typically, he'd be working in some appalling middle-ages profession like judge, witch hunter, or barber. Towards the end of the sketch, he'd have an epiphany as to how everything could be improved. He'd then more-or-less describe our modern structure of doing things in glowing terms and then finally wave his hand and say "Nah! It'd never work," and go back to his torturing or whatever.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodoric_of_York

While I'm familiar with the show, I'm not part of its avid fans, thus ignore most of the characters portrayed by different comedians.
Relieved by your explanation... At least I'm no longer in a state of shock, just disappointed with your opposition...

In concurrence with your curiosity, I dare say that Mr. Amaral might refrain from reappearing until the election euphoria dies off, most likely avoiding confrontation with previous assumptions.

He's just posting under another name.

The guy's got more alters than Sybil.

While multiple aliases are undoubtedly a tool (based on choice) available to any blogger, and might even be used effectively from time to time, I would simply formally question the validity of such usage...

I leave it for those who pursue / prefer utilizing anonymous entries to explain, justify or otherwise reconcile (with their own conscience) such practice...

look at my statement...only a couple of sentances to deal with the misquito bites of implications you are sending my way...implying my ex is on the bus leaving town , the right is stocking up on guns, another dick head said obama is f**ked... yeah, you all need a little shaking up, nobody is going to just sit there and let you talk bulls**t..

the rest of that post is extremly , calmly, acurate

it means people arnt just going to accept anything people like you say. anything obama does, you all are going to dog. but, im going to call you on it.what they aceive that will be better for us , you all will put down.all the idiots calling him socialist, islamic, un american....just plain grade d bulls**t

no ric, f**k prozac, that is what you would like people to do to not see through you alls bulls**t

While multiple aliases are undoubtedly a tool (based on choice) available to any blogger, and might even be used effectively from time to time, I would simply formally question the validity of such usage...

I leave it for those who pursue / prefer utilizing anonymous entries to explain, justify or otherwise reconcile (with their own conscience) such practice...

Anyone who thought or "wanted" McCain to win is either a die hard racist and/or doesn't understand politics. It was so easy to see. You're either blinded by your own ego or lack of knowledge.

ANY REBUTTAL??????

Why there were any previous debates is beyond me.
It's over now,, can we move on? There needs to be another article written on this mag.

Pretty much a LANDSLIDE ELECTORIORLY And the popular vote was almost 50/50.
Now THAT ought to tell you something!

DID YOU REALLY HAVE A CHOICE?????

It's all a sham.! Wake up already!

At least let him brush up on political science and renew his Viagra prescription.

I am still trying to figure out the difference between Amaral and "Ric". I know they both wanted McCain ,. But one of them for all the wrong underlying racists reasons.
I'm still blown away by that ,, "black is associated with problems economically, so it is unlikely that the U.S would elect a "black president" spew.

I will NEVER forget that
Eat your heart out! The Devil doesn't give a hoot about your superiority complex He wants us ALL fooled.
Just TRY to understand

I am still trying to figure out the difference between Amaral and "Ric". I know they both wanted McCain

There are plenty of differences between Amaral and Ric. In the beginning though Mr.Amaral was cheering for Al Gore to be nominated by the Democratic party, he did not like the ultimate winner.i.e Obama. As far as I know, Amaral has always been a Democrat and I was surprised that he did not approve of Obama being chosen as the candidate by his own party. This gave all of us an impression that Mr.Amaral was against Obama, just because he is "half black", ignoring that Obama got his law degree from Harvard (where his Kenyan dad also studied)

On the contrary, Ric understands both U.S and Brazilian politics much better than Mr.Amaral. Ric is not emotional nor a racist, nor our great fellow blogger Mr.Forrest Brown.

There is also a great difference between Mr.Amaral and Lord Augustus. The latter is more consistent in his political views and his considerations for the "have nots" of Brasil and the zeal he displays in correcting the problems and not creating more.

Having said all these things, ya all better start paying more attention to what Dnb says (in spite of his being from Bahia-excuse me, Dnb!).

P.S: Ch.C is requested to remain neutral.

Thanks for the explanation of the characters on board. I always got Ric and Amaral confused. And I may have directed a comment INTENDED for Amaral to Ric. And for that I apologize.
Everyone is cool, when we are not being insulting. Some things you can ignore..Some things you shouldn't, so that "some" won't think they are more intelligent than they are. I try my best to strike a balance. Although at the same time respecting the "freedom of speech" of all.
Life is good!!!!
Let's prepare for the future ..... wisely

You are correct Joao I have been a die-hard supporter of Al Gore and I am very disappointed that he did not run for president in 2008.

I wrote many times that in my opinion neither candidate was prepared to be president of the United States – Barack Obama because he is a rookie, and John McCain because he is a dinosaur.

My candidate lost this election a long time ago when Al Gore did not enter the presidential race and all along I said that if he did not enter the race I was going to vote for my second choice – Ralph Nader. I voted for Ralph Nader with another 21,000 people in New Jersey, and in Pennsylvania he got close to 45,000 votes.

Even though Ralph Nader was going around the country during this presidential campaign and in every stop he got thousands of people who came to give him their support – the US mainstream media blocked 100 percent any coverage of Ralph Naders’ campaign – I saw only one small article on The New York Times on Pg 21 mentioning that thousands of people were showing up to listen to Ralph Nader.

The two major parties also blocked Ralph Naders’ participation on the presidential debates. The American mainstream media did not give any coverage to Ralph Naders’ campaign. Basically I don’t know why Americans still call their political process a democratic system since it is the most manipulated political process in the world. It is a big Joke.

In terms of democratic system Brazil is light years ahead of the United States, in Brazil we have a system where anyone can have a shot at becoming a politician, and our current president is a product of real democracy in Brazil. Here in the US they still can’t figure out even how to implement a modern state-of-the-art presidential voting system.

John McCain is an idiot and during his school days he was at the bottom of his class. His claim to fame is that he was shot down over Vietnam and spent almost 6 years in prison - hardly a qualification necessary to become president of the United States.

I did not want either candidate, but the American people elected the better of the two. This poor guy is inheriting the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930’s, and from days one in office he will need to confront the Perfect Storm.

There only two possibilities here for Barack Obama – 1) He becomes the first black FDR and does an outstanding job. 2) He makes the wrong choices and his administration becomes a disaster with millions of people disappointed.

There ‘s no margin for error here – at least Barack is being advised by some of the best economic minds in the US such as Paul Volcker, Robert Rubin, and so on…

I would feel better if Al Gore had been elected US president in 2008 and were in charge during this Perfect Storm.

By the way, what won the presidency for Barack Obama was the current global economic crisis and financial meltdown in the United States.

When you consider that John McCain does not have a clue about economics and it shows on his speeches, he did look like a dinosaur every time he did appeared with Barack Obama – and everything in the US economy has been collapsing in the last few months – it is incredible that the presidential race still was so close.

.

My vote for Ralph Nader was a protest vote against the choice of candidates of the major parties.
.

I just read you above posting.

The reason I did not vote for Obama was not because he was black, I had decided to vote to Nader long before the Democratic party had decided that Obama was going to be the candidate in November 2008. If Hillary Clinton had been the candidate I still would have voted for Ralph Nader.

If you ever read the tread that I had started on Elite Trader in August of 2006 about Al Gore becoming the next US president I did mention a number of times during the 2 year discussion - if the Democratic Party did not give me Al Gore as the candidate to represent that party in 2008, then I was going to give my protest vote to Ralph Nader.

I had made my mind long ago and I voted accordingly.

.

Thanks for your replies and I really wanted to know your opinion about the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections, as we have two other smart bloggers with dual citizenships with differing views and who have been commenting on this issue. As you may have noticed, one is a staunch Democrat and the other does not believe in any party or candidate and opted not to vote! Unfortunately the Brazilians do not have the privilege of not voting.

The reason I did not vote for Obama was not because he was black, I had decided to vote to Nader long before the Democratic party had decided that Obama was going to be the candidate in November 2008. If Hillary Clinton had been the candidate I still would have voted for Ralph Nader.

I had asked this question before and you had clarified about the race issue. I am fully satisfied.

My vote for Ralph Nader was a protest vote against the choice of candidates of the major parties.

I don't blame you for that, because lots of Brazilians cast their votes in candidates from small parties as protest.I don't know if you remember that years ago when paper ballots were still being used, the Cariocas wrote the name of a Gorilla in the Rio Zoo. That animal got lots of votes!!

In terms of democratic system Brazil is light years ahead of the United States, in Brazil we have a system where anyone can have a shot at becoming a politician, and our current president is a product of real democracy in Brazil. Here in the US they still can’t figure out even how to implement a modern state-of-the-art presidential voting system.

I would rather refrain from commenting about our current president being a product of "real democracy" in Brazil. While I am not questioning the state-of-the-art electronic voting system we have, I keep questioning about quality and the intellectual and moral capacities of the candidates sponsored by the major parties and financed by big money as well as the major TV networks. It is no different from the U.S.

There is something interesting I have commented elsewhere. If LatAm "Leaders" are thrilled to see Bush leaving and Obama becoming the next POTUS, they are in for a big surprise in coming months with regards to his attitude towards his Southern neighbors. If you think that the "Global Economic Melt Down" was responsible for Obama being elected, that is going to be the exact reason for the fall of Populist (and leftist) Latin leaders. The outcome of the SP mayoral elections is an eye opener and I wonder if you kept track of the Municipal elections in Brazil.

Anyway, thanks for your replies. Great to hear from you again.

While the Democrats and Republicans seem to be adversarial in sound bites, with a few exceptions, the senators and congressmen are really part of a big old-boy club, they are friends, they pal around.

But in Brazil it would seems that some of them really do hate each other. Some of them are descended from old families, latifundiários, and their mode of operation is more like Afgan warlords than their USA counterparts. This is true even of some of them who represent Special Interests, not tribal ties.

In that I do perceive a difference. And once again, the practice here and in some parts of Europe whereby the party leader tells them which way to vote or else, the American congressman votes however he wants. This is a huge difference.

One small difference

Thanks Ric. As usual, you are more articulate and less diplomatic than I am. But may I take the liberty of correcting your title into "One Big difference"? Hope you don't get offended with my minor correction.

And interesting the comment about what difference Obama will make in terms of Latin America. Bush at least lives in Texas and speaks some Spanish. Obama could improve Latin American relations, or keeps the status quo, or make it worse. Probably not be as interventionist as former presidents.

But the fact is that like with so many subjects, what he thinks and intends to do is just not evident. I don´t remember any major policy position he gave on Latin America. He'll have his hands full with other stuff and we'll be ignored, in all likelihood.

I must say I have respect for bloggers I questioned.! Wow! It's funny how "clarification" really changes things. Makes me want to continue "turning the other cheek". Because , "you don't know , until you know".
My day was just made!

In addition to the President Elect's balanced, self-controlled nature, inherent inclination to Logic, Reason & Compassion along with well stimulating ideals, he also possesses a certain ethereal quality which automatically mollifies (by his very existence) many enemies and most opponents to America (after a fashion, for a limited period of time)...

By the very election of Mr. Obama to the nation’s highest office America has taken a major step by demonstrating to Earth with solid deeds - not just words – some of its values and capacity to evolve…

Indeed because these United States have undergone significant transformation, it has acquired a brand new “face” (of a changing progressive society & polity) while reviving an old one (the source of “inspiration & ideals"), the Land of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and J. F. Kennedy is once again innovative and worthy of respect & admiration!

Bro Ric, with all the prior accuasations that the busshies iddn't tatk latamb seriosusly how could it be that the situ will rise up / improve undre the overwhelmed obamista's. Even with a majority house, senate and executive, there's not a chance the focus and beneficial deeds will be aimed anywhere at the exterior - we've got to understand that we're out here all on our own. Defesa against the arabs and chinese will be up to us not the US for some time to come. Popacao.

It was nice to hear from you also.

I am not surprised, but I still am in sock with everything that has happened in the last 6 months regarding the collapse of the US financial system.

The economic system that the United States had until a few months ago is gone forever with the demise of all the US investment bank houses, and I am trying to figure out what is going to replace the old US economic system.

Last night one of my favorite economists was interviewed on CNN by Lou Dobbs – Paul Krugman (he won the Economics Nobel Prize in 200 – It was an interesting interview and Paul Krugman said that the US government will need to inject at least another US$ 1 trillion into the US economy just to keep it from falling into the abyss.

Today I was listening to Bloomberg news (this is an Wall Street radio station owned by Mayor Bloomberg of New York City) and in one of the programs 2 economists were discussing the latest unemployment figures, and one of these fellows had written a report saying that if you adjust the unemployment figures for discourage workers then the real unemployment figure in the US is 11.8 percent.

In my opinion the real US unemployment figure is even higher and close to 18 percent.

The US economy is descending into a new Great Depression – despite the massive US government intervention that has been going on.

You can read about it at:

Over 75 years ago Wall Street Crashed; but today the New Crash is already underway...

http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...enumber=22

.

If ever there was an election that was not worth winning, it was the contest of 2008. While it was hard-fought on both sides, had McCain won, it might have spelled the end of the Republican Party. As it is, the party is well-situated to come back in 2010 and in 2012, if it learns the lessons of this year.

Simply put, all hell is about to break loose in the markets and the economy. The mortgage crisis will likely be followed by defaults in credit card debt, student loans and car loans. We will probably be set for two years of zero growth, according to economists with whom I talk. And the federal efforts to protect the nation from the worst of the recession will probably lead to huge budget deficits and resulting inflation. We are in for stagflation that could last for years.

Had McCain won, he would be the latter-day Hoover, blamed for the disaster that unfolded on his watch. Now it is Obama’s problem. With the Republicans suffering a wipeout in congressional elections (although not as bad as they feared), the ball is now squarely in the Democratic court. Good luck!

If Obama raises taxes, the situation could get even worse. With a liberal Congress on his hands, he will be constrained to move to the left, if he needs any pushing. When Clinton was elected in 1992, the Democrats in control of Congress gave him a clear message: Either you govern within the four walls of the Democratic caucus or you won’t get our support. Crossing the aisle to get Republican votes, even including the GOP in negotiations, was a no-no for which the president would pay dearly if he transgressed.

The result was predictable. Moderate initiatives like welfare reform were scrapped, the Congress passed tax hikes and legislation became festooned with liberal amendments. Faced with the need to round up every last vote in the Senate and House Democratic caucuses, Clinton had no choice but to load up conservative bills like an anti-crime measure with liberal pork (like a provision for midnight basketball courts in urban areas) to get unanimous caucus backing.

Obama will have to move left to appease his caucus. He will become their hostage, and they his jailers.

This dynamic will produce extreme-left-wing governance, which the Republicans can blame for the continuation of the recession and for any worsening. The party will recover, fed by anger at Obama’s policies, and will emerge from this defeat stronger than ever.

But the Republicans must learn the lesson of MoveOn.org. Founded in the bleak days of the Clinton impeachment, MoveOn developed a grassroots Internet base. Building up its e-list of activists and contributors, MoveOn laid the basis for the incredible Internet appeal of the Obama campaign. At last count, Obama has 4.5 million donors, most online.

Conservatives cannot count on the Republican Party to fight their battles for them, and certainly cannot count on them to win. The right needs to develop cyber-roots conservative organizations to rival the power of groups like MoveOn.org. The stellar efforts of NewsMax.com and its ally, GOPtrust.com, illustrate the power of such efforts. Together, these groups raised $10 million for an independent expenditure on media in swing states featuring the Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s anti-American bombast.

And their efforts worked.

Virtually all the polls agreed that Obama would win 52-53 percent of the vote, but the surveys varied in the amount of undecideds they found. On Election Day, virtually every undecided voter went to McCain, and Obama’s final vote share was no more and no less than the 52-53 percent the surveys had predicted. This unanimity among undecided voters is attributable to the endgame of groups like GOPtrust.com and NewsMax.com.

These groups have to lead the way in running media to battle against the leftist legislation that will undoubtedly emanate from the Obama administration and the liberal Congress America has just elected. Then they can become the basis for a Republican resurgence, just as MoveOn.org was this year for the Democrats.

LETS FACE IT THE WORLD HAS TO GROW UP A BIT MORE
money is not every thing ,
that is what got you all into the dept your in now .

blame your self not the others get rich quick gets
broke quick

Two weeks ago, we went out for dinner with a visiting American Scholar. He predicted the victory of Obama giving the same reasons as you have done. One more thing he added was to call it a "Jimmy Carter Presidency". Only the time will tell.

However, I must congratulate you for improving your written English day by day.

BTW, where are you right now ? Have a great week.

I couldn't resist posting the following link to pep your humor:

http://blog.estadao.com.br/blo...&tb=1&pb=1

Cheers

Definitely a possibility. Which casts the unbelievably Republican strategy in the recent election is a very different light, doesn't it?

on the island of selkirk looking for gold !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and other things that were left behind by him after his stay here

sent last email to my typest to do for me

on the island of selkirk looking for gold

You seem to be very close to the Chilean Coast.

sent last email to my typest to do for me

Is she single?

she is not ,and has been married for the nlast 32 years to the same man .

close but no cigar i think it would have been hard on him to live here for thoes years there is very little here today and was nothing here when he was left here .

lots of time to think about a book deal ????

how is the weather in your neck of the woods ????

just may do a meglan straits run or head back up to panamaw very nice waters there and tons of little islands with reefs with pearls also .

later

Six excellent & correct differences between Obama & Lula (among many others) were duly noted at the brief Brazilian article you brought to my attention...

How could Lula even dare?

she is not ,and has been married for the nlast 32 years to the same man .

Thanks for clarifying her marital status, Forrest. Please do convey my compliments to her for decoding your text and putting it in the right format. Hope her husband would not get jealous!

close but no cigar i think it would have been hard on him to live here for thoes years there is very little here today and was nothing here when he was left here .

The island still belongs to Chile, right?

lots of time to think about a book deal ????

I would think so and hope you get on with it soon.

how is the weather in your neck of the woods ????

One of the wettest springs in recent times and plenty of pot holes on the roads. The brighter side is that my car gets free wash almost everyday!

just may do a meglan straits run or head back up to panamaw very nice waters there and tons of little islands with reefs with pearls also .

Please keep us posted about the route you are taking. How is the weather there?

Take care

Six excellent & correct differences between Obama & Lula (among many others) were duly noted at the brief Brazilian article you brought to my attention...

By now you must have fully understood why Ch.C refers to him as HIM !

BTW, the other day, I was listening to Obama´s ex-professor (the Brazilian I mentioned about before) giving an Interview on a radio (before the election). He was more objective and intelligent in his view about the relationship between U.S. and Brazil. Though he refused to take sides between Obama and McCain, he was full of praise for the former´s intellects. The Brazilian press does not give much coverage to this gentleman, but on the contrary makes fun of his Portuguese with a heavy American accent. But....But..., I must say to his credit that during the past years he has managed to shed the American accent. Now he speaks Portuguese with an accent of an old German Brazilian "colono" from the interior of our state!!

You have a nice week and keep blogging

Your last entry was particularly interesting to me, because I have undergone an analogous experience/situation during the last time I spent considerable amount time in Sao Paulo…

While I have never lost my accent in the English language, and shall always be immediately recognized as an individual of “foreign ancestry” (not only physically) but particularly upon making any statement in English, I found – back in 2000, when I was in Sao Paulo for an extended business trip – that people also noted an accent whenever I spoke Portuguese… Naturally there was the usual “R” and “SHHHH” which Paulistanos (“pauliSHtanUSH) immediately spotted as “carioques” (Rio Idiom), many people were under the impression that I was a native of Portugal. Although my family ancestry does originate – mostly – in that part of Europe, I have not had the pleasure of even visiting Portugal since I was a toddler – 3 years of age… As such, what made my life in New York city impact my Brazilian Portuguese… I only wonder…

In this connection, I further question another portion of your comment:

must say to his credit that during the past years he has managed to shed the American accent. Now he speaks Portuguese with an accent of an old German Brazilian "colono" from the interior of our state!!

How on Earth (or Alpha Centauri) does one "manage to shed" one's accent? As far as I know (based on a vague recollection of an earlier research on this topic) the neuron connections at the part of the brain responsible for speech and language abilities "solidifies" (according to recollection!) after the period ensuing the "early adolescence", thereby explaining why most people inevitably develop and maintain an "accent" in any foreign language he/she may learn after becoming an adult, whereas children clearly avoid this painful outcome…

Quite by accidente, I stumbled upon a remarkable piece of information at BBC.com, namely: At the section HISTORY (ON THIS DAY), it was indicated...
1793: The French Republic abolishes worship of the Christian god, establishing a 'cult of reason' in its place...
HURRAY!!!!

Without reading the entire background, I noticed you typed

You seem to be very close to the Chilean Coast

Who lives in Chile?

Although forrest has not agreed to it, Joao previously plotted the course for he and I to take over Brasil by land. I expect the basing to be set in place in those haunts off the coast of Chile that the admiral now reconnoiters. His plan to be to the fare side by Natal for the seasonal reunion has been passed to the intellegence agencies (a fair rouse as they will focus their attention in the wrong direction). I on the other hand will make quick and fierce in roads in the attack from the direction they have turned their backs on. Pot holes and bus schedules willing, we will meet by new years and celebrate such conquerings as the past year has graced us with. The last battle of course will entail the plundering of Ch.c's plantation - we all have to eat you know and the admirals bounty will need restocking.

Considering Forest was recently in China, am I to understand that you and forest spend your time travelling accross the planet?
Interesting...

And Stagflation, as Forrest has mentioned.

But look around you. Oil down by 50%. Gold down. No customers. Circuit City bankrupt. Commodities down. Classic deflationary indicators.

Just looking at the bailouts and therefore the trillions in new fractionally created dollars, you would naturally think "inflation".

If you bet on that you lose. The opposing forces are greater than the inflationary ones, and the next few years will be years of deflation, not inflation, with the stagnation to be sure, demand down, unemployment up, deflation, tight money, no credit.

Better set up your game plan with this possibility in mind.

I'm so surprised...
Perhaps Ric meant, "according to history, the 1970's..."

You may interpret it any way you like, with total impunity, naturally.

There would be no question that you could write "volumes" on the topic "impunity"...

I have read extensive editorials from American, British, Indian and Brazilian sources, and they are all vague on this topic...
For instance, according to a Japanese Editorial "The Yomiuri Shimbun", it has been stated:

A joint statement adopted in the meeting pointed out that the current crisis is in part the result of "deficiencies in financial regulation and supervision in some advanced countries," and called for strengthening the international supervisory framework for financial institutions

Well, did it require a meeting of G20 to conclude that there have been "deficiencies in financial regulation and supervision in some advanced countries?" Such statement seems fairly obvious too me and most people had reached such conclusion...
What they did not mention was the fact that some "Emerging Economies" may have deteriorated matters in their country by audaciously presuming that their economies were immune to contagion...

How on Earth (or Alpha Centauri) does one "manage to shed" one's accent? As far as I know (based on a vague recollection of an earlier research on this topic) the neuron connections at the part of the brain responsible for speech and language abilities "solidifies" (according to recollection!) after the period ensuing the "early adolescence", thereby explaining why most people inevitably develop and maintain an "accent" in any foreign language he/she may learn after becoming an adult, whereas children clearly avoid this painful outcome…

This Gentleman under discussion went to U.S., when he was 12 or 13 and studied and worked there until two years ago. When he came back to assume the ministry, he used to speak Portuguese (which is very good) with an American accent like that of Rabbi Henry Sobel. He has been making efforts to speak Portuguese just like he used to do when he was very young in Rio. However, he has not managed to get back his Carioca accent. But, now he can easily pass for a German Brazilian! As for your accent, I do not know your age when you went to study in NYC!

I like what he says and many educated Brazilians do too. I guess for us, his accent does not matter.

Another question to JOAO

Forrest does not live in Chile. He posts encoded messages(for security reasons) to keep some of us informed about his exact location. Right now he is in one of the Islands in the South Pacific.

In order to learn a language, one needs ability, desire, and opportunity.

In terms of ability, there is probably no such thing as real "tone deafness", but varying degrees of ability to hear and imitate. The highest category has perfect pitch. Which is a burden since one may hear what is being played and also what the real note is, in one's mind.

There are lots of people who sing, few can go on American Idol and sing all the notes on pitch with no accompanyment. Lots of actors, a few can not only talk like people from various countries but get down to which county in Texas you want me to sound like.

If people have an accent it is not their fault and there is really nothing that can be done about it since if they could hear it they would imitate it. The only thing that can be done is to make sure that from the beginning someone with a good ear and who knows the subject really well can teach them the basic Brazilian Portuguese phonetics.

I took phonetics at the U of Toronto language lab but once again, if you can't sing on key and need the music to play your instrument, you are not likely to fool anyone into thinking you're a native, even with classes and courses in phonetics and phonemics. Which is OK.

Naturally children pick up the proper pronunciation for the area they live in for the first few years.

Those with little ability will continue to speak that way wherever they move to as a teen or adult. The gifted will be able to talk like they did at five years of age when they want to, but also blend in to their new surroundings without a hitch when that's what is expected. Speak English like a cracker, a Vincie, a valley girl, or someone in Northern England, at any time.

Kids in the Phillipines often speak Tagolog, English, dad's dialect, mom's dialect, and grampa's dialect, he lives there too, all perfectly with no mixing, and when someone come to the door, the kids sizes up the visitor and uses the appropriate language automatically.

Kids in the Phillipines often speak Tagolog, English, dad's dialect, mom's dialect, and grampa's dialect, he lives there too, all perfectly with no mixing, and when someone come to the door, the kids sizes up the visitor and uses the appropriate language automatically.

Spot on, Old Chap.

I took phonetics at the U of Toronto language lab but once again, if you can't sing on key and need the music to play your instrument, you are not likely to fool anyone into thinking you're a native, even with classes and courses in phonetics and phonemics. Which is OK.

U of T is not the right place to take phonetics nor to learn prim and proper English. In spite of your doing so, I must admit that your English is still good.

Ric, just a quick question:

Do you know the name of the "Gentleman under discussion"? I dont think that our friend Lord Augustus has fully understood what I am implying!

But hope it's not Roberto Unger, God help us.....

Ric Joao was discussing a to Brazilian who grew up in the USA and appears to be Obama´s ex-professor...

On a separate note I just LOVED your portuguese statemement which I find exceedingly amusing...

Vem cá, o senhor não é daqui, né?

I can actually picture one of "them" asking you such a question in either Manaus, Recife or Niteroi

Don't know

You are an extremely well informed person! Probably, Augustus has met him personally!!

the one no government will take from me ,or any person.
only by open gun fire will i give this one up .

joao will leve here for the north soon dry here good sun grate sea food .

will make run to panamaw by coast will take to first of the year 46 days should give us time to knock around a bit
3 stops in chil alone 2 in preu then the islands off the coast or panamaw.

Augustus has met him personally!!

One of these days you place me in trouble...

whom have I met?

Unger. After all, he is also from a traditional family in Rio.

One of these days you place me in trouble...

No, I was expecting youto prevent him from getting into trouble.

Hello,

I am writing in regards to your article which I read in Brazzil Magazine. Most americans do Reclamar de barriga cheia but I think you should still have some compassion for the people who do truly have lost almost everything. I am going to spare you the whinny statistics but I assume that you are aware of the poverty that does exist in the great US. Remember that the world (including the US) is not black and white so remember that a lot of Americans dont drive suvs and we didnt support the Iraq war so nao cospe no prato que comeu. You have studied in the US and I assume that you have worked here so maybe show some appreciation. It is the trend now to talk down on the US it is done so at the expense of the good people as well. thanks for your time.

Jay, I find it hilarious that up to 18 months ago, Americans on this forum and elsewhere were roundly criticizing any commentary against the war, your president, or full-on voodoo capitalist economics as "anti-American" and even "communism".

Where were you then, buddy? Where were the thousands of Americans who are now coming out from under the wreckage to proclaim they hated Bush and the war in Iraq?

Sure, there were protests - even big ones. But "good Americans" really didn't pay much attention to those, did they? The order of the day was back up whatever the president said.

Now, I realize that not all Americans drive SUVs, support the war, love Bush, etc. etc. ad nauseaum. But enough do that Bush was elected twice and his party almost relected a third time. Enough do that it is almost impossible to look at your country's mainstream media output from the 2001-2006 and find any sort of thorough-going critique of the presidency or the war. When Clinton tupped an intern, that tied up the media and your government for YEARS. Bush starts an illegal war, which rapidly spins out of control, rapes the constitution, trashes the economy and who said what, precisely?

I'm sorry you think I'm not sympathetic to those folks who lost their jobs and houses and what not. It's hard to be sympathetic when one realizes that things here in Brazil have been worse and will probably shortly be worse again. But as far as I can see, all you're saying is the same refrain the American right-wing has been saying for years: "No one has the right to criticize the U.S., ever".

I would suggest that your well-documented national unwillingness to take advice or to listen to other peoples' critiques is a good part of what got your country into the mess it's currently in. So again, my advice is grow up and learn to take constructive criticism. The world isn't a Lucasfilm production, Jay.

I’m sure you are aware it’s mainly because of support from the Religions fanatics (the majority of the Republican Party) that Mr. Bush was elected and re-elected.
They disregarded his incompetence on economic and geo-political matters as well as his smirking cynicism, while applauding statements to the effect he was following god’s will during his presidency.

Yet, despite all my opposition, the entire world fails to recognize the extreme danger posed an evil MUCH GREATER called Islam, which – dominated by the fundamentalists almost everywhere that repugnant religion regulates all aspects of life – is BOUND to follow the “anti-crusader” view of Bin-Laden and will not hesitate to pursue any step to attack Western Values, ideas, and policies everywhere. Consequently, acting for the WRONG reasons, I hate indirectly supporting the Republican invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, objecting ONLY to its timidity by leaving out PAKINSTAN (a fake friend) and Iran (an implacable foe)

Jayao.
written by Thaddeus Blanchette, November 14, 2008
Jay, I find it hilarious that up to 18 months ago, Americans on this forum and elsewhere were roundly criticizing any commentary against the war, your president, or full-on voodoo capitalist economics as "anti-American" and even "communism".

Where were you then, buddy? Where were the thousands of Americans who are now coming out from under the wreckage to proclaim they hated Bush and the war in Iraq!

Eu estava aqui protestando a guerra! Voce nao me conhece e ta me julgando. E foda porque eu sinto que voce odia um pais que voce nem conhece, mas ta se achando o pensador. Ta cuspindo pro alto!! Odio faz mail a coracao! You still see the world as black and white. Hipocracy at its best! If I am american I am or was at one time pro war. You still see it as us Brazilians and you Americans (black and White) and I have found many shades of grey. Sinto pena de voce mesmo....Voce e aquele brasileiro que fala mal dos Estados Unidos mas e o primeiro chegar na fila pra assistir um filme do Hollywood ou comprar o Nike mais novo para aparecer e mostrar que tem grana. "Morei Nos Estados Unidos e me formei la"...vai tirando onda.

Augustus says:

I’m sure you are aware it’s mainly because of support from the Religions fanatics (the majority of the Republican Party) that Mr. Bush was elected and re-elected.

Yes, I'm aware of that. But those people are hardly a minority fringe in your country, are they? In fact, they are increasingly responsible for establishing limits on public discourse and I really don't see most of the non-fanatical Americans doing anything substantial about it.

Frankly, I do not believe that radical Islam poses anywhere near the threat to freedom of speach and thought in the west as radical Christianity.

Eu estava aqui protestando a guerra! Voce nao me conhece e ta me julgando.

Em primeiro lugar, Jay, não te julgo: faço observações sobre algumas das tendências hegemônicas expressas na política de seu país durante os últimos dez anos. A crítica aqui não é psicológica e sim social. Embora você e milhares de outros americanos podem ter protestado, isto não mudou, em nada, o curso trilhado por seu país.

Odio faz mail a coracao!

Would that be electronic or snail mail? :lol:

Jay, you are taking things far too seriously if you believe that criticism of your country is hatred. Indeed, you are making the same fundamental error that the Bushies made when you do that, demonstrating quite clearly my point that, in spite of your opposition to Bushes' policies, you share many of the cultural attributes with your fellow Americans that got your country into the mess it's in right now. The first and foremost of these is an inflated view of your nation's role in human history. The second is a view that criticism = hate. You are saying the EXACT same thing that the Bushies did when other peoples criticized the American invasion of Iraq. You are saying that criticizing the U.S. needs must mean one hates it.

Now, I challenge you to find one single solitary thing in any of my posts above that indicates a deep and abiding hate for the U.S. What I feel - and I dare say most intelligent people living outside the U.S. feel the same - is EXASPERATION. And being told by someone who claims to be a "good" American that I'm an "American hater" for feeling this quite understandable emotion is, to me, irony at its best.

Face it Jay: your problem here is that you can't emotionally accept that a "furriner" has an opinion about your country. Simply HAVING an opinion, to you, is tantamount to hatred.

Frankly, I do not believe that radical Islam poses anywhere near the threat to freedom of speech and thought in the west as radical Christianity.

This particular statement is so strong and truthful that you made it hard for me to argue... () Yet, the radical Evangelical Fundamentalists fortunately lack an extremely important tool: a geographic sovereign site for their operations! The absence of a Christian Fundamentalist modern State - which would be required for them to display their TRUE colors and revert to their natural monstrous proclivities – reduces significantly the extent of their nefarious proclivities! This however is unfortunately NOT the case of their Islamic counterpart, who holds sway of many key countries (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and sooner or later Afghanistan & Iraq immediately after the departure of American & British troops) from which the monsters may plot, train, organize & strike the civilized world.

Although Western Civilization did not eliminate Fundamentalist Christians, they have been "deal with" nearly 300 years ago, when they were placed under "control" following the conclusion of the bloody religious confrontations which afflicted Europe during the 16th & 17th Centuries (even though the worse lot escaped to North America, and their descendents constitute the hateful evangelical Christians of the USA – ALL of which support the Republican Party)

So when do they NEED a state to be a threat (such as they are)?

None of the states you mention is exactly a major player in the world, with the possible exception of Saudi Arabia (due to petroleum). None of them has any major means of influencing the U.S. or Brazil, again, with the exception of SA, and that's pretty much the exception that proves the rule: the Saudis are certainly not pushing censorship in the west.

The terrorist attacks which the U.S. has suffered, as bad as they are, pale in comparison to the number of deaths and destruction of national treasure which that country has endured in the course of its ill-conceived war in Iraq. Ironically enough, Sadam was roundly hated by the Islamic fundamentalists and, if anything, the fundies have only gotten a huge boost with his removal. Need I remind you that the States now has fundamentalist shiite militias on its "total force" payroll?

Finally, none of this fundamentalism would have gotten nearly as far as it has without the U.S. using Islamic fundamentalists as terrorist proxies in its cold war against the Soviet Union. Do you SERIOUSLY think Bin Laden and his gang of merry mullahs would have ever became what they did without their long prior sponsorship by the CIA? You realize that the U.S. government once sold stinger anti-aircraft missiles to them, correct?

So, frankly, I don't see these people as much of a threat. I DO see the American Christian right as one. Without their unswavering support, half of the bad policy decisions discussed above would have never been enacted and certainly wouldn't have been carried on to the bitter end. When we look at what's wrong in the U.S.' world today, most of the historical threads lead straight back to Washington, not to the caves of the Pakistan/Afganistan border.

Finally, none of this fundamentalism would have gotten nearly as far as it has without the U.S. using Islamic fundamentalists as terrorist proxies in its cold war against the Soviet Union. Do you SERIOUSLY think Bin Laden and his gang of merry mullahs would have ever became what they did without their long prior sponsorship by the CIA? You realize that the U.S. government once sold stinger anti-aircraft missiles to them, correct?

You do remember the history well, don't ya, Dr.Blanchette ? A good and cold Geo-political analysis, I must admit. Congrats. My hats off to you.

Ta bom...Eu estava errado mesmo.

Eu so queria te mostrar que nem todos americanos caem nos seus estreotipos. Quer me comparar com Bush?....fica a vontande.

E se eu te comparasse com Getulio Vargas? Voce ia gostar? I am a Bushy? Vai enganar!

O que você tem contra o Pai dos Pobres?

Mas fala sério... Comparando Bush com Getúlio? Você conhece a história brasileira? Gostar ou não de Getúlio, é inquestionável que ele fez muito para esse país.

While I fully agree that the CIA is responsible for the current strength of the Taliban (and it’s Fundamentalist allies) due to its blind (stupid) support during their opposition to the Soviet forces which occupied Afghanistan during the 1980’s & 1990’s (and which I blindly supported and now fully regret), I still object to YOUR objection...
While I also agree the heinous nature of the Christian Fundamentalist groups, and that they would be capable of NEARLY (yet not quite) the same atrocities committed by Islamic Fundamentalists, I maintain that it is absolutely necessary for such monstrous groups (Christians or Islamic) to have the formal protection of a ideologically sympathetic state – even if poor and insignificant – provided funding keeps on pouring in from another rich like-minded nation.

In the case of the animals from Islam, if Bin-Hitler-Laden did not have the entire nation of Afghanistan on his side, where he had the moral support and several training basis, along with access to vast fortunes from Saudi Arabian supporters, the monsters would not have been able to organize to the point of successfully conducting multiple terrorist attacks against New York City (my disfigured city), Nairobi, Buenos Aires hotels in Tanzania, and the US vessel in Aden – Yemen.

I wonder if you are in a position to outline ONE terrorist attack or strike successfully conducted by the Christians Fundamentalists...

Granted that the Christian monsters organize paramilitary training exercises in Middle America (Nebraska, Iowa, etc), granted that they have nearly controlled the United States governments through their Republican majority (and that they surely control George Bush), and granted that they pour funds and Resources into (another nearly criminal state of) Israel - since the Christian Fundamentalists who believe in End of Days, are doing everything in their power to strengthen Israel and to re-build their Temple by destroying the Islamic Mound thus starting World War III)... BUT I still believe that with Nuclear/Oil Rich Iran, Nuclear Pakistan – vis-à-vis a Nuclear Israel – along with continued Saudi Arabian Support, the Islamic Worlds pose the greatest (among other nearly as great) threats to Western Civilization and Life on Earth as we know it...

I rest my case!

JOAO – please fell free to attack my views WITHOUT waiting for Mr. Blanchette’s reply so that you may conveniently jump into his band wagon...

CNN has just announced (IRAN CLOSER TO NUCLEAR BOMB - Obama facing growing crisis"...
It amazes me that you UNDERESTIMATE the Iranians sooo blatently....
TYPICAL of EXTREME liberals...
At least my liberalims ENDS (drastically) at the steps of Foreign Affairs)....

JOAO – please fell free to attack my views WITHOUT waiting for Mr. Blanchette’s reply so that you may conveniently jump into his band wagon...

I am quite distressed to read your foot note (as well as the title) addressed to me, Lord Augustus. I take umbrage to your statement that "I may conveniently jump into his bandwagon", just because I congratulated Dr.Blanchette for his astute analysis. I have not jumped into his bandwagon nor am expecting any reply from him.

I do sympathize with the destruction caused by the followers of OBL to your beloved city of New York. But....But...., what Dr.Blanchette is saying is that OBL is a monster created by the Bush Sr (Remember that Sr was the Director of the CIA) to fight the Soviets on the battle grounds of Afghanistan. The Mohammedans do not like Communism (never liked-just as Hitler). OBL´s dad made lots of money with the Saudi Royal family, which of course sent him to Afghanistan to fight the Reds. Let me assure you that I do not approve of the Reds either.

But..But... (unfortunately, I got the affliction of using this expression, because of my long association with Ch.C), after the 911, suddenly the blue eyed boy of the Saudis and CIA appear as a villain. Then the Junior forgets about OBL in the caves of Tora Bora and goes after Mr.S.Hussein and hangs him. Could you please explain the reasons for his diverting the attention from the "Main Target"?

I think that Dr.Blanchette is trying to make a point and I being a person that likes to hearing differing opinions, I congratulated him for having stimulated an interesting debate. That does not mean that I have joined his "Bandwagon".

As for his replying or not to my comments, I really do not care. I am not his student and don't intend to be.

I wonder if you are in a position to outline ONE terrorist attack or strike successfully conducted by the Christians Fundamentalists...

The Federal Builkding in Oklahoma.

Timothy McVeigh was way into the neo-nazi Christian Identity movement.

the united states didnt create bin laden , they only aided him in the fight against the soviet union, big differance .what kind of bulls**t argument is that ?

its f**king funny when every one goes ape s**t about the united states supporting israel or supporting the afghans or suppoeting military dictators

after the viet nam war, you didnt have viet nam veterans or other americans going ape s**t because china or the soviet union aided the north vietnamese or viet cong

you didnt have americans deciding to do terrorist acts in china or the soviet union because they aided north viet nam or the viet cong

america supported dictatorships in south america , but,these dictators didnt need american help to brutily repress the people .and, people forget that cuba by way of the soviet union was causing much of the unrest in south america that brought on this brutal crackdown. i just saw a docu on che where him and castro wanted to create 1000 viet nams in the world...what a bunch of scum bag ass holes...im glad guevera got hunted down and killed like a dog m this hero worship for him is one of the really big jokes of the last 50 years..every one wants to blame the usa and cia but no ones holds castro or guevera responsible for their part , every body was dirty , f**k anybody that cant just basicly admit that

yeah, america made stupid desicians, but, this "america created bin laden"..."america caused world war 1 and 2"..."america secretly caused 9/11.." etc etc is so much stupid bull crap that it should be shoved up the asses of those perpetuating these lies for their own self promotion and those who swallow this crap ought to be ashamed of themselves

no wonder the world is in such a f**ked state with so much hypcracy on all sides floating around

the united states didnt create bin laden , they only aided him in the fight against the soviet union, big differance .what kind of bulls**t argument is that ?

It's called "aiding and abetting" and it's a very well recognized argument in international jurisprudence.

One would have to be really cynical to claim that I believe that the U.S. "created" Bin Laden in the protean sense of the word. However, the U.S. armed and trained him and, more importantly, gave him the space to become a big man among the world's Islaamic nutcases. Without U.S. backing, Bin Laden would have probably stayed home in Saudi Arabia, bitching about the immorality of American T.V.

You give a known lunatic gasoline, the keys to the neighbor's house and encouragement to go in there and burn everything down, you can hardly say you are a simple bystander to whatever happens as a consequence. And you certainly can't scream innocence when, afterwords, said lunatic decides that your hosue looks like it would be fun to torch, too.

its f**king funny when every one goes ape s**t about the united states supporting israel or supporting the afghans or suppoeting military dictators

after the viet nam war, you didnt have viet nam veterans or other americans going ape s**t because china or the soviet union aided the north vietnamese or viet cong

you didnt have americans deciding to do terrorist acts in china or the soviet union because they aided north viet nam or the viet cong

Are you cynical or just uninformed? The U.S. most certainly went "apes**t" over Chinese and Soviet involvement in Vietnam. It was called "the domino theory" and it underwrote everything the U.S. did in SE Asia for a decade. Furthermore, most U.S. Vietnam vets I know believe that more bombing and more killing wopuld have eventually "won" that war and think that anyone who was against it is a traitor, so yes, they do indeed go "apes**t" about it. Finally, the U.S. has done everything it can to block Vietnam's re-entry into the greater community of nations after it bombed, poisoned and shot the hell out of that country for decades.

Given a choice between being the victim of 911 and being the victim of American intervention and its aftermath, there's no doubt what the majority of the Vietnamese would choose, so please bull us no s**t about how great and good the U.S. has been to Vietnam, OK? You're dealing here with people who actually get their history information from a source other than "The History Channel", Asp.

Rambo isn't history, son, no matter how much you enjoyed the film.

america supported dictatorships in south america , but,these dictators didnt need american help to brutily repress the people .and, people forget that cuba by way of the soviet union was causing much of the unrest in south america that brought on this brutal crackdown.

Oh, well that makes it OK, then.

Asp, what I love about guys like you is how you are constantly telling us how much Brazilians should hate corruption and overthrow their government, and yet you somehow think that the unrest going on here in 1960-64 was completely directed and orquestrated from Moscow. Brazilians didn't and don't need you or Boris and Natasha - or even Fidel - to make them pissed off about the raw deal they get. You know this, correct? So why do you think that the 1964 unrest was directed from Cuba and the USSR?

yeah, america made stupid desicians, but, this "america created bin laden"..."america caused world war 1 and 2"..."america secretly caused 9/11.." etc etc is so much stupid bull crap that it should be shoved up the asses of those perpetuating these lies for their own self promotion and those who swallow this crap ought to be ashamed of themselves

Now you're engaging in cheap rhetoric. Nobody has even mentioned WWI, WWII, or conspiracy theories about 911.

Bin Laden was trained, equipped and supported by the CIA and that is a simple fact. Hell, the CIA doesn't even bother denying that.

Unable to refute that fact, you decide to associate it with looney-toon conspiracy theories which, AFAIK, no one here believes and certainly no one here has mentioned.

What's the problem, Asp? Dealing with reality is too much trouble so you have to make s**t up?

Here, again, is another excellent example of why America's in the mess it's in: the concept that, history supposedly being dead, one can make up any old s**t at all and call it history and who's going to know the difference?

Turns out the market will, if no one else does.

blanchard, you call your self and educator?

you are stupid. i said CHINA you f**k head.kiss my ass if you cant get my arguments straight , dumb f**k , i nver mentioned usa policy to south east asia. we got all chummy with china after that, bitch boy, we are up to our ears in debt with china now , ass wipe ,who just twist my words, f**k your twoisted half baked charactorisation of what i said. viet nam vererans donto go around suicide bombing china or russia, dick f**k, how the hell can you made such a stupid comment

listen , f**k face, i have seen varius reports on tv in brazil from a former kgb agents saying they had kgb in the government in brazil, in the military, on the campuses and in the media. so f**k your trite bulls**t answer. why the f**k doesnt a professor like you mention that brazil was dealing with , fighting and torturing comuninsts in 30's?

mother f**k your answer blanchard, you got to do better than that. that is why i dont f**king trust educaters points of veiw , you cant even look at the reality, and, you sure as heck are trying to twist my point of veiw, f**k you, ive been in brasil longer than you

blanchette, you are the type of educator i detest in brazil

my son would come home from school talking about profesors saying the americans were going to invade , or , had already , invaded the brazilian amazon, when farc really had already kidnapped brazilians off the borders. as well as being major contributors to the decay of sao paulo and rio by dealing bigtime with the big drug gangs there

the jornal do brasil came out with a denial of the amazon american invasion rumor, yet, these educators like you kept on saying that to my son

he heard plenty of other bull s**t about how bad america is and very little balanced history of what really happened in the cold war

give me one peice of information against the usa in brazil in the cold war that i havent heard, ive heard it all, ive educated myself about this even reading the comunist manifesto, im not some rambo ass hole, i also defend brazil all the time, but, not the false bulls**t that you would imply, because you never will tell the whole picture.

yeah stupid educators like you, or , how does it feel to be lumped into a bunch of people you might not agree with totaly anyway, like you are trying to do to me, implying im some kind of rambo , f**k you

man, usa trained many people in afghanistan how to use stingers and other things. bin laden was one of them, but, he was on the scene with his crew before the usa was over there. f**k your trite bulls**t educator because you think you read it in a book, answer

what a f**ked up reference to viet nam veterans, ive know many who never even come close to saying the things you said, you are one full of s**t mother f**ker

yeah, blanchette sais russia wasnt involved in brazil in 60 - 64, but, i see an extremly high ranking kgb agent on a casual news report interveiw , in brazil, saying they had spies in the military, the media, the universities and the congress in brazil in 60-64...

now who the f**k am i going to beleive ? blancette , who read something in some book , or talked to some tainted "intelectruals" , which is probalby biased somewhere and then considers himself an expert on it ? or the actual kgb agent casualy telling the dead on truth in some real news interveiw ?

doh....im going to belive the reality not the fantacy ignorance

wake the f**k up, jerk, you make me sick with your rationilisations and trying to peg me, and, holding yourself up as more enlightened

you know, if you are going to try to punk me out with this s**t, ill bitch slap you around the room all day, if you want to talk man to man and quit trying to twist my arguments, then maybe we can have a conversation about it

aqui é o filho de Asp e estudo no Brasil desda 1º série até o ultimo ano do 2ºgrau, professores aqui já pediram minha ajuda para corrigir provas dos meu colégas nas aulas de história e geografia, já houvi muita mérda e demagogia de proffessores mentirósos, a culpa dos problemas na américa do sul na verdade são esse grupos terroristas como farc,fbl,eln que se dizem guerrilheiros mas praticam o terroriosmo, sequstram pobres por dinheiro mas se dizem do marxismo, o comericiante pobre que não paga o resgate tem seu pai ou mãe ou parente assasinado, esses mérdas desses terroristas-comunistas ganham dinheiro com narcotrafico de cocaina e venda de armas ilegais que entram em massa no Brasil cocaina e armas que matam cidadões bala perdida guerra civil de bandindo e policia, farc e cia são patrocinados pelos idiotas como Hugo Chaves que é ideologicamente conectado com o idiota métre: Fidel Castro que éra apoiado pela antiga URSS que tinha agentes no Brasil des da decada de 30, houve muitos agentes kgb obviamente aqui nos anos 60 os chatos dos Russos estavam em qualquer lugar por causa da guerra fria, todo esse dogma anti imperialista vêm da lavagêm cerebral dos soviéticos com seus planos escritos de dominação mundial com base no idiota manifésto de mérda do bostinha Marx e seu capacho Angels

I try to deal with people who engage in logical argumentation, not those who believe that argument can be reduced to name calling and cheap rhetorical tricks. I enjoy discussing things with people who have different views than I do, but who also have a decent degree of education and/or information under their belts.
That's obviously not you on two counts, is it?

Finally, I'm not a big fan of Tourette's Syndrome, though I sympathize with your suffering.

Have a nice day, Asp.

(By the way, you might want to tell your son that us Marxist-Leninist professorial types tend to take points off on the vestibular for improper punctuation, grammatical errors, poor sentence structure and lack of capitalization. It's all part of the secret communist plot for world domination, you see. So you might want to get him out of that public school where he's studying and place him in a private academy where he might have a shot at learning competent written Portuguese before college entrance exam time rolls around. He obviously thinks he's something of well-educated kid in that respect and he's just as obviously wrong.)

yeah, blanchette, i try to have rational conversations with people who dont mis charactorise what im saying.i have very little time to indulge people who think they are superior and that their institutional education is anywhere close to the whole truth in the real world...institutional education never helped me on the street

listening to your conviction that the soviet union wasnt involved in the 60's in brazil (let alone as well in the 30's) and, trying to belittle me ,or how i come to my conclusions , is exasperating and reveals a special kind of educated arrogant ignorance , especialy suited to your type ( oh yeah, blanchette , how does it feel like you have been lumped in as a comunist leftist....it feels the same as your asinine attemt to portray me a some rambo type, and, i just dont have time for that bulls**t, so right the f**k back at you)

this is the second time you have blatently mischaractorised what im trying to say , and, i see through your stupid game. and, to top it off, you try some punk ass insulting. since you played those games and tried to punk me out, you deserved to be bitch slapped around at the same time

yeah, well i dont worry about my son, he can handle himself , he certainly sees the truth better than you do

besides that, interesting article contribution , keep up the good work

.i have very little time to indulge people who think they are superior and that their institutional education is anywhere close to the whole truth in the real world...institutional education never helped me on the street

Oh, you big tough resalist, you.

This might come as a shock to you Asp, but there's no contradiction between having an education and an informed opinion AND knowing very well about life as it's actually lived. The only people who think that there is are folks who have a hard time with institutional learning, for whatever reason.

In my case, I've done a hell of a lot of s**tty jobs in my life and seen a hell of a lot of nasty stuff. In the course of my current, academic work, I've been shot at and I routinely have to deal with all sorts of malandros, prostitutes and scam artists in the carioca nightlife. This is hardly sitting in an ivory tower, twiddling my toes, Asp. In fact, I'd lay dollars to donuts that I routinely deal with people who would curl your hair.

As for "practical knowledge"... what the hell does that have to do with the question at hand? You're claiming a superior opinion to mine re: the coup in Brazil and your knowledge regarding that doesn't come from life-as-its-lived but, in your own words, from a T.V. show. And for the record, the original point WASN'T that the USSR wasn't somehow "involved" with the Brazilian left: it was that the unrest of the 1960s wasn't a Moscow creation.

I'm sure the commies would have loved to have had the ammount of control over the Brazilian left that you attribute to them, but their own documents indicate that they were just as exasperated with the "guerrilha urbana" folks as you are. That was NOT what Moscow was preaching for the third world in the late '60s and early '70s. Furthermore, I find it hilarious that you seem to think that the KGB was running the Brazilian guerrilha groups, the vast majority of which were Maoist and Gueverrist in orientation. This might come as a shock to you, Asp, but the commies were hardly a big, monlithic block in the period under discussion here. China and Russia, in fact, almost went to war on a couple of occasions suring the 1970s.

Or was that all a big conspiracy put on by the liberal-soviet-commie media as well?

And as for "feelings of superiority", Asp, we were having a nice, polite discussion here, exchanging ideas, when suddenly you barged in and started cursing anyone who disagreed with your rather bizarre and conspiracy-oriented vision of world history - which is apparently based on your deep study of popular T.V. programming.

Asp, that is unbelievably arrogant. You have no call to be crying about the "superior airs" of people expressing their informed opinion when you routinely express your opinion in the most arrogant and offensive means possible.

You want to talk superiority, ASP? Fine. There's nothing more arrogant than the presumed superiority of stupidity and only a supremely stupid man would assume that a college education actually makes one less informed.

I don't know where you went to school, Asp, or even if you have. But in the many institutions I attended, the modus operandi was to get students to think for themselves and to back up their opinions with proof. Period.

That is all that happens in a university environment and the only people who think differently are folks who've never been - or having been, somehow felt that their unsupported, uniformed opinions should be treated as just as valid as an informed and supported opinion.

I've been to some of the most leftist universities in the world and there were no secret brainwashing sessions conducted by the KGB. What few communist professors were about spent more time battling their trotskyite-stalinist-maoist-hoxnaist-whatever ideological enemies than they did discussing the death of capitalism. You're trying to portray universities - in Brazil or anywhere else - as if they were one big cohesive conspiracy to delude the working class is absolutely ridiculous to anyone who's ever been inside of one.

Today - as always - your average university professor is a hell of a lot more interested in getting published and screwing with the heads of his intellectual enemies than he is in causing world revolution. You want to see the real face of "university marxism", such as it is? Rent "The Decline and Fall of the American Empire" and "The Barbarian Invasions".

However, given your rabid diatribes above, I suspect that you're one of those Americans who believes that anything to the left of Adolph Hitler is ipso facto "marxist communist". Would that it were true. I'm here to tell you, though, Asp, that the world's a hell of a lot more complex than that.

And really, man, take my advice and get your kid a decent Portuguese tutor. His writing skills are atrocious. Let's hope for his sake, he's 10 or younger, because if he isn't, he's definitely behind the curve. He writes like my 9 year old niece and she's only been in Brazilian public schools her entire life.

just keep mis charactorising things i say

i said their were kgb spies in the brazilian government, media , universities,and armed forces. where in gods name does that implicate that the soviets were running the whole thing in brazil?yet, many implicate the usa was running the other side

COMPLEX, YOU BET YOUR ASS, that is my whole point, but, you would be lying to say that the whole truth is on display here in brazil about what happened at that time.it is extremly biased against the united states.

many people were going to cuba and training, from money from the soviet union...BIG MONEY...that is what people like you dont ever alude to. if you dont acknowledge that whole network that was plauging south america, from backing from the soviet union ,through cuba, you are leaving out huge chunks of the whole truth of that time

if you are pegging me as some rambo , unknowlegable of what was happening then, only from some ducumentary that i saw (which was , by the way, pro che), then you need to feel like being pegged as some commie profesor, to see how it feels, that was my point to you.

first of all ,like ive said , ive reseached and learned a hell of a lot about what hapeened in brazil during that period because ive been here longer than you and took responsibility to learn what happened. second, a tv report is as valid a referance as a book. it can be biased like a book or real truth like a book ( for gods sake dont mischaractorise what i said as tv reports are more valid than books. you bore me with that, my father was a writer, hung out with nelson algren , i met him a few times, he was hiding in our house when he ran away from the nut house, my brother is a writer and has a doctorate and is a college professor etc etc). i totaly regect your implication that a documentary well done isnt a good source.i regect your implication that tv jornal reports of people being kidnapped by farc off the borders of brazil is unimportant. its as important as any book can be, in putting together the whole picture.after all a book is just a more in depth look at someones bias on the subgect they are writing about.all of these idioms have flaws inherit. you have to see through the bulls**t and that is what i intend to do to get at the real truth

why hasnt someone like you written about that , the damage that farc is doing to brazil ? there are few books out there refferring to how deep the farc are involved with arms and drug trafficing into the heavy gangs in rio and sao paulo, which is the deeper reasons why the cities are in decay, that and the corruption. i picked up this reality by a series of tv reports from all the channals in brazil that slowly trickled , over a few years ,in starting with the capture of beira mar with farc, then led to more and more verifications of this , by more tv jornal news reports , including various kidnaps of brazilian citezens off the borders.aint no books talking about this, this is truth and reality, aint no professors in universities or my sons class who talked about this, they were saying there is americans invading the amazon. this is true fact, that these idiots were lost on this....professors at schools, turning out legions of brain washed children , buddy boy, agian you try and mischaractorise what i am saying and belittle my experiance, which i wouldnt trade with you for all the money in the world...whoopty doo to what you think is such an on the edge life you have, it only makes me chuckle.im my profesion, college education means nothing,its what you bring to the job , which can only be learned on the job

you still are implying superiority, implying im less than you because i dont come from the instittional education you do. you are the arrogant one. i have nothing against univeristies or education, i have a lot against pompous ass holes who try to peg me , mis characterise what i say, as you have done before ( this is your modus operandi and its stupid), try to paint me as arrogant , and, use their educatioanl credentual as some kind of superior litmus test. i only tell you, just because someone is from the university educted back ground, it doesnt mean they have a superior understanding of reality and how world works, i dont belittle anyone for being educated

and, where the hell do you get off with this bs of how my son writes, cram it, i dont judge a person's charactor by whether they have correct spelling or grammer. i respect good education, but, in terms of honesty , integrity , bravery, courage, dependablilty, it is by no means the litmus test

you know, blanchette, i regret going off on you, i dont apologise, but,i regret doing it because you are the author of this peice and deserve more respect because of that. but, you have various times now, mischaractorised many things i have said as you are going to do in the future, and, you mix in dumb insults that deserve to be reciprocated. i see through your bs and dont respect it.

aqui filho do asp, se você diz que não tem professores de 1º e 2º grau no Brasil espalhando mentiras sobre os EUA como: EUA está com plano de dominação á Amazônia. aises do mundo se unirão contra os americanos numa guerra, só tinha agentes da CIA no Brasil nos anos 60 mas não tinha KGB. Resumindo se você diz ou acha que isso falado acima é mentira você conhéce extremamente nada sobre esse assunto, por que eu estudei em colégios publicos e particulares e professores vinham espalhando éssas demagogias e utopias,mentiras pra nós alunos, isso não é invenção!Invenção é dizer que os EUA criou Bin Laden! Os EUA não o treinou para ser um terrorista fundamnetalista islamico! Eles apoiaram os Mujahadin e muitos grupos no Afeganistão contra os Russos na Guerra, que nem os Russos que ajudaram os Vietcongs e viatinamistas do norte na guerra do vietnãn ou guerra da indo china! traidores como o Bin Landin atacando os EUA é como se um ingrato de um ex vietcong oganizasse e atacasse Moscou com aviões suicidas.

eles os professores que espalharam opiniões erradas anti EUA não eram comunistas e não vêm de uma conspiração, quem falou isso foi você, mas éssas informações que eles passavam tinham origem o dogma comunista! pessoas que acham Che Guevara legal quando ele era um assasino imperialista que não era nem guerrilheiro bom, se foce teria sobrevivido a Bolivia! got Cohiba cigar?

Você nem consseguio responder direito sobre o que eu falei por que a verdade doi né!E como sua defesa já começastes a julgar minha gramatica pobre resultado do encino de colégios particulares do meu 2º grau no Brasil, hahaha Fizestes isso por não tinhas como responder contra a verdade de fatos veridicos e documentedos até na tv e jornal, ai fosse embora pra partir pra julgar a minha escrita, :- Não concégues debater politicamente? achei que o papo éra politica, é politica ou português o assunto?

Dizem que Fidel Castro nasceu em Tracateua, PA, por isso que Ché Guevara passou por lá e incendiou o cartório.

many people were going to cuba and training, from money from the soviet union...BIG MONEY...that is what people like you dont ever alude to. if you dont acknowledge that whole network that was plauging south america, from backing from the soviet union ,through cuba, you are leaving out huge chunks of the whole truth of that time...

Yeah, and many people were going to the States to get trained and there was WAY more money involved in that, but only a complete ignoramous would believe that Brazil's 1964 was mainly run from Washington.

Obviously, both Washington and the USSR tried to influence events in Brazil. Most sober historians think that they didn't manage to do a very good job. The commies didn't invent agrarian unrest in Brazil's NE and Uncle Sam certainly didn't have to teach Brazilian cops how to torture. History in this country didn't bgein with the Russian Revolution and didn't end with the fall of Soviet Communism.

if you are pegging me as some rambo , unknowlegable of what was happening then, only from some ducumentary that i saw (which was , by the way, pro che), then you need to feel like being pegged as some commie profesor, to see how it feels, that was my point to you.

I made my comments on your lack of formalized study only AFTER you started swearing at me for actually managing to get a decent education.

why hasnt someone like you written about that , the damage that farc is doing to brazil ? there are few books out there refferring to how deep the farc are involved with arms and drug trafficing into the heavy gangs in rio and sao paulo, which is the deeper reasons why the cities are in decay, that and the corruption.

Probably because conspiracy theories make poor history. Farc can't even keep itself alive and you're blaming it for the violence in the favelas? That's rich, Asp. Really rich. And it goes against 100 years of research into why the favelas are what they are. FARC's contribution to Brazilian violence, if any, is a drop of piss in the ocean.

aint no books talking about this, this is truth and reality, aint no professors in universities or my sons class who talked about this, they were saying there is americans invading the amazon. this is true fact, that these idiots were lost on this....professors at schools, turning out legions of brain washed children , buddy boy, agian you try and mischaractorise what i am saying and belittle my experiance, which i wouldnt trade with you for all the money in the world...whoopty doo to what you think is such an on the edge life you have, it only makes me chuckle.im my profesion, college education means nothing,its what you bring to the job , which can only be learned on the job.

Asp, believe me that I say this with the best possible intent: there are cures for many forms of paranoia today and you should get a check up. Your view that all of Brazilian history is being run by a transnationalist communist cabal which uses university professors to brainwash the country's youth is pretty paranoid. You've never even put one foot in a university classroom, have you? Because if you had, you'd realize that about the LEAST influential people in the world are university profs. 19 year olds are NOTORIOUS for believing what they want to believe and nothing else. I only wish my profession had the kind of influence you think we do.

What seems to mortally offend you is the idea of actually CONVERSING in a level-headed fashion with anyone who has a different opinion thatn you do. You scream and curse at people, and then whine that you're being misunderstood or being picked on when someone strikes back. Do you like feeling persecuted? Because from our brief interaction here, it seems to me that you go out of your way to try to piss people off.

and, where the hell do you get off with this bs of how my son writes, cram it, i dont judge a person's charactor by whether they have correct spelling or grammer.

You were the person who brought the lad on here as if he were some sterling example of intelligence and education. "Correcting his professors", IIRC. The kid can't even write a coherent sentence, apparently. My kid niece can and she doesn't go to some fancy pantsy private academy. Ergo, either you're exagerating or your kid is going to a piss-poor school.

I can't judge your kid's character or intelligence, but when he writes worse than a 9 year old who studies in a public school in Banco de Areia, RdJ, then I think that I can, as an educator, tell you that your kid is far behind where he should be in his writing skills.

Now, if you don't think that knowing how to write a competent and clear sentence is a necessary prequisite for most decent jobs these days, I can't help you there.

Btw, the most influential group pushing that "Americans invading the Amazon" s**t these days aren't commie university profs, but the Amazonian landowners' banca in Congress and, here in Rio, the MVB - a reborn branch of the Greenshirts.

Or do you think that these guys are also just another couple of heads - albiet cleverly disguised ones - of the mighty communist hydra?

Você nem consseguio responder direito sobre o que eu falei por que a verdade doi né!

Filho, vai melhorar seu português, vai.

O que doi é saber que um filho de um imigrante EUAmericano, classe média, criado no Brasil e presumivelmente dotado com a melhor educação que seu pai podia comprar não consegue escrever uma só sentença na língua de Camões sem fazer erros. Juro por deus, minha criança, você escreve pior que minha sobrinha de nove anos e ela só tem estudado naquelas escolas públicas brasileiras que teu querido papai tanta abomina.

Sou a sobrinha de Tadeu, Mayara. Credo, filho do Asp, você não sabe que é ensino e não encino? E você tem segundo grau completa? Acho que você está mentindo.

[I'll admit to correcting Mayara's diacriticals, but the rest was her honest opinion, written by her.

I gotta admit, Asp's son doesn't write like a Brazilian educated in a decent public school: rather, he writes like an American who learned a fair amount of Portuguese but still gets it mixed up with Spanish. So whether he is or is not "for real", I highly doubt he's what daddy portrays him as: someone raised in the Brazilian educational system. Thaddeus.]

aqui é o filho do asp

liçãozinha pra você de hojê...

eu ja disse pra você que esses professores que ja me falaram déssas utopias não eram comunistas de fato,

Qual é a tua? eu disse que eles não eram comunistas!!!!

você não lê? tu só sabe argumenta qualquer coisa!

tas me chamando de mentiroso? professores de 1º e 2º grau de ensino médio falavam esses assuntos da amazônia na minha preasença fato!!!!!!

mas eles sabendo ou não, tinha origem as mentiras por parte de alguns cubanos que acreditam numa antiga visão ideológica ultrapassada essas mentiras atravessam fronteiras o antiamericanismo é só uma distrassão pra iludir o povo dos verdadeiros problemas regionais, não é uma conspiração eu já falei isso!:- tu éres cego?
mas tem gente como Hugo chaves Heivo Morales por influência de Fidel Castro tentando distrair e uludir o povo dizendo que o causador de seus problemas é os EUA quando na verdade são os terroristas da farc e etc e Milicias locais...

got cohiba?

geez,you and your neice look like fools

who ever said my son is coming in here as a higher educational example? it really makes you and your neice look stupid , and , weak

mayaram that is a weak argument on your part, maybe you are brainwashed to come to those opinions.we arnt here to push grammer have you read other peoples posts? grammer errors all over the place.and you want to rank on my son ? even your uncle makes grammer mistakes on here, wake up out of your stupor , you probably beleived all the anti american crap you have heard from your teachers and your uncle .and, you obviously picked up his bad habit of mischaractorising what my son is saying and trying to put him down instead of addressing the hard core reality of the experiance he was stating

and , im noting your uncle brings in referances to tourets syndrome as a put down,i actualy have a close freind who has tourettes syndrome so your uncle uses some really petty insults which is a testament to his charactor

yo, blancette ,my son is in here to testify of the crap he would hear in these schools by not one but many teachers passing false infomation. you cant even address that, except by trying to set up a smoke screen of mischaractorising what we are saying

again, its your stupidity and trying to be slick, passing off that we are implying some comunist conspiricy. we are just saying there is huge amounts of brainwashed fools passing stupidity around in the educational system. this stupidity seeps into everything from day to day opinions by people about how horible the usa is for them , all the way up to the media and down to your neice.they just cant look at the reality of the history of the cold war. you got thousands coming out to protest bush but only hundreds to protest the huge mounting dead in rio

you dont think farc is influencing what is going on in rio and sao paulo? i feel sorry for your neice, she must get ideas of how the world works from you. you are so well educated but so world dumb

if you cant put two and two together how the drug violence has escalated since beira mar was captured with farc ( by the way , its not just farc, so , you dont pull your boring mischaractorisations of what i am sayingm but, farc is deeply involved), how the bus burnings escalated, how devastating arms are being imported in, if you cant put that together, you and your neice are really in your ivory tower lost in intelectual debates of how many angels you can fit on the head of a pin, about someones grammer and sentance structure. you fool,you are lost in past studies of the favelas and not looking at the present day escalation. i cant help you , you are in the fog buddy boy... nobody is holding up my son as a high educational example , that is , again ,your stupid little mischaractorisation of what we are saying.and,stuff it up your ass

all you can do is put down my sons educational background, when he has better judgement of whats going on than you do

you lose credibility with me.

in this punk bitch world, my son has showm incredible judgement of how to negociete through adolecance , i can only hope your neice will make it through

im not trying to make freinds on this forum, are you a fool? do you see how people interact on here? you cant set this forum up as some polite discourse on daily flowers. mother f**kers in here are trying to f**k with anyone who doesnt agree, mischaractorising them and bashing charactor instead of listening, and, im very comfortable bringing in my rock...

beleive me you have done nothing to refute anything i have said except mischaractorise what i am saying, and, put down my sons grammer,,,that is so weak , you are really weak, for such an educated person

you talk about me generalising, look at your title, full of stereo type "americans whining"...(this american aint whining) and , you pretty much lump us all in one bunch who elected bush for president

im willing to play along ,( because i detest what happened to america in the last 7 years) until you start some flipant generalisation that america created bin laden. if that isnt an over simplification of what happened there, i dont know what is...you know, i dont live on this forum to attack blanchette, you say something stupid and deserve to be called out on it

i mean what do you know about real american culture ? besides literature which i asume ,studying in chicago ,you must have some grasp on.what do you know about the great contribrutions of american music and dance to the world ? can you discuss it in depth? i guarentee you most americans on here and in america sure cant discuss it.they dont even know what americas deepest contributions to the world are in music and dance, just using those idioms as an example

i wonder if you even know what brazils deepest cultural strengths are, besides literary, which i asume is your forte, and, which is why you can only dis someones grammer.that is how you refute someones argument, ranking on their grammer

i mean , you live in rio, can you tell me the most advanced musicians there? do you know who they are, do you go out an see them play and suport their work?

did you ever pay to see: luizao maia, barrosinho, gilson peranzzetta, luiz avelar, rafael vernet,itamar assieri,elza soares,paulo russo?

have you ever heard of these people ? you are implicating you are culturaly superior to me and my son. about books, for sure, but, books are not the only thing that defines cultural enlightenment

so,i really dont trust your assesement of americans and how they think. some things i may agree with , but,it is tainted with an arrogant pompass air of suposed intelectual superiority

"o que doi é saber que um filho de um imigrante EUAmericano, classe média, criado no Brasil e presumivelmente dotado com a melhor educação que seu pai podia comprar não consegue escrever uma só sentença na língua de Camões sem fazer erros. "

lets get this s**t staight, my son went to public school most all his years. i borrowed money to get him in two years of his education in a school that opened up near enough to walk to, since i dont own a car, this was something i wanted very much

again, we have here a warped necesity to try to peg me and my son as some privalidged lucky middle class people. dnc , after i say i beleive in obama sais that i must "be from a privilaged background" ...

i mean what the f**k ( by the way,i see various "f**ks' in your article so ill just use it here can i please?),what is it with this trying to peg someone as rich or privalidged or middle class? what kind of bs is that? when ever you people on here try to peg me or mischaractorise me to belittle my arguments because you cant handle the truth, im going shove the truth right down your throat

what is so hilarious is you both and mayara were so f**king wrong in your assesments

by the way,i have no problem saying my son got lower than average grades, i never did bring his testimony in for that (the whole thing about having teachers asking him to grade papaers is based on the fact that he would challenge their teachings in history class, indicating he was more informed than the other students in his class).

i brought it in to testify his experiance with his teachers , in public and private schools, were saying the americans were invading the amazon when farc was really doing it

now , there is only one responce from you that is correct:
blanchette: " that is wrong for those teachers to be saying the americans are invading the amazon when in fact farc causes much more problems than the united states does in that region..."

anything other than that and you are bulls**tting

Asp, it's pretty obvious that you get your jollies by picking virtual fights with people.

You know what? I have better things to do. So here's my last word to you in a vernacular that you'll be sure to understand...

Why don't you and your precious little boy take your paranoia and your penny-ante conspiracy theories down to www.whack_a_troll.com, perchance to find someone who actually gives a s**t?

Maybe you'll meet somebody who'll give you the virtual tension convention you so obviously crave. For my part, I'm going on a low intellectual colesterol diet this year: no more arguments with ignorant fatheads. Life is just too short.

Now if you'll excuse me, I actually have to go work for a living.

That last bit was obviously by me, btw. I forgot to clear Mayara's name from the field. Thaddeus.

aqui filho de asp

o tHadeu sei lá qual seu nome, sua sobrinha Mayara não sabe escrever portugues direito tambêm
olha a besteira que ela perguntou pra mim

Mayara:- VOCE NÃO TEM 2º GRAU COMPLETA? HAHAHAHA COMPLETA! muito esperta ela? não!

O certo seria : COMPLETO EM MASCULINO não em feminino.

Mayara escreveu errado e tenta me corrigir, mas ela nem ecreveu aquela pergunta direito o certo seria: você não tem 2º grau completo? compléto!

MAYARA RECADO PRA VOCÊ sua CRIÂNÇA! VAI APRENDER PRIMEIRO O PORTUGUÊS ANTES DE TENTAR ME CORRIGIR OU ME SUBESTIMAR COM SUA GRAMATICA DE 6 SÉRIE E EDUCAÇÃO DE QUINTA CATEGORIA!!!!
se me chamar de mentiroso, mostra a sua infantilidade!

vai bricar de bonéca, vai brincar de roubar um doce, vai assistir o programa da xuxa!

você não sabe nada de politica e pouco sobre português... isso é um assunto sobre Politica ou Português?

tadeu você não tem como debater politicamente comigo, posso ver isso!
tenta apelar novamente pra minha gramatica, eu não fui super bom em outras matérias mas me virei nos colégios... Mas história,geografia estudos sociais sempre tirei notas como 8 pra 10, não quero dizer que sou inteligente,
mas tinham professores espalhando mentiras ou falta de informação sobre politica e história sim isso tinha!

VOCÊS mudam de assunto pra sair de fininhu e fugir da verdade

e MAYARAM NÃO CONSTROI FRASES DE GRAMATICA CORRÉTA TAMBÊM
GRAU :SUSTANTIVO SIMPLES, MAIS PRO MASCULINO NÃO FEMININO! OHHHHHHHHHHHHH

VOCÊ TEM 2º GRAU COMPLETA? OLHA A BESTERA QUE TU FALOU você não tem capacidade pra me corrigir.


aprenda o português!

thadeu...

got cohiba cigar?

tu se acha o che guevara né?!!

filho do asp
falando

Tadeu seu disgraçado! eu estudei 9 anos da minha vida em colégios publicos só depois que estudei 3 anos de colégio paticular.

mau pai prefére colégios publicos, sempre prefiriu, só me colocou numa particular quando abriu uma paraticular pérto de casa!

tu não me conhéce e inventa sobre minha vida que tu não conhéce, como inventas dizendo que os EUA inventou Bin Laden!


tu inventa muito sua palavra perde credibilidade comigo nem vale falar sobre politica com tigo ou português com sua sobrinha,
tu não fala comigo sobre politica
nem vale falar com você!
não quero perder meu tempo com você...

aqui é filho do asp
não tenho realmente nada contra você
eu somente estava falando de politica mas já queriam levar pra insultos gramaticais e tentativas de adivinhar ou inventar estilos de vida que eu não tinha que eu não levo e etc. dai as coisas partiram pra ignorância na sua parte e minha tambêm...
mas se quiser conversar sobre politica eu to ai pra conversar positivamente tambêm ok?

agora tenhu que trabalhar, tenhu mais o que fazer.

Hoping to soften the tone and lower the temperature (which I inadvertently raised), I decided to introduce a new, OLD theme, which is particularly dear to my heart...

If only the 1989 Referendum had generated a completely different result, I trust Brazil would have been a better place (and I would surely have returned to the Motherland)

The Empire of Brazil was a political entity that comprised present-day Brazil under the rule of Emperors Pedro I and his son Pedro II. Founded in 1822, it was replaced by a republic in 1889

I'm not sure this time around I will be successful

Joao
I have attempted to save images in this site, but they would not resolve

Persistent, as I'm unable to display the images, I will provide the linke to those who would like to see them

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_the_Second_Empire_of_Brazil.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Brazilimperialblason2.svg

Naturally, I'm also including His Majesty's portrait
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imageedro_II1847.JPG

The entire link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Empire

ive got a business trip for a few days away from the computor, go ahead and wrap up the thread and have your last word , your last mischaractorisation and last kick

Joao
I have attempted to save images in this site, but they would not resolve

I have tried it several times without success. You cannot insert any image clicking on the 6th Icon from the left.

If only the 1989 Referendum had generated a completely different result, I trust Brazil would have been a better place (and I would surely have returned to the Motherland)

What a pity. If it had been approved and you had returned, I would have had an important friend in the Royal Court.

1) REAL was the name of the currency during the Empire

DATA FROM WIKIPEDIA
CapitalRio de Janeiro
Language(s)Portuguese
ReligionRoman Catholic
GovernmentConstitutional monarchy
Emperor
- 1822-1831Pedro I
- 1831-1889Pedro II
History
- IndependenceSeptember 7, 1822
- Acclamation of Pedro IOctober 12, 1822
- Coronation of Pedro IIJuly 18, 1841
- Abolition of slaveryMay 13, 1888
- Monarchy abolishedNovember 15, 1889
Population
- 1872 est.9,930,478
CurrencyReal
CapitalRio de Janeiro
Language(s)Portuguese
ReligionRoman Catholic
GovernmentConstitutional monarchy
Emperor
- 1822-1831Pedro I
- 1831-1889Pedro II
History
- IndependenceSeptember 7, 1822
- Acclamation of Pedro IOctober 12, 1822
- Coronation of Pedro IIJuly 18, 1841
- Abolition of slaveryMay 13, 1888
- Monarchy abolishedNovember 15, 1889
Population
- 1872 est.9,930,478
Currency - Real

2) I did not know that the coutry's original name (between 1808 and 1822) had been - United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves

(Now I know why I always liked to call Britain U.K. - LOL ( )

LINK = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U...he_Algarve

Brazil was an Empire after independence, as opposed to a Kingdom (a minor technicality - which for me would not have mattered).
Yet, for the same of SEMANTICS, you wold have called "THE IMPERIAL COURT" as opposed to "Royal Court" in the same way we had an EMPEROR as opposed to a "King" - who was addressed (or should have been - along with his consort) - YOUR IMPERIAL HIGHNESS as opposed to "Your Majesty" (although I suppose "Your Imperial Majesty" might also have been acceptable

- just a diversion....

I just realized I failed to thank for your support on a much earlier message... I'm glad you saw my point...
Hope you have a good trip

Mr. Blanchette
It is imperative that I express my thanks for the delightful, heated discussion...
Although it appears unlikely we will ever agree FULLY, I do not think that our positions are THAT far apart... After all your views differ from mine - mainly - as a matter of DEGREE (more so than in kind). You simply emphasize the Christians fundamentalist threat (WHICH I FULLY RECOGNIZE AND FEAR) over the Islamic Fundamentalist (which you do not consider as great.
In addition you do not believe a State is required for a group to fully represent a major threat (which I do not concur)...
Finally, I would also suspect your views and convictions are not as RADICAL as I MINE...

I truly could "live" with these types of (smaller) differences in position...

JOAO - Minor correction "IMPERIAL COURT"

Thanks for your "Minor" correction, your Imperial HIghness!

Also thanks for posting the website address. Some details I remember and some I forgot. It is always good to refresh one´s memory.

You know as well as I do that I would never be addressed in such a manner - LOL LOL LOL (you kill me)
Yet, based on relations I might (just might) get away with "Your Lordship" (if I played my cards right) ( )

Yet, based on relations I might (just might) get away with "Your Lordship" (if I played my cards right)

Your Imperial Highness, we have two smart Brazilian bloggers from the nobility and one commoner (me).

The nobility consists of a) Your Imperial Highness b) Ricardo Amaral who is the direct descendant of Bonifacio.

I get a big kick out of the attention I receive from the Brazilian nobility, even though I am a simple "Commoner". Of course, you would hasten to agree with me that most of our elected ones do not belong to the nobility and are simple Rascals.

Cheers.

Indeed, Joao is the King (or King maker) in this blog... ( )

Hope nobody you know got affected by weather related catastrophic events which impacted parts of Brazil yesterday! ( )

Indeed, Joao is the King (or King maker) in this blog...

Bondade tua!

Hope nobody you know got affected by weather related catastrophic events which impacted parts of Brazil yesterday!

Nobody we know got killed or injured. But many have been affected because of prolonged water shortage and power outage.Fortunately, we have not been affected, as we live in a place on a higher level and we took some precautions to avoid any major inconveniences. You may not believe it, but I predicted that it was going to happen, since I have been keeping track of the weather pattern for the past 3 months. Our friend Forrest has sent me some interesting info regarding the probable cause for the deluges we have been having.

Anway, thanks for asking.

They'll have to trash their SUVs and start driving economy cars again?

Never! They'll never do that, regardless of what the cost of gas is, the SUV is a status symbol.