Comments for Brazil V. Venezuela: The Inevitability of Latin American Polarization at http://www.brazzil.com , comment 1 to 241 out of 20 comments http://www.brazzil.com Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:11:49 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41304 You young fool. Why worry about Brazil or Honduras or the planet Earth? Their rear ends are blocked.We are the masters of the universe and shortly will decimate you.We are omnipotent and you better know-tow before us and ask for our forgiveness, before venturing into the fleshpots of Paulecia. Make hay while the Sun shines,because your planet is living the last days of its existence. C - Epsilon Eridani Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:56:24 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41296 A BRIEF ENTRY FROM PAULICEIA I'm very surprised with the sporadic commentaries on Brazilian TV about the intolerable, unforgivable Brazilian interference in Honduras... Yet... I'm so very content that I may be scarcely willing to get upset! In essence, I have been re-establishing/re-newing deep ties with the Home Land!!! There is simply NOTHING that could be compared with such feeling! - Augustus Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:20:03 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41248 Hi Ricardo, [quote]It will take a few months before I finish all the information that I want to add to this blog. [/quote] Take your time. But I think 2010 is a very crucial year for our country. In fact, I am very happy about the positive contributions you and Augustus are making. You are right, this magazine is becoming more popular among the ex-pat and resident multilingual Brasilians as well as the foreign ex-pats living here. As I always say, there is no point in complaining without giving alternative solutions. I am pleased that you, Augustus and I share this view. Please do keep writing and I must confess that I am enthralled with the history of Andrada clan. - João da Silva Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:20:08 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41239 As I'm about to head towards the "motherland" after a long absence, I decided to make an entry to formalize the moment. While I may have the opportunity to make "visits" here while in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, such events are likely to be brief and sporadic... CHEERS! - Augustus Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:14:44 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41238 Ricardo: I was updating some information that I wrote in response to a question from one of the readers that wanted to know more information about my family background – the “Andrada e Silva” family and the “Souza Queiroz” family. The information is only half done, but I posted the work in progress at the following website for you to be able to read what I have so far: [url]http://andradadynasty.blogspot.com/[/url] It will take a few months before I finish all the information that I want to add to this blog. . - Ricardo C. Amaral Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:50:04 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41237 3) Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** After Martim Francisco Ribeiro de Andrada’s death in Santos, on February 23, 1844 his wife Grabriela Frederica Ribeiro de Andrada moved to Barbacena because Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** still a child of about 8 years old at that time had tuberculosis and Barbacena had the right type of weather for people who had that disease. You can see the biography of Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** at: [url]http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antônio_Carlos_Ribeiro_de_Andrada_(III)[/url] When Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** got married one of his sons was also called Antônio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada (this son became the president of the state of Minas Gerais) and the other son were called Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (he became a deputado federal, and Brazilian ambassador to various countries). This Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva was the father of Marina Maria de Andrada (the family historian.). As you can see Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** was Marina Andrada’s grandfather, and his older brother Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (The Young)* was Sylvia Andrada de Souza Queiroz’s grandfather. My grandmother Sylvia Andrada de Souza Queiroz and Marina Andrada – they are both 4th generation and great-great granddaughters of Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva “O Patriarca”. All the Andradas that became politicians in the state of Minas Gerais were descendents of Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** and there are a ton of them about 25 or 30 Andrada family members of that branch of our family were involved in politics, attorney general of the republic or of the state of Minas Gerais, and some of them ended up as Brazilian ambassador somewhere around the world. Here is a link to information about the funeral of one of the Andrada family members in January 24, 2008. [url]http://www.joaocarlosamaral.com.br/index.php?id=3774[/url] ***** I almost forgot to answer your question. Yes, Marina Andrada knows very well all the members of the Brazilian Royal Family, and she did attend the church services that they had for the Prince that had died on that airplane crash. And a few weeks later she also attended the wedding ceremony and party of one of the other Princes of the Brazilian Royal Family – she told me that the party after the wedding was very subdued because the members of the family still in mourning. A few years ago I prepared some information to answer a question that a reader of my book had about Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (O Patriarca da Independencia).and his noble ancestry. I also added to that information the noble ancestry of the “Souza Queiroz” side of the family because they are descendents of one of the kings of Spain. If you like the subject of monarchy then you will enjoy reading about it, since some of my ancestors were king of England, at least 2 were king of Portugal, and one was king of Spain, and there were others less well known nobles. . - Ricardo C. Amaral Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:14:15 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41236 Joao da Silva: In case you guys haven't been constantly keeping track of the news from Brasil,one of the heirs of Orleans and Bragança family was on board the Air France Flt 447. He was living in Monaco. So I really do not know if many members of the Royal family are still in Brasil or left it long time ago. Probably, Ricardo´s cousin will be able to enlighten us. ***** Ricardo: The last time I spoke with my cousin Marina Andrada about 3 weeks ago and she was supposed to have a book signing event of her latest book – the 9th historic book that she wrote. She sent me 2 of her books that I am supposed to give to the Brazilian library here in New York after I am done reading it. I am sorry that she sent me only one copy of each book, because her books are very interesting about the history of the Andrada Family, and the book is full of pictures of her father as Brazilian Ambassador in Portugal, Argentina, England and so forth, plus copies of many documents, and letters related to the Royal Family. Her father Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva was a deputado federal and also a Brazilian ambassador in Portugal, and Argentina, and other places and she moved around with her parents, as a result she is fluent in many languages. If you look at the of the Andrada Family it gets very complicated because the branch of the family that moved to Minas Gerais kept giving the name of Jose Bonifacio, Martim Francisco, and Antonio Carlos to one generation after another. Anyway Martim Francisco Ribeiro de Andrada (brother of Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva) married his niece Grabriela Frederica Ribeiro de Andrada (she was a daughter of Jose Bonifacio - O Patriarca da independencia). Martim Francisco and Grabiela Frederica married in Santos, Brazil on November 15, 1820 and they had 5 children: 1) Martim Francisco Ribeiro de Andrada (The Second) Born on June 10, 1825 in Bordeaux, France during the exile. He was named in honor of his father. 2) Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (The Young)* Born November 8, 1827 in Bordeaux, France during the exile. He was named in honor of his famous grandfather. [url]http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_Bonifácio,_o_Moço[/url] 3) Antonio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada** Born March 3, 1836 in Santos, Brazil. He was named in honor of the other brother of his father. 4) Maria Flora (Never married and had no children) 5) Narcisa Emilia (Never married and had no children) ***** 2) Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (The Young)* - married on August 3, 1854 Adelaide Eugenia Aguiar de Andrada. Adelaide Eugenia was a granddaughter of Barbara Joaquina de Andrada a sister of Martim Francisco and Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva “O Patriarca”. Jose Bonifacio (The Young) and Adelaide Eugenia had various kids and one of them Maria Flora de Andrada e Siva born on June 3, 1862. Maria Flora de Andrada e Silva married in 1878 the youngest son of the Baron of Souza Queiroz” Carlos de Souza Queiroz. They had 4 children and my grandmother Sylvia Andrada de Souza Queiroz was the youngest of the bunch. . - Ricardo C. Amaral Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:10:47 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41234 I'm fairly certain of the following lists, which I had (from some source I do not recall) - Perhaps Ricardo's cousin would be in a position to review and make the required adjustments [i] [b]BRAZILIAN IMPERIAL FAMILY[/b] [/i] [b]The Vassouras Line •Prince Pedro (III) Henrique of Orléans-Bragança (1921–1981): Born in 1909, deceased in 1981. Grandson of Isabel, son and heir of her second son, Prince Luíz of Orléans-Bragança. •Prince Luiz (I) of Orléans-Bragança (1981 – present): Born in 1938, the eldest son of Prince Pedro Henrique •Heir: Prince Bertrand of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1941) [b]The Petrópolis Line[/b] •Prince Pedro Gastão of Orléans-Bragança (1940–2007): Born in 1913, son of Isabel's eldest son who renounced his rights. The validity of the renunciation was disputed by Pedro Gastão.[1] •Prince Pedro Carlos of Orléans-Bragança (2007 – present): eldest son of Pedro Gastão. -- Heir Prince Bertrand of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1941) [b]The Saxe-Coburg and Bragança Line [/b] (This line clearly displays the “special” existing connection of the Brazilian Imperial family - as well as the Portuguese Royal family – with the British Royal family; and explains why Queen Victoria was always so particular fond of the Portuguese monarchs of her time – which she always fondly referred as “beloved cousins”, Saxe-Coburg being the German family of her beloved husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg) •Prince August Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Bragança (1871–1934) •Princess Teresa Cristina of Saxe-Coburg and Bragança (1934–1990) •Prince Carlos Tasso of Saxe-Coburg and Bragança (b. 1990) [b]Descendants of the Imperial Family [/b] •Isabel Cristina, Princess Imperial of Brazil (1846–1921) [quote] Pedro de Alcântara, Prince of Grão-Pará (1875–1940) Isabelle of Orléans-Bragança (1911–2003) Pedro Gastão, Prince of Orléans-Bragança (1913–2007) Prince Pedro Carlos of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1945) Prince Pedro Thiago of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1979) Prince Filipe of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1982) Princess Maria da Gloria of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1946) Prince Afonso Duarte of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1948) Prince Manuel Álvaro of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1949) Princess Cristina Maria do Rosário of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1950) Prince Francisco Humberto of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1956) Princess Maria Francisca of Orléans-Bragança (1914–1968) Prince João of Orléans-Bragança (1916–2005) Princess Teresa of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1919) [/quote] •Prince Luiz Maria of Orléans-Bragança (1878–1920) [quote]Pedro Henrique, Prince of Grão-Pará (1909–1981) Prince Luis Gastão of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1938) Prince Eudes Maria of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1939) Prince Bertrand Maria José Pio Januário of Orléans-Braganza (b. 1941) Princess Isabel Maria of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1944) Prince Pedro de Alcântara Henrique of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1945) Prince Fernando Diniz of Orléans-Braganza (b. 1948) Prince Antônio João of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1950) Prince Pedro Luís of Orléans-Bragança (1983-2009) Princess Amélia of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1984) Prince Rafael of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1986) Princess Maria Gabriela Fernanda of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1989) Princess Eleonora Maria of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1953) Prince Francisco Maria of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1955) Prince Alberto Maria of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1957) Princess Maria Teresa of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1959) Princess Maria Gabriela of Orléans-Bragança (b. 1959) Prince Luis Gastão of Orléans-Bragança (1911–1931) Princess Pia Maria of Orléans-Bragança (1913–2000) [/quote] - Augustus Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:41:39 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41233 Firstly, Joao’s Erratum [quote]As I have said before, though I have fairly good memory, sometimes it tends to fail. It was in 1993, BUT...BUT.., [/quote] [quote]Coincidentally, some months ago when Augustus joined us[/quote] SOME months ago???? I joined in July 2008!!! 1 FULL YEAR and 2 Months !!! In fact I recall perfectly when you amusingly mentioned, in LATE August 2008, “how are we going to call Augustus next month, Septembrus??” YES, you made a comment along these lines last year As for the tragic loss during the Air France flight, I was fully aware of it, and clearly recall formally announcing my personal sadness somewhere in this blog - Augustus Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:37:03 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41230 Thanks for the posts with cost/benefit analysis of having a Monarchy.The text in Portuguese did both quantitative and qualitative comparisons. I am delighted that two Brasilian-American writers agree on this issue. In fact, before you started participating in this blog, Ricardo and I have exchanged some interesting comments on his Cousin´s phenomenal memory of history as well as the fact that she has written books in Portuguese. [quote]HISTORICAL ERRATA (for Joao) – Unlike what I told you, the referendum about the Monarchy appears to have taken place in 1993 (Although I was nearly certain it had occurred in 1989 – exactly 100 years after the unfortunate implementation of the Republic)[/quote] As I have said before, though I have fairly good memory, sometimes it tends to fail. It was in 1993, BUT...BUT.., there was another plebiscite in 1989 which was probably to choose between the Parliamentary system or Presidential one (without Monarchy). I think that the 1993 referendum was conducted during the mandate of Itamar Franco who succeeded Collor who was impeached. Many many Brasilians were quite disappointed with Collor (who has come back to power now) and in spite of it voted "No" in that plebiscite for restoring the Monarchy. In case you guys haven't been constantly keeping track of the news from Brasil,one of the heirs of Orleans and Bragança family was on board the Air France Flt 447. He was living in Monaco. So I really do not know if many members of the Royal family are still in Brasil or left it long time ago. Probably, Ricardo´s cousin will be able to enlighten us. - João da Silva Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:26:58 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41227 [quote]O Monarca pensa nas futuras gerações. O Presidente pensa nas futuras eleições. ________________________________________ Não se conhece exemplo de Monarca envolvido em negociatas, pois "Rei não rouba". Em todo o mundo são frequentes os casos de Presidentes desonestos. ________________________________________ A dotação de D. Pedro II era de 67 contos de réis por mês, e não se alterou durante os 49 anos de reinado. Com essa dotação ele manteve sua família e sustentou os estudos de muitos brasileiros famosos, como Carlos Gomes, Pedro Américo e o próprio Deodoro. Não havia mordomias. Após a proclamação da República o salário de Deodoro, destinado apenas às suas despesas pessoais - não às do seu cargo -, foi ajustado em 120 contos de réis por mês, e os dos Ministros foram dobrados em relação aos do Império. ________________________________________ Na Monarquia, a nação sustenta apenas uma família. Na República brasileira, além do Presidente, a nação sustenta hoje mais 7 ex-Presidentes e suas viúvas. ________________________________________ Na Grã-Bretanha, com toda a sua pompa e circunstância, o custo anual para o povo britânico sustentar a Rainha, sua família e todo o aparato é de US$ 1,87 per capita, e no Japão não chega a US$ 0,50. No Brasil, estima-se que a Presidência custe à nação entre US$ 6,00 e US$ 12,00 per capita por ano. ________________________________________ As viagens de D. Pedro II eram pagas com o seu próprio dinheiro, e a comitiva não passava de 4 ou 5 pessoas. As viagens presidenciais são pagas com o dinheiro do povo, e a comitiva já chegou a lotar dois Jumbos. ________________________________________ No Império havia 14 impostos, e uma norma que dizia: "Enquanto se puder reduzir a despesa, não há direito de criar novos impostos". Hoje, o Brasil tem 59 impostos, e a todo momento surgem propostas para aumentar a carga tributária. ________________________________________ O menor salário do Império equivaleria hoje a US$ 275,00 e a diferença entre o menor e o maior era de 12 vezes. O salário-mínimo republicano tem sido inferior a US$ 100,00, e a diferença entre ele e o maior salário de cargo público ultrapassa 200 vezes. ________________________________________ O salário de professora equivalia, no Império a US$ 730,00. Hoje, os professores recebem salário "de fome", desestimulando o ensino. Em muitos locais, não chega a um salário-mínimo. ________________________________________ A inflação média do Império foi de 1,58% ao ano, apesar das enormes despesas com a guerra do Paraguai. [/quote] - Augustus Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:53:43 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41226 Unfortunately (again) the text is not available in English: [quote] MONARQUIA versus REPÚBLICA A Monarquia é uma forma de governo moderna e eficiente. Das 12 economias mais fortes do mundo atual, 8 são monarquias. A República está sendo questionada em vários países, pois não tem solucionado seus problemas. Haja vista que, das 165 repúblicas atuais, só 11 mantêm regime democrático há mais de 20 anos. ________________________________________ O Monarca, sendo vitalício, pode inspirar e conduzir um projeto nacional, com obras de longo alcance e longo prazo. O Presidente tem quatro anos para elaborar e executar o seu projeto de governo, cujo alcance é forçosamente limitado. ________________________________________ O Monarca não tem interesse em interromper os projetos de seus antecessores, dos quais participa antes mesmo de subir ao trono. O Presidente quer executar o seu próprio projeto e, com freqüência, interrompe as obras dos antecessores. Em geral, não consegue completar os projetos iniciados por ele, que serão igualmente abandonados por seu sucessor. ________________________________________ O Brasil, como Império, era um país do primeiro mundo, junto com os Estados Unidos da América, Inglaterra e Alemanha. A República conduziu o Brasil à condição de país do terceiro mundo, do qual a tendência é descer mais. ________________________________________ Se tivéssemos mantido a Monarquia, os sucessores de D. Pedro II, até agora, teriam sido apenas três. No mesmo periodo de um século, tivemos 43 Presidentes, com igual número de mudanças de rumo e outro tanto de crises, golpes, instabilidades e ditaduras. ________________________________________ A imprensa costuma citar, com destaque, como exemplo de decadência da Monarquia, a conduta do Príncipe Charles e sua tumultuada relação com a Princesa Lady Di. Só que a Rainha de nada é acusada e, a sabedoria britânica, no devido tempo, saberá encontrar tranquilamente o sucessor de Elizabeth, sem solução de continuidade para a vida da nação. Quem não se lembra, na República brasileira, da conduta reprochável de esposas, filhos, irmãos, genros e outros familiares ou agregados de tantos Presidentes, gerando inclusive, crises institucionais? ________________________________________ Parlamentarismo autêntico só com Monarquia, pois o Monarca é suprapartidário e tem posição equânime em relação aos partidos. No parlamenterismo republicano, o Presidente é eleito e sustentado por conchavos de partidos e grupos econômicos, e tende a ter posição facciosa. ________________________________________ Na Monarquia, o Monarca é um amigo e aliado do seu Primeiro Ministro. Na República, o Presidente é um concorrente ou um inimigo de seu Primeiro Ministro. ________________________________________ O Monarca é o símbolo vivo da nação, personifica sua tradição histórica e lhe dá unidade e continuidade. O Presidente da República tem mandato de apenas quatro anos e é eleito por uma parte geralmente minoritária da nação. Por isso não a personifica, nem lhe dá unidade. ________________________________________ É função do Monarca, segundo o Imperador Francisco José da Austria, defender o povo contra os seus maus governos. Rui Barbosa afirmou que "o mal irremediável da República é deixar exposto às ambições menos dignas o primeiro lugar do Estado", isto é, o Chefe de Estado. ________________________________________ O Monarca não está vinculado a partidos nem depende de grupos econômicos, por isso pode influir, com maior independência, nos assuntos de Estado, visando o que é melhor para o país. O Presidente se elege com o apoio de partidos políticos e depende de grupos econômicos, que influem nas suas decisões, em detrimento das reais necessidades do povo e do país. ________________________________________ O Monarca é educado desde criança para reinar com honestidade, competência e nobreza, e durante toda a vida acompanha os problemas do país e colabora em sua solução, com independência política e partidária. O Presidente não é educado para o cargo. Não raro, surge como resposta aos interesses de um partido. É como um passageiro de avião, que é eleito pelos demais para pilotar a aeronave, sem que para isto esteja habilitado. [/quote] - Augustus Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:53:03 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41225 As Joao correctly, I have always wholeheartedly supported the Monarchist cause; but thanks to an entry recently posted by a fellow blogger (an “observer”) who translated part of the Imperial Family’s website at a distinct “Article” posting elsewhere in Brazzil.Mag, I was not yet familiar with its existence of any official blog; since then I have already registered and enrolled as an “official supporter” Naturally, everything is in Portuguese, thereby precluding non-Brazilians from partaking in the “experience”. Yet, since most of my “fellow American citizens” unfortunately have the proclivity toward having automatically negative views regarding anything involving a “crown” and/or “realm” (in spite of their “mostly friendly association” with the United Kingdom), I suppose they would not be interested with the subject (most likely due to the “peasant/religious” ancestry the of the majority of the American immigrant families – most of which from the British Isles, France, and the former “German Participates”). HISTORICAL ERRATA (for Joao) – Unlike what I told you, the referendum about the Monarchy appears to have taken place in 1993 (Although I was nearly certain it had occurred in 1989 – exactly 100 years after the unfortunate implementation of the Republic) LINKS TO VARIOUS SITES (in Portuguese): •Pronunciamento do Chefe da Casa Imperial (Sua Alteza Imperial, Príncipe Dom Pedro de Alcântara de Orléans e Bragança http://www.monarquia.org.br/portal/ •"BRASIL, 2009: para onde vamos?" Manifesto de Dom Luiz, Chefe da Casa Imperial www.monarquia.org.br http://twitter.com/monarquia •Herdeiros do Porvir http://www.readoz.com/publication/read;jsessionid=551EF84369D6FE168DFBF118EF214543?i=1012933 - Augustus Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:50:00 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41223 In connection with Ricardo's entry: [quote]My cousin Marina Andrada is 100 percent in favor of the return of the Monarchy in Brazil[/quote] SO AM I!!!! Somehow I suspect this might not represent any "major surprise" to most of my fellow "bloggers" :) - Augustus Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:40:32 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41213 Hi Ricardo, Thanks for the comments regarding Castelo Branco.Undeniably you have made some very good points there. [quote]Ricardo: I remember that referendum. My cousin Marina Andrada is 100 percent in favor of the return of the Monarchy in Brazil. [/quote] Yes, I do remember your mentioning about your cousin Dª.Marina several times. May be you should write an article about it, explaining her justification for the return to Monarchy. Coincidentally, some months ago when Augustus joined us, he mentioned that he was also in favor of Parliamentary Monarchy.Like the Brits or the Spanish. In my opinion, during the plebiscite of 1989 (I must confess that I vaguely remember it and I am not a historian either), the people in charge did not exactly explain why Monarchy should be restored. Therefore, it would be very interesting to know your cousin´s points of view. - João da Silva Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:02:52 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41212 Joao da Silva: In fact there was a referendum (plebiscite) in 1989 to revive the Monarchy. ***** Ricardo: I remember that referendum. My cousin Marina Andrada is 100 percent in favor of the return of the Monarchy in Brazil. ***** Joao da Silva: As for "another Castelo Branco", IMHO, it should be through ballot. ***** Ricardo: A man similar to Castelo Branco would never be elected in Brazil today – the powerful lobbies and all the people who want to keep things as they are would undermine any attempt to elect another Castelo Branco. A leader such as Castelo Branco does not get elected – he just rises into power. To clean up the violence that is going on by the criminal gangs in Brazil we probably need to suspend a democratic system for a certain period of time until we have peace in Brazil and every Brazilian start feeling safe again. Only under the rule of a strong man that can be accomplished. I am sure that the Brazilian people would support a new Castelo Branco if he took power to get the job done and eliminate all the criminal gang activities in most of the Brazilian territory. And during his administration in an effort to clean up our country of these criminals the motto of his government should be: “We take no prisoners.” We need to get our country back from these out of control terror and intimidation activities by the criminal gangs against the Brazilian population before Brazil as a country can move forward to the next level. We need to be realistic here. A democratic system can’t do much about the widespread increase of criminal gang activity in Brazil – it is getting worse year by year and if anything could be done under the current democratic system it would have been done by now. If anything the criminal gang problem in Brazil is getting worse all the time. It is like a cancer that is eating you alive until you die from the disease. You need to look at a strong-handed dictator in the same way you look at chemotherapy when you have terminal cancer - In a way, chemotherapy it is like poison, but it is the only thing that might keep you alive and going for many more years. . - Ricardo C. Amaral Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:26:25 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41209 Hi Ricardo, [quote]What we need today in Brazil to fix things up is another Castelo Branco. [/quote] In fact there was a referendum (plebiscite) in 1989 to revive the Monarchy. This was defeated. I forget which year when there was another plebiscite to choose between Presidential and Parliamentary sytems of government. The Brasilians opted for Presidential system. Actually, I think that we have a hybrid system. Whether it is good or bad, the only the time will say. As for "another Castelo Branco", IMHO, it should be through ballot. - João da Silva Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:05:51 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41204 What we need today in Brazil to fix things up is another Castelo Branco. - Ricardo C. Amaral Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:33:53 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41203 I read Robert Kiyosaki's book more than 10 years ago. He said a lot of stuff that made sense at the time. I learned about investments with John M. Templeton and some of his followers. (My friends who worked very closely with Mr. Templeton for over 25 years.) I don't pay much attention to many people in the investment area. I usualy do my own research. . - Ricardo C. Amaral Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:29:05 +0100 http://www.brazzil.com/home-mainmenu-1/207-august-2009/10246-brazil-v-venezuela-the-inevitability-of-latin-american-polarization-.html#comment-41201 [quote] Rumors Refuted! [/quote] I think you got all the facts mixed up. Our organization is fully aware that a) A member of the Brasilian Royalty is indeed visiting Rio b)This particular member is not interested in meeting any high ranking members of the Republic.3)However, he is looking forward to meeting some charming maidens with the sole intention of deflowering them-Junker style. For further clarifications, try to beat your head against a wall. ;) - King Killers Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:49:54 +0100