Brazzil

Rachel, your stories about brazil (while you live in NY) are boring as hell. All what you typed here is old news. haven't you figured that out already? It's better that Brazilians who live in Brazil tell us foreingers more about their nation, how they can change it and how really their standard of living is,rather than reading it from some left winger who lives in the most progressive state and city (and not to forget bankrupt just California)of the US lives. Perhaps you should write/type more about the place you choose to live. By doing that you come over more credible.

Since they can buy expensive items like TVs and cars by paying in installments, consumer debt is high; a recent study showed that 64% of consumers plan to use year-end bonuses to pay off debt

Good for them. We here in the US we can only dream about that, while in reality we are loosing jobs and get deeper in debt.

All other issues what she typed about, don't even bother. If this RioGringa really cares about Brazil and the image, she would live in Brazil, and not just somewhere there in NY and type old news. Serious, just do what you have to do, stay on earth, don't follow us easily but rather study how the "so called rich developed" is killing itself with left wing short thinking policies and promise it's citizens everything while it knows it cannot pay for it and can't keep on borrowing.

When I saw The Economist cover of last week attached to this article then I thought the article was going to discuss that special article about Brazil.

By the way, I did read the entire article and it was very well done piece, but I did not agree with one item that The Economist article said,
quoting from that article:"When Brazil became independent from Portugal in 1825..."

I guess article published on The Economist missed the date of the independence of Brazil by a few years, other than that the article was OK.

When I read the above article I got very disapointed, the article was nothing more than a review of old news.

And based on the contents of the above article it seems to me that Rachel Glickhouse is a new member of the "Jewish Lobby" and their anti-Iran agenda.

Her article makes it too obvious...

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I was reading yesterday the latest issue of “Foreign Policy” magazine (December 2009) – A Special Issue 100 Top Global Thinkers of 2009.

First they had a section with the stories you missed in 2009.

The story # 6 said: The Beijing-Brazil naval axis…it is widely thought that the Chinese might be funding a restoration of aging Sao Paulo aircraft carrier in exchange for the training program.

A Chinese naval website also hinted that China might be helping Brazil Build nuclear submarines, and Jobim himself said that he hoped the program would lead to military cooperation in other areas.


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The story # 9 said: “America joins Uganda’s Civil War”

In January, the New York Times Jeffrey Gettleman broke the story that the U.S. military had helped plan and fund a Ugandan military attack against an infamous rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), in eastern Congo. The attack was poorly executed, allowing the rebel leaders to escape and murder 900 civilians in retaliation.

It was the first time the United States had directly participated…


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Ricardo: I guess that mess in Uganda it was just another example of US diplomacy at work…

Maybe Lula should get some pointers from the United States on how f**k things up in a big way…


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Foreign Policy magazine had another section were they asked questions from their subscribers such as: “Who are the three most influential leaders outside the United States?”

Results ranked according with the number of votes received by each person:

1)Hu Jintao – China

2)Vladimir Putin – Russia

3)Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva – Brazil

4)Angela Merkel – Germany

5)Nicolas Sarkozy – France

6)Mahmoud Ahmadinajad - Iran


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Rachel Glickhouse said: “Despite a few loony answers (including one declaring that capitalism is evil but he'd just love to trade with Brazil, which is definitely not changing its capitalist system anytime soon), Ahmadinejad came off looking like an affable guy. He certainly made a concerted bunda-kissing effort towards Brazilians, complimenting their soccer players and sucking up to the viewing public.”


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Ricardo: When Ahmadinejad visited New York City and he gave a speech at the UN – He also appeared on various television programs here in the New York City Metropolitan area. I did watch one of his interviews with Bill Moyers – Ahmadinejad came across as a very well educated man and during an entire hour he answered all the questions on an intelligent way. And he did not give any loony answers to Bill Moyers as Rachel Glickhouse is implying on her article.

Ahmadinejad said during his visit in Brazil that the Iranian people like Brazilian soccer and they also have a very good opinion of the Brazilian people.


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Rachel Glickhouse said: “But agreeing to meet with Ahmadinejad in Brazil to discuss commercial and nuclear agreements is an incredible gamble and a seemingly naive move. The Iranian leader, who has not been cooperative with the UN on nuclear issues, wants to work with Brazil on nuclear development, which is an obvious red flag for other world leaders who have relationships with Brazil.”


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Ricardo: Maybe president Lula should get a few pointers about diplomacy from the United States – and the U.S. has a long history of how to interfere on the internal affairs of Iran with catastrophic results for the Iranian people.

You can read about it at:


The American Prospect
"Regime change since 1953"
Article published 11/01/03

Regime Change: The Legacy - Since 1953, U.S. presidents have been toppling other governments. Now, the consequences.
By Stephen Kinzer
Issue Date: 11.1.03

A very happy group of men convened at the White House on Sept. 4, 1953, to hear a cloak-and-dagger story that would resonate through all of subsequent American history. Two weeks before, the Central Intelligence Agency had overthrown Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh of Iran. It was the first time the CIA had deposed a foreign leader, and on this day the agent who ran the operation, Kermit Roosevelt, was to explain how he did it.


You can read the rest of the article at:

Iran and American Interference
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/...post973561


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American diplomacy it has been nothing to write home about it – if anything the history of American diplomacy reads more like a tragedy, and Americans have a long list of messes around the world to back them up.

The one exception to the rule was the 2 weeks in October 1962 when President Kennedy using diplomacy and an extraordinary gut feeling was able to avoid a nuclear war against the Soviet Union.

Other than that the history of US diplomacy is made up of one fiasco after another… and nothing to be proud of or to write home about it.


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All other issues what she typed about, don't even bother. If this RioGringa really cares about Brazil and the image, she would live in Brazil, and not just somewhere there in NY and type old news. Serious, just do what you have to do, stay on earth, don't follow us easily but rather study how the "so called rich developed" is killing itself with left wing short thinking policies and promise it's citizens everything while it knows it cannot pay for it and can't keep on borrowing.

Words of wisdom, sir.Please do accept my compliments.

Another anti-Jewish comment by Ricardo C. Amaral, who seems to constantly do this while claiming to not be an anti-semite.

And what are you talking about when you say "By the way, I did read the entire article and it was very well done piece, but I did not agree with one item that The Economist article said..." It was an entire series of articles on Brasil in The Economist, not one article.

Dear Rachel Glickhouse

Please, do not confuse the political idiosyncrasies and attitudes of Lula as the demonstration of the Brazilian thinking and will.

As far as I know, most intellectuals in Brazil are not supporting the idea of Brazil befriending Mr. Ahmadinejad. What is more, if you would go on the streets of any Brazilian city and ask the average Brazilian about Iran, most of my compatriots probably will tell you that they do not sympathize with Ahmadinejad and his delusional ideas. Maybe you would find some radical anti-American people there but, hey, you can find them even among Americans in the USA, right? Some Brazilians would even tell that they have no idea who is Ahmadinejad.

No, I am not Jewish and I do not think that everything that Israel does is right. However, I do believe that Israel should try harder to resolve its problems and that the Palestinians need also to try harder to understand Israel. Like any Brazilian, I believe in peace. As a physicist and citizen, I am apprehensive about nuclear weapons proliferation and misuse of the nuclear energy.

Sir Ricardo, I accept your compliments.

The story # 6 said: The Beijing-Brazil naval axis…it is widely thought that the Chinese might be funding a restoration of aging Sao Paulo aircraft carrier in exchange for the training program.

I read about it, but one some fuzzy website I found through Google, got to love Google Inc. I was not sure if it was true, but reading it here and the source, I wouldn't be surprised if it's true. Good job, you have the right to do what you think is right for yourself. Every nation should do that, but face the consequences if it was a bad idea after all.

Regime Change: The Legacy - Since 1953, U.S. presidents have been toppling other governments. Now, the consequences.

I do not apologize for my country what it has done in the past and I believe no one should apologize for it's country what it has done in the past, but we all must understand (again), what goes around, comes around and sometimes hard.

Mr. theman:
Making a comment like: Welcome Rachel Glickhouse the new member of the "Jewish Lobby", doesn't mean or say that the person who typed that is anti semitic. Everyone has the right to comment on a direct and polite way, bash (comment on a rude way, but without anti Jewish comments) or question the comments/blogs/newsletter of a Jewish Individual. If you go to far then you're (in the common sense world) an anti semitic.
I'm for Israel and for a Palestinian State, but if you ask if I really care about those two? Answer is I care but it doesn't keep me awake. I do not always agree nor follow it's policies blind, I can agree or disagree with a Jewish Individual who is pro or not so pro Israel or whatever and I also do question my government why they give Israel a blind check. If Israel needs our help, don't just give it to them but lend them and make sure they pay it back with interest. So not, don't give them anything, besides they should use their own tax money first. Does that make me a Anti semitic? My straight forward answer is NO, but If you think that is, fine, I respect that view, but than you shouldn't get angry or feel bad or whatever, that I say or type that, in my view, you're an idiot.

Referring to something as the "Jewish lobby" makes it a comment on religion and culture. That can easily be interpreted as anti-semitic. On the other hand, calling it the "Israel lobby" would make it a political commentary.

Less than half of the world's Jews live in Israel. Israeli politics does not involve all--or even a majority of--Jews. So why label the Israel lobby the "Jewish lobby"?

Brasil is predominantly Roman Catholic. Would you label Lula's lobbying for something the "Catholic lobby"?

Think about it.

Now, as it finally takes its place on the world scene, there has been a great deal of concern about what kind of image Brazil hopes to project, now that the world is really paying attention.

The way for Brazil to change their image is simple. Change their policies toward the citizens. Create an atmosphere of harmony and fairness. The elite of Brazil do not want to do anything to help the rest of the citizens. This is what causes the drugs and violence to escalate more and more. Opportunity for the majority of Brazilians is a pipe dream. Yes, job numbers are increasing, and the economy is growing, but the average Brazilian is still living day to day, paycheck to paycheck. The minimum wage is enough to pay rent and buy rice and beans. The workers are paying outrageous taxes, high prices for basic necessities such as furniture and transportation, and interest rates which would be considered criminal in many countries. Change internal policies, include the citizens in the bounty, and the image will change. Other than that, all you can do is implement an advertising campaign and/or shoot it out with the "bad guys". The image will remain the same.

I managed to find, rent and see the movie "Thirteen Days". The title in Portuguese is "TREZE DIAS QUE ABALARAM O MUNDO. It is a very good movie.It is so sad that most of the American and Soviet leaders are dead and still Castro remains in power. I think that the ultimate winner of that Missile crisis is that megalo-ego maniac Castro, whose dynasty is going to last forever!! It is not only a must see movie for the Israelis, but also the Brasilians as well as Americans.

BTW, to my surprise, I found "The Kite Runner" also in the rental store. Will see it in a day or two.

"Yes, job numbers are increasing, and the economy is growing, but the average Brazilian is still living day to day, paycheck to paycheck."

Yep, here in the states in the good old days when the economy was booming (dot.com & real estate bubble), there were pleny of Americans living in paycheck by paycheck, so let's not pretend as if that only in Brazil or where ever exist. Today, it's even worse and that's why I want our leaders to do their real job. I'm glad for the Brazilians that their economy is growing, because they are doing the right things what we also suppose to do. If you have been to Brazil, you would already understand that the people live in harmony and fairness even with all their social problems. Same thing here, but less, so far, things can change anytime, because it depends on us. Anyway, what the Brazilian government really should do is leave the people alone and do their real job (cut bureaucracy and invest more in security), the rest is up to the people, just like here in the US. Same story.

Theman:
"Referring to something as the "Jewish lobby" makes it a comment on religion and culture."

What a nonsense, but if you see it like that, fine. Perhaps you are part of the "Jewish lobby", but whatever.
Catholic lobby? Never heard about that group and even if you make comments on that group, that doesn't mean you are anti catholic, it all depends how and what kind of words you use to bash them.

Joao, Thirteen days is a great movie. What's more sad (my opinion) is that "today" there are still to many Castro lovers and wear T-shirts of him, Che or with other socialist/communist/fascist blood suckers, without studying the history, that's everywhere available in today's digital world. I wouldn't be suprised if that Rachel Glickhouse is of those hidden socialists. lol, god know's with those New Yorkers.

Sorry, money does not buy love, however, was the American dream. The USA PATRIOT Act, racism, intolerance of Muslims, Nazi militia, civilian massacre in Hiroshima, killing civilian in Afghanistan, civilian massacre in Iraq, civilian massacres and destruction and florstas Vietnam, Operation Condor, Ku Klux Klan, blackwater .. .
What is america is a pedantic and arrogant empire controlled by the media. The world hates the USA.

If you have been to Brazil, you would already understand that the people live in harmony and fairness even with all their social problems.

Harmony? Fairness? In Brazil? And you say that you've been here?

My coffee just came out my nose.

racism ? its only unique to the usa? was the usa the only country that brought slaves to the americas? was the usa a country when slaves were brought to the americas? there has been a recent denouncing of racism against blacks in.... cuba....even..can you handle that?

intolerance to muslims? is also only unique to the usa? better check out europe also

civilian massarcers in hiroshma? ive said it before, i had an uncle waiting on the ships to invade japan,he would have died and many more japanese would have died than nagasake and hiroshima combined if the usa had invaded....many more died in the tokyo fire bombing...im glad they ended the war...what the f**k , citizens were killed by everyone in world war 2, it was the mode of fighting, bomb the s**t out of the enemies cities, germany and japan started it...any one who singles out the usa for that is full of s**t

vietnam? the killing of innocent citizens was done by all sides

afghanistan? they killed a million in their own civil war...the talaban are pond scum,look what they are doing in pakistan, slaughtering their own woman and children with their suicide bombings and terrorist bombings in open markets...

neo nazi's? you think the usa is the only country with neo nazi's?mmmmm wasnt there a recent case of neo nazi's in rio grande de sul?

Rachel, I was surprised to read part of your article that says:"To boot, Brazil also struggles with another stereotype: beautiful, easy women. This was abundantly clear when P. Diddy, recently vacationing in Rio, called Brazil "a tsunami of asses." Too often, the whole country is branded as a place where you go for sex and to meet women, rather than, say, a place to invest or start a business."

What you said it's true but amazes me the fact that you have not only a website but also an "online magazine", with big adverts of Brazilian Dating showing girls in their bikinis. Are you really concern that Brazil will be able to change this image??? or you more concern with how much profit you can gain with adverts on your websites?
You are definitely not helping the country to change the image of a place with tsunami asses, so how can you dare to criticize it? you should at least have some criteria with the adverts that you allow to publicize on your page.

You are definitely not helping the country to change the image of a place with tsunami asses, so how can you dare to criticize it? you should at least have some criteria with the adverts that you allow to publicize on your page.

Dont get upset with "Rio Gringa". She writes trash all the time, without realizing that we don't need any help from her to enhance the images of our country nor our fine looking smart ladies. She must be the American version of Angela Merckel.

2010 World Cup – in South Africa


December 4, 2009

Ricardo: FIFA just had the 2010 World Cup Draw, and Portugal ended up in the same group with Brazil.

This will be a good opportunity for Brazil to beat Portugal, since Brazilians still remember what happened during the 1966 World Cup.

It is time for a pay back.

I believe Brazil has the players to win another World Cup and my only worry is that we don’t have the right coach – Dunga.

If Brazil can manage to win another World Cup, that would be despite of having Dunga as the coach of the Brazilian national team.

Go Brazil !!!!!!!!


http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/


Groups:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/index.html


2nd Stage

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html



Final Game on July 11, 2010

Brazil X Spain or Germany or Italy*

Brazil = 2010 World Cup Champion.


Note*: I am not sure which team Brazil is going to beat on the final game.


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2010 World Cup Groups


Group A

South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B

Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

Group C

England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D

Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E

Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F

Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G

Brazil
North Korea
Cote d’Ivoire
Portugal

Group H

Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile



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2010 World Cup

2nd Round


Group A

South Africa
Mexico


Group B

Argentina
Nigeria


Group C

England
USA


Group D

Germany
Ghana


Group E

Netherlands
Cameroon


Group F

Italy
Paraguay


Group G

Brazil
Cote d’Ivoire


Group H

Spain
Switzerland

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Ye, for an old man like you Ricardo to still remember what happened 43 years ago, WOW. The same old brazilian small minded resentment is alive & well. Your obsession as well as your country against Portugal is dumbfounded. Your resentment should be placed elsewhere whre it could be useful. Liek contacting your powerful friend Sarney and complain to him about all the ills of brazil and why he can't or hasn't done anything about them.
Your going to eat your words. Remember that Linguarudo chifradao, your chifres will grow.

You don't have a clue about what I was talking about on my posting.

I was very young at that time, but I still remember what happened during the 1966 World Cup.

You said: "Your going to eat your words. Remember that Linguarudo chifradao, your chifres will grow."

It looks like somebody is from Portugal. By the way, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most over-rated soccer player in the world.

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The question is very simple. You can ask a learned man in any country in theworld which is the nation's most imprialista, arrogant and violent today. Most will be replying to the USA.
The world loves Brazil, the world hates the usa.

In Brazil women really like to use small bikinis. It even has many beautiful women in Brazil. This is a cultural issue. But the country known for selling many prostitutes famous is the USA. Britney Spears for example.
Just call to MTV to see that the USA is the largest brothel in the world. Too bad it has so many fat women.

Ricardo, whether you were young or old it doesn't matter to me.
Your point is that your holdign a grudge/resentment as most brazilians do against anything Portugal; for an old gizzard like you & supposedly well connected as you have alluded to here you should know better than to go there.
That is exactly the probelem with brazil & you always the constant comparing/knocking down/etc.
Whether I am or not Portuguese is no concern of yours.
I tell you what I rather root for them anytime than for your country.
And you say that "Cristiano Ronaldo" is overrated according to who? you or any other brazilians, that does not surprise me he is one of the highest paid soccer players in the world, so why should he or I or anyone give a hoot what you think.
You show the old brazilian click of always trying to compete with the portuguese, they don't care about you guys, they don't need youf or nothing, get that.
Just like -felipao- is is also overrated as a coach, as you can see Chelsea had no problem giving him the BOOT after how long?
He also paid the price, you know why? right.
brazil & you are also overrated, there's nothing to your or brazil, etc.

The world loves Brazil, the world hates the usa.

Actually, most of the world doesn't know anything about Brasil, except for the fact that we will host the Olympics soon, that we have beaches, that Brazilian women are largely reqarded as beautiful, that we are violent and that we have a strange obsession with football. Ask around the next time you leave Brasil (if you ever leave, or have ever left) and you will find that most people think your native language is Spanish.

"Referring to something as the "Jewish lobby" makes it a comment on religion and culture."

What a nonsense, but if you see it like that, fine. Perhaps you are part of the "Jewish lobby", but whatever.

And another anti-semite weighs in with an absurdly transparent opinion. For the record, I am not Jewish. But I am tolerant.

Nichoals (usa_male)

If you have been to Brazil, you would already understand that the people live in harmony and fairness even with all their social problems.

That is one of the more absurd things I have heard said about Brasil. I live here. I know it there is little harmony and even less fairness. Actually, Brasil is one of the most unfair countries in the world when it comes to treatment of its citizens. And the only people who think there is "harmony" are middle-class or above Brasilians who want to perpetuate this myth so they can continue to hire maids and driver for dirt-cheap wages. I suppose the next thing you'll be writing is that racism doesn't exist in Brasil. That's another old myth people like you insist on perpetuating.

"Brasil is predominantly Roman Catholic."..........hence the gangs, kidnapping, carjacking, murders.
Just like the motherland. Italy.
The Roman empire didn't die. It switched continents.

Wow: And you say that "Cristiano Ronaldo" is overrated according to who?


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Ricardo: According to his soccer playing skills.

If "Cristiano Ronaldo" were a Brazilian I am not sure that he would be able to get a spot on the Brazilian National Soccer Team.

We have dozens of "Cristiano Ronaldo’s" in Brazil.


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Wow: you or any other brazilians, that does not surprise me he is one of the highest paid soccer players in the world, so why should he or I or anyone give a hoot what you think.


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Ricardo: Pretty boy David Beckham also makes a ton of money – and so what? – at the end of the day these guys would not make the Brazilian National Soccer Team.

I would take Kaka and Diego (Juventus – Italy) at any time over Cristiano Ronaldo.


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Ricardo: 1966 World Cup

The team (line-up in the first match, against Bulgaria): Gilmar, Djalma Santos, Bellini (C), Altair and Paulo Henrique; Denílson and Lima; Garrincha, Alcindo, Pelé, Jairzinho.

Reserves: Manga (G), Fidélis, Brito, Orlando, Zito, Silva, Tostão, Rildo, Gérson, Paraná and Edu.

Coach: Vicente Feola.

Yes, Portugal did beat Brazil in the World Cup of 1966, but the Portuguese had to hurt Pele.

Eusébio scored twice, Tostão scored for the Brazilians, the match resulted 3 x 1. However, what caused surprise was the violence to which the Portuguese team resorted. From the start, everytime Pelé touched the ball, he was put down by a Portuguese; in his last play in that Cup, the British television showed that Pelé escaped two fouls, but was violently hit by a third player; Pelé had to be carried out of the field.


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Wow: Just like -felipao- is is also overrated as a coach, as you can see Chelsea had no problem giving him the BOOT after how long?


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Ricardo: Let’s see how far Portugal will be able to go in the 2010 World Cup without Felipao as their coach.

I would say: not further than the first round.

Portugal will go home after the first round and Brazil and the Ivory Coast will move on to the next level of the competition.

Bye, bye Portugal.


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Wow: brazil & you are also overrated, there's nothing to your or brazil, etc.


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Ricardo: Brazil has been on 7 finals of the World cup, and has been Champion 5 times.

Portugal has been “0” times on the World Cup final, and has been Champion “ZERO” times.

Only a Portuguese would arrive to the conclusion that Brazil is overrated in soccer, considering that Brazil has more titles (5) than any other country in the world, and Brazil is the only country that has participated in every World Cup since the inception of that tournament in 1930.

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Theman: Referring to something as the "Jewish lobby" makes it a comment on religion and culture. That can easily be interpreted as anti-Semitic. On the other hand, calling it the "Israel lobby" would make it a political commentary.


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Ricardo: The mainstream media refer to it as the “Jewish lobby” and not the “Israel lobby.”

The “Jewish lobby” is made up of people who are Jewish from many countries around the world, and most of these people never been in Israel.

I see my Jewish friends (5 people) on a regular basis and I tell them that it is a mistake for the United States to give the type of support the United States gives to Israel since that support goes against the self-interest of the United States on the Middle East.

I also tell them that their Paranoia regarding Iran getting nuclear weapons is completely misplaced – instead they should be Paranoid about what is going on in Pakistan and their 100 nuclear warheads.

The “Jewish lobby” have been calling the shots in Washington D.C. for a long time and the US Congress have been following their orders with disastrous results for the United States.

At some time even the US Congress will catch on that the “Jewish lobby” agenda regarding the Middle East will hurt the United States in a big way on the long run.

My Jewish friends never called me an anti-Semite, and they know that I am not a religious person, but I believe that anyone has the right to follow their personal religious beliefs – any religion…


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The “Jewish lobby” is made up of people who are Jewish from many countries around the world, and most of these people never been in Israel.

Ricardo, you made an interesting comment! I do have some Jewish friends who have been to Israel and didn't like it out there. They got sick and tired of constant bickering, endless arguing, warmongering , etc; and were happy to be back home.

Reply to Wow
written by Ricardo C. Amaral, December 07, 2009
Wow: And you say that "Cristiano Ronaldo" is overrated according to who?
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Ricardo: According to his soccer playing skills.
TO RC: BUT WHO MADE YOU THE EXPERT TO DETERMINE THAT, THE CLUBS PAY HIM FOR HIS SKILLS, OBVIOUSLY THEY FEEL HE IS WORTH IT & THEY PAY ThE BIG BUCKS$, DON'T THEY.

If "Cristiano Ronaldo" were a Brazilian I am not sure that he would be able to get a spot on the Brazilian National Soccer Team.

TO RC: BRAZIL CAN'T AFFORD HIM, THAT'S THE PROBLEM. NOR WOULD HE WANT TO PLAY FOR THEM, HE PLAYS FOR MUCH BETTER CLUBS THAN BRAZIL, BRAZIL CAN'T EQUAL UNITED MANCHESTER/REAL MADRID.

We have dozens of "Cristiano Ronaldo’s" in Brazil.

TO RC: SO YOU SAY, I DON'T SEE THE BEST CLUBS INT HE WORLD RECRUITING HTREM IN MASS.

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Wow: you or any other brazilians, that does not surprise me he is one of the highest paid soccer players in the world, so why should he or I or anyone give a hoot what you think.
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Ricardo: Pretty boy David Beckham also makes a ton of money – and so what? – at the end of the day these guys would not make the Brazilian National Soccer Team.

TO RC: AGAIN RC, SMAE ANSWER AS I GAVE ON RONALDO.
CRISTINAO & BECKHAM ARE TO PRESTIGIOUS TO PLAY FOR BRAZIL, IT WOULD BRING THEIR IMPORTANT LEVEL IN THE WORLD DOWN.

I would take Kaka and Diego (Juventus – Italy) at any time over Cristiano Ronaldo.

TO RC: YOU CAN HAVE THEM, AFTER ALL YOU FEEL YOU ARE SO IMPORTANT I GUESS YOU THINK YOUR PROBABLY RICH TOO, SO HIRE THEM, BECOEM THEIR AGENT.LOL, LOL.

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Ricardo: 1966 World Cup
The team (line-up in the first match, against Bulgaria): Gilmar, Djalma Santos, Bellini (C), Altair and Paulo Henrique; Denílson and Lima; Garrincha, Alcindo, Pelé, Jairzinho.
Reserves: Manga (G), Fidélis, Brito, Orlando, Zito, Silva, Tostão, Rildo, Gérson, Paraná and Edu.
Coach: Vicente Feola.
Yes, Portugal did beat Brazil in the World Cup of 1966, but the Portuguese had to hurt Pele.
Eusébio scored twice, Tostão scored for the Brazilians, the match resulted 3 x 1. However, what caused surprise was the violence to which the Portuguese team resorted. From the start, everytime Pelé touched the ball, he was put down by a Portuguese; in his last play in that Cup, the British television showed that Pelé escaped two fouls, but was violently hit by a third player; Pelé had to be carried out of The field.
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TO RC: A PORTUGUESE REVERTING TO VIOLENCE, YOU MUST BE DREAMING, BRAZILIANS RESORT TO VIOLENCE ON EVERYTHING, YOU MUST OF HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK BACK THEN.

Wow: Just like -felipao- is is also overrated as a coach, as you can see Chelsea had no problem giving him the BOOT after how long?
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Ricardo: Let’s see how far Portugal will be able to go in the 2010 World Cup without Felipao as their coach.
I would say: not further than the first round.

TO RC: PORTUGAL GOT RID OF HIM ALONG WITH CHELSEA BECAUSE HE TALKED TOO MUCH JUST LIKE YOU, HE DIDN'T PRODUCE ANYMORE THAN ANY OTHER COACHES THEY HD IN THE PAST, HENCE THEY DIDN'T WANT HIM AGAIN, HE WASN'T WORTH THE MONEY THEY WERE PAYING HIM & CHELSEA ALSO SAW THAT.
YOU SEE WHERE HE IS NOW, RIGHT, LETS SEE WHAT MIRACLES HE WILL CREATE IN THAT ASIAN COUNTRY HE IS IN. FELIPAO GOT LUCKY INT H WORLD CUP, HE HAPPENED TO BE IN THE IGHT PLACE @ THE RIGHT TIME, THAT'S ALL.
AGAIN I TELL, TEIME WILL TELL, LETS SEE WHT HAPPENS, YOU MAY BE EATING FAROFA WITH YOUR HANDS TIED BEHING YOUR BACK.

Portugal will go home after the first round and Brazil and the Ivory Coast will move on to the next level of the competition.

TO RC: WE WILL SEE, I'M NOT CLAIRVOYANT.

*****
Ricardo: Brazil has been on 7 finals of the World cup, and has been Champion 5 times.

Portugal has been “0” times on the World Cup final, and has been Champion “ZERO” times.

TO RC: PORTUGAL HAS BEEN TO THW WORLD CUP 3 X, 1966, 1986 & 2002-
AS FOR BEING CHAMPIONS, THE PORTUGUESE ARE CHAMPIONS ON MORE IMPORTANT THINGS LIKE HAVING A HIGHER STANDARD/QUALITY OF LIFE THAN A BRAZILIAN. THEY CONCENTRATE ON WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT FGOR THEIR PEOPLE AS OPPOSE TO BE HAPPY FOR ONE DAY & THEN GO BACK TO BEING POOR. SO HOW HAS TEH 5X WORLD CHAMPS CHANGE THE LIFE OF AVERAGE BRAZILIANS?

Only a Portuguese would arrive to the conclusion that Brazil is overrated in soccer, considering that Brazil has more titles (5) than any other country in the world, and Brazil is the only country that has participated in every World Cup since the inception of that tournament in 1930.

TO RC: AGAIN I WAS SPEAKING OF YOU & BRAZIL IN GENERAL, BUT THEN REFER YOU TO THE ABOVE ANSWSER AGAIN.
OK ESPANHOL.

TO RC: DO YOU KNOW WHAT VINE MEANS TO YOU?

Brazil may be a world power now, but with power comes responsibility.

Oh, yes. And the U.S. has certainly shown EVERYONE, that.

Rachel, if I were you, I'd be a hell of a lot more concerned about Obama's recent upgrade of the war in Afganistan than Lula's jabbering with the Iranians.

Rachel, that was an excellent story. I enjoyed how you wove together the case of the guy from Italy, the grandmother who kidnapped the child, and Lula hugging the tyranical leader of Iran: all of them reflect the hypocrisy and inconsistencies of Brazlian politics and policies. Hard to take Lula seriously as a significant new voice in the world with him hugging and defending a dictator who is ruthlessly murdering and torturing his own people now for protesting peacefully in the streets. I once respected Lula, believing he was an advocate for the poor and downtrodden. Yet, I am beginning to doubt the sincerity of his moral vision. It is too erratic when he in one moment is advocating for the poor and hungry of the world then next hugging repressive rulers like Chavez and Ahmadinejad. If this is Brazil entering the world stage, it looks pathetic. As someone else said here, most people don't know much about Brazil except for silly stereotypes about warm welcoming people dancing in the streets non-stop to samba. If Brazil is truly going to take a greater role on the world stage, stunts like hugging dictators will only expose Brazil for many of the illogical and practices known well by the people of Brazil.

The man: Congratulations for having the honesty to speak critically, yet truthfully about Brazil. Most of the posts here on this blog seem to be from the middle-class and upper class jingoistic Brazilians who need, as you say, to promote the image of Brazil as a paradise on earth. People of all countries should be critical and suspicious of blind jingoism (excessive nationalism) as it is a toxin that denies the truth and obstructs the fraternity of all nations in building a better world. The uber patriots of Brazil need to indoctrinate the mass of poor and uneducated Brazilians to believe that Brazil is a paradise. As you said, this is what allows the ruling class there to maintain the status quo. It is an intense force in Brazil and most Brazilians seem to be blind to it. Another theme of this blog is the demonizing of everything from the US. In fact, most comments here can be summarized as trite sound bites: US = EVIL, Brazil = Paradise. The streets are rampant with crime, the rivers and waters are poisoned with sewage and carcinogens, the beaches strewn with trash, less than 2% of the people get a good formal education, the courts, businesses, police and politicians are overrun with corruption, bureaucracy and inefficiency, the drug gangs terrorize can shut down the entire city, and various indicators of quality of life rank low for Brazil, yet many of the jingoistic hateful loud-mouths on this site want to convince everyone it is a paradise. I look forward to the day when a mass movement of the poor in Brazil rebels and truly reforms this mess. As much as Brazilians like to hate the US, they don't see that they copied quite well some of the worst features of US capitalism: extreme inequality of wealth, and deregulation of greedy corporate practices.