Following its independence from Portugal in 1822 the political entity called the “Empire of Brazil” emerged as a constitutional monarchy led by the Franco-Portuguese lineage of Orleans e Bragança. According to some historians, the premature termination of this promising South American monarchy and the subsequent foundation of the Republic in 1889 came about primarily as a reactionary development following the abolishment of the slavery in 1888.
Because the subsequent loss of slave labor invariably cast the final blow to the political (and economical) interests of the existing oligarchy – the power base of the regime – some of their key members shifted patronage towards the emerging republican movement, which had arisen from within undisciplined factions of the armed forces.
Taking into account the subsequent destabilizing chain of events, particularly the increasing schism between the monarchist and republican factions within the Brazilian Army, on November 15, 1889 the Monarchy was overthrown during a military coup d’état successfully led by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, the nation’s first president.
This significant political development not only replaced the country’s system of government but also inescapably altered the very fabric of its political-culture… Because these dramatic events triggered a relatively long period of “order and progress” (the national logo stamped upon the newly created flag), the concept of a “military coup d’état” became historically and correctly identified with peace, stability and security.
Following this period (called the “New Republic”), the Brazilian nation twice fell into disarray because of international “philosophical contagion” resulting either from dangerous destabilizing trends spilling from its closest neighbors (Argentina’s Peronist movement) or from concealed endeavors by a global super power to perpetrate direct political intervention (the USSR’s geo-political aspirations during the 1960’s).
Unquestionably, both incidents (actual and/or potential) represented a significant peril to peace and liberty; yet, each threat was duly addressed and controlled, directly or indirectly, by brave Brazilian patriots – in uniform – who did not refrain from taking whatever steps deemed necessary to readily perform their solemn duty, and rescue the Nation from dangerous foreign interference.
Because the current Brazilian government is led by an increasingly dubious administration with socialist inclinations, the national order and integrity appears to be once again endangered; for its primary elected representative (the leader of a questionable political party) has been gradually falling under the influence of Neo-Marxist, Bolivarian alien elements, thereby potentially exposing the Nation to the perilous northerly wind blowing from Caracas.
Consequently, I fear that the time may have arisen for the Brazilian valiant saviors to contemplate yet another rescue, and carry out whatever may be necessary, at any cost, to save the Brazilian nation one more time!
General Osório, a Brazilian Hero
The Brazilian nation proudly celebrated in 2008, with great affection, the birth of one of its most memorable sons – the esteemed Marquis of Herval (born in May 10, 1808, at his mother’s ranch in the state of Rio Grande do Sul), who would grow to mark its place in the nation’s History as General Osório.
All Brazilian patriots, who conscientiously qualm about the future of their country in times of “great peril”, would undoubtedly honor the historical significance of valiant individuals whose lives and examples had profound influence upon the formation of their very character.
Consequently, I feel compelled to wholeheartedly join my compatriots by warmly remembering this greatest of all heroes, who represents a model of courage and valor whose life-time devotion is responsible not only for the strengthening of its institutions, but for contributing for the creation of the national identity!
After spending his entire youth in dedication for the service of his country, the Marquis’ greatest contributions transpired at an advanced age, when courage and valor became legendary among Brazilian and allied soldiers during the War of the Triple Alliance, a.k.a. Paraguayan War (whereby Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Defeated Paraguay – 1864-1870).
The example of this great Brazilian enhances the absence of wisdom and patriotism noteworthy in the deplorable state of the current Brazilian political arena, where corruption, deception and weakness abounds vis-à-vis the dangerous ideological menace posed by Venezuela and Cuba, whose increasing influence in Brasília not only alarms the nation but jeopardizes the national honor, peace and integrity…
Yet, echoing the views of General Gilberto Barbosa de Figueiredo,
I trust that Brazil is much bigger than the feeble entity represented by “these people without patriotism, honor, and character” that currently infest Brazilian politics today. Similar to this illustrious general, I firmly believe in the capacity of people to react against great adversity, as already demonstrated in diverse episodes of our history.
Although we believe that the rule of law, along with the existing democratic mechanisms should enable Brazilians to revert this perverse situation, because Brazil deserves our collective faith in its future, it also demands close monitoring!
Augustus Severus is a consultant and amateur historian, a dual citizen of Brazil and the United States of America . Augustus is a native of Rio de Janeiro and currently resides of New York City. He can be reached at augustus_99@hotmail.com
