[stinkyboy]

Brazilian Reactions To The U.S. President: Then And Now
More than six years after President Bush assumed office, the global view of the United State’s role in world affairs has significantly deteriorated. A recent BBC world poll reported that even in the past two years the U.S.’s reputation around the world has gone “from bad to worse.”

The practical fallout of “the Bush effect” has been on full display in Brazil, where only 19 percent of the nation has a favorable opinion of him. A review of news reports from President Clinton’s trip to Brazil 10 years ago demonstrate how much times have changed:

Christian Science Monitor, 10/15/97:

t was his trip to a Xerox-sponsored sports center in the Rio slum of Mangueira that won the hearts of many Brazilians and caused a TV commentator to tell his viewers that Clinton’s speech had him on “the verge of tears.” … [Clinton] ignored the Secret Service’s rigid security by shaking hands and allowing admirers to hug and kiss him. Some gave him shirts and caps emblazoned with the logo of the slum’s carnival group. “He looked liked a happy kid finally let loose on the streets,” said Jamelao, one of Mangueira’s most famous samba personalities. Clinton waved a Brazilian flag, listened to samba music while hitting a tambourine, and kicked a soccer ball with Brazil Sports Minister Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the legendary ex-player known as Pele.

BBC, 3/9/07:

Clashes broke out in Brazil’s largest city as US President Bush arrived at the start of a six-day regional tour. At least 20 people were injured in clashes with riot police in Sao Paulo after thousands turned out to protest against George W Bush’s visit. … In Sao Paulo, about 10,000 people spilled out along one of the city’s broadest avenues, in the heart of the financial district, banging drums, waving red flags and carrying banners reading “Bush Go Home.” … Many of the demonstrators are angry at the war in Iraq and the proposed ethanol deal, which they say is an attempt to control the country’s production of the bio-fuel which powers eight out of 10 new cars in Brazil.


http://thinkprogress.org/2007/03/09/brazil-then-and-now/

 

[Echo]

I think we banned N8 at one point for just posting links instead of stories.

 

[stinkyboy]

Why'd you let him back in? :biggrin:

 

[jimmydean]

That is both sad and funny all at the same time.

 

[N8 v2.0]

I think we banned N8 at one point for just posting links instead of stories.

actually, i've only had a week long vacation for a combination of a minor infration related to the clubbing of seals and the head monkey (BeerDemon) having a bad day. it was during this time (due to a glitch) that i had access into the ultra-secret mod's forum.

 

[$tinkle]

as if their schyte don't stink:

Crime throughout Brazil has reached very high levels. The Brazilian police and the Brazilian press report that the rate of crime continues to rise, especially in the major urban centers – though it is also spreading in rural areas. Brazil’s murder rate is several times higher than that of the U.S. Rates for other crimes are similarly high. The majority of crimes are not solved. There were several reported rapes against American citizens in 2006.

Street crime remains a problem for visitors and local residents alike, especially in the evenings and late at night. Foreign tourists are often targets of crime and Americans are not exempt. This targeting occurs in all tourist areas but is especially problematic in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.

Caution is advised with regard to nighttime travel through more rural areas and satellite cities due to reported incidents of roadside robberies that randomly target passing vehicles. Robbery and “quicknapping” outside of banks and ATM machines are common. In a “quicknapping,” criminals abduct victims for a short time in order to receive a quick payoff from the family, business or the victim’s ATM card. Some victims have been beaten and/or raped.

The incidence of crime against tourists is greater in areas surrounding beaches, hotels, discotheques, bars, nightclubs, and other similar establishments that cater to visitors. This type of crime is especially prevalent during Carnaval (Brazilian Mardi Gras), but takes place throughout the year. While the risk is greater at dusk and during the evening hours, street crime can occur both day and night, and even safer areas of cities are not immune. Incidents of theft on city buses are frequent and visitors should avoid such transportation. Several Brazilian cities have established specialized tourist police units to patrol areas frequented by tourists. In Rio de Janeiro, crime continues to plague the major tourist areas (see separate section on Rio de Janeiro).

At airports, hotel lobbies, bus stations and other public places, incidents of pick pocketing, theft of hand carried luggage, and laptop computers are common. Travelers should "dress down" when outside and avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewelry or expensive watches. "Good Samaritan" scams are common. If a tourist looks lost or seems to be having trouble communicating, a seemingly innocent bystander offering help may victimize them. Care should be taken at and around banks and internationally connected automatic teller machines that take U.S. credit or debit cards. Very poor neighborhoods known as "favelas," such as those located on steep hillsides in Rio de Janeiro, are found throughout Brazil. These areas are sites of uncontrolled criminal activity and are often not patrolled by police. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid these unsafe areas. Carjacking is on the increase in Sao Paulo, Recife and other cities.

Travelers using personal ATMs or credit cards sometimes receive billing statements with non-authorized charges after returning from a visit to Brazil. The Embassy and Consulates have received numerous reports from both official Americans and tourists who have had their cards cloned or duplicated without their knowledge. Those using such payment methods should carefully monitor their banking online for the duration of their visit.

While the ability of Brazilian police to help recover stolen property is limited, it is nevertheless strongly advised to obtain a "boletim de ocorrencia" (police report) at a "delegacia" (police station) whenever any possessions are lost or stolen. This will facilitate the traveler's exit from Brazil and insurance claims.

source: state dept

 

[stinkyboy]

actually, i've only had a week long vacation for a combination of a minor infration related to the clubbing of seals and the head monkey (BeerDemon) having a bad day. it was during this time (due to a glitch) that i had access into the ultra-secret mod's forum.

Has anyone been banned more than twice?

 

[Westy]

I think we banned N8 at one point for just posting links instead of stories.

Can you start banning people who post nothing but a youtube link?

 

[Toshi]

how about just making youtube a banned word?

 

[bac]

Brazil - you're either wit us or again us! Heck, they don't even speak American down thar. Savages.

 

[valve bouncer]

as if their schyte don't stink:

Salvador................




source: state dept

C'mon el-stinko, I don't think anyone was holding Brazil up as a paradise of waxed brilliance. As far as missing the point that was pretty spectacular. Shrub ain't popular mate and it's not because people have suddenly started spontaneously hating America. Him and his minions f*cked that pooch all by themselves.

 

[$tinkle]

i got the point just fine, lizzy. it amounts to hating someone who actually sacs up & takes a stand (albeit recklessly executed). our counterposts are case-in-point.

charlie & lola's on - must dash.

 

[valve bouncer]

i got the point just fine, lizzy. it amounts to hating someone who actually sacs up & takes a stand (albeit recklessly executed). our counterposts are case-in-point.

charlie & lola's on - must dash.

Bloody hell we don't hate you and it has nothing to do with the size of the yam bag. Cheney got a big f*ck you when he went to Sydney last week and you can't accuse the Aussies of not backing you lot.
Whoever the next bloke who runs your show will be, what ever his/her political stripe, you can be sure a big part of his/her first term will be mending fences.

 

[stinkyboy]

Great photos of Bush's visit. There's a couple topless chicks for some reason, so no clicky at worky.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Great photos of Bush's visit. There's a couple topless chicks for some reason, so no clicky at worky.

Hmmmm...seems like the police officer that got to escort the chick with the brazilian and the Brazilian flag got the better end of the detail that day....