[Jumper]

Brazil is very loosely knitted country. There is not really strong cental government. The local and city governments are all pround to be Brazilian, but have independent streaks that do not bode well for a nation along the lines of the US with a Strong Federal or even Strong State/Regional governments.

Take Rio de Janeiro, it is a city with Slums (Fevela's) everywhere; the people in those areas outnumber the ones productive in the city. There are "truces" with the crime leaders, like a pledge not to come down out of the hills and destroy tourism by robbing visitors; and in exchange free electric will flow along with water and other vital resources to keep them "pacified".

A rumor I heard at work (e.g., the consulate) is that some of the employess are considering moving into the fevela's because it is cheaper to live in those areas - maybe not the freebies, but rather that all prices may be less but you are not quite as safe as down along the coastal beach areas:)

[SunkenCiv]

I’d like it even better if they didn’t have any more birthdays.

[SunkenCiv]

Whoops! Ignore that, it was for a different window. Yikes.

-The real reply begins-

Thanks Jumper, that’s interesting. It’s an interesting way to handle the transition from rural to urban, pre-industrial to industrial, etc. Not too sure I’d want to save the money at the risk that could be involved though. :’)