Brazil’s Giant Problem

Wall Street Journal ^ | April 22, 2016 | John Lyons and David Luhnow

[C19fan]

When construction began in 1956 on Brazil’s new capital, everything about it pointed to the country’s ambitions as a rising global power. Its architect Oscar Niemeyer designed curving, futuristic government palaces, embodying hopes for a utopian modernity. Brasília rose in just 41 months, laid out in the shape of an airplane, a seeming reflection of the nation’s impatience to soar.

But the sparkling new capital was a monument to Brazil’s past. For all its modernist appeal, it was one more expression of the country’s long and troubled attachment to the concept of a giant paternalistic state, responsible for managing the affairs of the entire society, from its biggest companies to its poorest citizens.

[C19fan]

"Brazil is the country of the future -- and always will be." - Charles de Gaulle. I think the Left in the US sees Brazil as a role model. They want a white ruling elite controlling racial/ethnic minorities using the corrupt state to hand out favors.

[Pearls Before Swine]

I think the Left in the US sees Brazil as a role model. They want a white ruling elite controlling racial/ethnic minorities using the corrupt state to hand out favors.

I think the current ruling cabal in the US wants a political/racial elite, but would prefer that it be non-white and non-Christian. Look at Obama's policies--disparate impact (blacks not disciplined in school, free phones); immigration gone wild.

[corkoman]

Brazilians are so wonderful. They enjoy life like no others. But they are super averse to administrative stuff and hoped for a just and wise federal government to take care of things so they could continue enjoying life.

And they built a city out of the high desert just for their capital.

Oops.

[Rummyfan]

"Brazil is the country of the future -- and always will be." - Charles de Gaulle. I think the Left in the US sees Brazil as a role model.

LOL! First time I ever laughed at a De Gaulle quote....

Waiting to see how the Olympics go. Current news does not provide any reason for optimism.

[BBB333]

I recall that it took decades to adapt Brasilia to pedestrians as the original design had absolutely zero sidewalks, just streets.

It was said that it could take an hour to walk three or four blocks.

Idiocy on parade...

[Jimmy Valentine]

And they built a city out of the high desert just for their capital.

Brasilia is not in the desert. It sits on the Mato Grosso” Brasils Great Plains.

[Verginius Rufus]

I had heard that quote before but did not know that it came from De Gaulle.

Brazil is a role model. They elected a woman President and we are on the verge of doing so. But at least not a Bulgarian socialist, just an Illinois socialist.

[corkoman]

Yeah - whatever. I spend time there. Its like Palm Springs.

[DoughtyOne]