[joshua c]

Its a cultural misunderstanding.

In Brasil you pay off you ever you need to in this situation.

Whether it is a policeman or security guard, they expect to get paid.

It is how you survive in Brasil.

[hoosiermama]

Precisely an everyday occurance.
No one seems to be pointing this out
Nor are they pointing out the language differences
The Atheletes in our country would be victims
But media is taking side of the 3rd world crooked establishment

[Caipirabob]

Agreed. As bad as it sounds, you are in constant survival mode there. My friends detailed an experience years ago driving from São Paulo to Rio. The military police pulled them over and said they were speeding. The driver pulled off a gold bracelet on his wrist and offered to to them, and in response they let them go. When they told me the story, they said if it had not been the real police, they would have just shot them and taken everything.

I'd have to say my time done there with no problems was simply luck.

[21twelve]

A friend of mine in college was from Honduras.

He laughed as he recounted handing the US customs agent his passport with $20 inside. The agent said “this is America kid, you don't have to bribe anyone.”

He said in Honduras if you wanted ANYTHING done it required a bribe - everyone from the Gov’t passport signer to a plumber.