[TopQuark]

Brazilian scientists disagreed, saying the storm had top winds of 50 to 56 mph, far below the 75 mph threshold of a hurricane.

They are correct, I would be sceptical too: what does a 3rd world country like USA know about science and technology. Brazil, on the other hand...

It's a part of "we are not going to be subdued by the USA" mentality -- as if someone was really trying to suppress them. Much like the tit-for-tat fingerprinting.

[varina davis]

I think you're correct. However, just read that 3,000 rescue workers are now on alert, so maybe they are getting the message. Trees already down and homes damaged.