I am passing on a email I got today from about Brazil
Sean went to Marquette University and is now stationed in Brazil. His view
of what is going on there hasn't been presented in the media up here, and is
worth considering. . .
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Americans,
For anyone who is planning a vacation or visit to Brazil, I would kindly ask
you to reconsider. Immediately after the savage attacks on the World Trade
Center, the civilized global community expressed their outrage and issued
official statements condemning the attacks and offering support to America
in her time of need.
President Henrique Cardoza of Brazil was amongst those who expressed his
official support and sincere disgust with the attacks. He was harshly
criticized by his own people for those remarks.
In the Southern regions of Brazil, the population took to the streets,
expressing their jubilation with the success of the attacks, just as the
Palestinians celebrated in the West Bank. The only difference was the
magnitude of the celebrations in Brazil dwarfed those that transpired near
Israel. It is a largely Arab population in that region.
In Rio de Janeiro, T-shirts with the image of an American flag bowing to the
likenesses of Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro; are suddenly
en vogue this week. They even hung a 50'X 50' banner of Saddam Hussein at a
soccer match this weekend, to demonstrate their support for all who resist
America's Imperialism.
The newspapers, magazines, television stations and chit chat in bars and
restaurants are filled with gloating commentaries with regard to the tragedy
we suffered. What is more disturbing is the silence of the knowledgeable
Brazilian's who fail to challenge these cold-hearted, callous and ill-timed
commentaries.
The day following the attacks, 5,000 Brazilian students rallied in downtown
Rio de Janeiro for a domestic protest that quickly changed tone and
expressed extreme anti-American sentiment, which featured the burning of an
effigy of President George W. Bush.
Commentaries, Opinion columns and articles are full of the following
statements. "It is wonderful to see the American's brought to their knees."
"Maybe they will finally realize that they are no better than us." "It is
tragic that so many foreigners were killed in the attacks, but America
finally is getting what it deserves."
These are a just a sample of the kinder comments that have appeared in their
newspapers and journals daily since the attacks. These opinions are not
caused by our arrogance, these are the pathetic comments of an envious,
callous and petty society.
The official remarks of the Brazilian government are positive, but their
actions are quite cynical. The FBI requested the assistance of Brazil to
investigate a suspected mid-eastern terrorist training camp which sits on
the boarder of Paraguay and Brazil. The Brazilian government agreed to
fully cooperate, but only after leaking the story to media to ensure the
terrorists had plenty of time to seek refuge elsewhere.
Below is a translated copy of a letter I dispatched to the local and
National newspapers. It has not been printed and their response has been
greater coverage of Anti-American factions and Anti-American rhetoric. This
from a people who requested and accepted $5 Billion dollars in U.S. aid two
weeks ago, in order to prop up their failing economy.
It occurs to me that every dollar Americans would spend down here on
vacation, would perhaps be better appreciated by our true allies such as
England or other European nations. Countries who suffered economic losses
and a downturn in tourism because of last years outbreak of hoof and mouth
disease.
Argentina, a close neighbor of Brazil, is also suffering through an economic
crisis, but managed to pause and express sincere support of America. Chile
and Australia are also alternatives, they too have shown exceptional support
for us.
I would ask that those of you who do not have plans to visit Brazil, assist
us by thinking twice before purchasing a product made in Brazil. If they
hate us so vehemently, then they must also despise that most powerful symbol
of American strength; the U.S. Dollar.
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to all your friends.
Sean
An American Living in Brazil |
