…a country that is worth admiring. I have watched the last couple of years of the presidency of Lula Da Silva with admiration, and have been looking for a definitive biography for a while (if any one finds one please let me know!)
The new president, Dilma, had a tough election campaign but has a great legacy to build on. Here’s hoping…
Brazil certainly has a place but I think it is right that many there look to China as a model of how government must, at times, simply “get things done” rather than pander to the esoteric niceties of Western politics. I recently had a group of senior Brazilian bankers and politicians in Beijing and I think more than anything, it was the differences which astonished them rather than the similarities. To be fair, they are at least a modest bunch in general.
Lula's government was pretty decent overall. However I think the international community is just a touch cautious on their judgment of the president. She has given indications that whilst keeping broadly in line with the existing policies, she may have a few unpleasant surprises up her sleeve for the business community, and may not be quite as friendly as she campaigned on.
Anatole (is that Mr Pang btw – if so hello!),
Interesting points, agree it's too soon to tell about hte new President.
China might be “good at getting things done” but what about democracy and human rights? I find that quite important. One of the things I like about Brazil in contrast to, say, Chile is that they've managed to acheive a lot economically and for social justice without trampling on this
“what about democracy and human rights”
Tell that to the poor, my dear. I'm they will thank you for it over their empty supper tables …
BTW yes it is me. Do you moderate all the comments?! That doesn't sound very efficient … :-p
yes, but I don't have many commentators, apart from an anonymous dinosaur who generally just shouts at me… also means I see all the comments
There are a few more that read it though!
I've never shouted at you thank you, merely correcting your general ignorance of the populace's wishes.