My sister is in the U.S. for Christmas from Brazil this year. I went downstairs to eat breakfast earlier today and sat down while our mom and my dad talked about politics in Brazil. So my sister starts talking about her Husband whose a mayor of a small town (circa 10,000). She goes on how the city pays 4000 reals for the library and camera's (city hall) internet access but that it actually costs the city 150 reals. They just pocket the rest. She went on and on about other jobs the city would ask with her husband always pocketing at least half. I was just about to throw up knowing that this goes on in my family. I asked her "why" "why do you do this?". She responds with "we have to" "If we don't other people do and exploit us". "If we don't help other people then they wont help us then husband will never be able to run for the national congress". Keep in mind this is one of the most intelligent people I've known. This guy has tens of degrees from Universities around the world and a PhD in some political science thing from Italy. How the hell did the U.S. get around this in the early 20th century and why doesn't Brazil do the same? I guess they don't want to since the politicians benefit and they wont stand to loss that... WTF happened in the U.S.? This crap irritates me. While these oligarchies benefit and grow richer the poor become poorer and the city slums increase in size. And the city of Rio complains about growing violence Non WONDER YOU IDIOTS. YOU KEEP STEALING FROM THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED YOU TO REPRESENT AND DEFEND THEM.
/rant
/rant