They are going to war.
A Bope yelled, his fist in the air. The rest of the truck followed. A neighbor clapped in response and it started a commotion. With each truck, the few but spirited neighbors cheered for the men. The men cheered back.
I even had a moment. I was in the window with my two boys. We were cheering for our men before they went into war. One looked right at the boys and I, smiled a proud smile, and waved. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
Just like the American troops, the Bope are going into war. It's not their fault there's a war, they are just the men Rio de Janeiro puts in to fight their physical battle. Regardless of the politics, the is it or isn't it of this situation in Rio de Janeiro, these men are going to war. They are putting their life on the line. They deserve our cheers!
The entire World should be cheering! These guys are Global Heroes in my book. Hip-Hip-Hoozah!
ReplyDeleteI agree--I just hope they can "keep it real"--Friday we saw hundreds of trafficantes running from one favela to another, today they've arrested less than 50 and the news acts like they're close to their goal...
ReplyDeleteThat's why they are searching each and every home. They also said they are sure there are traffickers hiding in the bush between the two favelas.
ReplyDeletePoliticians who are trying to jump on the operation wagon and get some limelight are the ones who are saying they're almost done.
ReplyDeleteThe forces there know that it'll take weeks, if not months.
I am absolutely 100% at the side of this police intervention. UPP in each favela, improving the quality of life and bringing structure to such communities. But Rachel... When drug dealers cannot operate in the slums and there is still demand for cocaine and other drugs... Are the comsummers going to import dealers ? Are they going to deal drug themselves ?
ReplyDeleteI'm so against and tired of this war-discourse.....the militarization of state's interventions....I consider it a national shame that Bobe exists, that they have to go into a "war" against other brazilians that are actually the biggest victims due to the lack of rights and citizenship. I really don't see nothing to cheer about in the way these social crises are handled by the state.The only cheering would be to see some state's social intervention with the same caliber that Bobe uses, like for example Lula announcing: " Hey, let's invest all the pre-sal money on education and favelas!!"
ReplyDeleteI would be stoked if they actually did something about education! I always say that education is the key...
ReplyDeleteBut you can't blame the soldiers. They are creatures of command. Don't hate the Bope, hate the position they are put in. Hate that the country has separated their people so much that they are virtually in civil war. Both sides feel they are doing the best for "their people". Dude, we're all people, we are cry, sing, urinate. The traffickers and Bope should work together to go after the corrupt politicians!
ReplyDelete"I consider it a national shame that Bobe exists"
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't. Maybe in a perfect world, Utopia, it would be a shame. But as this world doesn't exist and never will, they are just doing the best they can. Which is quite a lot.