You've got to love some of America's news coverage of happenings in Brazil. I think they google translate some articles, get a couple of names, and write a simple blurb.
People, the news is not straight forward in this country! Hell, going to the supermarket is not straight forward here.
So when I read about how the firefighters are guilty of breaking an entering and creating a dangerous situation by bringing in children, I get annoyed. That Sérgio Cabral deemed them irresponsible vandals makes me pissed. I get even more pissed when I read about him saying that he does not negotiate with vandals.
Nope, to negotiate with Mr. Cabral you have to be a rich criminal. Hard workers need not apply. Ok, maybe I can't call all the firemen hard workers but would you be with their salary!
The thing is, they had an old fashion sit-in, but knowing they are in Rio de Janeiro, they brought the women and children for safety. Smartest move? Maybe not, but what options did they have left? I ran into a peaceful protest weeks ago. Their pleads for a decent salary is nothing new.
But to have them referred to and treated like criminals boils my blood. Of course, obviously, it's the underpaid workers that are criminals who are guilty of insubordination because they challenged unfair work conditions. Yeah, that makes sense.
So Mr. Governor, when you say that what they did was a crime, let me point something out to you. I think that you having posh birthday parties for your nephew in your "palace" with a full Bob's (Brazilian McDonalds) built on your property for the occasion is a crime. The fact that you served, for example, imported caviar and champagne and yet you couldn't give a rats ass that these guys have to find money in a R$950 a month salary for transportation is a crime.
With all due respect, your lavish lifestyle is insubordination. Do you really need people flying into your place on helicopters a couple of times a week? And the rounds of motorcycles that leave your property to escort 1 car burns plenty of money that could be given to this cause.
But now, in true 60s American hippie style, these firemen are facing a possible 10 years in jail. I'm sure you'll lose sleep over it. Oh wait, maybe not.
Governor Cabral, please just cut your losses. Come out and say that you will be the bigger man. You could even do a lame speech saying that while the firefighters actions were wrong, you understand their plight. It is important to take care of your people and you are going to take care of them. Blah blah blah. The international presses would eat that stuff up like, well, imported caviar and champagne.
I think I should be a speech writer...
So what do you guys think of this situation? Who's handling what well? What should the government do?
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