Brazilian Monarchs-Monarcas Brasileiros (Music "O Guarani" by Carlos Gomes)

The Brazilian Monarchs - From Discovery through Empire /
Os monarcas do Brasil - da Descoberta até o Império /
Les Monarques du Brésil - de la Découverte jusqu'à l'Empire /
Die brasilianische Kaisern - von der Entdeckung zur Kaiserreich

MUSIC / MUSICA / MUSIQUE / MUSIK:
Abertura de (Opening of) "O GUARANI" by the great Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Gomes (1836-1896)- He was the first New World composer whose work was accepted by Europe.

ENGLISH
This video contains all the Brazilian monarchs (Portuguese Kings and Brazilian Emperors) starting at the time of Brazil’s discovery by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500 (when the Colonial period started) through Brazilian independence (and the establishment of the Brazilian Empire – 1822) until the unfortunate proclamation of the republic by the Brazilian military, in 1889, thereby ending the greatest era of Brazilian history.

PORTUGUÊS
Este vídeo contém todos os monarcas brasileiros (reis portugueses e imperadores do Brasil) a partir do momento do descobrimento do Brasil, pelo navegador Português Pedro Alvares Cabral em 1500 (quando o período Colonial começou) seguido na independência com o estabelecimento do Império do Brasil (1822) até a proclamação da república pelos militares brasileiros, em 1889, infelizmente terminando a era mais gloriosa da história brasileira.

FRANÇAIS
Cette vidéo contient tous les monarques du Brésil (des rois portugais et empereurs du Brésil) à partir du moment de la découverte du Brésil par le navigateur portugais Pedro Alvares Cabral en 1500 (quand la période coloniale est commencée), suivi par l'indépendance, avec la création de l'Empire du Brésil (1822), jusqu'à la proclamation de la République par l'armée brésilienne en 1889, ce qui a malheureusement finit la plus glorieuse période de l'histoire brésilienne.

THE TRAGIC FATE AWATING BRAZIL WITH DILMA ROUSSEFF's ELECTION

According to EPOCA magazine, the Brazilian president – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - made a frightening pronouncement during a recent visit to the city of Recife (the capital of his home state, where he is allegedly considered a sort of "semi-god"):

"I have considered establishing a strong body, where all forces that have supported us, would be duly merged; thereby ensuring that “we the people” never again permit that a future president suffer as much as I have…”

Because the report from the above-mentioned Brazilian magazine covers a topic I have analyzed during the past several months, I believe that this frightening declaration may have been released by President Lula by accident, thereby providing an excellent insight into the real (macabre) intentions of the socialist government which Dilma Rousseff is likely to establish… Hence, I am convinced that this extremist candidate will consider adopting measures and embracing policies that would be significantly more radical than those implemented during the past eight years, given her certified association with a brutal revolutionary group (responsible for a slew of unforgivable terrorist crimes) during the military regime (1960’s), and the inescapable support she receives from Hugo Chavez.

Using the wise words of the same Brazilian publication, the actual intention of PT would be the establishment of an anesthetized democracy, which would institute a people’s " POLITICAL ORGANISM " designed to neutralize the Brazilian National Congress, thereby implying that the existing democratic rules were no longer satisfactory; in its stead one would consider adopting a "direct link" of the executive power to the “masses” in order to "defuse” the powers of the Senate, which today continues as one of the few institutions capable of providing an effective counterbalance to an increasingly authoritarian central government, as it remains capable of stopping some of the dangerous actions originating from PT officials.

Consequently, the customary Brazilian political apathy is likely to cost us, this time, an extraordinarily high price, because as soon as the Brazilian people blindly permits the gradual positioning of totalitarian currents, we shall be automatically deprived of the precious gem called “FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION”, which several young Brazilians probably take for granted, and the permanent loss of which most of them seem unable to actually conceive… Nonetheless, a brief casting of the eyes towards a northwesterly direction (Caracas) would be sufficient for any reasonable Brazilian to see how much has been dismantled and/or destroyed by the deceptive and oppressive Hugo Chavez since 1998, when he was originally elected under false pretences. Indeed, as soon as he censured the Venezuelan newspapers and silenced the TV networks, this totalitarian ruler instantly started strengthening governmental control over all political, economic and social aspects of his country, while restricting or eliminating the remaining democratic institutions, in conformity with GRAMSCI’s radical methodology (which prescribes the necessity of a peaceful formation of “non-military dictatorships” in a peaceful, legitimate and democratic fashion in order for any nation to successfully establish a Socialist State).

Therefore, due to the typical political inertia of the Brazilian citizenry, the political parties of the loyal opposition, and various municipal, state and federal institutions/organization across the Federation, along with the disciplined and obedient silence of the "new Armed Forces" (duly infiltrated and manipulated by the governing party during the past eight years), the deceptive government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wisely utilized the entirety of his mandate to set up the "initial phase" of a clever and discrete plan, in conformity with São Paulo Forum’s secret agreements. As the election of Dilma Rousseff becomes an indisputable fact, this catastrophic event will indubitably trigger the Final Phase of PT's diabolical objectives, the implementation of which will almost inevitably steal the democratic process and the freedom of expression from the Brazilian people, thereby transforming our free, joyous nation into yet another collective trap of oppression,
intimidation, and hardship to everyone…

On a closing personal note, my bleeding heart is crying for the loss of Brazil, my family and dear friends at the hands of totalitarianism!

Will Brazilians Elect a Pro-Bolivarian Former Terrorist as President?

Bearing in mind that the dominant species of our planet consists of blemished human beings, one should always take into account the innumerable flaws which are unfortunately inherent to its very nature: the selfish pursuit of individual interests regardless of cost/consequences; the ability to disguise imperfections; the penchant to deceive others (attempting to portray personal gains as altruistic deeds); the proclivity towards lying and deceiving; the deplorable aptitude for injustice and cruelty. Likewise, one should never forget that humanity's historical record also contains abundant examples of acts of oppression, torture, harassment, and mass murder... Thus, I fail to grasp the underlying logic underpinning scholars, philosophers and idealists who consistently adhere to, and eulogize the so-called benefits of authoritarian political philosophies.

Undeniably, there is a number of social and political stratagems which, when examined strictly on a theoretical basis, are likely to immediately convey superior, admirable and altruistic qualities to most analysts operating without the benefit of additional data, namely, test results pertaining to realistic cases applied and conducted in acceptable and verifiable conditions. On the other hand, many of these academic concepts are sometimes proven impractical or unrealistic when analyzed under certain conditions or when applied to specific scenarios, despite any potential and/or intrinsic theoretical values.

Given the above analytical framework, I must re-affirm my inability to comprehend the rationale prompting many intellectuals to consistently fail to extrapolate what the unavoidably distressing end results deriving from the introduction of Socialism or any other such altruistic, idealistic and authoritarian system would generate in the long run... In essence, by virtue of its ideologically dictated centralism along with its automatic pre-requisite to outlaw opposing viewpoints emerging from alternative segments of society, it is not conceivable that healthy, free and emotionally/materially content societies may ever materialize from any such authoritarian polity.

To be sure, because the imposition of massive censorship within all means of communication automatically sanctions any national and/or regional leader to deliberately conceal flaws, errors, and crimes which may fail to meet with his/her expectations, personal interests or ideological views, the society under consideration would be subjected to potential deception and manipulation. Likewise, because any such leaders would be naturally exposed to any combination of the above-reference human flaws, the citizenry falling under their jurisdiction would be further vulnerable to whimsical caprice, eventual coercive measures, and lack of privacy, along with random interpretation and/or application of their local laws.

Hence, in light of the unavoidable ability to suppress any type of information at will, along with the absence of the mechanisms that allow public scrutiny of a country's political leadership (by opposing factions), societies should always proceed with extreme caution when considering the adoption of Socialist political structures, given its potential costs/threats to its overall citizenry in the long run.

In light of the strength of the preceding arguments, I am astounded by the continued facility whereby certain groups/ segments of (any) society consistently fall prey to astute, manipulative tactics by deceitful, power-hungry hypocrites who successfully pursue and implement factional platforms flaunting banners of an allegedly "democratic," classless, and virtuous SOCIALIST political system. Indeed, despite the availability of copious volumes of historical evidence containing acts of injustice, inefficient production system and excessive abuse/mistreatment of the people, it is mystifying to continuously witness the facility by which deceitful supporters of the Brazilian Workers Party (PT) effectively depict Dilma Rousseff as the logical solution for a "democratic Brazilian republic, whereas concealing her unquestionable ties and ideological connection with the Bolivarian movement of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.

THE HUGO CHAVEZ' CONNECTION
There is evidence that modern hard-line socialists in Latin America endeavor to portray moderate postures in order to legally secure the necessary power which would enable them, in the future, to be poised for launching legitimate, peaceful “radical revolutions from within” the presidency of their respective countries, as substantiated by the well-known 1998 Univision interview of a “well-intended, moderate Venezuelan presidential candidate.

During this controversial interview, wearing a business suit, Mr. Hugo Chavez amiably reassured the audience that he would never endeavor to remain in power following the initial five-year term, implying respect for his country's democratic institutions, stressing that his decision to become a presidential candidate was based solely upon the objective of "proposing a constitutional reform" designed to address specific outstanding issues of the time; concluding that he would then be "more than happy" to leave office upon termination of the first term or "even earlier".

Likewise, calmly responding to the interviewer's query, Mr. Chavez reaffirmed that he saw no need for nationalization of the mass media, since the sole existing state channel of the time was more than sufficient. Maintaining the bearings of a "moderate candidate from the Left," after confirming that there was no intention of nationalizing anything whatsoever, the deceptive Hugo Chavez successfully conveyed the illusion of a rational, dependable and judicious presidential candidate who had overcome the former proclivities of a young officer who had once failed to trigger a military coup d'état.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvbdMg-X5GQ --- (H. Chavez before the election)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8frIdVnFBD4 --- (H. Chavez years after the election)

In October 2010, the Brazilian people is being asked by the Labor Party (PT) to elect their "recently enhanced", more attractive presidential candidate, Ms. Dilma Rousseff who recurrently goes out of her way to imply reverence for Brazil's democratic institutions along with respect for the opposition parties. Interestingly, there is abundant evidence to the effect that Ms Rousseff has been frequently praised and blatantly supported by the Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez, who often underscores his enormous admiration for a woman he considers a "fellow South American patriot" (thus implying a theoretical co-patriotism for the future South American socialist nation, as envisioned by the São Paulo Forum). In this connection, it should be highlighted that the Venezuelan ruler greatly admires Dilma's "valiant" participation in the shameful, successful stratagem to kidnap an American ambassador to Brazil during the time when the country was under the government of a military regime.

While the PT candidate attempts to conceal or minimize her former status of "subversive" or "domestic terrorist", given her direct unquestionable engagement in kidnappings, assassinations, and bank robberies, this former criminal also makes concerted effort to disguise her growing strategic ties with the totalitarian regime in Caracas (along with increasing terms of personal connection with their "ruler"), even when directly confronted about such liaison by members of the Brazilian media in national television.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe7UbzI-5KI --- (H. Chavez praises Dilma Rousseff)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a22sqQ8u5_w --- (Dilma eludes connection with Chavez)

As a result, it is appalling and painful to witness one's country of birth, from afar, providing a convicted murderer and kidnapper, who sponsors or defends pending legislation that includes disguised versions of censorship, and maintains excellent relations with the most brutal socialist dictators of Latin America, with the opportunity to become the leader of the nation. Unfortunately, I must question the ability of the naïve members of the Brazilian working class to pay any attention or understand the magnitude of her crimes vis-à-vis the true face of the political party Ms Rousseff represents, notwithstanding its boundless corruption, shameless deceptive tactics and obvious long-term socialist goals.

Under the circumstances, I must regrettably wrap up my assessment with the most disagreeable conclusion that unless something extraordinary emerges to unmask these horrifying hypocritical monsters, our wonderful, peaceful and happy country will join the growing list of doomed nations where oppression, censorship and fear abounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8frIdVnFBD4 --- (H. Chavez praises Dilma at conference)

THE STRATEGIC POSITIONING OF SECRET (DORMANT) AGENTS BY SOCIALIST DICTATORS-IN-WAITING

Any potential dictator or radical political party surreptitiously aspiring to secure absolute power in Latin America without engaging dramatic popular revolutions, or a military backed coup d’état, must proceed with utmost caution along a fastidiously planned pathway. Regardless of the selected course of action, it would be indispensable for any such ambitious individual or conspiring oligarchy to have available at the twinkling of an eye, recourse to a wide range of deceptive tools, including the strategic positioning of a complex network of “secret special agents” throughout the entire region; with the additional caveat that each of these cautiously implanted operatives must remain “dormant” and inconspicuous for an extended period of time.

One of the most fundamental mechanisms – possibly indispensable for the successful completion of any such ambitious ventures – would comprise the ability of indirectly gathering data, influencing third parties and manipulating key institutions, corporations, the armed forces, in addition to multiple sources of the nation's power and telecommunications grid: the traditional media (Networks / Press) and High-Tech centers (Internet based conglomerates). This essential covert operation would require the installation of inconspicuous, cunning agents with the purpose of playing a virtually invisible role, remaining impartial yet always alert – while in a technically “dormant” condition - within each targeted organization. After securing dependable and efficient lines of indirect communications with the plot’s command center and any additional “contact parties”, every secret operative would be responsible for expeditiously diffusing any vital data that is successfully uncovered: trends, fears and general impressions/expectations from key-members and decision-makers, whereas identifying which members adhere to opposing political philosophies and those liable to become potential “trouble-makers” in the future.

Additionally, for members of this secretive network of Extraordinary Operatives to be in a position to effectively infiltrate any organization, financial institution or Blog, they should preferably refrain from holding prominent / visible positions within their respective assignments (CEO, Military Officer, Member of Parliament, aristocrat, etc), given the unavoidable scrutiny such individuals must generally undergo, as it could potentially pose an unnecessary risk of exposure for the entire scheme. Nonetheless, one would scarcely require the prominence of a major share-holder, military officer, or head of a labor union, in order to demonstrate one's ability to become a successfully dormant political spy... Rather, it would be prudent for these special “players” to portray inconspicuous profiles (such as "a blue-color worker" or a "member of the cleaning staff") whose modest stations if supplemented by agreeable or "shy" personal traits - for instance, a popular “Mr.Nice-Guy” or a relatively recluse individual – would empower all special agents with the necessary invisibility which they may occasionally require to successfully “cover their tracks”, thereby concealing their “true colors.”

These extraordinary agents should be exceptionally clever individuals with the cunning aptitude to influence, manipulate, impersonate and even intimidate previously identified officers or public officials within their assigned arena of operations, where their constant vigilance while in proximity of potentially dangerous / suspicious elements is paramount, whereas always ensuring that vital data be continuously identified and rapidly distributed up to the command chain. Often, such “monolithic spies” may also feel obliged to introduce “moles” of their own creation, designed to antagonize all parties involved, including those who may be safely under their “direct sphere of influence”. The most frequent objectives for elaborating extraordinary, “fake antagonistic personas” include: the occasional necessity to discretely create havoc in order to intimidate opponents, to jettison any undesirable outside force, to distract attention away from other key, unrelated events, or perhaps in to simply punish any follower or supporter who may have either stepped out of line or proven to be too resilient at any given time. Most importantly, these discrete and exceptionally witty elements must forever (or for as long as feasible) maintain the deceptive outlook of an modest, inconspicuous, and completely harmless low-key fellow, whose friendly stance and political neutrality could be maintained, at any point in time, thoroughly indisputable!

Outfitted with a broad array of strategically placed Secret & Discrete Agents, any aspiring dictator and deceptive political party would surely be poised to obtain significant information from a wide variety of sources way ahead of the great majority of his/her countrymen, and before most existing members of opposing factions could manage to assemble and dissect the same – potentially enormous – amount of data. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly such tyrants-in-waiting would also be poised to indirectly manipulate countless key factors, players, and circumstances, thereby significantly enhancing, in the long run, the chances for such deceptive stratagem send them victorious, securing complete control of their trusting nation.

THE IMPACT OF ELECTING A SOCIALIST FORMER TERRORIST FOR THE BRAZILIAN PRESIDENCY

There is evidence that modern hard-line socialists in Latin America endeavor to portray moderate postures in order to legally secure the necessary power in order to be poised to launch a legitimate, peaceful revolution from within the presidency of his/her country, as substantiated by a relatively well-known Univision broadcast in 1998. During this controversial interview, wearing a business suit, Mr. Hugo Chavez amiably reassured the audience that he would never endeavor to remain in power after his first five-year term, implying respect for his country’s democratic institutions, stressing that his decision to become a presidential candidate was based upon the sole objective of “proposing a constitutional reform” in order to address specific outstanding issues of the time; concluding that he would then be “more than happy” to leave office after the first term or “even earlier”. Likewise, calmly answering the reporter’s question, he reaffirmed that he saw no need for nationalization of the mass media, since the sole existing state channel of the time was more than sufficient. Maintaining the bearings of a “moderate candidate from the Left,” after confirming that there was no intention of nationalizing anything whatsoever, the deceptive Hugo Chavez successfully conveyed the illusion of a rational, dependable and judicious presidential candidate who had overcome the former proclivities of the young officer who had once failed to trigger a military coup d’état.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvbdMg-X5GQ (Hugo Chavez before the election)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8frIdVnFBD4 - (Hugo Chavez years after he was elected)

In October 2010, the Brazilian people is being asked by the Labor Party (PT) to elect their “recently enhanced”, more attractive presidential candidate, Ms. Dilma Rouseff who frequently goes out of her way to imply respect for Brazil’s democratic institutions and respect for the opposition parties. Interestingly, there is no question that Ms Rousseff is often praised and blatantly supported by the Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez, who often goes out of his way to demonstrate his enormous admiration for a woman he considers a “South American Patriot” (thus implying a patriotism for the future South American Socialist Nation sponsored by the Sao Paulo Forum). In this connection, it should be stressed that the Venezuelan Ruler greatly admires Dilma’s “valiant” participation in the kidnapping of an American ambassador to Brazil during the time when the country was being governed by a Military Regime. While the PT candidate attempts to conceal or minimize her former status of “subversive” or “domestic terrorist”, given her direct unquestionable engagement in kidnappings, assassinations, and bank robberies, the former criminal also makes concerted effort to disguise her growing friendship with the Totalitarian regime in Caracas, even if confronted about such liaison by the Brazilian media in national television
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe7UbzI-5KI (Hugo Chavez supports & praises Dilma Rousseff)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a22sqQ8u5_w (Dilma eludes connection with Hugo Chavez)

Hence, it is appalling to witness my country from afar providing a convicted murderer & kidnapper who sponsors or defends pending legislation that includes disguised versions of censorship and maintains excellent relations with the most brutal socialist dictators of Latin America, with the opportunity to become the leader of the nation. Unfortunately, I must question the ability of the naïve members of the Brazilian working class to pay attention or understand the magnitude of her crimes vis-à-vis the true face of the political party Ms Rousseff represents, notwithstanding its boundless corruption, shameless deception and obvious socialist goals. Under the circumstances, I must regrettably wrap up my assessment with the most disagreeable conclusion that unless something extraordinary emerges to unmask these horrifying hypocritical monsters, our wonderful, peaceful and happy country will join the growing list of doomed nations where oppression, censorship and fear abounds…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8frIdVnFBD4 (Hugo Chavez praises Dilma during conference)

MONTEVIDEO - The lovely captital city of Uruguay

URUGUAY MONTEVIDEO- Rambla de Montevideo - kewego

MONTEVIDEO is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. It is the only city in the country with a population over 1,000,000. According to Mercer Human Resource Consulting, in 2007 Montevideo provided the highest quality of life in Latin America.
In this fabulous small metropolis, the area generally well known as "Ravine of Montevideo" (RAMBLA DE MONTEVIDEO)- consists of 30 Kilometers of ravine and coast.

The inevitability of Latin American Polarization: Brazil versus Venezuela

For any political scientist, economist and historian who may not be entirely familiarized with the dynamics of Latin America’s historical legacy and some of the recent issues staining the rosy pictures of cooperation, friendship, and consensus often publicized in the area’s main capitals, it would have appeared that the region could be on the brink of reaching a respectful level of maturity and might even have resolved some serious issues, challenges and conflicts which have plagued many of its countries for nearly two centuries of self-determination. Yet, I fear that any intellectual “neuter observer” would be rather disappointed with the performance of the majority of Latin administrations upon closer examination. Even taking into account the latest global economic crisis and despite the continued economic development undergone in some nations (most notably Chile, Brazil and Mexico), it is clear that, the traditional ghosts of income disparity, regional rivalry, corrupted politicians, authoritarian “rulers”, along with the persistent threat posed by Drug Lords and terrorist organizations remain looming over Latin America’s horizons.

One would also have thought that the establishment of UNASUR and the increased number of smaller regional blocs, such as MERCOSUL, might seriously represent mature regional endeavors to shed differences aside in order to address some of the most important issues (ranging from trade, energy, fresh water and poverty to mutual defense, regional currency and improved infra-structure). Yet, the more one examines some of the current “noble objectives” in closer scrutiny, the more it becomes evident that Brazil and Venezuela will be found running (or attempting to run) the show; each with a completely distinct political agenda, bound to be deemed irreconcilable in the long run.

In addition, since the main economic and political/military organizations established in the region appear to be rather questionable in light of the fashion whereby Caracas and Brasilia appear to view their intended purposes, the embryo of uncertainty has already emerged. Because, MERCOSUL - formed about 25 years ago - included only four members: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, while excluding Venezuela, Colombia and Chile, it could be scarcely be considered a fully Regional Pact. Although Venezuela has subsequently applied to join this primarily Southern Cone group, its dubious political intentions vis-à-vis attaining full membership has understandably been prevented by the Legislatures of both Brazil and Paraguay; the Chilean exclusion, clearly an error in light of the health and importance of its economy, was possibly deliberate in light of its long standing disputes with neighboring Argentina and its declared intent to join NAFTA; Colombia’s omission, however, is evident, in view of its close alliance with the United States and insurmountable fiendish stance against Venezuela. As such, because MERCOSUL neither includes nor impacts most of the region’s main economies and because Venezuela is likely to treat MERCOSUL and UNASUR as nearly interchangeable political structures, thereby possibly undermining the both organizations, it seems like additional seeds of discord between Caracas and Brasilia have already been planted.

Yet, there are many other specific factors which appear to highlight the contrasting stance of the two leading Latin American regional powers…

Venezuela has recently established a mini-alliance composed of a growing list of smaller, faithful, and poorer client states (Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and possibly Honduras in the near future) and undoubtedly intends to assume the role of Regional Leading Power. Unlike Cuba during the 20th Century, Venezuela has embraced a relatively more discrete version of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary ideals, currently labeled as “Bolivarian”, but whose ultimate goal is also to spread its radical political-economical ideals throughout the region, thereby transforming Caracas into a 21st Century version of a “Latin Moscow” or “New Havana” of the modern Western Hemisphere…

Brazil, on the other hand, attempting to maintain the self-delusional role of a “Well-Behaved Neighbor” and “Moderate (New) Socialist”, appears to be relatively more discrete in its quest for the role of Latin American Leader. While the “Sleeping Giant” is likely to have a sincere disposition to assist others, its current administration ultimately intends to secure African support and to be perceived by the developed world and the United Nations, as a robust adolescent who has recently reached maturity and is therefore ready to join the Main Group of nations either at the “bottom of a possible G-9” or at least to obtain a permanent seat in the Security Council. Clearly, due to its growing pride and self-delusion, the current administration in Brasilia seems to be determined neither to remain passively watching major global decisions from afar - at a remote UN seat – nor to continue being invited to G-8 meetings merely for having “desert” (using the Brazilian’s president words).

While Breton Woods established the rules for commercial and financial relations among the world's major industrial states in July 1944 thereby establishing the foundations of a healthy western economy for the second half of the 20th Century, the Venezuelan elected dictator appears adamant to reach an equivalent agreement for Latin America today with his plans to establish the Bank of the South (designed to be based in Caracas) in order to allegedly unite the “financial needs” a socialist Latin Brotherhood for the current Millennium. Yet it does not appear to have been substantiated by concrete plans or viable financing for such an elusive Institution; most importantly, I could hardly anticipate any forthcoming believable mechanism to emerge in order to prevent the inevitable series of fraud and misuse of precious resources, which would inevitably surface in the region. Almost certainly, an endless stream of funds and other assets is bound to flow into secrete private accounts of Venezuelan agents entrusted to “finance” electoral campaigns of left-wing candidates across Latin America with the support of La Paz, Quito, Havana and Managua.

Meanwhile the Brazilian and Argentinean presidents seem to be forging ahead with plans to formalize or at least increase the use of local currencies in their bilateral and other regional trade thereby removing the US Dollar as the common monetary unit, allegedly (and officially) on account of their central banks need to strengthen cross-border operations without serious consideration for their historically dramatic fluctuations in the currency markets prior to the current relatively stable financial setting. Interestingly Brazilian exporters have been using the system more than their counterparts in Argentina, which, one might argue, merely reflects Brazilian preference for dealing in their own currency, whereas Argentine businessmen may be more comfortable with dollars than with pesos. However, because Brazil is Argentina’s main trading partner, and because Argentina has repeatedly postponed the full implementation of “local currencies swap” to promote bilateral trade, Brasilia is now threatening Buenos Aires to take action with the WTO for imposing non tariff barriers to trade thereby demonstrating the actual intentions of the Brazilian government which appears to flex muscles utilizing economic tools. In this connection, one should recall that the last Doha round of talks failed when it was very close to a successful conclusion in light of the last minute switch of the Brazilian position on "Protectionism" thereby upsetting not only Argentina but also India, which represents Brasilia’s closest ally in Asia as well as one of the largest importers of Brazilian Ethanol.

As such, either spreading neo-Marxist ideals within a region scarcely prepared to embrace its inevitable totalitarian populist values or promoting questionable ideals of “economic integration” whereas fomenting discord in international forums, Venezuela AND Brazil proceed with alleged "common plans" without any actual regional consensus, each pursuing completely disparate and unrealistic goals in order to be poised, in the long run, to achieve their hidden agendas; thereby rendering most “agreements” between these nations as inevitable sources of significant conflict.

When a President lacks Composure and Discipline (Translation)

The following text was originally composed – in Portuguese – by Mr. Ubiratan Iorio* - the translation of which was duly authorized by the President of the Brazilian “Clube Militar” located in Rio de Janeiro
Undoubtedly, the current Brazilian President appears to be inept for leading even a Neighborhood Carnival club, since he does not appear to possess either the moral composure or the necessary intellectual background. Indeed, nearly every time this President makes a public appearance – in every speech and in every gesture – it becomes increasingly obvious that he lacks the expected upbringing and most basic education required for any Leader; in spite of the self-delusional claims of his supporters, praising his questionable deeds, that one could scarcely identify anything else as “more democratic” than a “so-called” former machinist being elected to occupy the nation’s most prominent and visible role.

The most recent “show” performed by Lula during Carnival in the “Sambódromo” (a Samba Pavilion) in Rio de Janeiro, whereby the Nation’s Leader distributed condoms to the populace at large, represented a rather sad, distressing, and revolting affair; and because the State Governor along with the hosting city’s Mayor stood side by side their “boss”, they appeared to have been subdued to the role of gloomy servants in attendance of their “ruler”.

Such an event was sad because it appeared as if the Brazilian State were providing “blessings” to popular orgies and cheap sexual intercourse - whereas it might be considered appropriate for the State to operate in an unqualified fashion, under these circumstances, it is quite another matter when the national authorities appear to be encouraging shameful and/or otherwise questionable activities; it was distressing because the President’s conduct flagrantly disregarded the bare minimum pre-requisites for the type of composure expected from any Head of State, who should always at least appear to be attempting to follow protocol; finally, it was revolting because one must necessarily compare this lame “presidential distribution” - allegedly done in full support of the Brazilian Ministry for Health - vis-à-vis the inexcusable appalling conditions which unfortunately plague and prevail most Public Hospitals (designed for attending poor citizens in need of assistance).

While the Brazilian society has been suffering from the serious consequences of a growing Moral Weakness of unprecedented scale, it has the further misfortune of having a Supreme Leader lacking moral composure, and whose questionable deeds provide the people the worst possible example. Most importantly, this most recent disgraceful episode represents yet another evidence – among several previous reproachable events – that the Labor Administration under “Lula” does not appear to have any conception as to how a government should efficiently utilize (limited) public resources, the sole objective of which should always take into account nothing more or less than the Welfare of the Nation.

* The original author is the current Director of the Faculty of Economics at UERJ – State University of Rio de Janeiro

Celebrating the coronation of Pedro I of Orléans e Bragança on December 1, 1822

On 12 October 1822, his 24th birthday, Dom Pedro was acclaimed as the first Emperor of Brazil. He was crowned on December 1, 1822. This glorious event in Brazilian history followed a chain of significant events which had been unfolding since the middle of that year, when the Prince had formally issue the Brazilian Proclamation of Independence.

An avid Admirer of the Glorious Nineteenth Century Empires

At the onset of the brutal Twentieth Century, although Great Britain remained the richest and most powerful nation on Earth, the seeds of its pending decline had already been sowed. Conflicts throughout its vast possessions stretching from India to South Africa and the Sudan, along with the rise of American and Prussian military-industrial Might, gradually challenged the Empire’s powerful but gentle predominance… Yet, the British aristocracy remained discussing world issues in London, either meeting at Whitehall or attending Garden tea-parties, unable to conceive and/or concede the remote possibility that their Days of Glory were numbered and that their Brilliant Monarchy was quickly declining into the dusty pages of History…

Despite their refusal to acknowledge or recognize London’s inescapable decline, the inevitable downfall of Empire became irrefutable as soon as the deadly guns of the Great War became “loud and clear”, thereby triggering countless strikes and the eventually loss of colonies, wealth and prestige…

Meanwhile, the equally powerful ‘eagles’ of the Prussian Hohenzollern's’, Russian Romanov's’ and Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg's fell (one after another), as their Empires not only experienced a decline but were completely eliminated from the World Arena, along with the less prestigious, but equally charming Brazilian Empire which, in 1889 was replaced by a lame republic while its brilliant Emperor Pedro II of Orleans e Bragança was sent to exile in Paris…

This blog represents a refuge for any and all ‘lost souls’ who remain longing for the glorious days of the Great European Empires (and/or its minor South American equivalent in Brazil) of the Nineteenth Century – the apex of Reason, Science and Western Civilization!