Originally Posted by aafreq

Having recently returned from GRU after a hiatus of over 25 years, I have to differ with the following perception....
"economic growth in Brazil, leading to greater employment, higher wages, improved standards of living, upward mobility, etc. (i.e. more Brazilians with the means to travel"

The massive country wide demonstrations we encountered during our brief visit showcased to the world, well BBC & International CNN, with almost NO mention in US media....Brazil's current problems...

The demonstrations erupted over an increase in bus fares....
The wonderful Brazilian people are under great duress, openly questioning the costs they feel that they will carry the burden of for the upcoming World Cup and Olympics.
(Chicago just might get it back...Horrors !)
Only a small minority of Brazilians,
those who helicopter, instead of be driven due to security fears in São Paulo, are the only recipients of the 'dream' spoken of here.
We were dissuaded by local friends from going out to dinner in the Avenida Paulista area,
One of the very best areas, due to concerns of robberies of tourists, as well as anyone with anything to steal....inside the establishment, by roaming gangs.
Sorry to say, but I expect more demonstrations against the current President who is widely believed to be a puppet of the previous administration, who was defeated due to corruption..(kinda like where ORD is located.)
Just MHO....
I sadly fear for the future of Brazil, as well as its people.
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