Saturday, February 27, 2010

Can Brazil Become A Failed State

Youths flaunt guns on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. (Pablo Jacob/Extra/O globo)

The Gun-Toting Boys From Brazil Who Rule Rio’s ‘Corner Of Fear’ -- Times Online

A boy steps boldly into the night traffic and waves a gun to bring the cars to a halt, clearing a path for a motorcycle which screeches into the intersection. Riding pillion is another boy, brandishing a machinegun.

Later two teenagers, also riding pillion on motorbikes, flash their guns at other motorists; nearby, a boy can be seen taking aim with a rifle equipped with a telescopic sight. Other youths wander the street smoking crack.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is Brazil's lost generation. But while the focus is on Brazil, we can easily look at ourselves. Every major US city has a problem with youth gangs, drugs, and the violent culture that it produces. While we may lament on what is happening in North Rio de Janeiro, the sad fact is that every major US city has the same problem.

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