Understanding the Brazilian “Spring”

. For the full article text, please visit: http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/understanding-the-brazilian-spring-4832/ Understanding the Brazilian “Spring” By: Ted Hewitt July 1st, 2013 Much of the global media has focused on the protests occurring throughout Brazil during this past week. Almost all have drawn their own conclusions as to the cause of the tumult, and almost all in splendid contradiction. Similarly, there has been an enduring preoccupation in most news reports with the violence and looting associated with all such public demonstrations. In reality, both the causes and the effects of the Brazilian protests are only poorly understood at this point; and for its part, the violence portrayed in the media has primarily been the exception rather than the rule. I know. I was there. I watched while protestors massed outside Brazil’s Congress on the evening of June 17th, but stopped politely to let the bus carrying our delegation pass to return to our hotel. And on June 18th, I spent close to two hours on one of Brazil’s Wall Streets, the Avenida Paulista, accompanying tens of thousands as they marched peacefully in support of their “cause.” Ostensibly, and as has been widely reported, Brazil’s protests have been linked to increases in transit fares amounting to single digit percentages; in São Paulo, representing approximately $0.10 on an average $1.50 subway or bus fare. In response, transit authorities in several cities have already reversed these increases. The protestors, for their part, vow to continue their fight. For the full article text, please visit: http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/understanding-the-brazilian-spring-4832/  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 Geopoliticalmonitor.com, All rights reserved.  You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.  Our mailing address is:  Geopoliticalmonitor.com 5700-100 King Street West Toronto, On M5X1C7 Canada