This Could Get Interesting

"Troops to be sent to Brazil's Rio to provide security for municipal elections" - Xinhua News

Nothing really abnormal about that in a South American country. Except that this time the troops aren't just showing up for election day; they are being called in two months in advance. This is unprecedented (and possibly just the tip of the iceberg).

Rio's Governor, Cabral Filhos, known for his policies of heavy confrontation with traficantes, defended the decision saying it was to allow for free campaigning in all parts of the city and to prevent residents of the favelas from being forced to cast their vote for a candidate backed by a drug faction.

Well, ok. Fair enough. But then they're leaving, right?

"Cabral said the number of troops to be sent and the date would be set by the Superior Electoral Tribunal and state officials. He added that he intends to keep the troops there after the elections to help combat crime (emphasis is mine)." [1]

Oh boy. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Besides sounding a lot like martial law is about to be selectively put into affect, maybe it's because the last time the military was used to provide protection in a favela, things didn't work out so good. (we won't even talk about what happened in 2006)

Going Back To (Tropi)Cali(a)?

Brilliant Brasilian music legend Gilberto Gil has announced he will step down from his government position as Minister of Culture to again focus on his music. This just came across the AP wire a half hour ago:

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — Gilberto Gil stepped down as Brazilian culture minister Wednesday, saying he wanted to dedicate more time to his music and his family.

The Grammy-winning musician, who revolutionized Brazilian music in the 1960s as a founder of the Tropicalism movement, had been culture minister since 2003, when President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva started his first term in office.

Gil tried to step down twice before but Silva had persuaded him to stay. This time the president accepted his resignation.

"I am leaving the government to dedicate more time to my artistic endeavors and to my family, which is growing with the addition of a new grandchild," Gil, 66, told a news conference. [1]

...

Gil and longtime friend Caetano Veloso are credited with inventing the Tropicalism movement, a blend of rock and bossa nova.

Tropicalism eventually influenced such musicians as David Byrne, Paul Simon and Beck, but the political content of its lyrics offended the nation's 1964-1985 military dictatorship. Both Gil and Veloso were jailed in 1968 and lived in exile in London from 1969 to 1972.

Gil has sold millions of records over his 45-year career, and won a Grammy in 1998 for best world music album. [2]

Here's a favorite of mine featuring Gil & Caetono Veloso, 'Alguem Me Avisou' by Maria Bethânia.