Brazil vs. NYT: Lula's Illogical Logic

[exDinosoar]

The moral punishment of the gringo reporter by the press, politicos
and public opinion was not enough for Lula. Brazil should
take advantage of the episode and associate it to the great
Satan Bush. The expulsion would be a repeat of the success of
the punishment against two Americans who dared to give the finger.

The decision not to contest the granting by the STJ (Apellate Court) of the safe-conduct to the ousted journalist and to accept the final decision of the Judiciary Power, contrary to appearances, does not indicate repentance or a back-up. The government's reasoning is that they got what they wanted: after giving for the last many months unequivocal signs of fragility with a succession of hesitations and omissions in so many spheres, it finally showed that it is capable of an energetic gesture against the turpitudes cooked up by the foreigners who are to blame for all our ailments.

No longer defensive, the administration proved its machismo. Freedom of the press is an abstract value, unable to mobilize the crowds. This became clear when President Lula minimized the reactions from the world press and attributed them to "corporativism".

http://www.brazzil.com/2004/html/articles/may04/p134may04.htm

[gulfcoastliberal]

1. Not sure what the point of this is...

But the U.S. has denied visas to dozens of foreign journalists - some very well known and respected - during the Bushco* reign. And yes, also expelled them from the country.

[Political_Junkie]

2. Thank you, gulfcoast,

it's amazing how upset people get when someone gives them a taste of their own medicine.