Comments for Brazil's Lula Blames Hunger of 800 Million on US and EU Protectionism at http://www.brazzilmag.com , comment 0 to 13 out of 13 comments http://www.brazzilmag.com Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:13:17 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14735 [quote]how about when your boss writes you , your pay role chque and puts two lines across it you cant cash it for a month . why is this joao[/quote] Forrest, I think that you are talking about "Cheque Prédatado" (Predated checks), which according to my bankers are issued only in Brazil and there is no legal obligation by the banks to hold until the date of the issue of the check. The boss issues me a check dated 30 days from today and it is crossed. If it is in my name, I have to have a bank a/c and it can be deposited only in my account.If the name is left blank and I dont have an a/c, I can take it to a shop or an "agiota" and cash it for a discounted value. The percentage depends on the going interest rate.However, if the boss issues a crossed check dated 30 days from the payday, it is highly illegal and flouts the labor laws.He can be sued in the court and the Honorable Judges (and the lawyers) will be happy to take the boss to the cleaners. I don't know how it works in the PE,PB and other states in the North East, but here there are lots lawyers who take up the cause of the "trabalhadores" without charging a consultation fee. They charge 15% on the "damages" to be paid by the boss to his workers. In fact, when I was exchanging info with Ch.c regarding the lower labor costs in India and China, I had this important fact in mind. - João da Silva Sat, 07 Jun 2008 11:30:34 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14733 how about when your boss writes you , your pay role chque and puts two lines across it you cant cash it for a month . why is this joao - FORREST ALLEN BROWN Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:20:05 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14713 [quote]we all peoples screwed by our governments should just stop , paying taxes , stop buying high food , fuel , eletronics , every thing they live off of our backs , our money , let the rich pay them for a while . [/quote] Years ago, there was a movement in Brazil, after the first "democratically" elected President Color stole our money in our savings accounts, to close the accounts and buy things only on cash basis. If an employer wants you to open a bank account to deposit your salary, you do it, but withdraw all the money on the payday.The movement did not go ahead for many reasons.There is no way you can avoid paying taxes in Brasil ,if you are a salaried employee or own a business. The big brother monitors all the transactions. Of course this does not apply to people who carry their cash in "Cuecas", because they live off our backs! - João da Silva Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:39:40 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14711 how about this just by a my way of thinking we all peoples screwed by our governments should just stop , paying taxes , stop buying high food , fuel , eletronics , every thing they live off of our backs , our money , let the rich pay them for a while . next time vote in a shoe sails man or woman , a father or mother with 6 kids get rid of the rich kids , and the over edugated , the people there just to fill there pockest and thoes of there friends or in time the amercias will be like eastern europ back to the kings of old or save time just kill them on the streets where they live and the few that are left will understand we mean business - FORREST ALLEN BROWN Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:33:39 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14705 My wife who is a Brazilian and my mates (many of whom are Brazilians) are just as frustrated and angered with the corruption, incompetence and political purblindness permeated in this government and the audacity that this President proudly fashions daily. Extremely well put. - João da Silva Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:55:48 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14703 [quote]What a coincidence you comments with India. Yesterday I had lunch with an Indian, director of an Indian Bank in Geneva. [/quote] Gee, I wouldn't imagine you having lunch with an ordinary bank clerk, Ch.c! Who paid for the lunch ? I hope you were not overly critical about the Indians during the lunch!! Yessssss.....India is buying quite a lot of goods from you.......but YOU are still closing YOUR doors to them My original question: Do they buy any food items from us? I cant imagine them importing Brazilian beef :D Such as in textile were they beat you hands on, hands down, hands in the pocket....for their cheap costs. We have gone through this issue before. You know who is the "Textile King" here. I have read about the negotiations between the governments of India (and South Africa) with Brazil about lowering the import tariffs to the same percentages charged to other Mercosul members. I don't think that any progress has been made. [quote]Stupid question Joao : is Brazil not restricting Chinese tractors...to protect the "Non Brazilian* tractors...made in Brazil ????? Of course you do....despite they are much cheaper and in much need in view of your agriculture boom !!!! This would certainly be a way to reduce the cost of grains....in my humble view. [/quote] Your "humble" view is well appreciated and shared! However, the Government policy is contrary to our views!! It is trying to "encourage" the manufacturers from both China and India to set up plants here. Not many are willing, as the labor cost in those countries is far less and besides they are reluctant to confront our labor courts ( I think I have written about it before) and the bureaucracy. [quote]And last but not least : did you know that between 1980 and 2007 the AVERAGE annual inflation in Brazil was....400 % !!!!!!! No typing error ! sorry ! "Annual inflation, as measured by the benchmark IPCA index, reached a record 4,922 percent in mid-1994. The index, averaged 400 percent a year between 1980 and 2007[/quote] You are giving this lecture to a wrong person. Try to fix a lunch appointment with Delfim Neto ;D Why don't you sell food to Zimbabwe ? They are starving ! But ready to pay the food with their currency !!! Just fix the price. They will agree anyway. They will just import one more log from Brazil ...and print more of their currency !!!!! Again lecturing a wrong person. May be Mugabe can leave Zimbawe and come to live here to become a consultant to MST.We may end up importing food too. ;D - João da Silva Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:39:27 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14702 The reality is that Indian business leaders HATE Brazilians ! No, they HATE greedy Brazilian politicians like many Brazilians here do, too. Ch.c, you provide very interesting and useful information and I didn’t know, but I am not surprised, about what you say in regards to Brazil’s one way trading stance with India. Typical. Last night, after days of scolding governments around the world on how to trade, when back home “Squidy” whined that everyone in the international community has an opinion and wants to "stick their finger in the Amazon". It’s the same as holy water, apparently. [SHRUG] Still, you cannot lump 190,000,000 people into the “mesma saca da farinha”. My comments were directed at the President and his lying, thieving murderous sycophants; not towards all Brazilian in general. My wife who is a Brazilian and my mates (many of whom are Brazilians) are just as frustrated and angered with the corruption, incompetence and political purblindness permeated in this government and the audacity that this President proudly fashions daily. - Gringo Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:33:15 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14694 What a coincidence you comments with India. Yesterday I had lunch with an Indian, director of an Indian Bank in Geneva. And you pointed your finger correctly. Yesssss Brazil is making friends (emerging nations) by using lies against developed countries....to try try to open more doors and simultaneously NOT OPENING more of their own doors. Indian business leaders are tired of YOUR filthy game. Because effectively you even betray and cheat the ones you have used as YOUR friends. Yessssss.....India is buying quite a lot of goods from you.......but YOU are still closing YOUR doors to them. Such as in textile were they beat you hands on, hands down, hands in the pocket....for their cheap costs. They also would like MORE RECIPROCAL TRADE and not only ONE WAY TRADE...YOUR WAY ! Never read this before....with my arguments ? Wellll....Indians are not thinking differently. The reality is that Indian business leaders HATE Brazilians ! Therefore you see that between the political and diplomatical statements, reality is the opposite. And as I said in a previous comments, most Mercosur - UNSURE (smile) - South Americans - people ALSO hate Brazilians for the same reasons. LULA and his 4000 thieves are arrogant, liars and cheaters. Quite funny when His Excellence meets other Presidents and sign a treaty....declaring how friends they are (dont you remember about the Bush visits in brazil ?) and when out how weekly he criticize him....on his back ? Even when he pretended that Bush called him to get HIS advice ????? And about India, the same could be said for China. You are restricting China textile....because they have too much market share in Brazil. Fact being their textile market share is ONE percent of the Brazilian Industry. Tooooo much...ONE PERCENT......of course ! Stupid question Joao : is Brazil not restricting Chinese tractors...to protect the "Non Brazilian* tractors...made in Brazil ????? Of course you do....despite they are much cheaper and in much need in view of your agriculture boom !!!! This would certainly be a way to reduce the cost of grains....in my humble view. Of course....that is not where Lula agrees. Laugh...laugh...laugh ! You could even get cheap financing from the Chinese manufacturers....subsidized by their government of course....to further reduce your costs of production, and use more of your money for infrastructure, education and healthcare !!!!! Right or not ? Again not the point of view from the UNcommon sense of Lula. Lets close with a ligther "detail" : have you seen that HIS EXCELLENCE AND HIS LIEUTENANTS .......decided to cut the Brazilian Budget....by 13 billion (Reals or $ I dont recall) to reduce inflation ????? Of course not the reduction for the well being of the admimistration...of course ! And last but not least : did you know that between 1980 and 2007 the AVERAGE annual inflation in Brazil was....400 % !!!!!!! No typing error ! sorry ! "Annual inflation, as measured by the benchmark IPCA index, reached a record 4,922 percent in mid-1994. The index, averaged 400 percent a year between 1980 and 2007 Typical of Brazilians lifestyle." If America is addicted to oil...you are what ? Have you never noticed how those addicted to bad behaviour.....have short memory....on purpose of course ! Truth hurts, thus better hide it whatever way. You are probably second to...ZIMBABWE ! But they beat you. They did in 1 year when you did in many ????? Why dont you sell food to Zimbabwe ? They are starving ! But ready to pay the food with their currency !!! Just fix the price. They will agree anyway. They will just import one more log from Brazil ...and print more of their currency !!!!! Enjoy ! :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D - ch.c. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:47:44 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14687 Well said Gringo !!!!! On behalf of all the "Islanders", I would like to thank you very much for taking your precious time off to congratulate "Gringo" for his comments and condescend to enlighten us all with additional information about Iran ;) - João da Silva Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:48:42 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14686 - Lula prefers to export food and get depreciated US$.....instead of feeding his own society....FIRST ! So that corrupted politicians, can fill their purse and buy mansions in Brazil, Miami...... plus a few bank accounts here and there ! - The First Brazilian Cousin : Argentina and the puta Fernandez strongly believes that by taxing grains exports by 40 % ....AND MORE....is going to lower the price of grains....outside Argentina. -The Second Brazilian Cousin : Chavez the idiot, is just unwilling/unable to produce food and finance its production....despite his huge oil wealth. He prefers to provide straight cash subsidizes to his own farmers, so that instead of producing food....they can afford to buy that food....coming from Brazil ! That is how leazy Venezuelians became. Why produce anything ? Just put the finger to the ON button of the oil pump. Sooooo more easy....than working ! A way of life ! In my view they dont have a brain well developed, but just a feijado in it. Of Course...... a Genetically Modified feijado. Better yet, 70 % of the world population GETS OIL SUBSIDISES....from their filthy governments....and are still unable to produce enough food for them. Still Better, many poors countries such as India SUBSIDIZE heavily....their own agriculture AND their imported OIL. In India the rice price is around US$ 0.19....PER KILO !!!!!!! Retail prices at government shops existing all over the country. And they also subsidize fertilizers and transportation of agricultural products. Ohhhhh...but wherever available....they also subsidize....ELECTRICITY !!!!! And of course, this is due to the wealthy nations of course !!!!!!! When in fact, subsidizes in India is a must, for every politician....TO GET ELECTED.....AND RE-ELECTED OF COURSE..... WITH MORE PROMISES OF SUBSIDIZES...OF COURSE ! our fault....of course !!!!! If that is the common sense of these filthy governments, ministers, politicians......anyone can guess when their country will be developed : NEVER EVER.......since they have already spent their already low tax collection.....plus their own "share" of the cake through heavy corruptions practices....for the building of infrastructure, education and healthcare !!!! Mathematically impossible ! Simple. Last for the road : In Iran, one of the world largest producer and exporter of oil, they IMPORT THE MAJORITY of their gasoline and diesel fuels....because they dont produce enough in their own refineries, and imports are cheaper than their own production. Not over : of course.....both imported and locally refined fuel is then HEAVILY SUBSIDIZED. But....that did not stopped them to have FUEL SHORTAGE.....last summer, millions of citizens made street demonstration, clashing with the police forces. Really funny that Iran is unable to refine neither enough quantity of fuel nor at their own local production costs because they have very old refineries and unwilling to invest for new ones...when oil is under THEIR GROUND !!!!!!! Conclusion : EMERGING COUNTRIES ARE GOING TO DROWN IN THEIR OWN MESSY AND MUDDY COMMON SENSE. They are so genious that during good times they borrow foreign currencies that they cant repay back during lean time....making their own currencies collapse...thus their debts are even more difficult to repay and create a new round of poverty....and still more foreign currencies to be borrowed. A vicious spiral they create themselves and cant go away due to their Great UNcommon Sense ! If America is addicted to oil, emerging nations are crack addicted to debts and UNcommon sense ! Doing the exact opposite of what they do.....is by definition and proof...a guarantee to long term success and wealth. - ch.c. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:58:42 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14683 Seems like Lula is really concerned about the world's poor. So concerned that is, that he's willing to derail an international meeting designed at helping the poor. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7437253.stm Btw, how much of that 3 billion euros pledged to fight hunger came from Brazil? Any guesses? - Gringo Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:16:57 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14682 Bio fuels actually do play a role, although insignificant really, as do higher oil costs and a burgeoning global population coupled with more wealth in nations like China and India. India is the largest importer of Brazilian Ethanol, as our fellow blogger from Geneva is never tired of saying (which is 100% correct). I am not sure what food India imports from Brazil.However, China imports large quantity of Soy beans from Brazil and Soy is not staple diet of Brazilians.We have also increased the export of all kinds of processed food items to the Middle East.My point is that we the domestic consumers are subsidizing the exports of Bio fuels as well as food products. The government does not have to subsidize any producer directly. There is no way the government can justify the increase in prices of food stuff in Brazil nor the hunger prevalent among 44 Million and odd citizens. No wonder, he skipped the Press conference in Rome. Probably ,too many unfriendly reporters waiting in ambush ;) - João da Silva Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:34:28 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9394/1/#pc_14681 The rhetoric coming out of this Nation as of late is deafening and beyond insensate. How dare this man, a man who runs a country where 44 million of that 800 million he cites go to bed hungry, lash out at others? There are no internal “subsidies” keeping these Brazilians poor. Brazil has the farm land and the crops to feed all in this country a hundred times over, but prefers to make a few wealthy by selling cattle feed to Europe and keeping fuel tanks topped. If anything, subsidies probably keep more fed in Brazil by keeping more food in Brazil. I’ll concede that singling out bio fuels for the current food scarcity problem is myopic. Not as myopic and fraudulent as blaming subsidies, though. Bio fuels actually do play a role, although insignificant really, as do higher oil costs and a burgeoning global population coupled with more wealth in nations like China and India. Still, the single biggest factor that forces people go to bed hungry at night -- the elephant in the room that NO ONE wants to talk about -- is corruption: something that this President, his party and this nation know all too well. And it’s a given that Lula would never mention corruption and poverty in the same sentence to a world audience; the laughter would set off avalanches in the Alps. Lula would do all a big favor if he (as well as his kin Mugabee, Chavez, Than Shwe, Yudhoyono et.al) instead rallying the troops with nonsensical populist bravado and defending his newest get-rich-quick-scheme to the financial benefit of a few, focused on eliminating hunger everywhere in his own nation. When he’s done that, then he would wield the moral authority to lecture others. But some advice, he should use logic in his language and not populist bafflegab. His style may currently play well here, but abroad it only makes him look like just another desoptic 3rd world blowhole. Plantations haven't encroached on land used for food cultivation or on the Amazon rainforest, he added. That’s simply a lie. But expected given his new CHAVEZesque posturing as of late. First comes the oil; then comes the “crazy talk”. - Gringo Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:26:06 +0100