In cities around Brazil as well as throughout the world, Brazilians are protesting. Why? The catalyst was a .20 centavo (10 cent) increase in bus fare, from $R3,00 to $R3,20. While that may not seem significant, the majority of bus riders are from the working class, and taking two buses per day equals 25% of their monthly income. That is a big chunk of money for people already struggling.
The bigger issue, however, is the wasteful spending of the government and abuse by the wealthy citizens of Brazil. While money is being poured into new soccer stadiums and sporting venues for the upcoming World Cup in 2014 and the Rio Olympics in 2016, hospitals remain in ‘third world’ standards, with people lying on the floor waiting to be helped, and schools sub par, with teachers only earning the equivalent to $400 USD.
The rising, more educated middle class wants to see some results for their high taxes – a better standard of living from their government, who takes credit for bringing 40 million Brazilians into the middle class. But that is not happening – corruption is rampant, money disappears, the media is biased and controlled, etc. A giant has awoken in Brazil, led by those wanting to see a change for the better in this great country.
See articles and photos below for more information and share.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2013/06/brazil-protests/66337/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/18/brazil-protests-erupt-huge-scale
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/18/us-brazil-protests-idUSBRE95G15S20130618
http://www.economist.com/blogs/americasview/2013/06/protests-brazil
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-22946736
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/americas/brazil-protests
Reporter Tells how the Police Brutality Marked the Latest Protest in São Paulo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6QVLE8PQJ8&feature=youtu.be
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