MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Temer administration further weakened by more corruption claims: calls for impeachment
A Brazilian minister resigned on Friday amid allegations that he enlisted President Michel Temer's help to pressure a fellow Cabinet member to approve a luxury apartment development project in a preservation zone. The announcement feeds a growing scandal over alleged misuse of power that threatens Temer's presidency only six months after he replaced a predecessor ousted from office by Congress — and at a time corruption investigations have tarred many senior politicians. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rules“At least one opposition party says it will submit a motion to impeach the new president.”
Nov 26th, 2016 - 09:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sure, PT, PC do B, PSOL, Rede and a few other insignificant parties-for-hire. Just shows what sore losers they are. But they'll get nowhere.
“Temer, who is deeply unpopular with many Brazilians,.....”
“deeply unpopular with 'whom' ” ? ah yes, the 'petistas' and those who are upset that the fat cow was impeached. While Temer isn't at all concerned about his popularity, it might be good for those idiots to remember that either Brazil approves his austerity measures, or the country will go down the drain, once and for all. Those who are rooting against him, are exactly those that just want power back, at any cost. Screw them !
I bet Rousseff thought they wouldn't be able to impeach her too, until she fell out with Temer's party and Cunha allowed it to proceed.
Nov 27th, 2016 - 03:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Isn't Temer also implicated in all the corruption scandals? I bet he's unpopular with some people because of that, but he claims he doesn't care as he's not planning on standng for President in the next election. Still, isn't there a chance his own party will stab him in the back if he gets unpopular enough? They won't want to lose in the polls because they are associated with him.
The other comments have closed so I'll reply about voter IDs here.
For the Democrats the point is this: although their supporters would be able to obtain IDs with some time and effort, they know that some of them - maybe a lot of them - will not bother to do so, and will therefore not vote if the laws are passed. Naturally they object to this, and are suspicious of the motives of Republicans in passing such laws.
There is also the fact that in America, there is a long and ignominious tradition of making laws to disenfranchise certain communities, such as by requiring literacy tests, property requirements, and poll taxes in order for people to register to vote.
Quite a few states have had their voter ID laws struck down by the courts on the basis that they discriminate against minorities. In North Carolina they even found that the (Republican) state government requested data on the use, by race, of a number of voting practices, and then enacted a law to remove those most used by blacks. Highly suspicious when they know black Americans mostly vote Democrat.
If there was a lot of fraud then maybe it would be worth passing such restrictive measures despite the fact they reduce voting by citizens, but most evidence actually shows there is little 'in person' voting fraud; rather most of the fraud is associated with absentee balloting.
I was going to write about immigration too, but I've run out of space.
So, what more can we say but, “#ForaTemer”.
Nov 28th, 2016 - 04:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0@DT
Nov 28th, 2016 - 06:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Corruption and malfeasance have always been significant in Brazil, but only reached current levels under the PT. They were the first to install organized crime in the government and the State-run companies. And with the slow and inefficient justice system, the last thing they thought about was being caught. Dilma - and Lula - thought they were too big, too powerful to be charged with anything.
The charges against Temer refer to accusations he received money under the counter for his campaign.....well, in that case , he and every single politician in Brazil is guilty. His unpopularity is not as large as the opposition tries to make out...and it seems he's serious about getting Brazil back on track, even if it affects his popularity. Those who are continually trying to oust him, are the 'petistas' and other radicals, because the interruption of Dilma's presidency has ruined their Bolivarian dream.
The democrats' excuses for not wanting voter ID, are very feeble...and the much proclaimed reason is because it's something you'd expect in a totalitarian State....total BS. To me it's just a load of conspiracy theories to allow things to carry-on as they are. Just one question: what happens to a Condo resident if he doesn't pay his dues ? or, if he doesn't 'contribute' ? he loses his voting rights...a very sound policy, and for a very good reason, and a concept that could easily be expanded nationwide, to exclude only the truly illegal, who don't pay their way. States striking down laws (that demand voter ID) claiming they discriminate minorities, is a rather weak argument - unless, they REALLY do... But I agree, if a state Law 'does' purposely target minorities, by using discriminatory tactics, it's wrong...that's why a nationally based ID system would solve this problem. Why is a simple ID such a problem ? the truth is it isn't, but they sure make it out to be.
Basically, anyone who is interested enough to vote, should get an ID...end of story.
@JB
Nov 28th, 2016 - 11:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Temer promising to veto any attempts to pass an amnesty law sounds promising, if he actually sticks to it. But will his policies get Brazil back on track? From what I heard the recession was mostly due to a fall in demand from China, so how much recovery is possible if this does not change?
The Democrats' objections seem reasonable to me; why would they let the other party pass a law that benefits them without complaining? If the Republicans were really serious about voter fraud then no doubt they could find a way to require ID without disadvantaging certain groups. Creating a National ID card would solve the problem, but many Americans are crazy paranoid about this and would strongly object. Anyway, since several laws have been struck down by the courts exactly because they target minorities, I think it is reasonable to be suspicious.
On immigration:
”seems the number (of illegal immigrants) went increasing gradually, peaking in 2009, then more or less stabilizing after that.”
So the number did rise continuously until Obama took over (in 2009) and has stopped rising since then. But I don't give Obama all the credit, as the recession in the USA resulted in less jobs, causing quite a few people to return to Mexico. AFAIK the number of Mexicans in the US has actually fallen due to the improving economy in Mexico, but more people are still arriving from Central America which counteracts this.
Anyway, illegal immigration was an issue long before 2008, but previous governments were also unable or unwilling to actually reduce it. My opinion is that it is actually beneficial for rich people (including most politicians and all presidents), as it gives them cheap and plentiful labour for their businesses, as well as housekeepers, gardeners etc for themselves. It's also good for the economy in general, but tends to keep wages lower, so it's bad for many workers. This applies to politicians of both parties and goes some way to explaining why little has been achieved.
@DT
Nov 29th, 2016 - 05:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“ From what I heard the recession was mostly due to a fall in demand from China, so how much recovery is possible if this does not change?” That's what Dilma loved to tout as the reason(for the recession), but while it definitely aggravated the already bad situation, it was NOT the cause...to put it simply, when revenue falls, what does any sensible administrator do ? cut back on spending...but not Dilma, she just increased it, like the feast would never end...(her motto was always “spending, is life”). That's why she was impeached - for overspending, then meddling with the budget without Congressional approval, and finally, trying to cover it up. Temer's actions are long overdue, something the PT would never agree with (and still doesn't) as it would have meant 'stop spending'...(what you don't have..)
Voter ID is not about benefiting Tom, Dick or Harry, it's about ensuring honest and transparent elections. Presuming all Americans and those working legally in the US, need to declare income tax, whether exempt or not, perhaps distributing ID cards through the return notifications from the IRS, could implement an ID system which takes into account only whether you are an American citizen (or a green-card holder)...maybe it's time for people to stop being paranoid about “big brother”, for the sake of transparency.
Your “But I don't give Obama all the credit, as the recession in the USA resulted in less jobs, causing quite a few people to return to Mexico..”
Agreed, I said as much when we were discussing Soros.
Again, you're right, illegal immigration has always been an issue, but has not always been under the spotlight. I too think that while sufficiently well-to-do americans and farmers in CA, took advantage of cheap labour, they preferred to ignore the issue, but when it allegedly aggravated unemployment - at least in the public perception - the government had to act, even if only to give the appearance of dealing with the problem.
@JB
Nov 29th, 2016 - 11:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A Keynesian would say you need to increase spending during a recession, but that really relies on the government saving money during the boom, something I am willing to bet the PT government did not do.
We will have to wait and see how Temer's policies work, the next elections are due in 2018 right? So he has two years to turn things around. But if his policies leave people hungry like those of previous governments, the PT might just get back in.
“Voter ID is not about benefiting Tom, Dick or Harry, it's about ensuring honest and transparent elections.”
It certainly should be, but in the past when some states made laws that voters had to be able to read, they were not trying to ensure their voters were well educated. They were trying to prevent former slaves voting. If they can make a law that does not place an extra burden on the poor and minorities, I think the Democrats would stop objecting.
But having a national ID card would be really unpopular. It is seen in the US, and to some extent the UK, as something that fascist governments do; making all citizens carry ID so the police can stop them in the street and check up on them. The last Labour government were planning to bring them in here in Britain, and many people were unhappy about it, but then they lost the election so it didn't happen.
I think if it meant having a national ID card then the Republicans would start objecting to voter ID laws as well. Even though this would also make it much harder for illegal immigrants to get a job, killing two birds with one stone, most Americans would still not agree to it.
And I think it is exactly the problem that previous governments in the US were only giving the appearance of dealing with the problem. Knowing that it would be hard and expensive to fully police the border, and not really wanting to cut off the cheap labour, they preferred to let the immigration continue. So eventually, people were ready to vote for a candidate who promised extreme measures.
We are referring to a country where on one hand, the “Style of Democracy” and the legal system is created or controlled by the thieves and on the other hand, the majority of the general population is either ignorant, apathetic or misguided.
Nov 30th, 2016 - 04:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Does anyone really think that in such a situation, THE ELITE amongst these thieves are going to make the laws &/or the constitution which will be against their interests [of going on stealing]?
Of course, as a symbolic gesture - as a farce, a show - just a few of them are behind “Five Star Bars” while remaining politically [indirectly] active, while their offshore accounts are being taken care of by their foreign “Accounts Managers” and while more than 99% of these thieves are enjoying total freedom - forever!
CORRUPTION IS BEING MADE 100% LEGAL - JUST WATCH!
@DT
Nov 30th, 2016 - 11:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“@JB
A Keynesian would say you need to increase spending during a recession, but that really relies on the government saving money during the boom, something I am willing to bet the PT government did not do. ”
You are absolutely right about the PT not saving during the bonanza...they just increased spending, by 'inventing' huge investment projects in infrastructure (the so-called PAC's - programme for acceleration of growth, of well over USD 1 trillion, over a 10 year period), which have been totally ineffective, but great sources of corruption...the PT brand. Quite frankly I don't agree one bit with Keynes....if you get into a recession because of bad govt policy, there's no way you're going to spend your way out of it. I believe in Milton Friedman's ideas...far more rational. But don’t worry - hunger is no longer an issue. Even with Temer.
It’s a bit far-fetched to resort to comparisons between ex-slaves and today’s minorities in the US….that was a looong time ago ; having a national ID, does not necessarily imply you would need to carry it on you ....just in elections or when you ‘need’ to prove you are who you claim to be…to open a bank account, get a loan, buy a car etc …and to vote. It’s not an issue in tons of countries…the US would get used to it. They are looking for ‘hair on eggs’…and as far as I know, all South American countries require a national ID, yet none are ‘fascist’…pure paranoia. The probability that “most Americans would not agree with it” did not prevent them from ‘agreeing’ with a lot BO heavy-handedness…
Once everyone – citizens and future citizens (green card holders) - have national ID’s, you’d have a level playing field, removing any reason for complaints.
@JB
Dec 01st, 2016 - 12:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't think spending will get you out of a recession caused by bad policy or other external problem like shortage of oil, it's meant for the sort of ordinary cyclical recessions where the problem is lack of consumer confidence and low demand. It's supposed to break the positive feedback loop where the economy looks bad, so people spend less money, so there is less demand, people get laid off, so they spend less money, and things get worse and worse.
Weren't you complaining that the PT did not invest in infrastructure but just gave handouts? Apparently they did try to invest in it, it just wasn't effective because of all the corruption?
And sure the ex-slaves were a long time ago, but those laws that stopped people voting were only removed in 1965 due to the civil rights protests. There are plenty of people still alive who remember them, and know that the states only removed them because they were forced to by the federal government.
As for the ID cards, I'm sure you're right that they are just paranoid, but even if they have no reason to fear ID cards they still do, and so their governments have to take that into account. AFAIK non of the states that has passed voter ID laws has even suggested such a thing, so they obviously believe it would be unpopular.
Also lol at 'hair on eggs', is that a Brazilian phrase? I like it.
@DT
Dec 01st, 2016 - 05:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Exactly, ‘emergency’ spending is OK if needed to avoid a bigger problem or to get over a cyclical hump, in specific situations, not a solution to get out of a recession – caused by exactly that, in the first place. That’s what Dilma did right from the start of her first term (Lula’s 2nd term was tainted by the “mensalão”, the precursor of the “Petrolão”, and was the beginning of the PT’s downfall)…while enough revenue was pouring in, to cover ever-increasing spending (in highly suspicious contracts, in which we now know, to facilitate corruption - but intended to maintain her ‘popularity), she managed to keep up appearances…when the failed economic policies started to take their toll, instead of cutting back, she spent even more…which lead to her demise.
Mixed up with the above, the PT’s investment programme was primarily intended to award billionaire contracts – financed by the BNDES - to the big construction companies (now all accused in the “Lavajato”), to enable bribes of up to 5% (to be distributed in varying percentages to executives, politicians, and political parties – these being the main ones which formed the government coalition : PT, PP, PMDB) ; known bribes (stolen) from PB, up to now, reach US$ 6 billion. The main reason for these gigantic projects was to create money sources for corruption - proof of this, is that after 9 years, less than 30% of what was projected (for the 10 year period) has been achieved…the other 70 % , either never got off the ground, stopped halfway through lack of funds, or is bogged down in corruption…bit the money has gone ; the whole thing was based on bad faith.
What I meant is that preventing descendants of slaves from voting, until the mid-60’s, cannot be compared to the reasons given by today’s politicians, who are against a national ID (such as claiming minorities can’t afford ID’s, or paranoia) . It’s just a smoke screen.
Yep, ‘looking for hair on eggs’ is a literal translation of a Brazilian expression
@JB
Dec 02nd, 2016 - 09:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It sounds like most of what the PT was doing was intended to finance the corruption, rather than the country. :( Does anyone know where the money has gone? US$6bn is a hell of a lot to steal! And what will happen to the construction projects now, will they just be left unfinished forever?
You may believe objections to voter ID laws are just a smokescreen, but the US courts don't agree with you:
“On July 20, a federal appeals court ruled that Texas' voter ID law had a discriminatory impact on voters, and ordered a lower court to come up with a fix before elections in November.”
I already mentioned North Carolina, where the judges not only struck down the law but ruled that it had been passed with deliberate intent to discriminate.
In Wisconsin parts of the law were struck down, and the judge said: “The evidence in this case casts doubt on the notion that voter ID laws foster integrity and confidence. The Wisconsin experience demonstrates that a preoccupation with mostly phantom election fraud leads to real incidents of disenfranchisement, which undermine rather than enhance confidence in elections, particularly in minority communities. To put it bluntly, Wisconsin's strict version of voter ID law is a cure worse than the disease.”
In North Dakota, a federal judge blocked a law requiring photo ID to vote, ruling that the law unfairly burdens Native Americans in the state.
Also, these changes aren't happening now due to sudden worries about fraud. In the voting rights act I mentioned, passed in 1965, there was a provision which stopped certain states changing their voting laws without preapproval. This was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. If those states were so worried about voter fraud, why didn't they do something about it back when they would be forced to make sure their laws did not discriminate? Maybe because the worries about fraud are mostly a smokescreen to try and swing the vote in their favour, now that there is a little less oversight.
@DT
Dec 03rd, 2016 - 05:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0When Lula was elected end 2002, it made just about everyone - except those who voted for him - quite nervous ; funnily, not even he suspected he had a chance of winning, so when he did, he literally had no idea what to do regarding the economy....which was good, because he just sat back and told his team to carry on with the same policies as his predecessor, FHC. After a few months, people began to think he might not be as bad as predicted. Into the 2nd year of his term, the world boom took off, and despite Brazil not knowing too well how to take full advantage of it, it was pulled along by it's trade partners and money started rolling in. I reckon that's when the PT must have thought the bonanza would never end and started to put their project (for power) into action. In 2007 he nationalized PB with the sole purpose of using it politically (power and corruption)...the 'mensalão' was denounced and everyone was positive he was the mentor, but with politics back then being kinda different than today, he got away with murder - he became known as the 'teflon' president (to whom no accusations stuck) - but his reputation was tainted, at least as far as the less-ignorant were concerned. The rest we are all familiar with.
As to the unfinished projects, without the necessary funding, I don't see them going anywhere...eventually they should be subject to other investigations. So, the promise of ugrading Brazil's infrastructure (within 10 years) to attend its needs, never came anywhere near reality.
“....but the US courts don't agree with you: ” what the US courts agree with is obviously based on how 'they' see things, which can range from legitimate reasons to 'imagined' or 'percieved' resistance against changes. To me it seems more politically-oriented than anything else. But whatever the reasons for keeping things the way they are, I still don't think they are necessarily' in the best interests of the US...but it's not my problem...
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