LETTERS

Well xeroxed

Mr. Bosque's article ("Looking Back at Collor" - Brazzil Sep. and Oct. '96) is a very good copy of all the articles that came out on magazines like Veja and Isto É during the period of President Collor's impeachment. I am a student of Latin American history myself, and therefore I was expecting much more of Mr. Bosque's article. I was expecting something new.

President Collor was never convicted of any crime. He was judged and sentenced guilty by the Congress. It was a political trial. I would also like to ask Mr. Bosque if he knows where most of President Collor's political adversaries are today? Since he is an expert in this subject, does he know where Ibsen Pinheiro is? I can give you 1001 reasons why Mr. Collor was the most important and reformist President Brazil has ever had.

Arnon de Mello
Via Internet

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Collor blind

At times it depresses me to be a Brazilian. The infamous Collor couple betrayed, looted and raped the people of Brazil. Yet there are those "compatriots" who go out of their way to greet them ("The Collor Charm - Brazzil March '97). Thank God our Argentinian neighbors seem to be vested with a better sense of indignation. When we choose to overlook corruption in favor of the "glamour" of celebrity, we not only sell our souls, but we end up with a country that has no choice but to continue declining.

Yara Morton
California
Via Internet

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Data Tracking

In your February, 1997, issue you refer to a poll done by the "Gallup Institute" which compared 46 countries and found that Brazilians had the highest optimism rating. I have been trying to track down the original source of this clipping. I contacted Maura Strousberg, the Research Librarian, at The Gallup Organization, but she says she does not know of any such poll, she knows only of a twenty nation poll which did not include Brazil.

Is it possible that it was some source other than the Gallup Institute? Or is the Gallup Institute different from The Gallup Organization? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I would be particularly interested to find this figure for past years, if these polls have been done periodically.

Ted Goertzel, Prof. of Sociology
Rutgers University
Camden, New Jersey

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A Little Help

I would like to thank Brazzil. I enjoy the magazine very much and it was an invaluable source for me to pass my very difficult English exam at the University. I think I was able to pass only because Brazzil allowed me to combine the pleasure of reading news on Brazil with the obligation of learning English!

Congratulations to all the volunteers who make the magazine possible and I would like to assure you that even in the heart of the Tuscan region, in Italy, there are people rooting for you.

Cristiana Martins
Lucca, Italy

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Information,
Please

I am representing my freshmen world geography class at the Marlboro academy, and we would greatly appreciate it if you could send us some recent information about Brazil, such as the current head of state, what kids our age (14-15) enjoy doing there and what they are like, as well as maybe the popular sports and activities in the country.

Do they listen to the same music we do? Do they like the same things? How is Brazil different from the United States? What is Brazilians' daily life like? Our school is not very rich and we have very little information that is up to date. I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me this information as soon as possible. Thank you for your time.

Aziz Ansari
Via Internet
aansari714@aol.com

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Worth Every
Penny

I started receiving your magazine several months ago. It's the best $3 I've spent in a while. I really liked your series on visiting Rio. Someday I may be able to make the trip. Keep up the good work.

F. M. Bennett
Clifton Park, New York
Via Internet

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Bridging the Gap

Since my Brazzil subscription expired, I found myself even more distanced from Brazil. Then I realized that the magazine really brings part of Brazil to the reader. Therefore, thank you for shortening the distance that geography places between my beautiful country (Brasil) and myself. Muito obrigada mesmo.

Karin Heines
Salinas, California

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From the Heart
and Mind

Bruce Gilman's two recent articles on Paulinho da Viola and Martinho da Vila were outstanding. His writing reflects both an enthusiasm and love for Brazilian popular music and a scholarly understanding of the elements of the music.

Paulinho da Viola is a favorite of mine and I'm anxious to get Bebadosamba. Where is it available? I last saw him perform in 1987 in Recife. Also, where can I get Martinho's CD? I look forward to Bruce's next article.

Fred Dobb, Ph.D.
California Dept. of Education
Sacramento, California

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Britain Calling

I have been living in England for nine months as a student. Since I will be marrying this year, I believe I will stay here for a long time and that's why I need information from my country. A friend at school gave me your address and I am very interested in subscribing to your publication.

Miss M. M. A. Carmo
Sutton/Surrey, England

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I Want Back

Somehow I lost my link and subscription in a recent move and I would like to re-subscribe. I've really missed reading the magazine and will be sending my payment ASAP. Please start my subscription at your earliest convenience. Thanks and I won't let it lapse again. PS: Where can I get some farinha and dendê oil? I have all these great recipes from friends, but I can't make them.

David J. Swiderski
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Via Internet

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Thank God
It's English

Please enter my name on your subscription list. I like your publication because it's printed in English. I lived in Brazil for five years so I can appreciate the information you print. I speak Portuguese well, but I don't read or write it very well yet. Good luck!

Stephen Mucia
Jupiter, Florida

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My Turn

I totally disagree with those readers who have been criticizing your magazine for the daring material you publish. This is a product of the American puritanism. Those people should at least be aware of the freedom of the press that exists in other countries.

J. Henry Phillips
Austin, Texas
Via Internet

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A Decade More

Please renew my subscription for ten years. I keep forgetting to renew on time. If you can think of any resources on the Internet about business opportunities in Brazil or about relocating to that country please let me know.

Deering Kendrick II
Washington, DC

And what do you think?