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MrRodgers -> Why the Olympics ? Oh...the 'Olympic Cause hey' (7/3/2016 10:32:52 PM)
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A few low lites:
In an open letter last month, 150 prominent doctors, bioethicists and scientists from around the world asked for the Olympics to be moved or postponed because of the Zika epidemic.
Forget Zika, women are 10 times more likely to be raped, men more likely to be shot to death. (Aug. is winter...few mosquitoes)
In April, a newly built bike path along Rio’s seashore collapsed, killing two people.
Everybody fears an increase in police violence during the Games. The country will deploy 85,000 soldiers and police officers, about twice the number used in the London 2012 Olympics.
HOW did everything get so messed up? Money is one problem. “The state is bankrupt,” Francisco Dornelles, the interim Rio governor, admitted in an interview with a magazine two weeks ago.
The incumbent governor, who has lymphoma, is on sick leave. Just before Christmas, he declared a “health system emergency” as hospitals closed units and money ran out for equipment, supplies and salaries. Months later, the state started delaying civil servants’ salaries and pension checks.
Teachers have gone on strike and students have occupied dozens of schools in protest. The state already owes $21 billion to Brazil’s federal government and $10 billion to public banks and international lenders. A budget shortfall of $5.5 billion is projected for this year. An $860 million loan has already been granted to help cover the cost of security at the Games.
Come on down to enjoy the Olympic spirit.
HERE
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