Rejecting democracy
I’ve been watching the attempted insurrection in Brazil, not with much shock, but with some anger. This is, of course, another expression of the right-wing authoritarians who are doing their best to fracture political systems around the world.
They stormed Brazil's National Congress and set fire to the carpet. They attacked presidential offices, rifled through papers and tried to barricade themselves inside. Videos show Jair Bolsonaro's supporters rioting in Brazil’s government offices. https://t.co/dpVKpXYIdo pic.twitter.com/eMDQGA0rpf
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 9, 2023
Apparently Bolsonaro has been working with Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and perhaps other Trump-aligned fascist types, which is no surprise.
I am glad to hear that President Lula da Silva responded swiftly, and that it seems most people in Brazil continue to support him.
If you want to read a little more, here are some articles I’ve collected.
From Yasha Mounk at The Atlantic
Brazil’s ‘January 6 Moment’ Is a Warning
The threat from authoritarian populists endures.
Heather Cox Richardson
January 8, 2023
David Rothkopf
Brazil Is Just the Latest Victim of the Global Fascism Virus
World leaders condemn Brazil violence as US lawmakers call for Bolsonaro extradition
Come to the ‘war cry party’: How social media helped drive mayhem in Brazil
Researchers detected a surge in aggressive rhetoric from election denialists in far-right channels online ahead of Sunday’s rioting (gift link)
Steve Bannon Cheers on Brazilian ‘Freedom Fighters’ Trying to Recreate Jan. 6