The World Needs More Lulas
The news of over half the states of Brazil and almost of all Paraguay losing power was the talk of the world for the last few days. With Brazil set to host the Football (Soccer) World Cup and also the Olympics, it underscored the decreipt state of Brazilian Infrastructure. But, President Lula sprung to action to figure out what happened.
Although this incident put the spotlight on Brazil, the fact remains that Lula has pulled off a miracle. I recently read a bio of President Lula and could not help but be really awed by what this man achieved. I regard his story as a modern day Abe Linclon, America's 16th President. In America, the 16th President is held up as a model of persistence, intergrity and modesty that is surely lacking in politics today. President Lula has done what he needed to in order to be able to transform Brazil. In my view, his foresight insured that Brazil escaped the Economic Tsunami we continue to fight even today. I am certain that he would see to it Brazil is ready to deal with this as well.
Why is Lula so compelling a story? He is a man who rose from a modest background in the trade union movement to the Presidency of Brazil. He was jailed, harrassed and was subject to immense pressure especially during the military dictatorship. He went for the Presidency five times. But, I also think that his leftist tendencies evolved into a sense of pragmatism that reaped immense benefits for Brazilians. The near-lawlessness in Rio with the drug gangs, deforestation in the Amazon and the continued class divide is amongst the challenges that Brazil continues to face.
Brazil is a player on the world stage. Lula is one of those leaders who serves as an example for all us. All of us should learn lessons from Lula and how he has governed his vast and complex country. I wish him continued success and yearn to see more Lulas who not only the vision, but also the committment to implement it.
Although this incident put the spotlight on Brazil, the fact remains that Lula has pulled off a miracle. I recently read a bio of President Lula and could not help but be really awed by what this man achieved. I regard his story as a modern day Abe Linclon, America's 16th President. In America, the 16th President is held up as a model of persistence, intergrity and modesty that is surely lacking in politics today. President Lula has done what he needed to in order to be able to transform Brazil. In my view, his foresight insured that Brazil escaped the Economic Tsunami we continue to fight even today. I am certain that he would see to it Brazil is ready to deal with this as well.
Why is Lula so compelling a story? He is a man who rose from a modest background in the trade union movement to the Presidency of Brazil. He was jailed, harrassed and was subject to immense pressure especially during the military dictatorship. He went for the Presidency five times. But, I also think that his leftist tendencies evolved into a sense of pragmatism that reaped immense benefits for Brazilians. The near-lawlessness in Rio with the drug gangs, deforestation in the Amazon and the continued class divide is amongst the challenges that Brazil continues to face.
Brazil is a player on the world stage. Lula is one of those leaders who serves as an example for all us. All of us should learn lessons from Lula and how he has governed his vast and complex country. I wish him continued success and yearn to see more Lulas who not only the vision, but also the committment to implement it.
Mike Pouraryan
