Earlier today I mentioned the bribes scandal that is rocking Brazil. Here's a closer look at the details - and what it might mean for Brazil's future.
First, the basics.
A widening political-corruption scandal in Brazil is paralyzing the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, frustrating his aspiration of leadership abroad and casting a cloud over his prospects for re-election next year. Mr. da Silva, a former union leader and Brazil's first working-class president, has been hit hard by a congressional probe into whether an operative for the governing Workers' Party dispensed suitcases of cash to congressmen at hotels. His chief of staff and the No. 2 and No. 3 officials in his party have been forced to resign as a result of the alleged vote-buying scheme.
Okay, dirty politics based on bribes. But what does that have to do with us? Why should we care?
The WSJ suggests we should care plenty. [Subscription required - Read the rest at Random Probabilities...]
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