Those of you who think we're living in a fascist state

... remind me again how many foreign reporters have been expelled for insulting the President?

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva came under criticism Wednesday for deciding to expel a New York Times correspondent who had written a story saying the Brazilian leader was a heavy drinker.

The newspaper protested the order against correspondent Larry Rohter and said it ``would take appropriate action to defend his rights.''

Rohter's visa was canceled and he was given eight days to leave the country - the first expulsion of a journalist since the 20-year military dictatorship ended in 1984. The last time a foreign journalist was expelled was in the 1970s.

``It's a political mistake. The government managed to transform a victory into a defeat - it went from victim to villain. There is no precedent for this during democracy,'' said Sen. Jefferson Peres of the left-leaning Democratic Labor Party.

Oh, that's right. The correct answer is none.

And no, I don't consider Brazil a fascist state either, no where close. But this isn't exactly encouraging.

Comments

[RightWingDuck]

I heard that story too. I think he apologized and let him stay. Said something to the effect of "I was drunk. Sorry, didn't know what I was doing." :)