(Vatican Radio) Thousands of protesters have launched pitched demonstrations across
Brazil, kicking up one almighty protest at the vast costs of next month's soccer World
Cup, while an array of lingering tangible social issues have been booted into touch.
James Blears reports that for demonstrators, this isn't a game. Listen:
The acrid
black fumes of burning tyres blocking roads, chokingly billowed up into mauve darkening
skies, while protesters waved banners.... and a minority, decided to use riot Police
as target practice for rocks and other objects, principally in the Cities of Rio de
Janeiro and Sao Paolo.
The pungent smell of discharged teargas rounds
fouled the atmosphere, already buzzing with fury, about the millions from public coffers,
which could have been used to develop Brazil's business, health care service, housing
and poverty programs, but have instead been poured into refurbishing cavernous stadiums,
which will be jam-packed for the world cup....but then,...what'll happen in the long
empty years which stretch ahead?
There have been problems, glitches,
accidental deaths and other mishaps, in getting everything ready....and not all promptly...for
the world's biggest sporting tournament, which starts on June 12th.
Dozens
have been arrested in these latest protests and organizers warn that more of the same
can be expected.....but......on an appreciably bigger groundswell scale.