BRAZIL-How far is he prepared to go?

First signs

A long time ago I raised the question of just how far Lula would go to retain the PT’s hold on political power. He gave off some early signs today in a pronouncement regarding his deposition this AM.

He did not discuss the content or the merit of the issues discussed at the deposition nor did he allow space or time for questions from the press at the pronouncement. He stated that the Public Prosecutor had “declared war” on the PT and that the mainstream media and the “elites” were seeking to stifle the ascension of Brazil’s poor – class warfare.

He provided a long and highly bombastic description of his trajectory from poverty to the presidency and finished with an appeal to his supporters to take to the streets constantly in defense of democracy and the abuse of power by the “elites” and their “desire” to hold down the poor.

Instead of asking cooler heads to prevail, he fanned the flames of anger. This comes at a time when a 13 March demonstration is planned to again demand the impeachment of Dilma and a confrontation looks increasingly likely.

Watch events closely. Rhetoric has overtaken reason and Lula has politicized what should be little more than a police matter. 

A street protest in favor of Lula is planned for today at 18:00 hours.