Saturday, November 16, 2019
Rethinking Bolsonaro again
Looking at coverage of the BRICS meeting, it seems that I've been overestimating Bolsonaro's neocon devotion. He serves USA when it comes to Venezuela and Israel, but he hasn't joined the blockades against Russia or China or Persia. He continues trading with them as before, maintaining Brazil's tradition of commercial sanity**. He picks his fights, trying to navigate the difficult straits.
This comment by Putin verifies the thought. A Russian reporter asks Putin if Brazil is an ally or an enemy. Putin emphasizes that Russia has lots of trade and assistance deals with Brazil, and all are running steadily. As translated by the subtitle:
"Needless to say, the US as a major power located in the Americas is interesting to Brazil. This is natural."
= = = = =
**Commercial sanity is defined by two questions:
Do you have something I want to buy? Let's negotiate.
Do you want something I have to sell? Let's negotiate.
The USA approach to commerce is defined by two questions:
Does Adelson like you? If so, I'll sell you weapons at a good price.
Does Adelson hate you? If so, I'll send your opponents free weapons.
¶ 12:21 PM 
