http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/24/brazil-army-rio-slums-violence-world-cup

A few days ago, a friend of mine sent me this article published by the Guardian. When I saw the headline, I thought, “The army??? Am I living in the same Rio that the writer is describing??” I proceeded to read the article and flashbacks of conversations with friends, acquaintances, and random cariocas began to pop in my mind. “What?? The governor is describing the situation like this?? How far removed are the people making decisions from the actual conflicts?” To explain my frustration, I’ve chosen a couple different quotes from the article, with my commentary, to give my opinion/perspective on what’s going on down here. 

1.” The pacification campaign is a crucial element in the city’s preparations for the tournament. Since it started, 38 police pacification units (UPP) have been established in favela communities, which are now occupied by more than 9,000 police. ” 

The UPP is the “pacification police”…