Arrastão in Rio: Cars On Fire

Witnessed the effects of violence in Rio. On November 21, 2010 an "arrastão" on the highway: armed criminals robbed two cars and set two other cars on fire on the Linha Vermelha road going into Rio. By chance we were headed out on the opposing road. But those unlucky motorists were trapped, with no exit for miles and miles. I don't feel kindly to the criminals, and even less kindly to a government so corrupt and incompetent they can't deal with security, health, education or roads. The drug gangs are being driven out of the favelas, with nowhere to go but to the general populace. Rio is beautiful, ugly, charming, vibrant, clever, stupid, soulful and sad. I am blessed to have wonderful friends and family there, but glad I live elsewhere.

The news story at: http://bit.ly/aQek36

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• violence
• cars
• fire
• Rio de Janeiro
• highway