"...During my recent visit to Rio de Janeiro, I understood ... this was a city experiencing a massive influx of cash..." begins an article by Neal Webster Turnage in the October 2012 US Airways Magazine. He continues: "...This is Rio..., once a poverty and crime capital...."The last two presidents did wonders...improving rules and regulations that spurred new business..."...Many...agree... former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva....was a leader who recognized the importance of job growth. During his presidency, Brazil outpaced Russia...leading the way back to economic growth. Newfound oil reserves... bumped up the collective till...people off the dole and the infusion of black gold got Rio's party started.....Police forces... expelled drug traffickers and other criminals from the city..."

This article reminds me of the choice Americans have before them. We have had four years of economic stagnation, massive public spending, what I believe to be catastrophic public debt, and suppression of fossil fuel development. President Obama and the Democrats offer more of the same. Governor Romney and the Republicans offer deregulation, no rise in taxes, cuts in public spending, and development of all energy sources, including fossil fuels. The Republican agenda looks like a page out of President Lula da Silva's playbook to me. That is what I will vote for.

Doug Lilyroth

Lummi Island