By LARRY ROHTER
BRASÍLIA - Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has never hidden his fondness for a glass of beer, a shot of whiskey or, even better, a slug of cachaça, Brazil's potent sugar-cane liquor. But some of his countrymen have begun wondering if their president's predilection for strong drink is affecting his performance in office.
In recent months, Mr. da Silva's left-leaning government has been assailed by one crisis after another, ranging from a corruption scandal to the failure of crucial social programs. The president has often stayed out of the public eye and left his advisers to do most of the heavy lifting. That has spurred speculation that his apparent disengagement and passivity may somehow be related to his appetite for alcohol. His supporters, however, deny reports of heavy drinking.
And so on. Not too flattering.
Press Release
In view of the frivolous news article, that was dishonest and offensive to the honor of the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, with serious damage to the nation's image to the world, published in last May 9th's edition of the newspaper The New York Times, the Justice Ministry has determined, under the terms of Article 26 of Law nº 6.815, that the presence in the national territory of the author of this article is unsuitable. Under the circumstances, the Ministry has decided to cancel the temporary visa of Mr. William Larry Rohter, Junior.
Brasília, May 11, 2004
Luiz Paulo Teles Ferreira Barreto
Acting Justice Minister
Well. That'll show 'em.
It makes perfect sense when you're drunk enough.