Some three hundred policemen in Rio demonstrated at the state legislature several weeks ago, concerned about lack of paychecks and of vehicle fuel, but also unsanitary restrooms, broken fixtures, and lack of the most necessary paper product of all.
Discontent in the police department comes on top of yesterday's report of a mid-east terrorist cell being apprehended, various transit and construction problems besetting the soon to start Olympics, and the report that the small start-up security firm in charge of security officers for the huge event is just starting to interview potential job candidates. No word is given about the length and thoroughness of their proposed training.
What with earning my living in office cleaning Phoenix, I keep on top of restroom and sanitation issues, and not just locally. Several years ago, I wrote a bit about TP shortages in Venezuela, and the thereby indicated likely trajectory of that once wealthy nation's economy. If Brazil is on the same path, I fear for the international economy, not just for the upcoming games. And, I would think, if there is one group of people in a Latin country that one would want to keep happy (like with pleasant, properly stocked restrooms), it would be the police.
In Phoenix janitorial services, if there is one thing I can count on, should my folks neglect to fill the TP dispensers, I'll hear about it. It seems that folks in Rio have been donating TP to the police department. At least, some public spirit remains.
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