City of God

“We’re at war with them, there will be more casualties, but we won’t back down.’’ State Military police Chief Colonel Elizeu Teixeira Borges

The current chaos in Sao Paulo was sparked five days ago, when authorities transfered eight leaders of the First Capital Command gang (“PCC”) to a high-security facility near Rio de Janeiro. The PCC retaliated by attacking police cars and stations with bullets and bombs, sparking chaos that overflowed into the prison. Attacks have now spread to banks and buses, and the deathtoll has now reached 90 with many guards in the prison still hostage. In a whopping serves-you-right for bleeding heart liberalism, the violence intensified after thousands of prisoners were freed for the weekend to visit Mom on Mother’s Day.

The PCC is more than a mafia—it’s a criminal trade union. Members contribute monthly dues to a central fund that bribes police officers, hires lawyers, and provides for members’ families while they are in prison. When violence such as this does erupt, it is coordinated and widespread. As a Katrina-esque example of the perils of federalism, President Lula offered to send 4,000 elite troops to help, which were refused by Sao Paulo Gov. Claudio Lembo who insisted the help wasn’t needed. And there will be more casualties before this is over.

FOOTER: The post title is a reference to this.