crime in Brazil

[nelson]

There is no doubt crime in Brazil is epidemic. The very politically correct Wikipedia concedes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Brazil) this, even the CIA Factbook (which scrubbed by political interests of any real useful information) still mentions (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html) it.

I've never visited Brazil but I have read that the gun control laws in this country are draconian. A friend of mine who visits Brazil often (her fiance lives there) says it's virtually impossible to get a gun.

I'm not drawing any conclusions, just wondering if anyone on the forum has more information about crime or gun control in Brazil.

[Max]

You know it's funny with all the violence in Mexico when Miguel was here he told me the same thing about Mexico. He also said it was impossible to get anything bigger then 380.

[nelson]

That is true about Mexico. I lived in Guadalajara for almost 3 years. Supposedly there are gun ownership laws for citizens, but it's practically impossible. Non-citizens basically cannot get guns, unless you're in a big movie production and bribe the right people. Citizens who somehow manage to get a license - which they won't - for handguns it's illegal to get anything larger than .380 (for revolvers it's .357 and larger). There are similar restrictions for rifles and shotguns. And if you get one - which you won't - you still can't carry it outside of your home. But all these laws are baloney. They are just for show, because there are no gun shops anywhere in or near Guadalajara - and it's the second largest city in the country. Also if you get caught with so much as a round of ammo in your vehicle, or any illegal (unlicensed, unregistered with the military, or improperly obtained) weapon, they will literally throw you in jail for years.

I have read similar things about Brazil's gun laws and penalties but I don't have any experience there. Maybe someone has been there and knows more about it. But one thing I know for sure - the crime rate in Brazil is incredible. Even Wikipedia admits it - and they always try to cover up the ugly stuff!

[vrodderD]

The bank I work for has a a lot of operations in Brazil. One of my friends is a Risk officer that goes down there often, as he is fluent in several languages. They get picked up from the airport in a armored Suburban and have 3 body guards each, armed to the teeth with automatics. It is an extremely dangerous place for business people due to all the kidnappings.

[The G]

We need to worry about OUR country.

[Max]

We need to worry about OUR country.

Your right we do, if the anti gun crowd had it's way the only people that would be armed are the criminals and that is bad for society. A criminal is much more likely to break into your home while your there if he is pretty sure your unarmed.

[right$pecial]

I don't know about Brazil, but my father does business in Mexico. After hearing some of his stories I would much rather return to Iraq than visit South America, or Mexico.

And Max, you are 110% correct and anyone who feels differently...well...

[MYCAR47562]

i wouldn't let angel book a cruise to mexico because of this ill be damned if im going to a country that might collapse any day and can't have a gun.