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A few years ago, in 2000, I think, Isto ? magazine sponsored a project to determine the greatest Brazilians of the twentieth century. The results were specific for different sectors (politics, science, art, etc...) and were determined by a panel of experts in each area. The original ranking can be found . On the site brazilbrazil.com an alternative list was made because as the writer puts it: in general, about 70% to 80% of the people selected in each category are not bad choices, but in all modesty I think I can do better.
1)
Revolutionary, fascist, president, dictator, and communist idol - Brasil's equivalent to Franklin Roosevelt. Getulio did it all. There is no question that he is number 1. Suicide.
2) ULYSSES GUIMAR?ES
For over 30 years, as generals and "presidents" came and went, Old Ulysses was there. Steady but no sense of humor. Tragic death.
3)
Labor union leader and president on the 4th try. Patient and honest I believe. A true man of the people. Lets hope he keeps radicals at bay and changes the 'system'.
4)
Long time, long-lived head of Brazilian communists. Made a 'great march' that rivaled Maos. Used to annoy his Brazilian comrades, singing the internazionale in Russian. I saw him once as an old man in Rio in the 1980s. Oh yes, he was on the KGB payroll. Between Prestes and humanity give me Olga.
5)
The 1950's were his. He built Brasilia and brought the automobile industry to Brazil. The last of the old-style (pre 1964) politicians. Tragic death.
6) BETINHO
I was surprised to see him on this list, but since there is no list for humanitarians, it is fitting he should be here. He and his brothers were tragically stricken with AIDS. Out of respect, I leave him here.
7) BAR?O DO RIO BRANCO
Somebody from earlier in the century. Good sense and great political skills. A true diplomat. Expanded Brazilian border by charm and brains.
8) CARLOS LACERDA
How could they have forgotten a troublemaker like Lacerda?
9) TANCREDO NEVES
Why not? A good guy, worked quietly for democracy. Tragic death, another.
10) C?NDIDO RONDON
I have only heard good things about this explorer.
11) CASTELLO BRANCO
One of many Generals. He though he acted in the best interests of the nation, little did he know... Tragic death.
12) EDUARDO GOMES
Revolutionary and almost president. "Brigadeiro" candy named after him.
13)
Not a smart guy; made a mess and then made the wrong friends. Yes, he tried to resist, but saw it was hopeless.
14) J?NIO QUADROS
A nut! Think Groucho Marx, but without the humor. The 1964 coup was all Quadro's fault. He made Goulart president.
15) TEOT?NIO VILELA
Representing all the powerful, but feudal "Coronals" of the Northeast.
16) FERNANDO HENRIQUE CARDOSO
The last 10 years of the century were his. A moderate, and indecisive.
17) GENERAL GOLBERY (DO COUTO E SILVA)
The brains behind the military regime. He decided who was a player and who was not. Head of the Intelligence Agency.
18) LEONEL BRIZOLA
The last caudilho. Sao Paulo did not like him, which made him a loser. Famous for "brother-in-law is not family", referring to Goulart.
19) OSWALDO ARANHA
Smart guy, the brains behind Getulio. Also president of the UN.
20) CAMPOS SALES
One of the more notable presidents at the beginning of the 20th century. Was actually elected.
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The lists for other fields, including most corrupt politicians.
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