Do You Hear The People Sing?

While unrest in Turkey and Syria, among other places, has the US media's current collective attention, expect it's focus to turn south soon.  Brazilians are taking to the street!

It's no secret that Brazil has a love affair with soccer.  It's also no secret that the country has dealt with its fair share of corruption in government.  It's ironic then, that this soccer-obsessed nation is taking such a firm stand against the prestigious hosting of several major world sporting events - currently the Confederation Cup, the FIFA World Cup in a year, and the Olympics in 2016.

Many are upset at the use of government (and tax) money to fund these events when most citizens realistically will not only be unable to enjoy them, but worse, are being caused more financial hardship from increases in cost-of-living and supposed lack of funds going towards education, transportation/infrastructure, and health care.

All one has to do is read the signage as protesters have taken [mostly] peacefully to the streets of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizante, Brasília, Salvador, and other cities in recent days*:

"Excuse the disruption, we are changing Brazil"

"Welcome to Brazil
Where soap operas, soccer, and Carnival is more important than
education, health, and safety."

"When your son gets sick, bring him to the stadium."

The actual flag has the motto "Ordem e Progresso" (Order and Progress).
This altered flag blots out key letters to instead read "In Progress."

*All the images were taken from posts on Instagram or Facebook.