funny tidbit: Marshall Deodoro da Fonseca was a monarchist. Brazilian history is full of such contradictions. independence from Portugal was proclaimed by the heir of the Portuguese crown. republic was proclaimed by a monarchist. democracy was installed by an expiring military dictatorship. an innocent president was judged guilty and removed by a corrupt congress. an innocent former president was sentenced and barred from running by a corrupt judge, who then became minister and now wants to run for president against his victim. the military quasi-dictator currently in power was elected by democratic vote. the nation's flag and other national symbols were coopted by his supporters. yay us