Death in the Amazon

The Brazilian government is sending troops into part of the Amazon, where an American nun was killed recently. She was helping with sustainable development projects for the poor residents in rural Para. She was a vocal opponent of the logging industry. This article implies that she was killed becuase of her efforts to preserve the rain forest. Her killing reminds me of the killing of Chico Mendes, who was also killed because of his efforts to stop illegal logging in the Amazon (for anyone interested in learning more about Chico try watching "The Burning Season" with Raul Julia). The Brazilian government seems unable or unwilling to control the actions of rich loggers and ranchers who are willing to kill people who get in their way.