Trouble in Rio

Violence in Rio de Janeiro has become a topic of international concern since the city landed the 2016 Olympics.

Shortly after the city won the distinction over Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid, gang warfare broke out not far from where the Olympics will be held. This was not a minor incident: 21 people died, including three police officers when a police helicopter was shot down.

Since then, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to allocate $60 million in aid for the city.

The murder rate in Rio makes it one of the world's most dangerous cities. Violence is common in Rio's slums, which number "1,000 or so," according to the Wall Street Journal.

Violence occurs throughout the city. Pickpockets and purse snatchers operate at the city's famous beaches such as Ipanema. Residents take precautions to avoid being carjacked and robbed.

President Silva said: "It will take time to resolve the problems of the gangs, organized crime and the drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro."

Wonder if members of the Olympic Committee took all this in consideration before making their choice.