This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”. It is divided into two parts: “Incitement” and “Terrorism & Drug Trafficking.” In the first part, “Incitement,” Olavo explores the historical and cultural efforts of the national left to foment criminal violence and disrupt public order. The first article, "The Long History of the Obvious", traces this effort back to the 1930s when communist writers began integrating banditry into their ideological struggle, highlighting works like Jorge Amado’s Capitães da Areia and the influence of Cinema Novo. He describes how, over the decades, this ideology spread into various cultural and legal spheres, leading to the protection of criminals and the establishment of networks that hinder police efforts. The article also discusses the complicity of leftist politicians and intellectuals in perpetuating a state of chaos and violence. The second article, "Primes of Tenderness — 1", criticizes the Brazilian government’s policy of providing financial aid to the families of imprisoned criminals, arguing that it incentivizes crime and reflects the revolutionary movement’s longstanding tradition of sympathizing with delinquents. Olavo cites various historical figures and revolutionary leaders who advocated for the integration of criminal elements into their movements. In the third article, "Primes of Tenderness — 2", Olavo examines how Marxist thinkers, particularly those from the Frankfurt School like Herbert Marcuse, theorized the use of marginalized groups, including criminals, as revolutionary forces. He links this ideological shift to the rise of criminal organizations like the Red Command and PCC in Brazil, which were initially influenced by terrorists trained abroad.
In the second part, “Terrorism & Drug Trafficking,” Olavo delves into the intricate relationship between revolutionary movements and organized crime, focusing on the FARC’s activities. The first article, "I Don’t Want to Name Names", describes the FARC as a multifaceted organization engaged in political, military, and criminal activities, including drug trafficking. Olavo argues against the misconception that the FARC merely “tax” drug traffickers, instead asserting their direct involvement and control over the drug trade. The second article, "We Want to Be Repudiated", criticizes Brazilian politicians who advocate for the transformation of the FARC into a political party, interpreting such proposals as a cynical attempt to legitimize a criminal organization. Olavo emphasizes the moral and practical dangers of this approach, arguing that it would grant the FARC undue power and influence. The third article, "A Speech of Demons", challenges the notion that poverty is the primary cause of crime, instead attributing the rise of drug trafficking and violence to the ideological and financial support from leftist intellectuals and revolutionaries. Olavo highlights the complex dynamics between the middle class, the poor, and criminal organizations, debunking myths perpetuated by the media and academia. The final article, "Thinking with George Soros' Head", critiques the global campaign for drug legalization, spearheaded by figures like George Soros. Olavo contends that legalization would solidify the power of drug cartels, transforming them into a new ruling class, and ultimately furthering the revolutionary agenda. Through these articles, Olavo paints a comprehensive picture of the symbiotic relationship between leftist ideologies and criminal activities, warning against the far-reaching consequences of their interplay.
