In Brazil this saying means "nice and easy" - this seems to be the general mentality around here - Brazil is a strange land - Historically the country was colonized by "the Portuguese" and once that had been achieved "they" embarked on a binge plundering this lovely country for all its worth - natural resources with riches ranging from gold and diamonds to precious hard woods. Abundant water supply led to super hydro electric projects that supply all the country with "cheap" electricity, as was promised, now highly taxed by the suppliers. In fact the taxation burden is almost unbearable for the ever-complaining population, which get even less in return in the way of health, education and security services. It is commented that "we give riches while the government returns poverty to us". The politicians try their very best to "rest the donkey in the shade" through exclusive benefits that allow them to work three days a week in the capital, Brasilia, and after a few short years "retire" with huge benefits based on ridiculously high salaries. The tropical climate is well fitted with ideal places to "rest the jack ass in the shadows" - lots of sun to blind the true vision as to what is really going on here. The media is guided to project a specific image of the country according to reserved interests with the objective of attracting "buyers" for the ailing nationalized industries - privatization will no doubt attract investors and developers all looking to get in on the action in this rich land, eventually hoping to get their donkey in the shade status.