The Torch
...
Did everyone hear about the Olympic torch coming to San Francisco, yesterday? This was the only American stop for the torch, and after the protests in London and Paris many people were wondering how the city of San Francisco was going to handle things.
Not surprisingly, considering the area's diverse population and penchant for political activism, there were protests. And counter-protests. On Monday, three protesters climbed the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge, and unfurled gigantic signs, supporting the Tibetan freedom movement. You cannot imagine how insane, dangerous and impressive this gesture was. Given the heights and the winds, this could have easily been a fatal effort.
Yesterday, the city was full of protesters and onlookers, and (no doubt) bemused police officers. Having been active in the protests leading up the invasion of Iraq, I can say that the local police are remarkably laid back when it comes to protests. They give the impression that their goal really is protecting the public safety, and not "cracking heads."
As I understand it, the torch run started as planned, and then the runner ducked into one of the waterfront warehouses, and after a brief pause, the torch and runners were bused to another part of the city, so they could run an abbreviated relay in relative calm.
I'm sure that some will feel that this was a cheat. It must have been very disappointing to come to San Francisco hoping to see the torch relay, and miss out. But after the protests elsewhere, people must have been expecting some kind of upset.
I think it was pure genius on the part of the city. It respected both the torch runners and the protesters, and minimized conflict.
Did everyone hear about the Olympic torch coming to San Francisco, yesterday? This was the only American stop for the torch, and after the protests in London and Paris many people were wondering how the city of San Francisco was going to handle things.
Not surprisingly, considering the area's diverse population and penchant for political activism, there were protests. And counter-protests. On Monday, three protesters climbed the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge, and unfurled gigantic signs, supporting the Tibetan freedom movement. You cannot imagine how insane, dangerous and impressive this gesture was. Given the heights and the winds, this could have easily been a fatal effort.
Yesterday, the city was full of protesters and onlookers, and (no doubt) bemused police officers. Having been active in the protests leading up the invasion of Iraq, I can say that the local police are remarkably laid back when it comes to protests. They give the impression that their goal really is protecting the public safety, and not "cracking heads."
As I understand it, the torch run started as planned, and then the runner ducked into one of the waterfront warehouses, and after a brief pause, the torch and runners were bused to another part of the city, so they could run an abbreviated relay in relative calm.
I'm sure that some will feel that this was a cheat. It must have been very disappointing to come to San Francisco hoping to see the torch relay, and miss out. But after the protests elsewhere, people must have been expecting some kind of upset.
I think it was pure genius on the part of the city. It respected both the torch runners and the protesters, and minimized conflict.
Comments
Great post. I completely agree. The torch itself and the runners are not about China. The torch represents the world community getting together to celebrate athletic prowess. That said, the demonstrators got news coverage - their voice was seen and heard. Their message was not at all diminished (at least for me) by the point that the torch route changed.
Another way protesters and those of use who disapprove of China's human rights and political policies is to demonstrate that disapproval (rather than trying to grab the torch and putting innocent people in danger and creating a raucous) by taking a look at the labels on their clothing and textiles, electronics, furniture, and even the labels on their food (!) and be cognizant about where their dollars are going and what their dollars might be supporting.
-red in SF
On a related note, I got to hold one of the torches last night! My patient's sister had been one of the torchbearer's and she brought it to him to see.
The folks who climbed the bridge had apparently just done so. The pedestrian walkways had just been closed, but there were still several folks out on the span who couldn't get back to either side. Imagine their visit to SF memories!
Naturally there were cops and fire rescue folks and tons of media everywhere. Also, what seemed like ever single bridge worker who was on duty that morning were all gathered on the walked way on the ocean side standing around gawking and taking pictures! Seems they later had to climb the rigging to help with apprehension.
Sure am glad I wasn't 15 minutes later or I might still be sitting that massive traffic jam!
pre
As a prior law enforcement officer, and one who has worked many demonstrations both in San Francisco and Los Angeles, it is always the goal to just keep the peace and keep the "two sides" from fighting and distrupting the "normal daily flow" of life in the City.
jane
The Olympics are supposed to be about friendly competition and not be political. the idea,the way I understand it,is the games are supposed to be politically neutral.
Maybe the IOC should just do away with all the ceremony and just have the games. Just a thought.
Obviously that's not true anymore, if it ever was, and that's too bad. I sort of feel like the torch is some kind of pop-culture celebrity now that'll turn up anywhere.
Suzi (of SuziLivvi fame)
Annalisa