Torch Song for the Olympic torch
Betcha the Olympics committee wonders why oh why did they allow San Francisco, unabashed political arena, to be the only American point on the torch relay route dubbed the “Journey of Harmony”.
Extinguished in Paris (oft joshed at for their cowardice), many cringed at the thought of what Bay Area pro-Tibetan protesters might do to the torch and/or its bearer. On Monday, a few experienced climbers scaled the cables of the Golden Gate bridge to hang protest banners, which were promptly removed within a few hours.
Today, tensions fly as high as the banners whisking and flapping behind planes, circling the Bay like buzzards, both in support and protest of China’s inhuman actions both in its ties to Tibet and Darfur. Down below, protestors are being pepper-sprayed, beaten and verbally abused by Chinese supporter mobs. One 18-year-old Tibetan youth was detained by the Police, even though clearly the Chinese supporters rose in violence. Maintaining a Tibetan-style peaceful protest, San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly proudly held onto a banner that silently conveyed today’s message: “San Francisco says: No torch in Tibet”.
