America

Torch Song for the Olympic torch

by Kris   ⋅   April 9, 2008   ⋅   Comment Now

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”.

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  1. I’m so fucking proud right now. Awesome job guys! Fuck you China!

    Danny Chu on April 9, 2008

  2. NO TORCH IN TIBET!
    2008/4/21 - Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche:

    “His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always supported that China should hold the much waited Olympic Games,” he said.

    Kalon Tripa added: “We hope for the smooth passage of the torch around the world and that the relay will end successfully.”

    CTA staff members hold regular prayer sessions to enhance the collective merit of Tibetan people and for all those people killed in the recent peaceful protests in Tibet
    However, he said, China’s plan to carry the torch in Tibet will only cause embarrassment to the people in Tibet who are suffering the brunt of China’s violent crackdown. It will bring no good to both China and Tibet.

    Kalon Tripa said by resorting to force to maintain peace and order in Tibet by the Chinese authorities has in fact deteriorated the situation, instead of restoring normalcy.

    Tom on April 21, 2008

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