KCBS Expanded Coverage: Olympic Torch Relay

Share your thoughts.

As long as the protest is legal, I don't have a problem with it. But the laws are there to protect the rights of everyone else, so keep the protests within the law.

Keep it legal and I don't have a problem with it.

The Tibetans and Sudanese would be murdered or in prison for the actions on the Golden Gate and in Paris. We should be greatful we live in a nation where all ideas can be expressed.

All the wackos are converging on SF to support Tibet. But bring up Iraq, where we actually did something to stop genocide, and they all turn red and scream for us to pull out and let them kill each other.

For god's sake, let the game be a game.

Why do you presume anyone protesting the dictatorship in China are liberals?

It is our ethical and humanitarian obligation to demand governments not to be permitted to partake in religious persecution. History has already established the horrific ramifications that religious genocide has resulted in. Ask a WWII survivor or one of the millions exiled from Bosnia or Rowanda. In honor of my religious freedom, I shall pray for yours. Free Tibet. From a Conservative who carries a gun. :)

Take the politics out of the Olympic Games.

While I totally understand and agree with the view of China, I ndon't agree with any means of protest that interfere with the lives of the General public. Most of the folks these protest impact are those trying to support their families. I'm discusted by how the Chinese treat their own, but don't need to be prevented from coming to do my job in San Francisco. My only hope is that those who protest think of what they do and who it truely affects. FYI: It's not China.

what genocide in iraq? there was't one, bar the horrors of the marsh arab slaughter conducted by saddam. but as a republican i am horrified that over one million iraqi civilians have died as a result of our army being in iraq. that scares me. so my sympathy here is with those protestors who don't want to see the chinese eliminate the tibetan people and culture, as they have been trying to do. surely one can still be republican and empathised with other people? it's republicans like you who are going to lose us the next election, sorry to say

i'm a white south african. let me tell you, as a kid in the apartheid regime it was a real shock to know that the world was boycotting our sports events. that made the biggest change of all, knowing that, in my family. we were shocked by how the world felt and about us and how they disapproved. sport is much less important than torture and oppression and killing people. yes, it's fun, but who wants to run or do hurdles when not doing so might save lives in tibet? so, yes, protest is good. trust me, the chinese have noticed, as we did, what people abroad felt.

are you a chinese national by any chance? over here in our free society, but supportign the society you do not choose to live in at long distance?

Phil Green is right, take politics out of the games.

We must give voice to those who cannot speak! How would you like to live in a country where you could be killed for having a picture of the Pope in your home or on your person?

All these free Tibet people are hypocrates, why don't they also fly the banners to free Hawaii or free Native Americans? free Northern Ireland? Death to Dalai Lama!

It is sad

just call it off! a waste of money and a potential waste of health and well fare for all involved - it is asking for trouble - I support the protesters but why even let it happen? yes China owns us but come on!

Let's call China what it is....Communist China...we are all supporting Communist China when we purchase items from Communist China...we are paying a price ... we are selling out ourselves and our country for cheap goods.

I think the western media coverage on recent Tibet incident totally offline; and result nothing but anit-western among the Chinese. Da Lai has very good PR and most western people see Tibet same as green party or environmental; something like fashion. they just forget the average life-span only 30 and now is 60 , they are living people now the someone's pet!

I does affect China. Originally, they plan to use the torch relay as publicity stunt to advertise China. Now , it has become a publicity nightmare for them. The torch relay had drawn much more attention to the cause of Tibet than the Tibetans could ever dreamed of. I'm sorry for the inconveniences that the protesters might have caused, but as a free society; we can afford to sacrifice a little for the greater cause of humanity.

Freedom cost much and has a very high maintenance bill. Is it worth it...YES!!! My father, a WWII veteran, has raised me to RESPECT ALL.. as a Chinese American, I'm very grateful for this America we live in. Let is do both, Protest and Game. Protest not just by shouting... but, by doing business in China....go to China and vote by supporting the average Chinese over there. Games... let every free nation's athlete talk about how free they are to each of the athlete from countries which there is no freedom. Plant an idea... water it... then watch for the fruit.

I am Chinese and I have never heard any newspaper, radio station, and tv interview the ordinary Chinese Americans regarding our viewpoint on Tibet. Yet extra time coverage on those caucasians who climbed GG Bridge. Who's Lauren S? What about us, those who live in Chinatown. Your one sided coverage just show how biased and ignorant the western world is with Chinese. So now the government shuts up but the citizens decided to express their bigotry and holier than thou attitude toward China. Lighten up, Olympic will be showcase in China regardless of whether you make a fool of yourself or not.

To all those who rant and rave about Tibet. GET A LIFE! It's none of your business! Before you go judging Chinese people, why don't you tell your government to return all the lands to the Native American Indians? Why don't you tell England to give back the Falkland Islands? Your holier than thou attitude makes me sick! From a Chinese viewpoint: this is a mutation of the imperialistic and colonial attitude that the whites have always display toward China since the Ching dynasty. Nothing new here except the bigotry is fully display down to the citizens' level. Don't tell China what to do when the US government interfere with other nations' internal affair. Similarly now you the citizens are trying to tell us that you are smarter, more righteous and can tell us what to do again. Shame on you, those who hate Chinese & China behind the "Free Tibet" banner. China & Chinese are no longer the same, yet you are the same ugly people inside.

omg, what does climbing the bridge have to do with a kid who has worked for YEARS to be the best in his sport. go home and write your congressional representative. let the kids compete in peace and the rest of us (who believe laws are more than a suggestion) enjoy the ceremony.

Thank you KCBS for lying to the Bay Area Americans - YOu just forgot to mention that those Tibetan protesters are slave masters who use to kill their fellow tibetans for fun. Please wake up Americans - when you support them, you are supporting those who Lincoln fought against, and you are supporting the idea to send our fellow Black Americans back to slavery

The truth: Think for a minute how an ordinary Tibetan can come to America 50 years ago: The truth is, those who are protesting came from families who were slave masters. They used to kill the tibetans who now live in China for fun. When you support them,you support the idea to send our fellow Black Americans back to slavery - Say no!

Let's concentrate on the Olympics and those who participate

As a card carrying conservative, I say let the protest begin. When evil is allowed to exist in the dark dungeon of Communism, we all lose. The torch ceremony is letting the world sees into the tyrrany of Communism and the destruction of freedom and liberty. I pray that one day, the people of Tibet, China, and Vietnam can break away from the tyrrany of Communism.

Tibet has not been an independent country since they allied themselves with Kublai Khan's Mongol hordes. They invaded China back then and the Chinese got revenge, all 1000 years ago. Who cares about a bunch of yak herders who converted to buddhism? Maybe China should withdraw and let McDonalds, Disney, and WalMart take over the place!

And let Exxon, McDonalds, and WalMart take over the country. See what the Dalai LLama says about then.

How can the US judge other countries' human right? The biggest human right violation happening right now is not in Tibet, but in Iraq. Millions of people lost their home, hundred of thousands innocent lost their lives; tortures are encouraged by the highest level of the %u201Chuman right%u201D government.

I'd like to bring my child to see the olympic torch. I'm concerned about the protests getting violent.

Dose anyone is talking about genocide in Iraq? are you protester or violence-maker. Here is USA with free speach but with good law in force, too. Let the games be games. Don't play politics here.

How can anyone support what is going on with the preparation of the Olympics with continued stories such as the one from the LA Times:"BEIJING -- In the shadow of the $440-million "bird's nest" Olympic stadium, migrant workers toil for a few dollars a day. A few miles away, bulldozers destroy a neighborhood where petitioners gather to seek justice from the government. Farther afield, foreign journalists endure sporadic harassment despite promised press freedoms, with Chinese reporters, bloggers and activists facing far greater restrictions. As Beijing prepares for the 2008 Summer Olympics in August, planners hope the outside world sees the glam architecture and ignores the poverty and social tension in the shadows. I say, continue to protest.....

The human right in Today%u2019s China is far from ideal. But ironically, now it%u2019s best than ever (compared with Mao%u2019s time and before), and it%u2019s on a fast track to improve. Any external pressure will only create strong nationalism and may cause back-fire. Also, the worst human right violation is not happening in Tibet, it%u2019s in Iraq.

It is time for the Chinese government to have some re-education and examine themselves. If they had not brutally suppressed the Tibetan people for 50 years with torture, killing, imprisonment, and starvation, the peaceful Tibetans might not be protesting so loudly at the Chinese attempt to bring the torch through Tibet, the apple of their eye.... ummm... China, the only way to save face here is to end the hypocrisy. And end the suppression,

Tibet or Tinanmen, China's ruling party is still developing its own political route.

Upset at China? Stop buying products made there. But wait, then you'd have to get rid of your iPod, etc. Enough hypocrisy, America.

Boycott the SPONSERS. Leave the torchbearers, athletes and games alone. Show the official sponsors that they allied with the wrong country.

Regardless of what you think about the Olympics, Americans have an obligation to protest the violation of human rights.

With all the protests and people giving money away to other countries we fall deeper in to a economic hell. We need to focus on how to help America first. Then once our children are not hungry and our streets are safe to walk down again we can help other people. It is such a waste all these people who protest against something they cannot change. I think there is a better way to spend that energy!!!

Keep politics out of it. If protesters insists that the games be a political pawn, than cancel the whole damn thing. Its become too commercialized and have lost its real purpose. Who is going to loss out? The athletes! There are always 2 sides. Western media is propaganda and only shows one sided view. True news reporting get the news from all angles.

Nice of the Tibet liberation supporters to jump on board now after almost 60 years of occupation...

When China attacked VietNam (communist Brother) in the late 70. They dumped poison into the wells and rivers; burned everything down. We have the obligation to let the world know the cruelty of Chinese goverment and their ambitions to bully and dominate weaker countries. Thanks.

You all should look at the pictures where a Tibetan protester attacks a girl in wheelchair in the torch relay in Paris. Yes, this is not about the torch. The violence of Tibetan protesters made me sick!! How are they better than the communists?

Tibet has been part of China long before Andrew Jackson's manifest destiny which took over the lands and resources that belong to the American Indians. Oops, I forgot about the land from Mexico like Texas, Ca, and the western states. Fair exchange, wefree Tibet and you cede back a equal portion of the land for American Indians and Mexican government. Ha Ha Ha, what a jokee!

Those of you who support Tibet independence should ask yourself: Can US allow Alaska or Hawaii go independent? If not, do not even think of Tibet independence! Tibet has allied with China since ancient times and it is now part of China. There is no way any Chinese government no matter it is communist or other parties will let Tibet go. Be realistic on this.

they deserve go to hell

The Olympics is a bridge for friendship, not a playground for politics.

go to protest in the chinese consulate if they want. Don't try to hijack the olympic game.

The Olympics is a bridge for friendship, not a playground for politics.

Don't mix Olympics and politics.

Most protesters are brainwashed or got paid. Most of them even never been Tibet. They only feeded by TV like CNN.

Please read history book and visit that place before making any comments. News does not tell you all the truth. News is just a product to make a money. I happened to had lived in China for 30 years and have been living in US for 15 years. I saw people from both sides have been brainwashed by news (product for making money). - a california republican. (by all standard, I am a minority :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xsoc4-QnplY http://youtube.com/watch?v=uSQnK5FcKas

No politics in Olympic

u think u can escape being punished by breaking the law? be prepared to be judged!

from being burned alive by Lamas and their owners. Why do they want to rob the Olympic torch from those runners? Do they want to burn themselves alive to show gratitude to the Chinese government?

I fully respect that everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. I especially respect those who ask some basic and necessary questions before taking a strong stand. Questions such as: 1) Have you ever been to Tibet? 2) How much do you know about? Where did you obtain your knowledge if you have never there before? 3) Have you heard stories from both sides? 4) Have you heard from Tibetans that live in Tibet?

The protesters of Olympic is wrong in their judgment. The Olympic in Beijing has the support of the more than 1 billion people in China. By protesting the Beijing Olympic, they have alienated these 1 billion Chinese people. Without the support and sympathy of other ethnic people in China, the Tibetan cause whatever it is will be destined to be a losing one.

from being burt alive by their owners and lamas. Those protestors certainly miss their grandparents' privilege to enslave other tibetans.But be careful, rob the Olympic torch may get themselves burned.

Please safe ourself 1st! I just paid $4/gal on gas this morning

I don't have a problem with any protest as long as it is non-violent, obeys the law and respects other people's human rights. For whoever support Free-Tibet, if you have never been in China or Tibet, read the history before you believe anything or anyone. Make your own decision based upon your own observation and judgment.

I was in Beijing in the Spring and Summer of 1989. I spent more than 3 month at Tinamen Square. I was one of the protesters. I am still proud of what I did. I also had the opportunities talking to people in China recently about Tibet. What happened in Tibet is VERY VERY different from what happened in Tinanment in 1989. This time, I am actully, even to my own suprise, I choose on the chinese government's side.

Politics and Olympics don't mix!

If you can be quiet and listen to what others say,you cannot be so aggressive like this!

Tibet was never an independent country, and before 1950, it was ruled by slave masters...

Westerners, you're letting the "Free Tibet" people fooling you. Are you asking another Vietnam War or Iraq war?? Please educate yourself 1st, by reading Chinese history before makeing comments on "Free Tibet".

Chinese People (including Tibetans) have been suffering for centuries. Now Chinese people (including Tibetans) are so happy to have the world festival in Beijing. Why dont you grant them the happiness?

tHE olympic TORCH SHOULD NOT BE IMPEDED BECAUSE OF CHINA'S INTERNAL PROBLEM WITH TIBET. KEEP THEIR WARS 7,000 MILES AWAY! WE MAY THINK INJUSTICE IS BEING DONE, BUT WE ARE ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN. I HAVE BEEN TO BOTH CHINA AND TIBET AND WILL GO AGAIN. CHINA WAS OFF LIMITS TO WESTERNERS FOR YEARS. NOW IT IS OPEN, BUT WILL IT STAY OPEN IF WE ALLOWTHEIR SHOWCASE OLYMPICS TO BE RUINED? I DON'T BELIEVE BEJING IS READY TO HOST THE OLYMPICS. THEY SIMPLY HAVE NOT POVIDED ADEQUATELY FOR THE HORDES PLANNING TO ATTEND. THE WEST WON'T PUT UP WITH THEM OR THEIR PREPARATIONS. ASK ANYBODY WHO HAS BEEN TO CHINA. Disgusted in Concord

Find the Tibet in the map and read Tibet history, and then talk. Hijacking torch from a poor disabled woman in the wheel chair is what they called %u201Chuman right%u201D.

As always, when you dig it up by yourself, the media only disappoints. "study history, not the media. the truth is not to be found in the television broadcast", check out this and realize what is THE TRUTH. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xsoc4-QnplY

Do it peacefully please when you exercise your right! Respect other people's right first before you gain the respect you deserve!

Free North Ireland! Free Quebec!

why no media wants to hear the true voice of Chinese people, the 1.3 billion population, which counts for 1/5 of the population of the whole world... what do they afraid of?!

The Chinese government has been murdering Christians (& anyone else who disagrees with them) & driving believers of many faiths underground for years. Now, all of the sudden, a celebrity cause such as Tibet comes to the fore & everyone is clamoring about human rights! Where have you been, people? Where were you when China was granted most favored nation trade status? Where were you when our former President exported tons of nuclear technology? Now we are buying their exports like there's no tomorrow & lining up like lemmings to pay $4/ gallon for our gas because China's demand has begun to outstrip ours. Start thinking!

how many of you guys have ever been to Tibet? If u have never been there, how can you make comments? Are those protestors legal? Which law? Media broadcasting is legal, but immoral. They are not speaking for justice now.

If you havn't learned about Tibet except from the news, for god's sake, type "wiki tibet" in google and than read it before you comment on Tibet!

I am a Professor in Ohio. Olympics game provides a golden opportunity for Western and Eastern People! This world needs love, not hatred.

Torch relay is part of Olympics, nothing to do with any other thing.

What worries me is the reports from the UK Olympic people saying they were manhandled by the unidentified guys in blue track suits. Yahoo says they're PRC paramilitary police. Not sure I want Communist secret polics with diplomatic immunity in a position to confront American demonstrators in the US, some of whom may have families in China or Tibet. Keep an eye on those blue-track-suit guys today, they seem like bad news.

Do you hear their voice in the mainstream media?

Why people care about those slave masters so much? Did they learned history of China before? We just heard the voice from pro-Tibet protestors. Why can't media let the other side say their words?

and will be forever

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xsoc4-QnplY

I was in China just after Tienamen and used to do business there. After the Beijing Women's Conference I lost 1000's of dollars from my small company because the Chinese Govt. cancelled ALL visas for americans to Tibet after a few people protested at the Conference. I have also been to Dharamsala. I love the Olympics. I greatly respect the resiliance of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. If the Chinese are going to host this world event, I would hope they would be willing to respect other people's opinions. The Games are a time of peace for many cultures and countries to interact. I approve of the Tibetan protesters along the Torch Route, but it should be a peaceful demonstation in keeping with the Dalai Lama's teachings.

and will be and will be foreverforever,

I'm Chinese American. Be careful, Chinese government is even using internet like this to try to feed people with their ideas. It's common at lots of Chinese website that they use their agents to write comments to pretend it is from ordinary people.

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period.

No one should force the way you run your live, just like you would be respectful and not force your way onto others. Think however you like, but the Tibetans are free, and with many friends around the world not because they want their money or cheap labors. I would be proud of the nation that has done good dees.

I am a Chinese. I support my country as well as Beijing Olympic game.

everyone has a right to protest. But the laws doesn't let you turn protests into riots. I suspect many people just go out to protest just for the sake of protest. Olympics is a game for the whole world. Many athletes train for a long time just participating in the game. Disrupting Olympics is to dis-hornor the efforts by athletes. Let sports just be sports.

I think the protestor went too far. They boke the law.

Olympic is toward the common good of human being. Politics should not ruin that dream.

I will condemn any politians that support violence or terrorists, be he/she a president or house speaker of any country.

I thought the Tibetans are peaceful, I thought they love peace, so how come they kill ethnic Chinese people, burnt down buildings, and had riots? How come there are few if any reports on that? Because they are oppressed, they have the right and excuse to riot and kill and set fire? If so, isn't that what the Palestinians are doing? Isn't that what al queda's logic was? How come those are labelled terrorists but the Tibetans are hailed as heros? For all you who protest against the Beijing Olympics, a sports event that promotes the good sportsmanship and human spirit, an event that pulls the proud Chinese people together and show what the nation and people have gone through (being attacked by foreign countries and force fed opium to its people, essentially raped by the 8 nations, including the U.S.), you people are just hypocrites. Study history and find out what the U.S. has done to China and its people, before you decide to rob the Chinese people of their pride and accomplishment.

I am a Chinese American but I have to say after watching some of the French protesters abusing the few Chinese students there. I am not surprised if there is a large show of force from Chinese supporters today. Let's just hope everyone can stay cool today.

Olympic Game is about SPORTs not POLITIC.

It's funny seeing all the claims of how westerners are unfit to protest, voice their opposition, or turn the torch issue into a political matter due to the history of the Native Americans. While it is true that the history of the US (1800s, mostly) has been one of oppression at times; the debate is actually about China's CURRENT genocide & not historical (won't even get into THAT). If Native Americans were still, to this day, being actively rounded-up & strpped of their identities & had their religious practices outlawed, I guarantee you that people in the US would be protesting this as well. But this is not ocurring. It is: HISTORY & not PRESENT. How do I know protests would be occurring? Because that's something we can actually do here. You can complain, which you cannot do in China if you are unhappy with the government. So, before you attempt propagandizing the forum with pro-china bullshit, perhaps you ought to consider that you are even allowed to do this here.

Because they are tired of oppression and genocide. It's intelligent to resist brutality with violence--not hypocritical. I see lots of propaganda about "the history of the US" and "hypocrisy" here, which makes me think most of these posts are BS coming from Chinese Governement stuges. Bravo! You have fooled no one, but wasted plenty of your time...

This is a political game!!! Westen countries promote the ai-China sentiments in order to benefit its own interest. We all see the human right status HERE, U.S.@Guantanamo Bay, shame on you who put the Human Right on the top of their head!!

Is a dead giveaway to the minds of the propaganda whores on this forum... It's quite funny actually. "Go China. See it by your own eyes..." for example. And there are so many more trying to paint Tibet as some kind of plantation... Pssshh. Idiots.

Please give human rights back to the people who love sports. Please respect to Olympics. No violence on protest.

If you are supporting those protesters who want China to "free" Tibet, please go to read some history of Tibet. If you know the real life of ordinary Tibetans 50 years ago, you would feel happy for them now. They were slaves at that time!!!!!

Dalai Lama is the biggest slave master in the world.

Just think about how much they reported the protest, and how much they report the event. it is the reporters to blame... it would have been a very wonderful event. now, we just let history jurdge the reporter if they are single sided reporting.

just think how many slaves are there, yesterday, those protesters, 75% of them don't even know where Tibet is located and 45% don't even know how to spell tibet. I guess I don't have to say more about the tibet history. I feel sorry for those people, if you are protesting, make sure read the book.. oh my mistake, after all you don't read..

You maybe right to pointing out who are not native speakers, but it is so stupid to equate those to communists. We came to this country because we love freedom. It is so sad to see that the Americans are been brainwashed by our own media and our NGOs (sorry, you may not have had the proper education to know what NGO is - it stands for non-government organizations) who have their own agenda or just simple do not know. We are the ones who stood up against corruption of the Chinese communist party members and left blood in Tan An Men Square in 6/4/1989, and we are the same ones who are against those former Tibetan slave masters who are trying to cheap the world, hoping to get their slave back. We just want you to hear the truth.

protesters got to protest, watchers got to watch, runners got to run and the law enfocement group did a magnificent (and sneaky) task of keeping it all fairly calm in the face of protesters who thought their shouting at others would make a positive change through negative behavior. Go figure.

I would like to thank the bridge climbers for shining a light on the lapse in security on the Golden Gate Bridge. Thank you!

Please be aware, those wonderful NGOs who provide financial and political support to the Tibetan Protesters also do other wonderful work - they heavily promote bio-fuel made from food which have led to hunger in more than 40 countries, vast disappearance of the Amazon, and a sharp increase of globel warming caused by bio-fuel production - an inefficient way to producing energy. Do you know why? Because they have invested in land. So before you go out to protest, read more than one books so you learn what has happened in Tibet and you will reach the same conclusion that I have reached. It is not more than a small group of politicians and actors who try to regain some public light on themselves. The Tibetans are fine. They are fine because they live a lot better than 50 years ago, when they were slaves of DL.

I am ethnic Han Chinese. My family left China after Mao died, and we don't like the government. I grew up in Hong Kong and came to the U.S. in the 70's. I do not support the Chinese government, but I support the people. You may not support the war on Iraq, and you won't denounce the troops fighting and dying for our country. I'm offering a different view on the situation. My points are: 1) I wouldn't support the Tibetans if they start killing innocent people and turn to violence; 2) The Olympics, regardless of the government propaganda, belong to the Chinese people, not the government.

The olympics are about competition and athletes. I understand why it is a chance to say and do something for something that normally wouldn't get such a voice but don't make it so the accomplishment of the athletes is forgotten or the stories of the people who were chosen to represent during the torch run are forgotten either.

China is developing, learning, improving, and much better than what you could image. If you don%u2019t believe, go visit China yourself. However, western people are still wearing their old eyeglasses, and refusing to listen to the truth. They are too stubborn to accept the truth, which is, China is improving in all aspects including human rights. While the U.S. government is violating the human rights of other country%u2019s people, the CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS DEFENDING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ITS OWN PEOPLE IN TIBET. Chinese government is fighting for the human rights of the slaves in Tibet; these slaves are, unfortunately, the majority of the Tibet people, but cannot be heard by any western media or people. Please be smart and listen to the truth. Don%u2019t be fooled again by the media, just like what happened for Iraq war. SUPPORT %u2018TIBET RIOT%u2019 = SUPPORT SLAVERY. Make right choice.

China is developing, learning, improving, and much better than what you could image. If you don%u2019t believe, go visit China yourself. However, western people are still wearing their old eyeglasses, and refusing to listen to the truth. They are too stubborn to accept the truth, which is, China is improving in all aspects including human rights. While the U.S. government is violating the human rights of other country%u2019s people, the CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS DEFENDING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ITS OWN PEOPLE IN TIBET. Chinese government is fighting for the human rights of the slaves in Tibet; these slaves are, unfortunately, the majority of the Tibet people, but cannot be heard by any western media or people. Please be smart and listen to the truth. Don%u2019t be fooled again by the media, just like what happened for Iraq war. SUPPORT %u2018TIBET RIOT%u2019 = SUPPORT SLAVERY. Make right choice.

It's a shame the minority ruin the rights of majority. A lot of people showed up to see the flame. If they want Tibet to be free then they should go to China and fight for their rights there.

The Olympics should be about the Athletes and not about Politics. These Athletes have worked very hard to be where they are. This should be a magical moment for them to enjoy and Politics is running it for them.

We have caused the death of equal if not more Iraqi people in 5 years than Saddam in his 20 year rule. Those died under Saddam were labeled "victims", those killed by us are labelled "collaterals". WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? PEOPLE ARE STILL DYING INIRAQ!!! A LOT MORE THAN TIBETANS. GIVE THE ENTIRE COUNTRY BACK TO AMERICAN INDIANS BEFORE YOU TALK ABOUT TIBET INDEPENDENCE.

I was just on the Embarcadero from 11:30 am to 2pm, participating in the protest against the Olympic torch. I would like to say that what I saw was certainly emotional, but very peaceful. Many of those marching in support of Tibet and the Dalai Lama do know what they're doing; I have an M.A. in Asian history, have been a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism for over 7 years, and I have been to China twice. As long as Tibetans are unable to speak for themselves and have the freedom to practice their religion under Chinese rule, someone is going to have to speak for them and advocate for their religious freedom. I, luckily, live in a country where I can state my opinion and protest. Thank goodness we all have a chance to voice our opinions here, even if we don't agree.

I am from China and I know that every time there is a big event happening in China, the authorities there will use it to arrest people. You may think that police should try to keep security, remember that China is still under communist dictatorship and the regime uses all opportunity to take away people's freedom and glorify itself. That's how they rule. They arrest more reporters, more religious people, more democratic people, more people not satisified with unfair treatment in forced relocation, and they do crackdowns like in Tibet. It's not that they try to make the event safe, they use the opportunity to further totalitarian control, so it's a public harm. If you want a game, then have a game elsewhere. Why should Chinese people's freedom be the cost of your wanting a game? If you think what China did to Darfur is bad, just imagine what's happening to Chinese people inside China, where there is no free media, and western reporters are under watch. Many sad stories are not heard. You think you love China, well, then do something for freedom in China. and don't be used by the communists. If you want a game, they have a simple game, don't have to let criminals with hands in blood put together the game for you, do you? The game at least needs to improve peace and better world, it's never just a game.

I have the answer right the way for you. Because most American Indans were killed (18 million in 1492 and 2.5 million today in US), while native Tibetan population doubled in Tibet since 1950.

Agree with the above post by 'Minority'. I went to Embarcadero to see the torch today but the route had been changed. It is a shame that Minority rined the rights of majority. If they are Tibet to be free from China, they should go back to their Tibet anf fight for it.

Leave the games alone. There should be enough forums for dirty politics. It is also funny to see in news report that 5 out of 6 protesters can't even find Tibet on a map.

Plenty of other forums for dirty politics. Leave the games alone, people just want to see the athletes and have fun. By the way, how many of those who talked about China and Tibet actually can point out where Tibet is on a map?

Almost every Chinese person want to be independent, not just the Tibetans. Many Chinese people come to the west to enjoy the better life here, more opportunities, less risk due to unpredictable political changes, more freedom, less watching eyes. We all want independence. So I don't blame the Tibetans or the Taiwanese who don't want to be under communist control. Who wants? It's just that sometimes when further away from home, people become more homesick, and start to confuse their beloved homeland in heart with the communist control they left. The communist party hijacked China, and has been trying to make Chinese people believe it or fear it for the past 58 years. I will be happy to see if Guangdong wants to be independent, Hunan wants to be independent, or even people in Beijing want to be independent from the communist rule one day. When there is no more CCP (the Chinese Communist Party), then we can all celebrate and be together again. Ha ha! That will be great!

I cannot believe no one other than myself had a scanner with them. I knew all routes before they occurred. Yes, ALL ROUTES. Go buy a scanner next time. Advise to the wise. Kevin...

Athletes train for the Olympics for years prior to competition. While it is unfortunate that the Olympic Committee chose Bejing as the site this time around, the Olympics are suppposed to promote peaceful athletic competition, aside from political strife. There is no doubt that China's meddling in other countries' affairs needs to be protested and stopped, but let's find other venues than the torch run and Olympic competitions to voice our concerns and apply political pressure.

All routes were reported on my police scanner.

Chinese toys poison children. Chinese factories foul the air. Chinese workers face horrible working conditions. Yet we look the other way, just as too many did when slavery was legal. Go China! Go Free Trade! The Olympics expresses our solidarity with your concentration on the one great thing in life--making money. Go China! Go Free Trade!

Free Tibet is a nice sentiment--Tibet's so far away, and it's those nasty Chinese--not us--who are the bad guys. How about also concentrating on freeing Oakland from the daily atrocities of drive by shootings and random violence?

Speaking from a Chinese American who's been here for almost 20 years. When PRC first established in the 1950s, most farmers and poor people and slaves loved communism because everyone was equal, men or women. For awhile that system worked peacefully. The country was in peace under communism. However in reality communism doesn't work because there is no motivation to work harder since everyone gets the same pay. Capitalism probably works better with the greed and laziness in human nature. My point is that Chinese government did a good deed helping the Tibetans slaves free themselves. If chinese gov was truely evil, they would've killed all the monks including Dalai Lama, like the American gov who killed Sadam Hussin. For those who think people that suppor chinese gov are controlled you are wrong. Yes we have some grammar and spelling issues but have you heard of ESL, typos? There is no spelling check here. And who cares? We are speaking our own minds from both side of the views (we read both chinese and american news).

Shame on Chinese officials!!! Protesting the torch is not protesting Olympic spirit, but to let Chinese officials know that thousands and millions of people in the world do not like the crackdown in Tibet and Burma. Chinese officials have been supporting Burmese Military rulers for cracking down and killing hundreds and thousands of students and monks for peaceful protesting. The people of the world are expressing their opinion and sending out signals to stop violent crackdowns in China and to stop supporting Burmese dictators. There are peaceful way to handle the protests in Tibet. Shame on Chinese Government and Burmese Military officials.

It created job opportunities and united chinese people. Also it made chinese people realize what a polluted country they are living in. That should help them think about saving the environment. This is the first time they have Olympic there so please be generous, let the chinese people be happy for once.

He is not different from any big liar politician. I'm sick of his fake smaile. And why can't anyone show real evidence to support the "killing in Tibet" accusation. Most of the protestors have no idea where Tibet is, no idea how Tibet was in the past, and how it has changed in recent years. People, gather yourself before doing anything senseless. If you want to know the true Tibet, why not buy a ticket and go there. Come on, seeing is believing!

Seeing is believing. So buy a ticket and go to Tibet. Good for your health too.

To those who think all Chinese wants to be independent, Wrong! we come to western countries not because we hates our home country just because work or we like to try different life, listen, different doesn't its better, not comparable at all, cos we are totally different culture, don't always judge our country by your standards, come to China, open your eyes and ears, listen to your own feeling, then looking for answer for yourself, not just read newspaper or trust your media, same thing, we know how to understand this world by my own eyes and ears. What is human right, who told you we've been watched, come on, your American have modern satellite able to spy all your civilian, you guys are happy to be spied but comfort Chinese been "watched" by government? LoL.....you guys so funny! back home, learn some history or spend more time to thin about your future, like how to make more money to pay mortgage, that's something your guys really should worry about..LOL!!! Cant believe, you people used by those political refugee as tool to anti china to make their ambition, brainless:(((( All right, I'm Chinese who is living in west coast, enjoy shine, eat western and chines food, I know the way I'm going and I care about my country, never doubt it, she has weakness, she has trait , but she is improved, and still going, tell you something, China will never ever separated not even one inch land, as meanwhile we will take back where ever should belongs to china. Let's see

to let people protest, to have a backup plan,to allow the innocent torch-bearers participate-and do it peacefully and with a bit of well-timed guile. The Chinese people (I visited China last fall) were very proud of their moment-to-be...well aware of the oppression they live under, much less the Tibetans...I sympathize with both peoples...I must give the Mayor and the City good marks for their actions today..given how it started with the bus incident, portending a long and frustrating day for all. Yes, there were many disappointed fans that spent their day in manner they probably didn't intend, and they might think it sucked...but no one got hurt, it became an Olympic game in and of itself, and disgrace wasn't a medal event today in our City. Ceteius,Altius,Fortius!

Just who did Newsom think he was bringing into his camp by the cowardly manipulations? His moves today will brand him forever cowardly.

don't show up here?

Re: Angry Chinese, or Cognitive Indigestion? I have the answer right the way for you. Because most American Indans were killed (18 million in 1492 and 2.5 million today in US), while native Tibetan population doubled in Tibet since 1950. ========= Oh really? Doubled, you say? You are, of course, talking about AFTER many many were killed for... what? exactly, what? Doubled can mean anything, but nice try on the 'ganda. 50 50 is doubled, but not exactly impressive, eh? You made a good point though: 1492...A LOOOONG time ago, and this CURRENT country, which allows the freedom to protest, would have been protesting its occurance. If it was... which it isn't... Which is CHINA is doing, NOW. So, we will keep protesting, and you will keep murdering. I like our position better. About Iraq, YES people are being killed, BUT it is being protested by citizens. This would not be possible if in China regarding Chinese soldiers. Your point has failed. History will teach some, not all (lack of intelligence or obsitinance), that the Olympics have been and likely always will be surrounded by politics. Any event involving the world will always involve politics. Wake up, jack asses. If China does not like the opinion of the world, then it ought not have invited them to it... You cannot brainwash the entire world, despite the obvious successes had in your homeland. P.S. *Baaaaaaah, sheeple, baaaaaaaah*

Pride in one's former country is misguided and reflects the brainwashing that occurred there. Your nationalism for China is, I'm sure, appreciated by its government, but if you truly value what America stands for then you would be able to see why its citizens must speak against the abuses that occur over seas. Not everyone agrees here, and that's okay. You can retain your culture without retaining your nationalism. It would also make you appear less hypocritical towards your NEW home.

You're an idiot brainwashed bastard. Would you like to see "evidence" of the holocaust too? I assume you mean photographic evidence, but your demand for it reveals your stupidity. There is an obvious answer to your question that everyone else but you will figure out...

As a bay area resident who has followed the situation closely, as well as educating myself on the the conflicts in Darfur, Tibet and Myanmar, I applaud the actions of the Mayor & his staff. Last night, protesters stated on TV that they intended to snuff out the torch and their actions prior to the start of the event with the bus clearly showed that there were several individuals who did not want to peacefully protest. While it is important that we take a stand against the injustices in the world, we should not be using violence to protest and then masking it under our right to free speech, nor should these protesters be allowed to diminish the rights of the torchbearers (who are American, correct?) and their reasons for participating, like the retired NY firefighter running in memory of his fallen comrades from 09/11. Shame on Aaron Peskin for going on KCBS and criticizing Mayor Newsom - the safety and wellbeing of the general public should be of the utmost importance and Newsom's staff showed great leadership in maintaining the public safety. I'll take disappointment over chaos and endangerment.

He was just trying to protect the innocent people from getting hurt by you brainless hyprocrites.

Just another example of people not being prepared for what was already predicted the day before-the route would be changed. My scanner gave me every location and when each runner would arrive. I MISSED NOTHING. Next time be prepared and buy a scanner.. Stop your whining.

SF seems to attract the surrogate protester last several years; people organized on the basis of protest rather than the protest having any basis. Bet you a small percentage of the protesters could pass a simple test on Tibet. Where were they for the last 60 years? Is there history any cleaner? Are they ready to give "their" land back to those their ancestors stole it from? Doubt it.

It's non of your business. I pursue democracy, but every thing has a limit. the base line for Chinese is that tibet and Taiwan are the parts of China. this fact from sevral hundreds before.

why?

I waited and waited. no sign of the torch. You ruined my day, so-call protesters!

Unfortunately I did not see the toch nor did I see outrageous protests that demanded the intense police presence. Who were the fellows wearing red that had a lot to say about the media, our government and told me they were students? They were the most aggressive and abrasive I encountered. If you want us to buy your stuff China please be accountable for your human rights practices, environmental practices and business practices. Is it possible to be a capitalist communist?

Supervisor Aaron Peskin whined like a little 12yr old he mentioned he saw no civil disobedience and was distraught the torch did not go as planned. I watched on tv the protestors bloccking bryant/mission/and Market near a bus. if he disn't see the potential for criminal activity he needs a new set oif glasses. What a wimp......

Here's a blog posted on msnbc.com from a columnist who was a torch runner today: http://blogs.nbcsports.com/home/archives/alan_abrahamson/ I hope that all of you read it!

Be educated. Remember, under Dalai's ruling, there were less than 1.2 million Tibetans, while 1.5 million 10 years after Dalai's departure and 2.6 million today. By the way, did American Indian's population get back in that looooong time you mentionedalready? Don't be brainwashed. There are different voices and facts in the world than your media fed you.

Respect the Olympic game, respect the torch runner, you're violating their human right, stupidoo...

Every country faces issues that the outside world diagrees on. We need to learn how to live in this global village in peace, unity and harmony. To do that, we must crictize, but not patronize others; point fingers at ourselves before pointing at others; learn the facts before voicing out opinions.

What do you westerners know about Tibet and Tibetan? What do those Free Tibetan supporters know about Tibet in the past and the present? While those of you Dalai supporters view him as a charming spiritual leader, has it even happen to you he is a ruler, oppressor and liar? Most of Tibetans were bond slaves under Dalai Lama%u2019s govern. Tibetans used to belong to their masters and were traded between owners, no matter that broke families, separated couples or mother and children. Vicious punishments were imposed and Tibetans got hands severed, eyes and tongues gouged, tendons picked out off body for breaking rules like stealing or lying or trying to run away. A pregnant woman could be beaten to death for offending her master.. What human rights did Tibetans have then? What human rights did Dalai exercised for Tibetans then?

Be educated. Tibetan population was 1.2 million under Dalai's ruling. That number became 1.5 10 years after Dalai's departure, and today 2.6. By the way, did the American Indian population ever get back even after that loooong period you have difficulty to mention? Stop using your standard propaganda "we killed American Indian yesterday but not today". Say no to killing in Tibet. Say no to terrorism in Tibet. Stay away from brain-washing. Be aware there are different voices and facts in the world than what your media fed you.

Do NOT trust CNN and its biased news. Dalia Lama is pretending himself to be a religionary leader today,but no one here knows the truth that he was a children killer and slave owner before 1950's. Those who support the protests, ask youself one question: DO U REALLY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT TIBET? You may choose not to trust what I said, but whenever you are to draw a conclusion, please listen to the voice from both sides. The Olympic will be held in China this August, if you have a opportunity, do come to China, keep your mind open, don't trust what CNN said, don't trust my word,use your own brain and eyes, you will see many different things that can never be shown in your media.

Why did San Francisco even bother to "host" the torch? It was a hide and seek game, and it was quite expensive too. Now let's wait for the tape-delayed and well-censored olympic games brought to us by the operatives of the communist party.

You must be joking or you have been brainwashed at a re-education camp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZLzKBvvGMg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSQnK5FcKas&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW9tTmev8Fw Have you seen these videos? It's the Tibetans who started the riot, brutally hurting and killing innocent people (chinese and Tibetans, that's right, killing their own people and blame it on the Chinese). Is this your idea of finding peace and justice? Howcome people never feel sorry for the innocent people who got killed? There were 4 Tibetans killed in a fire in a clothing shop and they are Tibetans. They also set fire in a local school where students have to be evacuated to stay alive. Are you truly supporting justice? The videos also show how western media twist the facts by cutting up photos and showing pictures from Nepal and point out those are Chinese. Com'on, are you stupid or what? If you undestand Chinese then watch the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfucgvSTzog Please don't trust just one side of the media. Use your own objective judgements. Stop being a fool and get manipulated by politics and propaganda.

Let's free Iraq and lower the oil price first! Than free Japan and lower price on Toyota and Honda. Finally free China so we don't have to pay back our debt.

Based on what happened in London and Paris, and based on the number of protestors in San Francisco, I think Mayor Newsom made the right decision to move the torch route. I didn't like it, but I think he was justified in doing so.

The number of pro-red China posts on this forum amazes me. Evidently, the Chinese propaganda machine reaches far and wide.

....or let's find out the difference between "then" and "than", and then post.....

The Olympics in Beijing is a special event, very special. The Chinese are working very hard to make it beautiful. It is important to their national pride. If your daughter is getting married, and you prepare a very special wedding, let those who have grievances with you postpone them till after the wedding.

He was given precious few options, and his city was the only North American stop. He had little choice despite the fact that it disappointed people. Every now and again, it's nice to see the (usually cocky and 'full of themselves' media), not even 100% what was happening today. Sometimes it's fun to watch the police get over on the public and outwit us all. Good for them. But again, I don't think they saw it that way. They were there to do a job, and everyone from the Mayor on down to the lowest bicycle officer on the department payroll had no other choice. In the end, no one hurt. And April 10th, life goes on.

Tuesday the demonstrations were not interfering with the relay and I have no problem. But by taking away a once in a lifetime opportunity for individuals who were chosen for being extraordinary in some way, who planned for months, invited friends and family to come see them share the privelege of passing the flame and to have it interrupted is unconscionable and rude. And you think that is going to make me be sympathetic? Are you kidding me? I have two children who have had the privelege of carrying the torch. I know the planning and time involved and I am sick that this was taken away today. Absolutely it was right to protect the runners.

I was at SF to enjoy the torch run for the 1st time in my life. Because some people's selfishness that I did not get to see the event after waiting for 6 hours. Because you protesters and selfishness, you ruined our day. We wanted peace and you protesters brought violence and disgrace. No wonder you are now in exile, you deserve it all.

In fact,every year government give them a lot of money and help.autocephaly just to help fewness of people to fulfill theirs contemptible trick

We are supporting China and supporting Olympic Games hold in CHina!

Ok, no fun but no fighting either. Good job, Gavin!

olympic

Thank you...

Is Aaron Peskin on acid? I heard him on KCBS complaining about the torch route change. Was Newsom supposed to just let the thing play out like we all know it would have if they'd gone down the Embarcadero? This time, "The City That Knows How" got it right.

The people who support the Olympic here outnumbered the pro-Tibetans, this means that there are still more level-headed people out there. Evil cannot win Justice!!! And admit it, it's not the propaganda from China, it's the truth that we must believein.

Shame on tibetan bashers

support olympic!!!!!

I applaud the sanity, and in this case even wisdom, of Mayor Newsom, Chief Fong, and all the other officials involved in the decision to change the torch route in light of what could be anticipated along the original route. It brought the focus back to the torch and especially the runners and the simple everyday people who should have a peaceful chance to participate in this event. And the protesters still got an awesome amount of news media coverage, and without bloodshed and injury! All in all, people should know by now you don't come into San Francisco telling us what to do - we do things OUR way!!!

i was there to see and admire the torch for what it represents, as well as let my feelings be known about China's human rights record. It was extremely frustrating to get that opportunity taken away. This is the US, after all, and SF, no less! There will always be some risk at events like this, but i'm not buying that our police couldn't do the job we pay them for, what with all the additional help they were getting from other police forces! Give me a break!! It was a shameful day in SF as far as I'm concerned.

China has blamed the Tibetans for "terrorism". The Tibetan protestors complained that their group had been inflitrated by Chinese activists. Hundreds of pro-chinese were busses to the ceremony. What if all those parents with their children had foundthemselves in the midst of a riot? All the ingredients were there. Good for Mayor Newsome for preventing a disaster.

This was a cowardly and deceitful act by the Mayor, who should have taken a stand to begin with against this propaganda tour by the Chinese. In 1936 he would have apparently let Hitler's SS walk down Market Street if the demonstrators were on Van Ness.

Communist China's state run media, blocking realities and showing a manipulated view of events has come to America's medias and cities. San Francisco needs to realize Mayor Newsome has complied with China Communist's ways and not U.S. Democracy ideals. Control of the people by using fear or the excuse of possible fear(protestors being violent,maybe?) has been the play of power by Newsome. And , of course, he's sure to gets great rewards from the Chinese and those that are puppeted here by mainland China's deep pockets of money.

I waited three hours and "bait and switch" Newsome played his move the torch trick. I will NEVER vote for that phoney again, ever.

I see cowards who are afraid of truth on Tibet and afraid of admitting that chinese can have their national pride independent of communism. These cowards are very scared of the fact that their beliefs on china and tibet are based on lies!!

What gives China the right to have ParaMilitary Guards for the Olympic torch?? The USA is a sovereign nation. Do they not trust our police forces to protect the symbol? Would China allow ParaMilitaries from some other country to accompany a torch run in China??

(CNN) -- As the Olympic torch makes its way westward through London, Paris and San Francisco on its way to Beijing, it has been attracting well-financed, organized protests representing various single-issue groups that normally do not even work together. Among these groups are various factions of the Free Tibet movement, the groups against genocide in Darfur, global warming, Burma's military dictatorship, job loss in the U.S., and such diverse groups as the Falun Gong and Taiwan independence activists. The Beijing Olympics is a godsend for these groups because it affords them the opportunity to disrupt the torch relay. The media, as usual, have seized the opportunity to pour fuel onto the fire. Politicians are tripping over each other in their eagerness to condemn China, to call for boycotts, and to claim the high moral ground, even though the United States has been treated as a rogue state worldwide because of our invasion of Iraq, and our unlawful detention, torture, rendition, etc. Sadly, most Americans know little about international issues and for that matter, China, as demonstrated by the conspicuous absence of information regarding historical context and complexity. Instead, the media, politicians and organized groups prefer to use only sound bites and, frequently, disinformation to perpetuate ignorance, instill fear, and incite racial hostility, or worse, hatred toward China. What they do know is this: Just about everything they use and wear daily comes from China. Even the new section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge is being made in Shanghai. What they also don't know is how Chinese in China are viewing and preparing for the Olympics in August. Not since the 10-year nightmare of the Cultural Revolution have the Chinese been more dedicated to and collectively mobilized for a national project: to host the first Olympics in China. This project aspires to engage the world and to incentivize further reform in China. More than 200 million Chinese, for example, are learning English and the torch relay will be greeted by all China's provinces and major cities before reaching Beijing. China, like many countries in the world, including the U.S., has problems. It has much to learn from the rest of the world. For example, China has yet to learn how to understand and treat its minorities -- such as Tibetans, Uighurs, Muslims, Hmongs -- as equals. In this respect, they are not that different from us. We are still learning how to treat minorities such as Native Americans, African-Americans, Latinos, Chinese-Americans and others as equals. Humility and compassion, not hypocrisy and self-righteousness, is what is needed. I am not opposed to free speech and legitimate protests against China's wrongdoings. However, I am opposed to using the Olympics to demonize China and its people and disruptive, confrontational, and violent tactics. Such actions have the effect of desecrating the Olympics and humiliating and insulting the people of China. No good can come of them. Protests and confrontations along the torch route may even incite Chinese xenophobia and nationalism and result in decisions to retreat from its increased openness to and engagement with the West. If this should happen, it will be a major setback for the 1.3 billion people in China and for world peace and prosperity

I know of people coming to SF from cross country. School kids from LA came to see the tourch. Why have it if you can not provide a safe environment for the youngsters.

Once again SF is the laughing stock of the world for the cowardly performance, depriving thousands of children and peaceful spectators of seeing the Torch, thus letting the protestors win. And we though Paris was a sad performance - this sure topped it.

I was shocked and ashamed by the level to which the Mayor of an American city has sunk - pandering to China, first by letting the Genocide Torch to be carried on our streets, and then by the cowardly act of helping the Chinese regime get around the protests. What is the point of carrying an Olympic torch if you have to *hide* it as if you are carrying stolen goods? And this mayor has the gall to say he is happy to "avoid the kind of thing that happened in Paris"? What about the standing up against the "kind of thing that happens in Darfur or Tibet" instead? This is not free America anymore - this is just another place where the powers that be serve each others interests.

It takes a strong Mayor to do what is right in a very tough situation and taking into consideration the safety of the majority. I know many were disappointed after waiting so long to see the TORCH ... but it is always better to be safe than sorry. The Mayor and Police Chief should have no regrets about yesterday's decisions.

The mayor has sold out to the Chinese, first by even allowing the genocide torch to pass through our city, and then by helping to skirt the protests. A shameful day for America and what we stand for. Shame on you, mayor.

Perhaps, safety was an issue, but what did that little fiasco cost us in terms of person power and down time, to say nothing of the disappointment of thousands (who probably took the day off) to see this historic event? If indeed the protestors posed that much of a safety threat, there comes a time when one cancels an event simply because it %u201Ccosts%u201D too much. Yesterday%u2019s secret and manipulative tactics employed by the Mayor of San Francisco reflect some of the very same secretive tactics used by China itself. The protestors have a point, and we fell right into it. And the cost is more than just dollars.

I got to a point opposite the YMCA about noon, standing behind the portable barriers. Spectators began walking down and standing in the streetcar median about that time. There was no police presence. By one o'clock the median was mobbed. It was a gauntlet with no police in sight. My companions and I agreed that there was no way we would see the torch.

The manipulative actions of the Mayor yesterday, all under the guise of %u201Csafety%u201D had about it all of the marks of %u201CMade in China.%u201D One way to protest, not only yesterday%u2019s actions surrounding the torch ceremony, but the gross denial of human rights on the part of the Chinese government is to start looking at the %u201Clabel,%u201D and refuse to buy anything %u201CMade in China.%u201D Sometimes economic actions speak louder than words or banners from bridges.

Some people would only be satisfied if there was blood in the street. Don't we have enough of that home grown?

Gavin made the decision and it reeks of betrayal. He wants the Olympics in SF even when most here do not. He wants corporate interests to supersede that of the citizens of SF. Bad move Gavin, shame on you. Let people be free already and stop trying to remake SF in your own depraved image. I can only hope that now each side has found a common enemy to unite them against you. You suck!

All people should be free. Have we as free people forgotten the value of that?