The Torch Arrives in San Francisco

San Francisco, April 9, 2008

This torch relay is now completely chaotic. The city of San Francisco changed the torch route numerous times, the closing ceremony at the waterfront was canceled (probably because "mighty" China doesn't want to be humiliated again by peaceful protesters) and the Chinese consulate bused in its nationals from all around the region (including from Davis) to project its propaganda of a "harmonious" world accepting the "harmonious" rise of China with the "harmonious" Olympics about to be played. Not everything was harmonious though ...

A man carrying a Tibetan flag is attacked by pro-China supporters awaiting the start of the Olympic torch relay on Wednesday in San Francisco. AFP/Getty Images

I guess old habits die hard. If you can beat Tibetans for peacefully expressing their opinions within Tibet, I guess it's fair game outside Tibet as well. Right?

Protesters [both pro-Tibet and pro-China] waited along the original torch route. City officials rerouted the torch amid worries about a repeat of protests in Europe. - NY Times