March 11, 2008
Rally at City Hall Protests SF's Hosting of the Olympic Torch
A small protest was held at City Hall yesterday by 400-plus pissed off Tibetan immigrants, honoring the 49th anniversary of Tibet's uprising against China, but also San Francisco's hosting of the Olympic torch. Just a preface of what will happen in the city next month, San Francisco will be the focus of a major protest since it's the only US city hosting the Olympic torch relay in the 2008 Beijing games.
According to CBS 5, the decent-sized group held banners on the steps of City Hall reading "Olympics in China, Torture in Tibet," and "Truth is our only weapon." Over at sftorch2008.org, it notes that a larger rally will be planned for April 9 when the torch finally makes its way here.
The Chinese government is running the Olympic torch around the world, hoping to win the approval of the global public and cover up its brutal occupation of Tibet and abysmal human rights record. When the torch relay reaches San Francisco on April 9th, China will be in the global spotlight like never before. We have an unprecedented opportunity to shine this spotlight on Tibet.
China's occupation of Tibet is a hearted issue -- even though China has maintained that it has "ruled Tibet for centuries" -- especially here in the Bay Area and on you more liberal college campuses. Next month's protest during the torch's arrival is expected to draw thousands.
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"The Chinese government is running the Olympic torch around the world, hoping to win the approval of the global public and cover up its brutal occupation of Tibet and abysmal human rights record."
Actually, I think they're running the torch around the world because, you know, they run the torch every time the olympics start.
I do feel for the Tibetans though. They're like the Mumia Abu-Jamal of Asia.
Think Falun Gong will be out there protesting too?
Oh, please. Doesn't anyone care that nobody makes sacrifice to Zeus during these games anymore?
Where Matt? This is a perfect opportunity for the Cranky Old Anti-Everything Party.
Two simple statements:
1. The torch should not come here.
2. The Olympic games should all be played in the nude, just like they used to do in the old days.
[TV viewership would sure flop up and down, depending on the particular game.]
After visiting Tibet last month I can understand the protest! I only wish I could have been there too!