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In an attempt to make protesting -- and cheering, we suppose -- easy, the mayor's office has unveiled the route of the Olympic torch as it makes its way through *ahem* the city. Included in the article is a link-happy sidebar discussing the problems residents have with the Olympic torch running through our fair city.
There was something about China oppressing Tibet, San Franciscans not liking that and how running around with an open flame supports people being killed.
All kidding aside, the protesters are srsly going to be out in full force and while we are (always!) against people being killed, another pressing thought was thought in our heads when we read the Gate's article:
Man, this Olympics torch route is LAME.
The route is so lame in fact, that the SFGate article wrote about which streets the runners will take -- twice! -- perhaps in order to make the route sound more thrilling than it is.
Not only will the route not include Chinatown, but it will be running through the Marina and then doubles back on itself to end at Justin Herman Plaza. Well, here's a Google map to more accurately explain the route:
The Marina is.. okay and all, but with some simple tweaks here and there, we would've enjoyed the torch running through Columbus Avenue, maybe past some of the strip clubs along Broadway since they can't go through Chinatown.
Well, y'know. If we were actually for the Olympics.
Picture of Sylvester Stallone carrying Olympics torch by Alforque. Our own torch-running will not have Stallone included. That we know of.
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You are right, that torch route is extremely lame. They are just going the "touristy" route around the wharf. How about North Beach, Chinatown and through Golden Gate Park?
the "bay to breakers" route would be neat.
I wonder if all of the different protest groups will be respectfull of each other, will we see free Tibet protesters getting hit over the head by save darfur campaigners with Falun Gong members hurling abuse at black clad anarchists. This is going to be a fun event, now, what to wear, what to wear,
If *I* were in charge, I'd make sure all the torch bearers were ex-Olympian martial arts, boxing, and wrestling champions, and then stand back and watch the scrawny pot smoking hippie G8 protester types take their best shot.
I do like the Bay To Breakers route idea - could everybody be drunk and naked too? That would be a much for San Francisc-y photo op than along the waterfront with some damn bridge.
Don't forget the famous hut that serves margaritas on the B2B route!
The Waterfront was a logical choice when you aren't quite sure what sorts of activities protestors have planned to attract the attention of television cameras because at least one side of the street can be kept relatively secure.
Protests are fine .. its the knuckleheads that start throwing things or otherwise endangering others that scare me. It is too bad a lot of folks who maybe would've brought their kids to see this rare event will shy away for fear of the unknown actions of others intending to make this a news event about something besides the athletic competition and spirit of unity the Olympics is about regardless of the host nation.
Why would they have the route double back on itself? It seems that there is more of San Francisco to see... though I guess this way protesters can stay in one spot and protest twice as much!
Seems like they should just keep going and finish up at the GG Bridge. That would make a nice photo op.
I'll be there - protest pregame at the 21st amendment anyone?
I wish they would go down Montgomery Street so I could fling some feces at them during my smoke break.
when is this again?
I get that everyone hates protesters because they're constantly blocking streets for seemingly no reason. But doesn't it seem like this could actually be a potentially useful protest? This is guaranteed to be broadcast internationally and if the protests are big enough that means TV news people will be essentially required to give at least some overview of the complaints against China to people that otherwise wouldn't know anything about it.
I'm with you that sitting in a circle on Montgomery and Bush at 11:30am on on a Monday is just a big waste of time. But these protests have a real possibility of getting some attention, which is the whole point?
I guess that the original route through Bayview, weaving through Western Addition and ending in the TL didn't pass muster with the Olympic committee. Why not show off our own crown jewels?
Anyone protesting the inhumane treatment of the people of Tibet probably needs to focus their indignity and protest a little closer to home first.
. But these protests have a real possibility of getting some attention, which is the whole point?
Man, here I was thinking it was supposed to cause change to happen. If it's just for attention, then who gives a fuck? Reason #2347 for serious protesters to become lobbyists: protesting is dead.
Bay Street?? Seriously??
How much is the police overtime going to cost for this attention whore festival? Oy.
How much is the police overtime going to cost for this attention whore festival?
Oh, whatever. The police overtime isn't for the protests. The president isn't in town; no one has any animosity towards any other participant. Sure, there will be tons of police, but they would be there with or without protests.
With all the protesters, I hope the torch bearer can run really fast. He should be able to, seeing as how the route is along the flattest part of the city...
Ummm... take a look at the map - the route hits a little bit of the Russian Hill area, but doesn't cross Van Ness... so doesn't actually GO into the Marina!
RinconHill, I'm with you... what about the children?
I lived in Atlanta when the Olympics were there. This is much ado about nothing. If it weren't for the protests one wouldn't even know the torch was in town.
Just attach the torch to an F line streetcar and be done with it.
I would say the chances for things to go wrong are pretty high when folks who do not call San Francisco home are coming here with the goal of getting on television. San Franciscans won't likely poop in their own bed, but if "1000's" of folks are coming in from other areas to try to get on TV ... well, I do hope they're peaceful protestors.
The problems seem to escalate when some shit for brains person starts doing something they obviously shouldn't .... for example, maybe someone decides to perch themselves on Louise Bourgeois’ “Crouching Spider” on The Embarcadero by Pier 14. The police would rightfully ask the person to get off the art piece. If the person refuses, the police will have to force him/her down. Next thing you know, all hell breaks loose because other folks have no clue what's going on other than a couple of police are physically pulling some idiot off of a public art display. Maybe I'm being over dramatic ... I hope so.
LOL @ aj
Totally an F streetcar
Boycotting the Olympics is sentiment rooted in confused principles, IMHO......
http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/04/china-and-its-conflicted-markets.html