Can they topple the torch?
So 1PM PST today the Olympic torch starts winding it’s way through San Francisco. Protesters in London and Paris have already disrupted ceremonies there — in one case extinguishing the torch altogether. Can the world’s most swingenist protest town strike a blow for burma and deliver a dropkick for the Dalai Lama? According to the NYT this morning they are up against state, federal and local police PLUS a no-fly zone is in place over the torch route (seriously) PLUS police on motorized water scooters PLUS the torch itself got a good nights sleep in a 4 star hotel with cable TV and room service. (Again, not kidding.) I realize some people say the olympics are “just sports.” But the reality is that in every city that has hosted the Olympics for decades, along with the sports have come extreme repression, displacement and a massive investment of public money. Add in China’s stellar human rights record and it’s not just sports. I hope the torch goes out in the Tenderloin today. Can I count on any of my San Francisco friends to do something heroic yet rash and land yourself in jail? Ying-sun? Ian? Paul, does that condo of yours have a balcony?
Free Pinko t-shirts to the first three commenters if protesters can extinguish the flame …
About The Author - Ben Wyskida is a writer, activist, conscientious hedonist and political communications strategist living in Brooklyn. - Visit Ben's site.
Pinko T-Shirts?? Sweet!
Can I get my t-shirt personalized?
Funny how one of mankind’s most interesting traditions gets tupped and whored out for corporate and nation-state interests. There is a good bit of money tied up in the Olympiad this time (and every time, I suppose). That issue has absolutely nothing to do with sport or competition or the spirit of either.
Fuck the Olympics. I don’t even want to watch the games anymore. Just like American Idol or Survivor, now.
Also, I am absolutely fazed at how absolutely unfazed the Olympic Committee is. “Whatever happens, press on through, don’t mind the mess or fuss. The games must go on!” Those people have their hands in the cookie jar. They should be subjected to human rights abuses. Hitler used the games for his purposes, now the corporate fascist states are using them for theirs. Money, money, money.
Fuckers. Also, The torch did go out very briefly due to protests (whilst being rerouted), and I expect my shirt in the mail or the cash equivalent via PayPal. Please.