Posted on 04/09/2008 7:03:45 PM PDT by melt
The Olympic flame’s procession through San Francisco drew world-wide ridicule when the torch-bearers ran only a few yards before disappearing into a warehouse, only to re-emerge on a bus half an hour later.
After furious clashes between Free Tibet protesters and pro-China demonstrators, the authorities seemed to panic and abruptly changed the route, cutting it by half and scrapping the closing ceremony.
What Chinese Olympic organisers have called a “Journey of Harmony” quickly became the mystery tour of the missing flame. By 1.20pm local time — 20 minutes after the scheduled start— even the TV news helicopters had lost track. Then the runners were glimpsed at last for a brief moment, only to vanish into a warehouse on Pier 48 seconds later.
Eventually the torch-bearers, flanked by their Chinese minders in blue shell-suits, got off the bus and posed for photographs before jogging down Van Ness Avenue, their destination unknown.
To add to the confusion American officers in blue track suits almost identical to their Chinese counterparts also made an appearance, mingling with the battle-hardened “flame-guards” from Beijing.
The city’s Mayor defended the decision to scrap the original route by citing security fears. “We assessed the situation and felt that we could not secure the torch and protect the protesters and supporters to the degree that we wished,” Gavin Newsom said.
“I think it’s cowardly. If they can’t run the torch through the city, it means that no one is supporting the games,” said Matt Helmenstine, 30, a teacher carrying a Tibetan flag.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
"Disappearing into a warehouse, only to re-emerge on a bus half an hour later."
Somehow it's fitting. The Olympic 'flame' arrives in San Francisco--- only to be "in-and-out of the closet"...
The “pro-China” students are all Chinese thugs/spies.
San Francisco democrat politicians are so incompetent, they couldn’t properly manage a McDonalds Restaurant for 15 minutes.
Awarding the olympics to China was a grave mistake IMO. This torch thing isn’t the farce. The farce was awarding these games to a nation like China in the first place.
I’m not sure which will be more interesting. What occurs inside the Olympic events or outside.
In San Fran, no less.
City of gays, gaggles and Gavin.
Back in the early 60's when I first visited San Francisco, on may way to being stationed in Japan, I fell in love with this beautiful city.
Of course, that changed when I returned from Nam in 67 and received a less than "hospitable" welcome.
Hey, Gavin, how do you like them apples now? Tee hee hee!
Couldn't happen to a nicer Moonbat and the Socialist Capital of the U.S.
I was disappointed watching Fox news today and hoping to see the torch relay, but after a half and hour I gave up
The chinese will never have so many eyes watching what occurs.
The IOC and the UN seem to be run by the same people.
Yes, farce is one of the kinder words to describe San Francisco
Murdoch's wife is Chinese.
Gotcha....
I didn’t know that
It does seem like it doesn’t it. I wouldn’t be at all surprised that members have shifted back and forth before either.
"It's funny that so many people are organizing to protest the killings in Tibet while the U.S. government is bombing innocent people in Iraq every day. The U.S. government is building A WALL along our southern borders. And the U.S. government has killed more people in the world than China has ever done. This country needs a revolution."
Barf!
Wonder if all those people who payed for the chance to run with the torch will get a refund?
Just wait till they fail to stop the rainfall. LOL, See how suddenly it becomes “Bush’s Fault”
The Communist Chinese vs. the Communist Homos!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.