UK Olympic Torch Craziness

[Pensive Patrick]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1311912,00.html

So the Olympic torch went through London today. I was watching live on the news - the torch couldn't actually be seen, since it was surrounded by 10 Chinese bodyguards and at least 30 Metropolitan Police at any one time. They were being attacked by protesters pretty much every step of the way.

I mean, what's the point? Was it really worth it? It would been so much easier, cost so much less, and raised a lot less disrest, if they just hadn't bothered with the whole procession in the first place.

Saying that, I totally support the protesters, and I was really enjoying watching them make a total mess of the whole thing :D

The thing that made me really angry, though, was that the BBC showed clips of interviews with citizens in China. They hadn't heard anything about any unrest. One woman said, "I though everyone supported the Olympics." That really doesn't sit well with me.

[psychology student]

I wonder what would happen if they suceeded in putting it out?

[dragonoverlord]

Free Tibet!!

[Spartiate]

I feel so bad for the athletes that have trained for years and are caught up in this mess. Countries talking about boycotting the games, the ceremonies, etc. I would be so pissed if I were an athlete, the Olympics shouldn't be a political battlefield.

[Mes Tarrant]

I dunno, man. On the one hand I really think the Olympics should be removed from all this political mess, but on the other hand... what better way to make your position heard than to disrupt such an important event??

What do Chinese politicians say about this anyhoo?

Edit: Oh wow, just saw that clip you were talking about. Their lack of free media is sad... to say the least...

[Spartiate]

I agree that it's a good way to get a lot of attention, but it's not like China's going to change anything because of a few protests in the West, so only the athletes are affected. And that's what the Olympics are about anyways, the athletes.

I guess I just have a little personal experience in the matter, I know what it's like to train for a long time towards a lofty goal, how focused you have to be. I can't imagine how pissed I would have been if politics came in between me and my dreams (and you can be certain that participating in the Olympic Games is a dream come true for every athlete).

[Xaqaria]

I wonder if there is a pattern emerging... the olympics were held in Germany right before the start of World War 2 after all...

[Identity X]

I did find it funny that Connie Huq was mobbed by a load of angry vicious protestors.

Like she's some war criminal or something.

Haha.

Then again, Blue Peter is known for it's controversial and subversive content.

[Alex D]

Best thing ever.

[AmazeO XD]

God I love this planet.

[NeAvO]

I saw it yesterday and thought it was funny. Good ol' London, full of illegals, violence and is a crap hole, any chance of it getting on Tv always has some silly thing go wrong. Must be the vibe the place gives off :P

P.s I don't want the olympics here if it causes the tax to rise (even more then they already are crappy government).

[Identity X]

I saw it yesterday and thought it was funny. Good ol' London, full of illegals, violence and is a crap hole, any chance of it getting on Tv always has some silly thing go wrong. Must be the vibe the place gives off :P

Well, it was even worse in Paris today.