Future of Olympic torch tour?
Protestors wave Tibetan flags while an athlete runs with Beijing Olympics torch, on April 7, 2008 in Paris. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A "crisis" is how the president of the International Olympic Committee describes the protests that have surrounded the torch relay.
But Jacques Rogge insists the torch relay will go on – despite protests in London, Paris and San Francisco which have focused on China's human rights record, its crackdown on Tibet and its close relationship with Sudan. He says the IOC has weathered many bigger storms, like the murder of the Israeli athletes in Munich in 1972 and the boycotts in 1976, 1980 and 1984.
However, Rogge says the committee will reconsider holding this kind of international relay for future Olympic Games.
He also called on China to honor its pledges to improve human rights and give foreign journalists unfettered access – a rare critique of the Communist country coming from the IOC. China shot right back, saying the committee should keep its nose out of its internal politics.
The torch has now arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where there will be a relay tomorrow. It then moves on to 14 more cities in Africa and Asia before returning to China in August.
One IOC member has suggested that the p.r. nightmare that followed the flame this year may make it the last time for an international relay.
Here’s my question to you: In light of what’s happened in London, Paris and San Francisco, how should officials handle the remainder of the Olympic torch tour?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jim writes:
They should continue as they've been doing. Footage of police battling protesters is a completely appropriate image of China.
Linda writes:
Get rid of the torch tour, get rid of the torch, get rid of the Olympics! It's all become way too political anyway.
Jason from New York writes:
They should remind protesters that this is just a torch. Everyone knows what's going on in Tibet, and trying to extinguish a flame on a giant metal stick will not solve anything.
Ryan from Champaign, Illinois writes:
The Olympic committee should take the flame directly to Tibet and protect it, along with the Tibetan people.
Dan from Chandler, Arizona writes:
Suggestion for the IOC: instead of reconsidering whether or not it will allow torch relays in the future, why don't they reconsider awarding the Olympic Games to communist countries with long histories of human rights abuses? Seems like a pretty easy decision to me.
Bianca writes:
The Olympics is probably the biggest p.r. event China could ever hope to have. The international relay is a great idea because it shows how frustrated the world is at how China is handling its internal affairs. This could be the pressure many have hoped for to make China give more freedoms.
Chris from Swansea, Mass. writes:
Jack, I'll bet ten-to-one that all the protesters were wearing clothing or shoes made in China.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
They should blow the torch out and start paying attention to human rights violations in China.
I don't think you could repeat on the air where I'd suggest they store the torch.
The torch tour has nothing to do with Olympic tradition. It was invented by the Nazis as political propaganda to advertise the Berlin Olympics of 1936
Jack,
I don't know but I'd advise them to extinguish it before it gets to Beijing – I hear the air is flammable there.
Brian
Moscow, Idaho
In a couple of weeks the torch will be back on the Chinese mainland until the games start in August, hopefully without several prominent world leaders in attendance. One can only assume that anti-China sentiment will evaporate once the torch hits Hong Kong on May 2. Not because there isn't any. It's just that China doesn't believe in those pesky little annoyances like freedom of speech, freedom to assemble and freedom of the press.
Take it to China and have several runs around various cities. I'd bet Wolfe's life that they wouldn't have any violent demonstrations there.
Jack
As always there is a first time for everything. If there is a chance that people will get hurt or injured due to violent demonstrations then by all means cancel the tour. This will send a message, this should not be a platform for political issues.
Flick a Bic.
I think they should let our great sports fan President W carry it the rest of the way. That'll insure they'll both arrive on time for the opening ceremony.
If it's the IOC do nothing.
If it's Britain, France or the US do nothing.
If it's one of the other cities on the tour, pray.
If it's the Communist Chineses government keep going.
WHY
so we can call an end to this foolish Olympic torch tour BS on the same low note that it began with. A bad idea in 1936 is still a bad idea in 2008. It's all just a marketing gimmick anyway.
Jack, the same way they've handled it so far. With lots of support vehicles, police, and security. Because of these nut-jobs trying to snuff out the torch or steal it, we need the security. That's the way it's gonna be, so we may as well get used to it.
I'd say keep going on as planned, but beef up security. I'd also give torch-bearers t-shirts that say "I am in no way associated with China." I'm still trying to figure out the reasoning behind protesting China's abuse of innocent people by beating up a guy holding a torch who has nothing to do with the situation. Maybe they should replace all the rest of the runners with disabled veterans. Who would hit a war hero in a wheel chair?
Jack I think the negative publicity the Chinese government is getting from all this is a beeyooteefull thing!! Officials should continue as they have and let the protests be broadcast across the world.
It will be tough. But what is happening is good. It takes the attention of a lot of people. I think this is much better than boycotting olympics. We can make Olympics an event to make a strong statement inside China so people in China would see this opposition.
Nuwan from Houston, TX
Keep going, but make sure the route goes through Tibet, just to see what happens.
I think San Francisco did the right thing.....go ahead and have the torch tour but DON'T tell anyone where they're going to be...you know....'its going to be held somewhere on this continent today so look out your window and you have a one in a million chance to see it.' Think of the gas it will save people driving to see it and those thinking of
"lighting themselves up" in protest. Might force the oil companies to drop prices.
Jack,
How about going to China and protest right there on national TV? It will be shown everywhere in China and will have more impact.
Reagan went to Germany and made an historical speech (Tear down the hall). Clinton is trying to make this her campaign issue. She didn't know about human rights abuse when she and her husband visited China?
Chantilly, Virginia
CNN Jack Cafferty: "They are basically the same bunch of goons and thugs as they were in the past 50 years."
I happen to have spent 30 of those 50 years in China. And I can tell you it is NOT what you think you know.
Also, is language like this considered professional coming out of a journalist?
They can do what they want with it, just don't send it back here.
Nothing. People have a right to protest China's treatment of Tibet. I'd be more concerned if the right of protest was squelched although I do feel sorry for the torch bearers. They've done nothing wrong.
Jack,
They should just give it up and send the torch back to China. But I do think it's funny how proactive Americans became when it came to speaking out on behalf of Tibet. Why can't people see that China is abusing America far more than Tibet. I guess it would be too much for Americans to worry about themselves for a change instead of focusing on the plight of another country.
they should take the torch directly to china,and the chinese can sit there holding it,contemplating on all the human right's abuses they have committed.bush could go sit with them ,and think about the same thing.
Jack,
The torch is purely ceremonial and it's a shame the Anti-Chinese protesters can't separate sport from politics.
Human rights in China have been the same for centuries. If you really want to protest human rights, you should go no further than D.C. and ask the Bush/Cheney Reichs Fueher about what really goes on in Iraq, Abu Graib, Guantamano, and all of the secret prisons all over the world.
Boycotting the Olympics is like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted! China should NEVER have been granted the priviledge of hosting the Olympics.
Since the Olympics are in China, I suppose they should just shoot anyone who interferes with the torch.
Jack I'll bet ten to one that all the protesters were wearing clothing or shoes made in CHINA
The Olympics are supposed to be about sportsmanship.honor and competition. The games have now been reduced to pure politics and advertising. The way the protests have been handled is an example of the fascism that rapidly taking over the world. The way the protests were handled in San Francisco was both revolting and disgusting. I guess freedom is gone in the United States. The way the protests should be handled is to let them go on. I believe that if you tone down the police presence,the demonstrators will behave peaceably. It's only when the authorities start pushing and shoving that things get out of hand. I know,I was part of the Vietnam demonstrations.
I am disgusted with the way that our own Americans acted at the torch bearing ceremonies. I dont know who in their right mind chose San Francisco a liberal activist city to host a torch bearing relay. Thanks to these protesters the torch ceremony in the United States was cancelled. I dont support China however politics should stay out of the olympics. These liberals can do their protests in another way but not by ruining the olympic ceremonies. I think the torch tour should continue because if it doesnt the protesters will be getting part of what they want. Ok people the olympics are an athletic event not a political event. so keep your political protests away from the olympics. Also I am a Democrat but have thoughts on switching parties.
Dan
Goodyear, Arizona
I think they may want to forget the tour this time before someone gets hurt. I do not blame the protesters, however. It is drawing attention to a very serious problem that has been ignored for years. I have to laugh at Hillary speaking out at this late date though. Where was she when her husband pushed through permanent favored nation status for China in 1999, and where was she to protest the WTO membership that went with it? Why didn't she protest? She was helping Bill push it through, that's why. As she has already said, she was a great help to him.
Jack
Let all the Olympic Sponsor CEO's carry the torch and look at all the
free advertising they can get along the route.
Jerry
Roselle, Illinois
The Olympic committee should take the flame directly to Tibet, and protect it along with the Tibetan people with Herculean effort.
Why does the OLYMPIC GAMES have to have a tour? Why can`t just be in a friendly Country ? so no one will be at risk of being killed or beaten to death? or is there such a place any more where it is safe? I know you are looking for answers to your question but I see no answer this time.
Would love to borrow a copy of your book! I Love your Show!
Barbara from Florida.
The real question is, why are these cities allowing the torch to go through, given its destination? Look, I'm not about to advocate boycotting the games. But there's no way we should be celebrating the fact that they're being held in a country so unapologetically hostile to civil rights. A country that was given a mandate to improve its record that it flouted knowing that there would be no consequences from the IOC. The time has come for the leaders of the free world to stand on a matter of principle, but they're balking because this time it would cost them something.
Jack, I would suggest sending the torch back to Greece and flying it to China when the games begin.
Have President Bush run with it all the way to China. Then he can just stay there with his Peking Pals.
Snuff it!
They should continue as they've been doing. Footage of police battling protesters is a completely appropriate image of China.
I would encased the Olympic flame in a "Bic Lighter" and transfer it by Federal Express; let see the protesters protest that at 37,000 feet.
If Americans were truly opposed to the Olympics in China, then we could easily demonstrate our disgust by refusing to buy chinese made products. Factoring in our loss of disposable income, has that happened yet?? NO!!
Caring means trying to do something. It's very clear, that despite all the rhetoric, the vast majority do not really care China knows this and the IOC knows this. They, also, know that the torch will be in China's sphere of influence from here on out.
Harry
Ky.
Jack,
You are such a racist!
Who give you the right calling the Chinese people "same bunch of goons and thugs as they were in the past 50 years"?!!!
Don't tell me that you were trying to refer that to the government! You were talking about China as a whole. You can deny it.
Why don't U just shut your hole!
Nick
Respecting different cultures.
China is a religious free nation; the modern Olympics are founded on a common root for competition but it has underlying religious tones set to Greek Deities.
The Olympics are still the world's common games as an arranged event no matter the title.
In a respectful iconoclastic act: please douse the torch of Prometheus and respect the anti-religious views of the host nation China.
Could a winter games never be held in Antarctica?
Officials should announce that the tour is canceled until man's inhumanity to man experiences further developments.
They should just man-up and finish the darn thing! How embarrassing would it be if the Olympic committee decides to puss out on this? Jeez show a little resolve, it isn't like it's the symbol of global unity perseverance or anything. Oh, wait, it is! Finish the tour and remember not to hold the Olympics in a country known for beating down riots violently, invading privacy, and using war as a political lever. Hmmm, sounds a little familiar huh?
Get rid of the torch tour – get rid of the torch – get rid of the Olympics!. It's all become way too political anyway.
Jack,
You're an insightful guy, we answer every day, what do YOU think regarding this one?
I think that these people just look for something to protest.It's a shame something as special as the Olympics has to draw so much conrtaversy.We went to Iraq to stop people from being treated so unfairly,now everyone says that was a mistake.Meddling with China is a mistake.
Take it back to China. People across the great oceans have spoken and their verdicts is clear, that China is desecrating the touch. Is it not ironic that a country that is continuously murdering peace will likewise advertise the emblem of peace. But with the deaf attitude of the government to Iraq, China may erroneusly classify us all as deaf.
To hell with the damn torch. To hell with the IOC and their hypocrisy. And to hell with the government of Communist China. I am certain that Bush/Cheney and many of their administration will be visiting them all and none too soon to suit me.
hello jack. hey whats it mean when your in moderation,have i committed a blog crime(lol). I remember when the olympics was to bring the world together with the unity of sports. Now its just a diplomatic tool for countries. The chinese don't give a hoot what the world thinks about their domestic/ human rights record. Whats America going to do to force the chinese to change their agenda ?nothing! The chinese currently have the upper hand on us we are in debt up to our eyeballs, plus they have the majority of U.S. jobs. so let them continue with the torch, because after all unless all the nations boycot then it really doesn't accomplish anything
With all the violent protests, traffic jams endangerment of civilians and possible destruction of property, seen in all cities the the torch tour has encountered so far, I'd say Jack, let 'em complete the rest of the tour on the great wall inChina!
After all, they are the host country right? And the Great Wall was originally built to keep invaders out right? Why not protesters? Security would be easy to handle cause:
1) Protestors can't scale the walls to harm the torch-bearers cause they're too high or would be thrown or shot off by security.
2) They can't change the parade route cause it meanders one way for thousands of miles.
3) Chinese officials could compensate to pay for the extra security and transporation costs by charging tourists on the Great Wall a fee to watch the torch tour pass them by (assuming the're's enough room for them to see it, let alone mind the traffic jam).
4) Seeing Chinese officials and security squirm at trying to remain civil yet firm to any potential protestors harming the torch tour while having the international media watch their every move: priceless!
Dan
South Florida
If the Olympics were being held in the U.S., these very same cities would have protestors chasing after the torch.
Of course, they (except S.F.) didn't in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta games as the torch went straight from Greece to the U.S.
There has rarely been a year, when the Olympics was not a burr under someone's saddle, which is why most times it does not travel the globe. The error is the route planning for this year.
Harry
Ky.
The tour should continue. I find it highly amusing that European and American demonstrators are willing to assault and injure relay runners in order to protest China's lack of regard for the rights of individuals. Perhaps the third world can show us how to demonstrate peacefully. We are badly in need of a refresher course.
The IOC should let the torch tour continue on it's planned remaining course. This will give people in all the various parts of the world an opportunity to show (via peaceful protests) that we are all united in one voice speaking against China's attrocities and murder in Tibet and their support to other tyrannical regimes (Burma, Sudan, North Korea, etc).
I love it! Here, here for the Goddess of Democracy. Do you realize the president who went to war to spread Democracy is going the Peking to spit on it? The Greeks would tell you to burn it. Take the torch and torch it. Let's all celebrate the opening by giving the Communists the one finger salute. Rick, Yakima, Wa.
After finding out this tradition was started by the Nazi's I have no idea why in the world they kept such a tradition.
Just keep on truckin,and stay away from the "Nuts",who seem to be causing all this unnecessary fracas. We've taken our eye off the prize, and the athletes around the world, that have trained for years to represent their countries, and are now being held hostage to a few idiologist! How "Sad",what the world deems "Politically Correct", how sad, ("Satire about Demonization") for what?
We live in a "made in China" world, and we cannot count on our or other governments to put any pressure on China to change it's ways. The publicity of the protests are shining a light on the country that has to be making them a bit uncomfortable. Cancelling the torch run will just let China continue it's tactics under the radar.
This is the most media attention a torch relay has been given in the US since the cross-country relay for the Atlanta games in 1996. Publicity in any form, positive or negative, is good for the games because people are talking about the games when they otherwise would not.
Jack
do not you realize that when you talk in racist remarks (call other people a bunch of goons and thugs), you yourself became a real son of goons and thugs?
Let the IOC people figure it out since they wanted China to host the Olympics in the first place. Let the Clintons help since they are the ones who wanted China on "equal footing" in the first place.
Who really . . . REALLY cares?
The officials should do nothing. Let China and the blind officials who choose to hold the games in communist China see how much the free world despises them. The world stood up against aparthied and banned South Africa from the games. China should pay the same price for their treatment of the Tibetans.
I have already stopped buying Chinese products and boycotting firms such as Coke. Well I guess Pepsi is really the choice of the new generation which stands up for freedom.
Jack, they should run the torch as originally planned and allow the cities, that cannot control their citizens, to embarass themselves. Oh, and have a backup fire in every city, just in case. Jim B. Malta, NY
for the American public there is an even better way to "fight back" against this rerun of the 1936 Olympics. call or E mail EVERY SPONSOR that is involved with this insult to freedom and TELL THEM you WILL NOT purchase or use their PRODUCT.
MONEY TALKS!!!
hi jack
thats very easy just take it to China and let them deal with it,I hope no one will even watch until they stop the violence
The officials should acknowledge that the whole thing is a symbolic, empty marketing ploy, and that the torch probably goes out 3 times a day and is re-lit with a Zippo. Then the protesters should grow a brain and figure out that this relay is all about a few people trying to make a lot of money, and protest the IOC, who gave China the games in the first place while being fully aware of China's record. Sounds like the same people who got mad at Bush in 2000, instead of picketing the Supreme Court.
I think it would be a travesty if the Olympic torch run was ended. I was a teenager when I saw the torch come through Philadelphia, and it really brought together people who maybe would have never have talked before. It would be best though, if the IOC had two backup cities if a country who is holding the Olympics has human rights or other issues that would stir many problems.
Your comment on China during the situation room yesterday was fact-distorting and outrageous. You own all Chinese a sincere apology.
You call Chinese peoplehugs, but in reality you were yourself a real thug when you hit and injured a bicyclist and cowardly run away from the accident scene on May 14, 2003.
It is a sad commentary when the people of this country have the audacity to cry foul over Tibet while we invaded a sorvereign country without provocation and killed countless women, children and innocent civilians for no reason at all. China has gone to a lot of preperation to display their Country and the people there are as proud of their Country as we are of ours. The media and the so called elitists should be ashamed of themselves.
Jim, Prescott, MI
They should extinguish the torch and spend some time on the human rights violation in China and shouldn't ignore what happens there in Tibet like they do right now. They should force China to respect human rights otherwise there won't be any olympic games this year at least not in China and the IOC should give them to Athens again as backup plan.
It's in the olympic charta that the olympic games won't be given to a country that is violating human rights but they gave it to such a country and by knowing that, the IOC can't say that the olympic games aren't political.
I think that the torch should be allowed to continue its journey. With, of course, appropriate security measures taken to protect it and the runners. You take away the run, you take away part of the spirit of the games. Besides which if you take away the run, how else will issues like China's Human rights violations be shown to so many people. Unlike some I think that the protests don't take away from the spirit of the games but instead remind us that the world while technologically advanced still has a great ways to go when it comes to how we treat our fellow man.
Send the thing back to China along with all the other inferior things we have to put up with.
50 years ago, African Americans can not go to the same school as the Whites can go. But even at that time, the arrogance of your media is almost the same as now. Today, American troops are killing thousands of life in Asia. The politicians in this country are busy having affairs with other women.
Shortly speaking, U.S.A. is not a role model of this world and can not shamefully attack other contury all day long.
Cancel the stupid Olympic games and let the athletes go out and get real jobs like the rest of us. Stick the torch up Ping Pong's ass - or whoever the chief gook is.
I think the Olympic torch tour and the protests have been a good thing. After all a lot of people have been silent and many of them have been unaware of China's terrible human rights record and their unfair treatment of the people of Tibet. Say what you will about Richard Gere he is about the only prominent person who has consistantly spoken against the Chinese and he really has nothing to gain. Now it has become a campaign issue but where were all these people years ago. Let the tour go on and let it continue to shine a light on China, it couldn't hurt.
You treat it the same way as if the KKK sends a group to harass members of an African-American parade. Protect it and arrest anyone who becomes too much of a problem. I don't see why anyone would want to treat one group of troublemakers better than any other group of troublemakers.
Port Neches, Tx
This carrying torch around the world & running is the silliest thing I know of. The only thing that needs to be done is, carry from Greece to the host country (always) & light up there. Freedom to Tibet.
California
My suggestion to those self righteous activists who are attempting to "Free Tibet" is, get over there and free it yourself. Stay away from the world events that are for the entire world and not a vehicle to promote your selfish interests. If you are so noble, volunteer for duty in Iraq, with the US Military and or help get our Troops home.
I'm shocked this hasn't been an issue sooner. Officials should have known that growing Sinophobia would be a problem in western countries. Maybe they just don't care, seeing as they hold the upper hand in the trade deficit.
Make an early departure and carry the thing to China. If someone there protests the torch, China knows how to handle protesters....
Why are you only mentioning the pro-tibet protest? What about thousands and thousands of peoples who showed up to support the game?
Once again, CNN has proved itself to be a biased and un-justice media.
Calling chinese people "the same bunch of goons and thugs as they were in the past 50 years.” are just so LOW CLASS. You owe WE an apology!
Protest Vs Protect
they have no human rights in China
one child state sponsered abortiond
i say just send it back to greece lighting fast
no brotherhood left in the world
In light of what’s happened in London, Paris and San Francisco, officials who will handle the remainder of the Olympic torch tour should ensure that, the so-called well organizaed nonviolence protesters should be stopped from destroying the Olympics torch relay, and the Olympics spirits. It is such a shame that, in free countries like the UK, the US and Frence, politics have been so messed up with the Olympics, one of the best events in human history to celebrate the accomplishments of human beings.
Also, just as the spirits of the Olympics have been damaged by the violent protests to free Tibet, you've also lost all your credits as a journalist when you made such a unprofessional but discriminatory comment about Chinese people: “They are basically the same bunch of goons and thugs as they were in the past 50 years.”
The IOC should snuff the Olympic torch tour. But, it is kind of hypocritical on our part when we are illegally occupying another country just like China is doing with Tibet.
Cancel it. !! In Fact, Cancel the whole thing. just cancel the 2008 Summer Olympics entirely... who do the Chinese think they are. rubbing our noses in it by brutalizing those people in Tibet and being compliant with the Darfur situation. and now we are supposed to feel something for "saving FACE"? Bah! I personally am sick to death of the mess George Bush has got this country into. Borrowing all that money and now we are supposed to just roll over... Bah ! Mary from Sarasota FL
My son, who has an amazing story, was selected to carry the torch during the 2002 Winter Olympics on its trek through Beverly Hills. It was such an honor to be selected, and such a thrill for him and all of us who love him, that I hate to see this type of inspirational relay stop. There are so many possible torchbearers who deserve the honor and recognition the torch relay brings them.
Jack, I think it should keep on going.., heck why not?, it's not going to change anything in China.,, they don't need anyones approval. I'm sure most of the runners who get to carry the torch still want a chance to do so.?
1. Protesting the torch tour only alienates many Chinese people who take great pride in their country as the host.
2. The violent behavior of many protesters in Europe and the US makes me wonder how they can be morally superior to the Chinese government.
3. Mixing politics with sports is always a bad idea.
4. Western media have purposely distort the news coverage of the tours by emphasizing the protesters and not the supporters who often outnumber the protesters.
In all, LEAVE THE TORCH ALONE.
They should get a memo from their lawyer saying it's ok for the host country of the Olympics to have human rights abuses.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
Jack, Olympic officials should tell Communist China, to stick the Olympic Torch, where the sun doesn't shine, until they stop the massacre, in Tibet and drastically improve human rights. It was a mistake, to give Communist China the Olympics, in the first place. Here's a novel idea. Why don't all the athletes boycott the Olympics and we'll stay out, of Communist China's internal affairs.
It is a sad commentary when the people of this country have the audacity to cry foul over Tibet while we invaded a sorvereign country without provocation and killed countless women, children and innocent civilians for no reason at all. China has gone to a lot of preperation to display their Country and the people there are as proud of their Country as we are of ours. The media and the so called elitists, like Lou Dobbs, should be ashamed of themselves.
Jim, Prescott, MI
Honestly the real question is : why didn't they protest against China before the Olympics? I think people are hypocrites! I feel sorry for the torch bearers who have done nothing wrong but carry a symbol and they are the ones who get attacked. Got a problem with China? Go trash the country itself!
when are the citizens of our country going to demand from our representatives to work on our behalf and not that of big business . they seem to be more interested in getting reelected than doing what we elected them to do. the airline situation is a case in point....why are the airlines all of a sudden reacting to faa reg's when they have been on the books for a long time.there must be another way to inspect the planes without the awful inconveinence they are foring on the public. shame on them both
The torch relay must continue because the Olympics belong to the citizens of the World not a specific country. As far as protesting, that’s fine, until the protesters interfere with the relay, at which I am all for the use of brut force, violence or whatever it takes to protect the rights of those in the relay and citizens of the World that believe the Olympics belongs to everyone.
I think San Fran had the right idea and there should be more of it: keep the torch tour going, so that it can be said there is such a thing, but keep it secretive and out of the spotlight, both as a snub to the Chinese and to keep the runners safe from wackos. It may not seem like much, but I hope it gets the Politburo fuming.
I have but one question for America! When we ask China for $152 billions dollars for our stimulus package checks do we ask them to work on their human rights while they're issuing the EFT (elec. funds transfer)? Does anyone realize how much money we get from China, seems a bit hypocritical don't you think?
Officials are making the right move in allowing the Olympic torch to continue on. That way protesters can bring more and more publicity to the situation in Tibet, and maybe put a little more pressure on China and the rest of the world to do something about it.
Teddy (Penn State)
These games represent so much to so many people. Athletes have been trying for so long and given up alot to get there. So I think we do a diservice to the games by altering any of its ceremonies. Keep things as normal. Everyone has the right to protest, however it should be done in a resonable manor. It seems like we are always changing things because of a few knuckleheads (radicle protestors).
not sure, jack...let us hope the torch has no lead, and not made in china..
hey jack, was torch made in china?
Nevermind the torch, what about these alledged 'terrorist plots' for the Olympics that the Chinese keeping busting? To me, this smells fishy. Sure, we've taught them the trick of using terrorism as a distraction, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't be suspicious.
Run the cursed torch through Tibet, Kenya, Baghdad, and all the other countries that need our real attention. And behind that bring along food, and clothing, so the people less fortunate can know that we are not kicking them to the curve.
The Chinese people worldwide are very proud that their nation is holding the 2008 Olympic games, as they should be. Don't deny China the merits it deserves, being a super nation with the greatest growth and productivity in almost all areas. The Olympic Torch is a symbol. I for one would like to get a close inside look at China. Very few documentaries about China have ever been shown, in North America. When all our personal mail is being opened, and both our home and business phones are being tapped, and sexual activity is discouraged both at home and away for fear of being eliminated from your job or political position ( Including no masturbation in doctor's on-call rooms),let's worry about the loss of human rights in this country!
The Secret Service may come after me, but has anyone thought of giving the Olympic torch to W to make a burning Bush?
Suggestion for the IOC: instead of reconsidering whether or not it will allow torch relays in the future, why don't they reconsider awarding the Olympic Games to communist countries with long histories of human rights abuses? Seems like a pretty easy decision to me.
They should remind protesters that this is just a TORCH. Everyone knows what's going on in Tibet, and trying to extinguish a flame on a giant metal stick will not solve anything.
The US Olympic Team should boycott the games! The Chinese Troops On American Soil protecting the Olympic torch is an outrage! Let's send these crooks a message
a bucket of water with a tibetan flag on it.
Cancel the torch tour and cancel the Olympics.
China does not have the Olympic Spirit in its long history of human rights violations.
Free Tibet!
Put the torch on a plane. It will end up in a late, cancelled or misdirected flight. It may never arrive at its destination at all. It could even arrive at another city. In any "event" nothing bad will happen as all the protesters will have already gone home by the time it arrives.
Honestly, how many people really pay a whole lot of attention to the torch in the scope of the entire population? I say do away with the torch until China can practice human rights. They deserve nothing until they learn the value of humanity. And it is the USA's business...humanity is humanity..we must help each other! Grow up, China!
The Olympic officials need to learn their ABC's....Anywhere But China!!!
Absolutely, many people could end up hurt or worse, and we know china will loose no sleep that. Not only should the relay be handled differently, but the games in China as well.
The torchbearers should make a complete 180 and take the torch back to Greece. I am appalled that not every nation and every athlete are boycotting the games in China. My God, even if I could afford to attend, I would be afraid to do so. In my opinion, no one is safe in that country. Oh, and as I've said before, let's stop trading with China, let's boycott all things Chinese, and let them live like North Korea unless and until they are willing to become part of the civilized world.
Montgomery, AL
(Just a dum' ol' Southerner)
The Olympics is probably the biggest PR event China could ever hope to have. The international relays is a great idea because it shows how frustrated the world is at how China is handling their internal affairs. This could be the pressure many have hoped for to make China give more freedoms.
Jack,
I'd cancel it, period. However, wouldn't it make more sense for the protesters to stop buying Chinese products than to attack the people who have the honor of carrying the torch? What did they do? Go to the source, China, and hit them where it hurts.
Jack;
Perhaps the Olympic organizers should do the politically correct thing.
Cancel the ongoing torch relay and when it comes time for the opening cermonies in Bejing, let them 'flic their (Chinese made) BIC.
Jack, they should continue with the torch. I also believe people need to stop making sucha big deal about this. The Olympics are not about the host country, they are about the world comingtogether for a few short weeks. They symbolize world unity and in our world today thats something that is lacking. Protest China all you want, but leave the Olympic games out of it.
The furor over the torch has nothing to do with the Olympics, and everything to do with China's human rights record. When the Olympics are hosted in London, there will be few or know protests.
A simple answer to the crisis. Run the torch across the USA and Canada to a new location for the games in Toronto or New York, might be short notice but we'll make it work.
John
Thunder Bay