Torch Relay for the Beijing Olympics.

[lizbud]

Just watched film of the torch run through San Francisco. Looks peaceful
so far. The turnout to protest is huge.Good for them. I think SF is the only
American city on the route for the Olympic torch.

[RedHedd]

I had the privilege and honor of being a torch runner in 1991. I will NEVER forget that experience. Back then it wasn't as politicized as it is now. I didn't get to keep the torch; I passed it to a young man whose parents took our picture. I never got the picture, but I have my memories, the T-shirt and a commemorative teddy bear which is standing at my desk in a place of honor today.

It makes me SO sad what is happening today in my fair City. I wish they hadn't run it at all.

I'm sick that the Olympics are being held in Beijing for many reasons, which I won't go into here.

That is all ... I have happy memories of my special day.

[caseysmom]

Sounds like lovely San Fran is in havoc today redhedd...stay indoors!

[RedHedd]

Sounds like lovely San Fran is in havoc today redhedd...stay indoors!

They're running through MY neighborhood! I'm at work down the Peninsula. Getting home tonight should be phun .... NOT

[RICHARD]

It makes me SO sad what is happening today in my fair City. I wish they hadn't run it at all.

I hear you.

I do feel for all the people who waited at the end where the closing ceremony
took place. Talk about getting effed!

When the flame came back to the L.A. Coliseum in 2002 I went down to see it, I still get goosbumps thinking about that....

It's a one minute parade that started when you get to your spot to watch.
People of all kinds arrive. You see smiles, laughter and flags! Oh, the flags....
You see flags that are at war miles away from where you are- standing together. If it's only for a moment, it's a moment too short.

Motorcycle cops fly up and down the street, when they come faster and more often you heart starts to race...You see the media truck and hear the crowd.

Whistles, screams, sirens. Someone runs by with their arm in the air and you miss the flame because you are focused on the face beneath it.

There are few times you'll see anyone with a bigger smile on their face!
You'll never see anyone run without ever touching the ground. It's almost like watching someone surf the well wishes from crowd.

A few seconds later the parade is over....everyone melts away and as they leave you can feel the residual good vibes from what they just saw.

If you could bottle it, you'd never have to worry about the world again.

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I hope Canada is listening and they bring the flame back thru town.

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I heard that the IOC is thinking about cancelling all future torch relays.

[Jessika]

My FIL carried the torch in one of the games. I can't remember what year though; I'll have to ask.

But if that had happened to him, he wouldn't take it lightly. In fact we had a discussion about how people are protesting the olympics. OK protest China and how they treat their people and animals; but why drag the athletes and/or torch runners into it?! What did they do to deserve having fire extinguishers sprayed at them and the torch ripped from their hands???? Not a dang thing.

I must say, to put it frank -- this behavior and the way they are acting disgusts me.

[RICHARD]

At the SLC torch run I remember a woman walking up to me while I was standing at near the stage.

SHe was protesting the treatment of the horses that were used in the equestrian events.

I really wanted to tell her to eff off but I caught myself and I think her also, off guard.

I smiled and said to her something like, "No thanks, You are talking to a real fan of the Games....."

She smiled and walked away. I felt pretty good because I didn't treat her with the usual way I deal with people that walk around with agendas and flyers they pass out that end up as litter on the ground.

I guess that as long as there is a cause, people will protest.

[RICHARD]

The torch made it's way to Islamabad where it would not be paraded in public due to security concerns.


why bother?