I tried to sneak in to get the shot of the torch...but they faked all of us out...

that did not stop the protestors...!

I tried to grab what I could, but after about 2 hours... I found out through some random person that the mayor did a bait and switch to throw everyone off!

here is what I saw as I approched the masses.:

more shots...


the police and their zip ties...







this is what faked us out...we heard that the torch was coming and then i ran over to the big screen and bam...we were faked out....they switched the route to about 3 mile away from where we were...

I like the China stop sign picture.

In regards to the Olympic Torch....

I heard they had to distinguish the torch. It was causing global warming and the ice cap was melting due to the burning flame on the torch. The ocean water temperature was going up as it came over from Paris and they projected the ocean would rise 2 feet if they kept the flame burning.

Troy

Wow, you got some great shots to record this time in history! How cool!

i'm not sure i agree with the protests. i think its really taking away from the atheletes' moments of glory. if i had finally made it to the olympics and this shit was stirring... i'd be pissed.

I second Kari.. they are great shots to have as a record in history. I would also have to agree that it is a shame the protests take away from the extremely talented athletes' glory over political issues.

So really...S.F. got exactly what it's been asking for! Love that point! The torch has nothing to do with China, it's just an easy target for those who didn't want to find a more appropriate forum for their causes. I saw a tv ad for the Olympics...the music...the spirit of competition...so many countries joining in...I LOVE IT! I'm excited!

Really? Are you joking? China is murdering people by the hundreds in Tibet, arresting and imprisoning people who are trying to get some freedom; did you know the only Nobel Peace Prize winner currently in prison is in China?
China has torn down thousands of people's homes and forced people to move from neighborhoods they've lived in for generations to go to "projects" to make room for olympic compounds.
The olympics will bring billions of dollars to China, the decision to have China host them is totally political, so yeah, I'd say the torch is fair game for protests.
And if you are doubting the political motivations of the International Olympic Committee, why do you think the IOC would choose to have the olympics in one of the most polluted cities on earth? Last summer there was a mountain bike race attended by dozens of pro's on the same course that will be used for the olympics. Only 3 finished because the air quality was so bad.

Hmm...let me re-read my post, but I don't think I said anything in praise of China. The education you're giving is unnessessary. I already detest China. My point is that the torch is meant to represent the Olympics which I find to be something to celebrate. If I was served bad food at a restaurant, I wouldn't short the tip (that takes it out on the server who isn't responsible). I'd talk to the manager about the cook he's hired. If I have problems with the IOC's choice of venue, I'd write a thoughtful letter rather than spoil a celebratory gathering. The right thing to do is usually the harder thing to do. That's why I mentioned "easy target" for those who preferred not to find a more appropriate means.

The right thing? Writing a letter and doing nothing about the murders of hundreds is the right thing? NOT getting up and protesting in a way that the entire world sees is the right thing? Not creating change is the right thing? And are you really suggesting that writing a letter to the IOC is harder than taking a day off work and risking arrest to create change?

China isn't the server here, they are the owner of the restaurant who forces their waitress to work in horrible conditions and imprisons her if she complains.

I didn't do the best job of picking what the "right thing" to do is. I just think that protesting China at an Olympic rally is the wrong thing to do. While protests can draw attention and spur action, they need not spoil the original purpose of an event. It's in poor taste. After all, once the Olympics run their course what then, is the venue for protests against China? I would be happier with a more established, longer lasting forum for bringing attention to the problems in China. I realize that's only an opinion. And Colin, I get the odd feeling yours is different. (don't worry, that's not cutting sarcasm...just my ultra dry humor)

And with that...I'm tappin out!

Here's my thing with the whole Olympics in China thing. Hosting the Olympics should be a privilege and should be given to a nation that embodies the spirit of the games. China obviously doesn't do that. Protesting at these events is completely appropriate because people know in their hearts that China's involvement is in conflict with what the games stand for. People are there to say to the Olympic committee that they screwed up by letting China host the event. The recent conflicts in Tibet only served to amplify those feelings.

If I were competing in the Olympics, I would totally boycott the games. China is benefitting economically from these games, if nations were to take a stand and not let them profit from their horrendous human rights records, maybe they would start to wake up and reform.